New Music Report - Week of August 21st

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 songs from Justin Bieber and Miley Cyrus, to new collaborations from CNCO & Little Mix and Gucci Mane & Migos, to our expert picks, take a look at this week's New Music Report.

NEW RELEASES

Justin Bieber - "Friends"

Justin Bieber and famed super-producer BloodPop scored gold with "Sorry," so it's no surprise that the pop titans are back at it again with a new collaboration called "Friends.” Clocking in at just a little more than three-minutes, "Friends" is slightly reminiscence of Robyn, with Bieber pleading with a lover to be friendly with one another after what seems like a messy end to romance. With its pulsating bass, the track hits a new peak during the chorus when the star's vocals lead to a frenetic beat drop, which is bound to become a staple at upcoming festivals.

Miley Cyrus - "Younger Now"

Miley Cyrus is all about embracing change on her new single, "Younger Now." In her next step to rebrand herself, the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Festival performer flips the script on the usual pop narrative and sings about feeling even younger now that her NSFW-worthy years are behind her. "No one stays the same/ You know what goes up must come down/ Change is a thing you can count on/ I feel so much younger now," she sings. It's a pretty radio friendly cut with lyrics that are probably more telling of her current state of her evolution than, say, her recent press circuit. It's sometimes hard to let our pop stars grow beyond the confines of what we're used to, but Miley's growth appears to be right on track.

Chris Brown - "Questions"

Chris Brown has been teasing his upcoming ninth album, Heartbreak On A Full Moon, for a few months now. That’s brings us to his latest released song that’ll be featured on the project, “Questions.” Within the first few seconds of the banger, you’ll quickly notice that Brown samples Kevin Lyttle’s 2004 single “Turn Me On.” The reggae-styled song is sure to play nonstop throughout the rest of the summer and the year. It’s just that hot! Play it on repeat now.

Echosmith - "Future Me"

Have you ever wanted to write future self a letter? Echosmith actually did, and it's in the form of their new song "Future Me," the second single from their upcoming second studio album Inside a Dream. Lead singer Sydney sings in the first verse, "The future me I haven't met/There's some things you might regret/Like giving up on love too fast/Chasing shadows from your past/Future me I haven't met."

The band also released the "Future Me" now music video, which sees different versions of Sydney throughout her life, who were actually all played by her own family: Grandma Peggy, Mom Linda, and little cousin Laci. So cute!

Rachel Platten - "Broken Glass"

Never forget how powerful Rachel Platten's music can be. We've seen the inspiration from "Fight Song," but now, it's crystal clear in her newest single, "Broken Glass." In a blog for Refinery29, the pop star spoke about the meaning of the cut. "What I’ve learned in life is this: Even in the hardest of times, there is light," she wrote. "'Broken Glass' is my rallying cry of release, healing, excitement, hope, and joy. It’s a celebration of the power of women — of our unity, strength, and fierceness, and of just how freaking awesome we are. We are badass on our own, but we’re unstoppable when we come together."

Bastille - "Basket Case"

In 1994, Green Day released their iconic single "Basket Case." Fast forward over two decades later, and Bastille has covered the song for the new The Tick TV series. Bastille's recreated version of Green Day transforms their punk rock original into a version using mostly strings and brass. 

LCD Soundsystem - "tonite"

Even though they debuted the cheeky "tonite" earlier this year, LCD Soundsystem brought the studio version to fans last week and the track focuses on the phenomenon around only having one night to [insert cliche songwriting phrase]. Nonetheless, the reunited dance rock band's music to the tune is surprisingly uplifting even if James Murphy is singing about the old tale of aging. You can expect this single on the band's upcoming album, American Dream, which drops September 1.

Shania Twain - "Swingin' With My Eyes Closed"

Shania Twain takes one more step to completing her comeback with the live debut of her new song, "Swingin' Wth My Eyes Closed." As part of her forthcoming LP, Now, which drops in September, the cut hears the county vet taking a stab at an island beat with a warm horn section. 

Olivia O'Brien - "R.I.P."

Olivia O'Brien isn't afraid to call out a former love interest on her new single, "RIP," which takes aim at his brand-new attitude. After he started hanging around with new friends, the 17-year-old proclaims that the old him is long and gone on the R&B-tinged mid-tempo cut. "R-I-P to the old you/ I miss the old you/ It's like you're dead to me now,” she sings during the chorus. Fun fact: "RIP" was co-written by Olivia and Drew MacDonald. It was also produced by Nic Nac and DaviDior, who just so happens to be one of the producers of DJ Khaled’s "I'm The One."

Thomas Rhett - "Grave"

As we are getting closer to Thomas Rhett's Life Changes album, the country star dropped another new song from the album called "Grave." The track is appropriately the last song on the album, and is one of only four songs not written by Rhett. "Grave" is written by Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, and Josh Miller, and is all about loving his lady, even in death, and he's taking his love for her with him to the grave. Thomas sings in the chorus, "When the good Lord calls me home and this life is through/I may be six feet deep, but I'll still be lovin' you."

Thomas is sharing the stories from the studio while making his life-changing Life Changes album. Read about it HERE.

Cher - "Ooga Boo"

Cher is an absolute one-of-a-kind, and her recent song, "Ooga Boo," for the animated series, Home, is just as striking, or at least that's the way things appear based on the title. Still, if you look behind the frivolous title, you'll hear an important message about being comfortable in your own skin and that's something we could all hear more of.

CNCO featuring Little Mix - "Reggaetón (Remix)"

Latin fever takes over Little Mix for their new collaboration with CNCO. The track, which was under wraps until just last week, hears the British foursome getting feisty. It also just so happens to be their first piece of new music since the release of last year's Glory Days. Here, my friends, is the impact of "Despacito."

Desiigner - "Malibu"

Desiigner’s popularity exploded when he released “Panda” in 2015. But, don’t think for a second that he’s done making great music for his fans. The G.O.O.D. Music rapper has released a brand new song called “Malibu,” produced by CashmoneyAP and 16yrsold. “That n**ga drive through with them Challengers/Jump out the window with calibers/I got your b**ch in Miami, bruh (hey)/I got her swallowin’ Xanies, bruh/I got her swallowing Plan B, bruh/N**gas they talk and I smack ’em/Let the geographists map ’em/Then we run up and we clap ’em (hey),” he raps.

Skip Marley - "Refugee"

You already know that Skip Marley fights for love and his newest single,"Refugee," is no exception. On his new track, the famed Marley member sings about inclusion and the hope to bring folks of all different kinds together. "So go and tell your people/ Bring them to my town/ We gon' love your people/ Let's burn one down/  So go and tell your mother/ Bring your sisters 'round/ Cause we gon' love your people/ Let's burn one down," he sings during the hook.

Weezer - "Mexican Fender"

Weezer is set to release their 11th studio album, Pacific Daydream, on October 27th, and this week, the band shared the album's cover art, as well as a link to pre-order the record. And to preview the upcoming record, the band also released a new song from the album called "Mexican Fender," along with its accompanying music video -- starring a seagull and its quest for love.

Fetty Wap featuring Monty - "There She Go"

Fetty Wap dropped a new banger called “There She Go.” We aren’t sure yet if the track will be on a new album King Zoo, as of yet. But, it’s classic Fetty with the catchy hooks and flow. On this song, in particular, the recording artist taps into his softer side and rap/sings about a special woman that he wants to come his way (see what we did there?.) His longtime friend and collaborator Monty assists on the Peoples and Shy Boogs-produced song.

Cardi B featuring Messiah - "Bodak Yellow Latin Trap Mix"

Cardi B honored her Latino roots by making a Spanish version of her monster hit “Bodak Yellow.” This new remake features Latin trap star Messiah and it’s FIREEEE. Cardi, who’s half Dominican and half Trini, admitted that her dad’s side of the family inspired her to make this. “A lot of my family members on my dad side of the family don’t understand English. I wanted to make them proud. Sooooo I did BODAK YELLOW IN SPANISH,” she said on Instagram. Listen to it ASAP!

Dave East - Paranoia: A True Story EP

The wait is finally over­! Dave East fans have been waiting over a year for a Def Jam debut project from the rapper and now, it’s here. East dropped his Paranoia: A True Story EP on Friday (Aug. 18). The project consists of 13 hot tracks that we can’t stop bumping. The featured artists on the EP include Chris Brown, who’s on his “Perfect” single; Young Jeezy, Wiz Khalifa, Nas and French Montana.

If you’re a true fan of East like we are, you already know that he gets busy on the mic. The Harlem MC is truly one of the most – if not, THE most – exciting new rapper at this time because he has bars for days. While other upcoming artists are venturing off into mumble or trap rap, East personifies the origins of rap music with his structured lyrics. The songs on Paranoia: A True Story are further proof of this.

Dave East

Gucci Mane featuring Migos - "I Get The Bag"

Gucci Mane stays busy. The rapper announced a new album called Mr. Davis and the track list looks lit. In celebration of this announcement, Gucci released his new song entitled "I Get The Bag," as well as its accompanying music video, featuring Migos. “I don’t even like to freestyle for free/ I put in the key and I ride the beat/ I won’t even come out the house for free/ I pay a n**ga to drive for me," Gucci spits.

A$AP Ferg - Still Striving

A$AP Ferg just blessed us with his latest mixtape, Stilling Striving. This is the rapper’s first project released since he dropped his Always Strive and Prosper album, back in 2016. Two songs that we’ve already heard from the mixtape are “East Coast (Remix)” and “Who Dat” featuring Migos. There are 12 songs on the project. Some of the featured artists include Meek Mill, Dave East, Cam’ron, Lil Yachty, Playboi Carti and Nav. A$AP Mob will be releasing their collaborative project Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy this month.

A$AP Ferg

112 - "Dangerous Games"

112 is readying its back! The R&B group released a new single entitled “Dangerous Games,” and in true 112 fashion, the new track is smooth to the sound and touch, as the men croon about love and all the ups and downs that come with it. In fact, “Dangerous Games” speaks about how love is very similar to a competition. “I don’t want to play this game of chest anymore / Everyone knows when your queen is gone you don’t last long, so I keep my self in check mate, love,” the group sings.

Anderson East - "All On My Mind"

Anderson East has finally given fans some new music following his 2015 album Delilah. The singer/songwriter released a new single called "All On My Mind," co-written with Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid (of Snow Patrol) and Aaron Raitiere. The song was produced by Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Shooter Jennings), and Gregg Nadel. "All On My Mind" is about not being able to get someone out of your head. He sings in the chorus, "It's all on my mind/Feel something when I kiss you good nightIt's all on my mind/Feel something when I open my eyes." 

Brand New - Science Fiction

A brand new album from Brand New is finally here. After eight years, the band released their new record Science Fiction, the followup to 2009's Daisy. At first, the band sent the album to a select group of fans who signed up for a special pre-order via mail as one long track (61 minutes long!). Now, Science Fiction, which consists of 12 new songs, is available to stream. Finally!

Brand New

Jana Kramer - "I've Done Love"

Jana Kramer is back with her first new music since releasing her 2015 album Thirty One. The country singer/songwriter shared a new single called "I've Done Love," an emotional song painting the picture that love is a drug that's hard to quit. She sings in the chorus, "So don't tell me I've never done the hard stuff/Cause I've done love."

"I've Done Love" was written by Josh Osborne, Nicolle Galyon and Shane McAnally, and Gaylon recently told CMT that after everything Jana has been through in her life, the song was just meant for her. "After knowing Jana’s story, it felt like it was just sitting there waiting for her." Jana has been very open about the domestic abuse she has suffered in her first marriage, and has gone through two divorces and a separation.

Jana recently told AOL Entertainment of her new song, "I've never been drunk; I've never touched a drug. But love: I've done it hard. I've swam in the deep end."

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE WEEK: Justine Skye

Justine Skye

The Purple Unicorn herself (as noted on her Instagram). Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, Justine Skye has been writing and releasing music over the past four years. And over these last few years, she's worked with artists like Tyga, Vic Mensa, WizKid, and Wale. Her latest single "Back For More," from her upcoming album, features singer/songwriter Jeremih

There is no doubt Justine Skye will have you coming "Back For More." On her debut album, the 21-year-old has worked with Fred Ball, who helped write Rihanna's "Love on the Brain," as well as PARTYNEXTDOOR, of whom she tells iHeartRadio, "[He] pushed my tone up to a part that I didn't even know I could say, a part of me that I was uncomfortable with, because I didn't want to sound dumb. But he was very, very supportive and very encouraging." She adds of her collab with the producer, "It's actually one of the most popping songs on the album."

Read more about Justine HERE.

EXPERT PICKS

Nicole's Picks:

Sam Feldt featuring AKON - "Yes"

More like YAASSSSSS. This song is such a great one as we are nearing the close of the summer season. The tropical beat will take you back to the beginning of the season, or transport you to a beach, or vacation, or all of the above. For his newest single, producer/DJ Sam Feldt teams up with the one and only AKON, and this duo couldn't fit more perfectly together. The song is all about body language. AKON sings "So you don't have to say words to me/No, you don't have to say/Your body's tellin' me yes, tellin' me yes."

DVBBS featuring Cisco Adler - "Cozee"

As the summer is coming to a close, it's almost cuffing season. Electronic music duo DVBBS must know this, because for their latest single, "Cozee," they got quite funky in the studio with Grammy-nominated record producer Cisco Adler, a song all about .. well .. getting cozy cozee with that special someone. The chorus kicks off with "Let's get cozy/get to know me," while in the pre-chorus he sings, "Till' then we can get cozee/Anything you want, you'll never be lonely/Wrap you in my arms I'll be your only."

Follow Nicole on Twitter: @NicoleMastr0

James' Picks:

Aly & AJ - "Take Me"

It's not easy to be an Aly & AJ fan, but the wait is always worth it. After tossing aside their alter-ego Violet78, the former Disney darings return with a nostalgic song, which hits on everything Carly Rae Jepsen's EMOTION set out to be. It's tinged with all those '80s vibes and hears the pair offer bold lyrics, where they challenge their lovers to step up to the plate.

Petit Biscuit and Møme featuring Isaac Delusion - "Gravitation"

After the release of his debut EP, Sunset Lover, Petit Biscuit returns with a stunning collaboration alongside fellow French producer Møme and Isaac Delusion. It's tactful, atmospheric and the perfect soundtrack for your next beach outing at night. What's even better about the team-up is that it's the result of Petit's friendship with the French producer. "'Gravitation' is the fruit of my friendship with Møme developed since the beginning of our projects," Petit Biscuit said. "We share a lot of artistic references and a certain philosophy of life. This track is the fusion of our two artistic worlds and was composed between our travels and shows in many countries."

Follow James on Twitter: @newyorkinstinct

Isha's Picks:

Dave East – "Kairi Speaks" 

Dave East released his much-anticipated Paranoia: A True Story EP on Friday (Aug. 18). The project has a total of 13 hot tracks on it, but there was a very special one that stuck out to us. On “Kairi Speaks,” fans of East hear the proud papa speaking to his adorable baby girl. She repeatedly says “dada” and “bebe” and it’s TOO cute for words. All true East fans know just how much he loves his daughter. So, hearing her on the project made our hearts melt.

Luke James - "Drip"

Luke James has gifted us with his first single of 2017. Entitled “Drip,” this new song is incredibly sensual and silky. But, what else would you expect from the super talented R&B recording artist? He produced it along with City High alum Ryan Toby, Zshakira Gray and Anthony Clemons. James also released the music video for the song, and it sort of reminds us of D'angelo’s “How Does It Feel” video…but with a twist. In James’ visual, you see multiples of him, as he sings into the camera. You can’t see James’ eyes, only his soft lips and upper body. It’s a treat, for sure. 

Follow Isha on Twitter: @IshaThorpe


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