Hello and welcome! Has this week, one replete with (COVID) normalcy been boring you? Looking for something to add some flavor and new groove? Then welcome to V’s new music round-up, where we tune you into some of the week’s biggest and best releases, whether they be singles or albums.

Here are this week’s top picks:

OK Human by Weezer

Weezer’s 14th (!) studio album is a veritable blast from the past. The title’s nod to Radiohead’s seminal OK Computer and the use of analog technologies and actual orchestral harmonies throughout the record feel like things that should be steeped in the 2000s, albeit, things that also allow for a more unfiltered, unironic (somewhat) Weezer to shine through.

Not Your Muse by Celeste

Celeste’s debut album features the grand melodies and soaring vocals that have made her one of the UK’s biggest rising stars, the kind that is sure to propel her to stardom. It’s a modern R&B classical take, but there are elements of noir that constantly poke through which gives the record a timeless quality.

Colours by PARTYNEXTDOOR

Less new, more long time coming. R&B singer PARTYNEXTDOOR’s Colours EPs were the ones that set his career into a straight ride to the top but could only be streamed from his official SoundCloud page. PND fans can finally add their favorite EPs, Colours 1 and Colours 2, to their rotating playlists as PND finally drops them on wider streaming platforms.

“Baila Conmigo” by Selena Gomez with Rauw Alejandro

Selena Gomez fans really have been gaining big. Gomez released her first official Spanish-language single two weeks ago, announced her first Spanish EP earlier this week, and now drops this smooth little ditty. Translating to “Dance With Me,” the interplay between Gomez and Alejandro’s vocals is seamless, as their matching pitch and tones allow them to blend really well.

“You” by benny blanco with Marshmello and Vance Joy

“Riptide” singer Vance Joy feels particularly joyful in this new collaboration with heavy-hitter producers Marshmello and benny blanco. It’s a soaring track with some big horns and a fulfilling beat drop that goes well with Joy’s repeatedly singing “I found you” on the track.

“Loco” by Anitta

Anyone else feel like it’s summer already? Anitta’s definitely on that track, though, with the seductive “Loco.” A bouncy reggaeton beat, peppered with Middle Eastern influences, buoys the Brazilian singer’s vocals to an effervescent level of “I’m going to wear a bikini and party in the snow.”

“Higher” by Clean Bandit ft. iann dior

Clean Bandit has been enjoying a string of singles lately, the latest one coming from a collaboration with young iann dior. Best known for “Mood,” his chart-topping collab with 24kgoldn (who’s also worked with Clean Bandit), dior brings a fresh new take to the group’s signature 2010s sound with vocals that go higher and higher.

“Don’t Judge Me” by FKA Twigs, Headie One, and Fred again…

There’s a deep and dark vibe to this collab that really rings hard, with Twigs’ airy vocals and rapper Headie One’s powerful voices coming together. It’s an equally powerful track that balances the struggles of being in a relationship with the struggles of being a black man in a discriminatory world, a sequel to the track “Judge Me” from Headie One and Fred again…’s collaborative record, GANG.

“Girlfriend” by Rebecca Black

Can you believe it’s been almost a decade since “Friday” first came out? Black really has come a long way since then, putting out single after single that showcases her impressive vocal ability. This particular track puts her up with some new wave synth production that evokes neon signs and candy-coating, another strong addition to the Rebecca Black post-Friday discography.

“C’est La Vie” by The Killers

Coming from the newly released deluxe edition of their most recent album, Imploding the Mirage, this track, at first listen, feels like a lot of things going on. But the more you listen to it, the more you can appreciate how it sounds like an arena banger, a tribute to Madonna’s “Holiday,” and a jazz staple from the 1950s in the very same breath. 

“21” by Flo Gallop

Sometimes, being young and dumb isn’t a bad thing, it’s just…well, that’s just what being 21 is all about. Flo Gallop’s track is a head-bopping ode to what being young and unburdened feels like and learning not to feel too bad about the mistakes you make. Not everyone goes through 21 like Adele, now that’s maturity.

“All The Noise” by Su Lee

“I’m tired of the fake cools” sings Su Lee as she implores the listener to get out of their pixelated lives and live a little. The minimal production allows for Lee’s vocals, minimal as well, to get their point across in a manner that’s both personal and revelatory.

“Title Track” by Chløë Black

Australian-French singer Chløë Black’s newest track is like Lana Del Rey meets Melanie Martinez meets Nicki Minaj in its production and cadence. But the emotion is all her own, as she bares her soul about the trauma and sexual assault she’s faced. With brave lyrics and music like this, this song could definitely be the title track to a long and acclaimed career for Black.