“New Music Friday” First Reactions
New Music Friday: the best place to find… new music… on Friday. If an artist lands on this Spotify playlist, they’re probably doing something right, or they just have a fat promo budget. Regardless, it features the most noteworthy song releases of the week, and I’m here to give knee-jerk reactions to a few of this week’s tracks.
Apple Music listeners, just know I wanted to roast you for not having access to this playlist, using an inferior streaming service, and probably smelling bad, but I restrained myself. You’re welcome.
24kGoldn (feat. Lil Tecca)
“Prada”
As generic as the beat and lyrics of this single are, the song goes hard. In the car. At the pregame. Anywhere. Lil Tecca holds his own but 24kGoldn carries it. The University of Southern California grad showcases his ability to write catchy hooks and ultimately makes this song the chart-topper it’s bound to be. How would you feel if I said Lil Tecca is just a knockoff A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie?
Marc E Bassy (feat. Syd)
“Future Love”
This song gave me Lewis & Clark vibes and I can’t explain why. Give it a listen and tell me it doesn’t feel like you’re wandering aimlessly through Middle America. While this wasn’t my favorite song from his new album, Little Men, this uplifting track improved my mood by about 21%, so I had to add it to a playlist or two. Bassy is incredibly talented at both lead and backing vocals, and when he and Syd harmonize in the second chorus I swear I almost transcended dimensions.
Oh Wonder
“Rollercoaster Baby”
The UK duet released this slapper as part of the rollout of their studio album, 22 Break. This track is busy yet simple, exciting yet calming, and overall easy to listen to. I don’t have a lot more to say about this one, but good vibes innit?
bbno$ (feat. Rebecca Black)
“yoga”
To put it frankly, there’s a zero percent chance I will ever choose to listen to this song again, but to give credit where credit is due, Rebecca Black has come a long way from her 2011 smash hit “Friday.” From singing about trips on the school bus to detailing graphic sexual encounters, she’s clearly looking to rebrand.
nothing,nowhere.
“Pieces of You”
This is the type of music Machine Gun Kelly tries to make. To be honest, if MGK did release this song, it would be at the top of the charts. nothing,nowhere. sits at the intersection of emo and hip hop and has an extremely loyal niche audience. The Massachusetts songwriter got some attention in early 2021 when he somehow convinced his TikTok followers that he invented Fortnite. This song combines classic heartbreak and tasteful aggression, and after the first listen I didn’t know if I should cry about my ex or run through a wall. But I guess that’s the magic of his music.
brakence
“argyle”
Brakence, whose voice sounds frighteningly similar to fellow singer EDEN, dropped this single after going over a year without an official release. This song is much more depressing and rebellious than his other popular songs, but I kinda like that. The track’s raw emotion and uncensored lyrics give listeners a window into the life of the 19 year old, and show them a side of him they may not have seen before.
Don Toliver (feat. Travis Scott)
“Flocky Flocky”
Don Toliver rose to fame after signing to Travis Scott’s record label, Cactus Jack Records, so it was only fair that Travis got a feature on his new album. Thank goodness he did, because he saved this track. La Flame delivered the best flows of the song in his minute-long verse and is probably the only reason I would choose to replay this one.
It was a decent week of new releases. Could’ve been better, could’ve been worse. To tell the truth, I’m just waiting for Arik Ancelin to drop his next heater.
Which songs did I miss? Let me know in the comments.
