V’s New Music Round-Up
Here are some of the best and biggest releases of the week
Hello and welcome! Is the prospect of 2021 on the horizon keeping you up at night? Do you need something to help you through this period of holiday limbo? 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:
Wonder by Shawn Mendes
Mendes’s fourth studio album is one he brands his most personal yet. And you can tell, based off of the two singles offered in the lead up, the title track and “Monster,” his collaboration with Justin Bieber. Mendes attempts a much deeper look into his life in the limelight on the album and doesn’t dispel the image of Mendes as pop’s nicest man.
Weird! By YUNGBLUD
Weird might be an understatement to describe the English singer’s second studio effort, but in all the good ways. Inflected with a variety of different sounds, like the heavy rock of “strawberry lipstick” to the confectionary pop of “cotton candy,” Weird! makes good on YUNGBLUD’s promise of offering up all the different personalities he has to show to the world.
“Blinding Lights (remix)” by The Weeknd and Rosalía
The year’s biggest hit (now official, according to Billboard) gets the remix treatment over a year after release. Rosalía brings her velvety smooth vocal cadence to the new Spanish lyrics, creating a perfect blend when listened to with The Weeknd’s voice in tandem.
“One Whole Day” by Dixie D’Amelio ft. Wiz Khalifa
D’Amelio’s new single comes with the caveat of baggage – the TikTok star took down the song’s teaser after receiving heavy criticism. But with a cheery beat and lyrics that speak of moving on in style, D’Amelio’s new single, like her previous release “Be Happy,” is nothing if not optimistic as heck.
“Errbody” AND “On Me” by Lil Baby
That’s right, we have two singles. To celebrate his 26th birthday, the rapper dropped two new singles and music videos overnight. Both “Errbody” and “On Me” are showcases for Lil Baby’s flow and abilities as a rapper. The singles work as lead-ups to his forthcoming album, one he’s currently working on.
“Coco” by 24KGOLDN ft. DaBaby
Like the song title would have you think, “Coco” was inspired by the double-C’s themselves, Coco Chanel. 24KGOLDN brings his usual high energy and DaBaby is having as much fun as he does on any of his songs, with a speedy flow at that. The song also features production similar to that of 24KGOLDN’s recent number one hit, “Mood.”
“Oh Santa!” by Mariah Carey ft. Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson
The queen of Christmas hits, Carey rings in the holiday season with Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson by her side with a beat that sounds distinctly reminiscent of Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend.” Their three-way collab is nothing short of the vocal olympics, with Hudson’s effortless belting and Carey and Grande duetting on whistle notes. Now it’ll only have to compete on the Christmas sales charts with Carey’s own “All I Want for Christmas is You.”
“Mr. Incredible” by Saleka
Saleka’s distinct R&B sensibility and musician’s ear for keys changes come through in droves on this track about failed communication in a relationship. She croons to a “Mr. Incredible,” and cleverly references the character from the Disney movie, The Incredibles, using lyrics like “I know you work alone.”
“Loner” by Maggie Lindemann
Ever felt alone even when you’re surrounded by a bunch of people? This song might be the encapsulation of that feeling. Released as an “anti-holiday” song, Lindemann’s new single encourages those who feel alone to accept their feelings. A driving pop melody (that takes a turn for the rock) and an insistent beat fit the mood perfectly.
“FUJI 5000” by Odunsi (The Engine)
“FUJI 5000” is up-and-comer Odunsi (The Engine)’s tribute to his new experimental style, taking influence from video game sounds, Nigerian sound, and traditional Fuji sound, which is a popular musical genre in Nigeria. He also takes on a new style of delivery and narrates his experiences of the past year.