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.
Willem Botha – Soen & Vergeet
After dropping the title track last week, Willem Botha drops his first album in five years today. It’s his first at new label Universal Music South Africa and one fans have been waiting for for a long time. Shortly after release, the album sat in the Top 10 on iTunes proving that Willem brought the heat with the new record.
AKA & ANATII – Don’t Forget To Pray
After dropping the massive hit ’10 Fingers’ earlier this year, AKA and ANATII have joined forces once again on ‘Don’t Forget To Pray’. The song is their second collaboration off AKA’s upcoming third studio album which is due for release later this year and it’s another banger from the duo. Read more about the song here.
Galantis – Hunter
Galantis are one of my favourite dance acts and after dropping the hits ‘No Money’ and ‘Rich Boy’, the group change things up a bit with ‘Hunter’. The song isn’t crafted like that of a pop song. The group keep things simple and go back to the dance roots that made them famous. While I don’t think it’s going to be a massive single for the group, I know I’m going to have it on repeat.
Niall Horan – Slow Hands
One Direction fans will be happy to know that Niall Horan releases his new single today. ‘Slow Hands’ sees him blend pop and alternative music together in what is a bit of a confusing release. While I like this more than ‘This Town’, the direction he has decided to take it bizarre. This doesn’t mean this is a bad song – the vocals are crisp, instrumentals are slick and the chorus is really catchy. I think I just wish he took a more urban approach to pop music.
HAIM – Want You Back
Finally! HAIM have made their highly-anticipated comeback! The sister trio drop ‘Want You Back’ today – the first taste of their upcoming album. The track reminds me a lot of Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette over a funky, modern instrumental. The song is about understanding you messed a relationship up and craving that lover back. It’s a lovely release from the girls and it’s made me really excited for their new music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7krrRoJpT0
Die Heuwels Fantasties – OKAY!
YES! Die Heuwels Fantasties are back! The group have been teasing their new single ‘Gebruik My’ for weeks and today, the single and new album ‘OKAY!’ hits stores. The 17-track album is Die Heuwels at their best. It’s Afrikaans pop music with an alternative twist. Naturally, heavy electronic influences are found throughout the album – a place where the group thrive. This is a release I’m very excited about this week.
Cassper Nyovest – Thuto
An album South Africa is very excited about this week is the third release from Cassper Nyovest. The album’s lead single ‘Tito Mboweni’ became one of the star’s biggest hits and this is an album Cassper says is his “best yet”. The 16-track album features collaborations with the likes of Nadia Nakai, Goapele and Tsepo Tshola and sees the star deliver some of his most personal material yet. A fantastic release.
Jonas Blue – Mama (Feat. William Singe)
Jonas Blue is one of the most exciting new acts in dance music. He’s the producer behind the hits ‘By Your Side’, ‘Perfect Strangers’ and the epic cover he did of Tracy Chapman’s ‘Fast Car’ and today, he teams up with Australian singer William Singe on his new single ‘Mama’. The song is a bit different from his previous releases. The beats are more tribal with a lovely tropical chorus. William delivers a beautiful vocal performance and I have a feeling this song will be just as big as his previous releases.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZDe9ln4LvQ
Tyga – Eyes Closed
Tyga has been quiet on the music front recently and despite recently breaking up with Kylie Jenner, he is back with a new single this week. ‘Eyes Closed’ isn’t anything different from the rapper but it reminds us just how talented he is. The song is written well and the delivery is top-notch. Nothing to rave about, but a pleasant release.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRf0PNrm3Js
Go Barefoot – Hail
Jozi indie group Go Barefoot release the video to their brand new single ‘Hail’ today. The song is a feel-good track and has some of the best instrumentals I have heard in a long time (those guitars!). The group reveal that the song “began as a wedding song then grew roots from the friendships and chaos around us.”
Shortstraw – Our Simple Minds
It’s the first Friday of the month and you know what that means – new music from Shortstraw! This month, the group release a song titled ‘Our Simple Minds’. Being a complete departure of anything the band has ever done, Shortstraw describes the song being about life, love and death – quite a sombre tale, but with a sense of triumph that suits the song perfectly. The message is the classic tale of “Life is short, so live it to its fullest.” I love that the group pushed themselves a bit with this single. However, the essence of the group is still heard loud and clear.
Wale – Shine
Wale is back with his highly-anticipated new album ‘Shine’. The record’s lead single ‘Fashion Week’ with G-Eazy has been a massive single for the rapper and his new single ‘My Love’ features Major Lazer, Wizkid and Dua Lipa. The album has something for everyone and sees the rapper step out of his comfort zone a little. It’s a release we’re incredibly proud to bring you this week.
