Hello and welcome! Has 2021 so far been…more of just the same? Are you still looking for that dose of something new to brighten up the January days? 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:

Nobody is Listening by ZAYN

The singer’s third studio album, Zayn Malik cites this as his most “personal project to date.” And it clearly shows. His first album since fatherhood and in the COVID era, it features Malik sounding a lot more open about his emotions and shedding some of the “cool guy” exterior that he had built up around his previous work, giving fans an opportunity to hopefully connect with this version of Zayn Malik way more.

DEMIDEVIL by Ashnikko

Ashnikko is fierce, funny, and fulfilled on her newest mixtape. She showcases her bravado, thirst for vengeance, IDGAF attitude, and penchant for hilarity on the 10-track release, one that cements her as an artist above just the trends and the mainstream, making music for women and for herself. There’s even a Gen-Z revamp of an Avril Lavigne classic in “L8r Boi” that’s worth the hype alone.

The Good Times and The Bad Ones by Why Don’t We

The members of Why Don’t We are finally the masters of their own sound on their new album. Having written and co-produced all the tracks themselves, the album chronicles the feelings and emotions that the quintet have gone through over the good touring times and the bad quarantine-stricken ones. There’s a lot more heart to this album that showcases the growth the band has managed to achieve since their debut 2018 record.

“De Una Vez” by Selena Gomez

Well, the rumors were true, Selena Gomez returns with her first Spanish-language single, and her first Spanish outing since 2018’s “Taki Taki.” The new song is a rhythmic pop ballad that sees Gomez once again championing emotional empowerment and moving on from heartbreak, themes she pulled off very well on her last album and that could prove powerful enough again if this marks the coming of a full Spanish album.

“Chemtrails Over the Country Club” by Lana Del Rey

The title track off her upcoming album, “Chemtrails Over the Country Club” is like most Lana fare: ethereal, airy, deep with a sense of (sometimes unintentional) melancholy. But Lana takes a much lighter route here with her vocals and the song ends with an extended drum solo, and, in keeping with the track, even the drums are mellow. It’s the kind of vintage gold you’d expect from Lana Del Rey.

“Hey Boy (remix)” by Sia ft. Burna Boy

Sia’s newest offering embraces so much of what you’d expect her younger and newer peers to champion, with vocals and melodies dripping with sweet pop and lyrics full of abandon. She adopts a more mainstream persona than she ever has before, with the new Burna Boy feature embedding that thought even more. It’s a brand new look for Sia, and so far, it bops.

“Listen!!!” by Aly and AJ

After the recent viral success of “Potential Breakup Song,” Aly and AJ’s newest single proves that they’re still just as badass. Their calm and collected vocals contrast against a beat that has way more of a drive to it. And there’s a quiet confidence about the track that gives it an extra oomph as the girls implore for you to listen.

“Yellow Lines” by Tommy Newport

Tommy Newport’s newest single brings back a groove that’s been missing from mainstream music for quite a while. The 60s influences drips through, creating a result that’s almost like an acid trip and easily just submerges you in the slick guitars and drum beats. It’s funky, what more can I say?

“I Hate Running” by Number One Popstar

Number One Popstar, video director and singer Kate Hollowell’s moniker, hates running and making new year’s resolutions about it just as much as you probably do. This track is irreverent and unabashed in its approach towards being the anti-”Physical” (sorry, Olivia Newton-John). And the sounds of 80s synths and voiceover breaks are emblematic of all that Number One Popstar is trying to say: exercise is hard.

“Not Today” by Julietta

Taking all her self-doubt and insecurity, Julietta creates a smooth indie-pop anthem that instantly has you nodding along with a pumping beat and a very chorus-driven vocal performance. You’ll definitely be singing along as she chants “not today!” each time on the hook and if you feel a little better about yourself doing it, then she’s done her job.

“nite swim” by Luna Shadows

Luna Shadows’ light and buoyant vocals perfectly encapsulate this song about what love would be like without a lot of the hang-ups. References to Romeo and Juliet “without the dying and the devastation” among others creates a track that’s in the clouds yet completely aware of it, with a bright and poppy melody that sounds…well, like a nightly swim.

“Roaring 20s” by Flo Milli

Placing the roaring 1920s with the progressive (and slightly turbulent) 2020s, Flo Milli spits bars that show how far women have truly come. From the birth of the independent woman to pretty much ruling the world, the track interpolates the original Broadway recording of “If I Were A Rich Man” from Fiddler on the Roof to showcase Flo Milli’s growth as an artist and woman on the verge of stardom.