Fridays are easily my favourite day of the week. Not only do they mean that the weekend has finally arrived, but it’s also the day most artists release their new music. That means that there is an overwhelming amount of new music on a Friday. But don’t worry, I’m here to make things easier for you. In this new weekly piece, I will put together the new releases I’m enjoying this week.
Miley Cyrus – Malibu
Miley Cyrus has made her pop comeback this week as she drops her new single ‘Malibu’. The singer takes a different approach than the one she took on ‘Bangerz’ and plays around with various elements of pop, rock and folk influences. Read my full review of the track here.
Mathew Gold – Mathew Gold
It’s hard to believe that, like Miley, Mathew Gold hasn’t released an album in four years. However, that changes today as the star drops his self-titled sophomore album today. The record includes the hits ‘Never Mind’ and ‘Magnetic Field’ and is a beautiful amalgamation of sounds and experiences. The album was three years in the making and saw Mathew work with nine local and for international producers. It’s Mathew as you’ve never seen him before.
Paramore – After Laughter
Paramore also make their triumphant return today as they drop their new album ‘After Laughter’. The album comes after the release of lead single ‘Hard Times’ and buzz track ‘Told You So’ and is a beautifully written piece of pop punk. The album showcases everything we fell love about the band. Hayley’s vocals are on fire, the instrumentals are insane and the album is packed with attitude!
Harry Styles – Harry Styles
One Direction member Harry Styles shocked the world when he released the bluesy single ‘Sign of the Times’ earlier this year and today, he drops his debut solo album. The 10-track offering includes more of Harry’s experimentation and passion for the rock genre and shows a side of him we never thought possible while he was in One Direction. This isn’t an album for everyone but he sure does a fantastic job with the new direction he decided to take.
December Streets – Mexico
With every release, the December Streets solidify themselves as one of the most impressive pop acts in South Africa and today, they drop their catchy new single ‘Mexico’. “MEXICO is inspired by a memory of an old (wonderful yet flawed) relationship and how we used to escape from our worries together,” the band said in a press release. “It is the memory of bolting from reality. Finding happiness with no rules, yet continually on the search for a better wonder.” I love everything about the track – from the uptempo instrumentals to the lyrics to the vocals. Well done, guys!
Felix Jaehn, Hight & Alex Aiono – Hot2Touch
Felix Jaehn is one of my favourite DJs on the scene at the moment. He makes music which really speaks to me which is why I’m very excited about his new collaboration with Hight & Alex Aiono. The track strays from the dance genre Felix has usually dabbled in and creates a lovely pop track. With some epic bass riffs, trumpets and a catchy chorus, it has all the ingredients needed for a fun, funky pop track.
ADAM – Dis Al Wat Ek Het
Hot off the heels of their SAMA nomination for ‘Beste Pop Album’, ADAM continue to promote their new hit album ‘Hoogtevrees’ as they drop their new single ‘Dis AL Wat Ek Het’. The song was written by the group’s Hugo Ludik and came about after he realized that there are big promises made in songs to female audience, even in ADAM’s songs. But he realised that he is just a normal guy with only one thing to give, and that is love! The song is a beautiful, heartfelt release and something different from the group. This is another fantastic release from the group.
Hardwell & Austin Mahone – Creatures Of The Night
What’s a Friday without an epic dance collaboration. This week, Hardwell teams up with Austin Mahone on ‘Creatures Of The Night’. It’s great to hear from Austin Mahone again. He is one artist that just can’t seem to get off the ground, despite the many opportunities and hits he’s released. Honestly, the song isn’t anything to rave about. It reminds me a bit of Kygo and Selena Gomez’s ‘It Ain’t Me’ in a weird way and while it’s a pleasant song, I don’t think this will become the hit the stars are hoping it will become.
Chunda Munki – Interference
Local producer Chunda Munki has been cementing his name and brand around the country over the past few years and now, he’s dropped his brand new album ‘Interference’. The house album features big, dirty, club-ready beats. The album is geared towards the party and not radio. Most of the tracks are between five and six minutes long – perfect for that jol you’re having this weekend.
Krewella – Be There
I am literally obsessed with dance act Krewella. They fuse pop and dance so beautifully and always release something catchy, fresh and different. So, naturally, I adore their new single ‘Be There’. The group showcase their lovely vocals over a slick beat on the verses before an insane instrumental chorus kicks in. If you don’t know of Krewella just yet – educate yourself!
Kahn – Lucky
It seems like Kahn is on fire with his single releases. This week, the singer drops ‘Lucky’, the next single off his upcoming studio album ‘Noise In The Void’. The mid-tempo pop track features the theatrics we’ve come to expect from Kahn – strong vocals, well-written lyrics and a beautifully sweet melody. The song even features a saxophone solo which is really interesting as well.
