New Music Friday shows the various sides of pop this week. Check out our favorites:
1. Lauren Spencer Smith: “Pray”
Singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith came back with her latest single, “Pray.” She bids a relationship goodbye with a mature stance, wishing her ex all the best. This quintessential pop ballad contains all the elements of an easy-listening tune: warm piano chords, dramatic percussion, and a grand choral melody emphasized by her rich vocals.
2. FKA twigs, North West: “Childlike Things”
The unique FKA twigs made a return with her new album EUSEXUA, featuring “Childlike Things” with Kardashian heir, North West. This track is consistent with the heavy dance features of the album, but veers into a bright and bubbly territory, hence the name. It is an amusing combination of a staple house beat with unconventional vocal lines, catchy loops, and a multilingual interjection.
3. Tamino, Mitski: “Sanctuary”
Belgian singer Tamino and beloved indie artist Mitski teamed up for “Sanctuary.” This acoustic track transports the listener from this Winter to a sunny Spring with its romantic instrumental. The lyrics emphasize this quality, conveying a yearning for an idealized love that no longer exists. The singers ask together: “To keep the past alive, does it still let you down?”
4. VOWWS: “Blood’s on fire”
Australian “death-pop” duo VOWWS made a return with “Blood’s on fire.” This track is an engaging mixture of a dissonant core melody with echoing, crashing guitars that punctuate each phrase. The edgy visualizer features eclectic streaks of light, flashing and glowing clips of the band members, and slow-motion shots enveloped in a smoky haze.
5. Baby Jane: “Three Hail Marys”
Industrial-pop artist Baby Jane embodies the late-night biker vibe with “Three Hail Marys.” This track is an innovative mixture of dark pop and gritty club EDM, bringing the sensual dancer out of any and everybody. The beat contains multitudes of boldness, made softer by her vocals. The fast-paced aesthetic inspires a mischievous sense of freedom.
Leave a comment