New Music Report - Week of October 9th

Happy Monday! Kickstart your week ahead by checking out all of the new music that has just been released in this roundup of new songs, new albums, and new artists that you need to be listening to. 

From new albums from Gwen Stefani and Liam Gallagher, to new songs from Charlie Puth and Sam Smith, to new collaborations from Maroon 5 & Julia Michaels and DVBBS & 24HRS, to our expert picks, take a look at this week's New Music Report.

NEW RELEASES

Sam Smith - "Pray"

Days ahead of his musical set on SNL, Sam Smith announced details about his sophomore album, The Thrill Of It All, which drops November 3, and even unleashed a Timbaland-produced cut, "Pray," which is quite on brand for the British singer. That's meant to be a total compliment, too. "Pray" starts off quiet and builds into something bigger and emotional, with the inclusion of a gospel choir. “Pray” will be featured on Smith's collection, which is currently available for pre-order. It includes the aforementioned grat track, and 9 additional cuts on the standard edition and 13 on the deluxe release. The Thrill Of It All includes production from some close friends and new collaborators like Jimmy Napes, Malay, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd and Stargate.

Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill - "Dear Hate"

Maren Morris has decided to respond to the tragic Route 91 Harvest Festival shooting, which killed at least 59 individuals and injured more than 500, with an emotional new collaboration with Vince Gill. Entitled "Dear Hate,” the track is a simple country ode to love and how powerful of an emotion it can be if we all put our best foot forward. "I wrote this song 3 years ago, recorded it last year with Vince Gill, and always have fans asking when I'll put it out. I never knew when would be the right time, but I realized today that there's never a right time," Morris wrote in the Instagram post during the debut of the track. 

Lin-Manuel Miranda featuring Artists for Puerto Rico - "Almost Like Praying"

Lin-Manuel Miranda called on his superstar friends to collaborate with him on his new song called “Almost Like Praying” in order to raise some much-needed funds for Puerto Rico after the country, and many other Caribbean islands, were devastated by recent hurricanes. The track’s music video received over 500,000 views within the first few hours it was uploaded to YouTube. 

“It’s a sample from María from West Side Story. I knew that name would forever have a destructive connotation in the island and yet, I have a musical theater brain, so that’s where I went in my head first and I thought, I can flip the sample,” Miranda said on the Today show. “The hook of almost like praying - thoughts and prayers are great; thoughts and prayers are not enough. We need supplies, we need aid, we need a government response that matches the response of our people, and that’s what the song’s about.”

P!nk - "Whatever You Want"

With less than a week until the release of her new album, Beautiful Trauma, P!nk has bestowed a new mid-tempo cut for your listening pleasure."Whatever You Want" hears the pop veteran singing about holding onto a tough love, but makes it clear that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. They just need to go through their share of issues. "I feel like our ship's going down tonight/ But it's always darkest before the light/ And that's enough for me to try/ Whatever you want," she sings during the soaring hook. The four-minute track was co-written by P!nk, Snow Patrol's Johnny McDaid and the track's producer, Steve Mac. "There was no other goal than to not have an album full of slow, sad songs, because that's all I had for a while," the singer told EW. "And I just wanted to record better than I have before."

Maroon 5 with Julia Michaels - "Help Me Out"

Maroon 5 has officially announced their sixth studio album Red Pill Blues, which is now available for pre-order. The record features collaborations with artists like SZA, A$AP Rocky, and Lunchmoney Lewis, in addition to a song with Julia Michaels called "Help Me Out," which the band has now shared with fans. "Help Me Out" hears Adam and Julia singing throughout the upbeat track about wanting that special person to be the positive crutch in any stressful situation. Adam and Julia sing in the chorus, "Help me out/'Cause I don't wanna do this on my own/Help me out, out/Help me out, 'cause I need something up to calm me down/Help me out, out."

Jessie J - "Not My Ex"

Jessie J continues to her ode to honesty with her emotional new track, "Not My Ex." However, this feels a little more uplifting than her previous release, "Think About That." On this mid-tempo cut, the British diva belts a tale of her horrid past and how she and her new lover need to let go of their past reservations to properly embrace this new found love. "Not My Ex" will appear on her forthcoming R.O.S.E. LP, which is set to drop in 2018. “For each letter there is a word, and for each word there is a song I will share with you,” she said of the title. “I’m strong enough now to let you in, to be real and to be free.”

Gwen Stefani - You Make It Feel Like Christmas

It may only be October, but Gwen Stefani is here to get everyone into the holiday spirit. Stefani's Christmas album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, has officially arrived. The new album features twelve songs, half of which are original songs co-written by Gwen herself. There are also several covers of holiday classics on You Make It Feel Like Christmas, including "Jingle Bells," "Let It Snow," "Silent Night," "White Christmas," "Santa Baby," and George Michael's "Last Christmas." In addition, the title track, "You Make It Feel Like Christmas," features Gwen's beau Blake Shelton.

Gwen Stefani - 'You Make It Feel Like Christmas'

Luke Bryan - "What Makes You Country"

Luke Bryan may be taking on a new role as American Idol judge, alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, but he also has a new full length album on the way called What Makes You Country, and has released its first single, the title track. "What Makes You Country" is exactly about what the title sounds like. He sings in the pre-chorus, "You could be a cowboy on the Texas plain/Or a plowboy waitin’ on the rain/We’re all a little different, but we’re all the same/Everybody doin' their own thing," and ends the chorus with, "I ain't judging/Just be proud of what makes you country." 

Luke told Good Morning America of the song, "I think with so many labels out there, everybody gets real ... defensive about well, are you real country? This song kind of talks about [how] it doesn't matter where you're from. You know, if you like to go horseback riding once a year, well that makes you country."

Rachel Platten - "Perfect For You"

Rachel Platten has been making waves this year ... literally. The singer/songwriter has been writing/recording her new album Waves, the first taste of which we got recently with her single "Broken Glass." Now that the album is available for pre-order, Rachel has shared another new song for her Platinums called "Perfect For You." Rachel told EW.com of her new song

"I had spent a year writing songs in a completely safe, creative bubble where I was only focused on what I liked or wanted from the music, and all of a sudden I realized it would have to be judged by the world. It terrified me and it brought up all these fears I thought I had grown out of. 'Perfect for You' was born out of that. I wrote it a week before the record was due and it was a humongous scream of, 'Screw it!' I am done worrying about what everyone thinks of me. I care too much. I have to stop. I am good enough as I am."

Liam Gallagher - As You Were

Liam Gallagher has officially shared his debut solo studio album As You Were. On the new record, the former Oasis singer worked with producers Greg Kurstin and Dan Grech-Marguerat throughout each of the twelve new songs, which include singles "Wall of Glass," "Chinatown," "For What It's Worth," and "Greedy Soul." Liam recently told the UK's Independent in an interview about his new album, "When you spend a lot of time on stuff you can overthink it, get over-analytical. And personally I think that’s what proper rock ‘n’ roll music is like – guitar music isn’t there to be studied. And I needed to come back with a good album full of good songs, no nonsense."

Liam Gallagher

Weezer - "Weekend Woman"

Fans are only a few weeks out until they can hear every single new song on Weezer's new album Pacific Daydream, but luckily, they can hear one of those tracks right now because the band has shared another one from the record. Weezer offered up a new song called "Weekend Woman," and if you're a lifelong fan of Weezer, then you'll be happy, because the band tweeted about the new track, "This track has a feel that kinda takes me back to the old days of the band."

Tim McGraw & Faith Hill - "The Rest of Our Life"

Leave it to Country's most iconic couple to create a beautiful new wedding song. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill shared their brand new romantic duet "The Rest of Our Life," which serves as the title track for their upcoming joint album due out November 17th. The husband and wife duo sing in the chorus, "Oh, I'll be fine/If one gray hair shows, i'll be fine/If my waistline goes, I'll be fine/Even if time takes its toll/We'll stay young for the rest of our lives."

In an interview with iHeartRadio about their "The Rest of Our Life" duet, Tim said:

"I think 'The Rest of Our Life,' for me, is aspirational and inspirational at the same time. It takes all those emotions, and all those feelings that you have when you're young and you're in love, and you want to start your life out together, and you want to be together, and all the passion that's involved in that. And it sets it up, and it paints it on down the line, and it sets it up for the future, and it gives you a glimpse of what your future could be like. That feels that way whether you're a couple that's been together for a long time, you can hear this song and think about when you first started your relationship, or if you're a young relationship starting out, you can listen to this song and envision what the future of the relationship might be like."

Poppy - Poppy.Computer

She's Poppy. And you have any doubts, she has an entire song called "I'm Poppy" on her new album Poppy.Computer (and if you're still not sure, you can watch this ten minute video introducing herself to you). Poppy has gained a large following on social media on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter, making videos about various subjects like plants and puppies, but now, she's released her debut studio album Poppy.Computer via Mad Decent Records. The record features 11 new songs, which include previously released tracks like "I'm Poppy," "Computer Boy," "Let's Make a Video," "Interweb," and "My Style."

Poppy

Sam Feldt - Sunrise

DJ/producer Sam Feldt's debut full-length album has officially arrived via Spinnin' Records. Sunrise includes twelve new songs and features like Akon, INNA, Joshua Radin, Joe Cleere, Jake Reese, and more. If you've been a fan of Sam from the beginning, then you already know that the Netherlands native has remade some classic dance songs and turned them into modern versions, and on Sunrise he does the same with La Bouche's "Be My Lover" and Eagle-Eye Cherry's 1997 hit "Save Tonight." Fans can also hear other previously released songs like "Yes" featuring Akon and "Fade Away" featuring INNA.

Sam Feldt - 'Sunrise'

NF - Perception

Christian hip hop recording artist NF, real name Nate Feuerstein, has released his brand new full-length album Perception which features 16 new tracks including his latest single "Let You Down," and only one collab from electronic pop singer-songwriter Ruelle. NF's style has been compared to rappers like Logic, Eminem, and Machine Gun Kelly, and on Perception, he gets very personal during each song. In fact, on Twitter, he divulged how emotional he got when recording the very first track on the album. He said, "I honestly was shaking in the studio when I recorded INTRO III.... so real for me."

NF - 'Perception'

Kelela - Take Me Apart

Once afraid to be the singer feeling the most, Kelela has grown the confidence in her emotional complexities and the mechanics of her vulnerabilities to pursue her artistry through an entire new lens for her long-awaited debut album, Take Me Apart. On the 14-track set, the R&B innovator takes aim at all the stages of connection, beginning with new-found substance, lustful compulsivity, heartbreak and every space in between. You name it. From the sex-drenched "LMK" to the final goodbye narrative of "Enough," it's a a 53 minute ride that filters through her all tendencies. She's vigorous. She's tender. She's complex. It's a project that she said offers listeners "a new way to be," all while basking in rich production from the likes Arca (Kanye West, FKA twigs) and Ariel Rechtshaid (HAIM, Adele), just to name a few. See: “Frontline” and “Jupiter"

Kelela

Gryffin featuring Katie Pearlman - "Nobody Compares To You"

Gryffn's "Feel Good" is still hot and heavy with spins, but the dance producer has already dropped a new single called "Nobody Compares to You" and it features vocalist Katie Pearlman. For this track, Pearlman sings a sweet tale of a lover's originality, but the dance cut almost feels sad with its melody and her tender vocals. You can hear "Nobody Compares to You" on Gryffin's current tour, which is set to hit Terminal 5 in New York City and The Warfield Theatre in San Francisco later this fall.

Marilyn Manson - Heaven Upside Down

Marilyn Manson may have recently been recently injured on stage while performing at one of his shows, but that's not stopping him from sharing his brand new album. Heaven Upside Down is Manson's 10th studio album, and follows 2015's The Pale Emperor. The new record features ten new songs including "We Know Where You F***ing Live" and "Kill4Me."

In an interview with BloodyDisgusting, Manson said of his album, "I haven’t had this sort of feeling in me since Holy Wood and I wanted it to be raw and I didn’t want it [overly] polished or anything. I did one take and if I didn’t like it I would do it again but I wouldn’t sit there and try to perfect things. It had the immediacy and the certainty of something that is not doubting itself – there’s no doubt on the record."

Marilyn Manson

New Politics - Lost in Translation

New Politics has returned with a brand new album! The Danish rock band released their new record Lost In Translation, which features ten new songs including singles like "One of Us" and "CIA." In a note to fans on Instagram, the band wrote of their new album:

"Lost In Translation represents a new phase in our lives. After years of constant touring, it was important to us that we reinvent ourselves, and wanted to write honest songs about the real things happening in our lives. We spent a lot of quality time together in-between albums as friends, watching movies, hanging out, and talking about our future plans. That brotherly love and bonding initiated the first batch of songs that has helped us shape the album. A lot of the songs are about personal experiences and the things every human goes through and it was nice to let go of the rules we had laid out for ourselves. It's a new era for all of us, and we're proud of how it's turned out. Lost In Translation means that we're all searching for something, whether it's a voice, meaning, a place where we belong; we all face our own challenges. This is about shaping your reality and trying to make sense of the journey along the way."

New Politics - 'Lost in Translation'

K. Michelle - "Make This Song Cry"

K. Michelle took a page out of JAY-Z’s – who she’s a huge fan of – book. The R&B songstress has gifted her fans with a new single called “Make This Song Cry.” Throughout the track, Michelle sings about dealing with pain and heartache in a relationship. “I’ma make this song cry,” she sings. “Never let a ni**a see me cry.” On Instagram, she said about the single: “My new album @thepeopleiusedtoknow is really amazing. It took long enough huh? While you wait rock 2 my new single.”

Fantasia - Christmas After Midnight

It looks like Christmas has come early! Even though it’s only October, Fantasia released her very first Christmas album entitled Christmas After Midnight. The project features 12 songs and features CeeLo Green. On the holiday record, Tasia sings renditions of Christmas classics like “This Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Santa Claus Go Straight to the Ghetto,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”

“This album pays homage to my grandmother and is a gift from me to all of those who remember their grandparents or parents putting up Christmas trees and being a blessing into people’s lives,” Fantasia said. “I’d also like to pay homage to the great singers like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles who stood strong in what they believed in – the music. I hope that it blesses you guys.”

Fantasia

Jordan Fisher - "Mess"

Jordan Fisher is currently amping up the competition on Dancing with the Stars, but the budding star still has his intent on pop superstardom as heard with his new single, "Mess." Off his long-awaited debut album, the former Disney star teams up with Dewain Whitmore, Patrick “J-Que” Smith and Mike Sabath for a songs that’s devoted to an unpredictable lover. “It’s a bit of a narrative kind of song,” Jordan told Just Jared Jr. bout the track. “I think that women are pretty incredible creatures and you guys are much smarter than men and know how to play with our brains and mess with us.”

Lindsey Stirling featuring Becky G - "Christmas C'mon"

The countdown to Christmas is on thanks to Lindsey Sterling's new holiday collaboration with Becky G called "Christmas C'mon." The uplifting song, part of Lindsey's upcoming holiday album, will have you rocking around the Christmas tree this year as you sing its catchy lyrics like "So we put it in a song, dance the way we want, turn the fire on/Baby, we can happen up together, give to one another/Snuggle through the weather/Baby, Christmas, c'mon."

Metro Boomin featuring Travis Scott - "Blue Pill"

In honor of his 24th birthday, Metro Boomin gifted his fans with a new song entitled “Blue Pill.” The track features Travis Scott and it goes hard. But, what else do you expect from a song produced by Metro? The producer announced the track on Twitter with the hashtag “#daysafter,” which led many fans to believe the song is to be featured on one of Scott’s upcoming albums – he’s reportedly dropping two of them this fall. "That's why I'm floatin' off that blue pill, blue dream/It got me like I-I-I-I-I/ I'm a rockstar rollin', Shabba I got ranks," Scott sing-raps.

DVBBS featuring 24hrs - "Good Time"

DVBBS just wants to live their lives well on their new single, which is appropriately titled "Good Time." For the track, which clocks in at three minutes and 33 seconds, the Canadian production duo teams up with 24hrs for an EDM banger, which hears the ATL crooner under some heavy auto-tune and asking about his ideal female partner. It's light, friendly to the ears and an easy cut to sneak into your cardio playlist.

Bea Miller - chapter three: yellow EP

Bea Miller has reached the end of the road with her three-part EP series and the final installment, Chapter Three: Yellow, is finally out. With just three tracks, the former X Factor contestant delivers three very different cuts: “repercussions,” “S.L.U.T.” and “to the grave.” For the set, Miller had one goal and one goal in mind. "I was determined not to make chapter 3: yellow corny,” the songstress recently said of the collection. “I didn’t want to say, ‘Once you face a problem and deal with it, everything will be amazing.’ That’s not how life works.” See: repercussions” and “to the grave."

Bea Miller

Ludacris - "Vices"

Ludacris dropped another new song and its accompanying music video, and once you hear "Vices" for the first time, you won’t be able to get it out of your head. The epic music video is just as lit. It’s directed by Eif Rivera and features Luda’s classic, large-headed DTP mascot. “Vices” follows the rapper’s recently released single “Vitamin D.” We’re not sure yet if these songs will be on an upcoming album from Ludacris, but we still thank him for dropping them. It’s been a minute since we got new music from him. 

Tyga - "Boss Up"

It’s really happening, guys. Tyga teased that he was releasing an R&B album a while ago, and now, we have the very first single from the upcoming project. In July, Tyga dropped his B**ch I’m the S**t 2 mixtape, he’s about to switch things up by showing off his vocals. “I f**king, love it, when you you you/Come in with your drink/Tell me don’t mix it make it straight/Tell me don’t mix you up with them other bitches/Get mixed up with me/That’s the perfect mixture/Have your way/Lil’ baby have your way/Aw babe, it’s whatever you say,” Tyga sings in the first verse.

Belly - Mumble Rap

Surprise! Roc Nation recording artist Belly released a surprise project entitled Mumble Rap. The rapper didn’t even tell anyone that he was dropping something until only a couple of hours before it actually happened. Mumble Rap features 11 songs including his previously released singles “P.O.P” and “Alcantara” featuring Pusha T, who just so happens to be the only guest artist on the project. Mumble Rap is the follow up to 2016’s Inzombia project. Listen to it soon. It’s fire.

Belly

Grace Vanderwaal - "Escape My Mind"

Surprise, surprrise: Grace VanderWaal has dropped another new cut called "Escape My Mind," which will appear on her debut album, Just The Beginning. It's a bouncy and energetic song, which finds fitting to her age and probably a family friendly soundtrack. “I really enjoyed getting to experiment with ‘Escape My Mind’ and playing with some different elements that people may not expect from me,” Grace recently shared about the track.

Hunter Hayes featuring The Shadowboxers - "You Should Be Loved"

Hunter Hayes is slowly but surely rolling out the new music he's been working on. Recently, he shared "Rescue," and now, the country star has returned with another new song called "You Should Be Loved" featuring pop trio The Shadowboxers. "You Should Be Loved" showcases a retro doo-wop style, and hears Hunter singing about a girl who deserves better. He sings in the second verse, "If I were him/Yeah, if I were him/I'd never leave your side/I'd take you out and take you home/Take up all your time."

Kane Brown - Kane Brown (Deluxe Edition)

Kane Brown released his debut album back in December 2016, but not even a year later and the country singer/songwriter has shared the deluxe version of the record. The new version includes the 11 songs featured on the original, in addition to four new songs including "Heaven," "Found You," "What's Mine Is Yours," and a collaboration with Chris Young called "Setting the Night on Fire."

Kane Brown

Craig David - "For The Gram"

Everything is for "The Gram" these days -- Instagram to be precise. So Craig David released a whole song about posting to the social media network, called "For The Gram," which is set to appear on his upcoming The Time Is Now album. "For The Gram" has all the IG references you could dream of like "Double tap if I'm into" and "Baby, you don't need a filter" and "Now speaking emoji/Wink, wink, smiley." And, of course, "The DMs I'm slidin' into."

In a statement to The Fader, Craig said of his new Gram jam, "When I stepped in the studio I knew that Diztortion would push me in to a place that musically I hadn’t ventured in to before. What I love about the outcome is that we were able to create a song that people won’t necessarily expect from me, yet has all my trademark melodies and fast raps all over it."

Marc E. Bassy - "Til I Get Found"

Enjoy another appetizer from Marc. E. Bassy's forthcoming debut album, Gossip Columns called "Till I Get Found.” On the track, the Bay area singer offers a breezy plea for his current fling to cuts things off because he's starting to develop feelings and we all know how that typically ends. “If you love me, baby, cut me off/ Leave me high and dry/ That’s my bridge to cross,” Marc sings during the hook, which features a notably sax. “If you love me, baby, break me down/ Leave me lost and all alone/ Until I get found/ ‘Til I get found.”

Hardwell & Afrojack featuring MC Ambush - "Hands Up"

EDM titans collide on the Hardwell and Afrojack collaboration, "Hands Up," and yes, it's as big of a team-up as you can imagine. It's busy, boisterous and almost even threatening as the Dutch DJs evoke every single dance floor urge. Be prepared to cut loose to “Hands Up.” Nonetheless, if you follow either one of these guys, you probably have already heard the track as it has been included in their summers sets as part of Ultra Europe, Balaton Sound and Tomorrowland.

Deorro - "Burn Out'

Speaking of hard-energy releases, Deorro has returned with an uptempo cut called "Burn Out," which will indeed burn you out if you listen to enough of it. It's surely not for everyone, but if you're into the hard bounce trend, then this will be perfect for your rave sessions. "Burn Out" serves as the first single after the release of his album, Good Evening. Expect this kind of hard-hitting energy on his "Existence Bus Tour," which is scheduled all the way until December 9 across the United States. 

Felix Jaehn featuring Hearts & Colors, Adam Trigger - "Like A Riddle"

Felix Jahen has teamed up with Swedish duo Hearts & Colors and rising French producer Adam Trigger for his latest collaboration, "Like A Riddle." On the three-minute cut, the vocalists recall how hard it can be to understand a lover at times. It serves as the blueprint for a typical Jaehn track, with its dreamy melody and feel-good energy. "Like A Riddle" serves as a predecessor for his debut album album, I, which will be released via Universal Music. "My debut album is nearly here! After having two worldwide hits that I produced in my bedroom studio, my life changed quickly!” he said in a statement. "I have experienced the craziest things and been inspired by cultures all around the world! Over the past few years I've released a lot of singles and collaborations that I am very proud of, but it's time to take the next step and finally release 'I' - an album that I have been working on for years to get right!” I is set for release on February 16, 2018.

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE WEEK: In Real Life

In Real Life

America has chosen a brand new boyband: In Real Life. The band consists of Brady Tutton, Chance Perez, Drew Ramos, Sergio Calderon, and Michael Conor, who were the final five vocalists at the end of the very first Boy Band, the new reality television music competition series of your boy band dreams.

After competing on Boy Band in front of judges like Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, Spice Girls' Emma Bunton (that's Baby Spice, to you), Timbaland, and Rita Ora, it was Brady, Chance, Drew, Sergio, and Michael who the country thought should be their new favorite boy band, and if you watched the show, or have heard their first single, it looks like America got it right. In Real Life's Sergio says of winning the singing competition TV series, "The best thing about this show is that we're America's boy band. Its not just some person found and put together a few guys. America actually voted for all five of us, so that's the first time I've ever heard something like that."

Following the show, In Real Life released their debut single "Eyes Closed," co-written by star songwriter Justin Tranter, along with Brandon Skeie, Jussi Karvinen and Wes Period. The guys also recently shared their official "Eyes Closed" music video, which they debuted by epically taking over Times Square in New York City. Drew tells iHeartRadio of recording the song co-written by Tranter, "Justin Tranter is a legend. Like, you can look at Justin Tranter's song record, [his] song list, and you'll freak out at how much he's actually done. For him to write a song for us, we still can't believe it. He's such a prominent songwriter. We're super happy that he was apart of this."

"Eyes Closed" is just the beginning for In Real Life. And as the guys continue to work on new music, fans can look forward to an original Christmas single to be released for this season.

EXPERT PICKS

Nicole's Picks:

Lauv - "Easy Love"

Following his just-released collab with DJ Snake, singer/songwriter Lauv has returned with a new solo single called "Easy Love." It's always great to see different sides of an artist, especially when it's an artist you're just becoming familiar with. Having been introduced to Lauv and his music this year, "Easy Love" shows another layer to the singer/songwriter with this sultry new pop song -- it's easy to love "Easy Love." 

Bipolar Sunshine - "Major Love"

From the voice behind DJ Snake's hit "Middle," Bipolar Sunshine has released a new solo single of his own. "Major Love" serves as the first taste of new music that will appear on his upcoming mixtape, which is expected to be released sometime in 2018. The Manchester-born singer teamed up with producers The Arcade and Scribz Riley for "Major Love," and what I love about this song the most is its laid back vibe; the production isn't in your face ... it's just right. It's definitely play-on-repeat worthy. I guess you might say I have nothing but "Major Love" for this song. 😏

Follow Nicole on Twitter: @NicoleMastr0

James' Picks:

Charlie Puth - "How Long"

Charlie Puth is confessing his wrongdoings and apologizing for his cheating ways on his new song, "How Long.” In just three minutes, the pop star makes the startling confession, but still takes the time to share the alternate point of view of his lover. Produced solely by Charlie, and written alongside J-Kash and Justin Franks, "How Long" is a fitting follow-up to "Attention" as the 25-year-old tackles yet another vulnerable narrative from the romance department. "How long has this been going on?/ You been creeping up on me (on me)/ While you calling me baby (baby)," he sings from his female lover's perspective during the hook. "Attention" did wonders for Puth, hitting No. 1 on Top 40 radio as well as landing inside the Top 10 tier on the Billboard Hot 100 and, by the sounds of this, it sounds like "How Long" might just achieve the same. It's the second official single from the star's forthcoming LP, Voicenotes, which is 13 tracks long and due to be released on January 19, 2018.

Alok & Mathieu Koss - "Big Jet Plane"

It doesn’t seem like the party ever stops for Alok after listening to his new song “Big Jet Plane,” which features Mathieu Koss. With slick guitar licks, the three-minute track gently creeps in, offering a very different take to the original performed by Angus and Julia Stone. Even though it’s obviously more energetic, it has a subtle aura that nudges instead of slaps. Sure, the original is only seven years old, but we appreciate the revamp, particularly with the gorgeous piano melody and sweet house influence. 

Follow James on Twitter: @newyorkinstinct

Isha's Picks:

Ty Dolla $ign featuring YG - "Ex"

Ty Dolla $ign linked up with fellow Cali recording artist YG to bless us with the latest single off of his upcoming Beach House 3 album called “Ex.” The song has a couple classic 1990s samples of Donell Jones’ “Where I Wanna Be” and 112’s “Only You” featuring The Notorious B.I.G. "I just text my main chick/ I told her I ain't coming home/ I just text my main chick/ I told her I ain't coming home, tonight," Ty sings. 

It’s interesting that “Ex” is the name of his new single. In a recent interview with iHeartRadio, he told us that he had a former lover’s name tatted on his chest. But, he covered it up after they split. “I have my ex's name here (points to left chest area) and I covered that up. Don't ever get your girlfriend tatted [on you]," Ty said with a laugh. 

dvsn - "P.O.V."

Dvsn did their thing with this one! As soon as the beat drops, real R&B lovers will instantly get ALL the feels. The duo’s new single “P.O.V.” samples one of Maxwell’s classic songs “Fortunate.” Without the track, Daniel Daley sings about changing his partner’s viewpoint. “I want to change your mind,” he sings. “I want to change your mood.” Maxwell gave his seal of approval when he tweeted out the iTunes link for the song with a wink emoji. Dvsn replied to it with, “Thank you for your blessings on this one” with two prayer emojis. 

Follow Isha on Twitter: @IshaThorpe


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