Valentine’s Day has come and gone, and New Music Friday has something for everyone, regardless of relationship status. This week’s new music playlist features some standout songs for those still riding the high of the season of love and some grittier options for listeners just looking for good, solid tunes.
Prolific indie pop singer Lana del Rey released “A&W,” one of her best songs in years. The seven-minute track produced by Jack Antonoff is the second single from her eighth album “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd,” which comes out March 24.
Sticking to her typical musical sound and style, the first half of the song is a somber ballad full of melancholy lyrics and self-reflection. With whispery vocals and elegant harmonies, the song feels ethereal, nostalgic and gritty as she sings about missing her childhood and her experiences being an “American whore.”
However, halfway through, the song shifts from its cinematic, glamorous old-Hollywood feel and transforms into a rap track. With a catchy trap beat, distorted instrumentals, and even some strings in the background, “A&W” takes on a whole new life, and it is a delight to experience.
Unpredictable, experimental, and strong in every genre that she leans into, “A&W” already stands out from del Rey’s discography.
R&B singer Omar Apollo shared his first release of 2023, a sultry, vibey song called “3 Boys.” Apollo’s vocals are irresistible in this song as he croons about feeling tethered to one person, to the point at which no one else compares romantically. Apollo’s harmonies are gorgeous and full of emotion as he delivers heart-wrenching lyrics over a soundscape of groovy, gentle guitar.
Indie singer-songwriter beabadoobee released “Glue Song,” a sweet love song perfect for the season of love. With a simple melody of guitar, piano, strings and even a sprinkling of saxophone, the song is romantic, idyllic and delightfully candid about love. Beabadoobee, whose full name is Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus, opens the song singing, “I’ve never known someone like you / Tangled in love stuck by you / From the glue” before going on to sing about feeling romantically stuck to someone.
Laus’ unique vocals make this song so special, and it is a sweet, simple addition to this week’s New Music Friday playlist.
For rock fans looking for new tunes, Irish rock band Inhaler released its newest album today, “Cuts & Bruises.” The opener “Just to Keep You Satisfied” is quite simply indie rock perfection. With a catchy melody, anthemic guitar that drives the chorus, and lead singer Elijah Hewson’s vocals strong and gravelly, this track is definitely worth checking out.
Although the lyrics are not particularly revolutionary, “Just to Keep You Satisfied” is a fun and captivating listen for jamming in the car this weekend.
Actress and musician Janelle Monae released “Float,” a collaboration with Nigerian musician Seun Kuti & the Egypt 80. The song opens with harmonies between Monae and Kuti before exploding into brassy instrumentals that make the song upbeat and triumphant.
Monae’s vocals shine on the chorus, but her rapping in the verses showcases the range of her talent. The track features lyrics about personal growth, letting things go, and having a good time. Monae delivers one of the of the best lines in the song with perfect confidence and ease, rapping, “I’m countin’ my blessings, we ain’t stressin’, just look at this glow /I got that magic, I’m really prepared for whatever, whenever so who want the smoke?”
Fans of all genres will find something new to enjoy from this week’s New Music Friday playlist.