Oh, what a week! This Valentine’s Day called for a host of music releases, like beabadoobee’s online hit “Glue Song,” Caroline Polachek’s experimental pop album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, and the most Lana Del Rey Lana Del Rey song that has been dropped in years with “A&W.” The sun is out in New York City, and whether you’re swooning from a fab V-day week or reeling with a touch of angst towards the world (we understand), V has rounded up the best new releases of the week below.

 

Latto, “Lottery”

Latto’s first single of the year, “Lottery” featuring LU KALA, is an elaboration on her hit-making successes of 2022. The female rapper and rising star is clearly becoming an expert in creating an upbeat pop/rap track that is intoxicatingly infectious.

Omar Apollo, “3 Boys”

Omar Apollo is undoubtedly one of the most charismatic and exciting artists on the scene right now, and “3 Boys” marks his first release since his 2022 debut album Ivory. “When I first started writing songs I would often write about unrequited love,” said Apollo on the single. “Eventually I wrote songs about the complexities that come with a relationship. “3 Boys” was my first time writing about something non-monogamous.” 

Caroline Polachek, “Smoke”

Caroline Polachek makes pop music for the future, and her newest album Desire, I Want to Turn Into You, is chock-full of evidence. Over the clattering house beat of “Smoke,” Polacheck’s soaring vocals are continually heightened throughout the duration of the song, before ultimately exploding in a scream, as she sings about denial. No one today is making music quite as sonically explorative, vocally strong, and delightfully strange as Ms. Polachek.

Flo Milli, “Nasty Dancer”

Rising rap princess and legend of Alabama, Flo Milli, has released her newest track, “Nasty Dancer.” The track, produced by OG Parker, who has also worked on music with Megan Thee Stallion, is an attitude-driven anthem that shows off Milli’s clever lyricism and effortless flow.

Maude Latour, “Heaven”

Maude latour’s latest is a whimsical indie-pop piece that was tailor-made as a soundtrack for falling in love. “Heaven” is a part of an upcoming series of releases for Latour, all surrounding a fantastical love story. “This music is an invitation to feel deeply, and let strong and vivid emotion lead the way,” said Latour on the release. “‘Heaven’ is a bubble of a universe when you truly fall for someone and making your bed with your lover suddenly feels sacred.”

Lana Del Rey, “A&W”

Lana on a trap beat = the world must be healing. Did anyone else listen to this with a jaw drop that lasted approximately seven minutes and thirteen seconds? “A&W” is a Del Rey masterpiece; with the carefully curated winding production that evolves from a slow pensive folk ballad into a deep bass trap anchored track. The song is oh-so-Americana, glaringly coquettish, and a reminder that Lana is forever and always the OG sad girl baddie. 

beabadoobee, “Glue Song”

Swoon! Beabadoobee’s uber-romantic “Glue Song” had blown up on Tiktok in the past few weeks before being an official release, with the artist finally deciding to release it as a Valentine’s treat. The song is reminiscent of the singer/songwriter’s earlier work; an endearing listen that is sure to inspire an extension of cuffing season into the early spring.

Inhaler, “Just To Keep You Satisfied”

Dublin-based indie-rock band Inhaler has released their second album, Cuts & Bruises; a compilation of songs that cover the woes of young adulthood. “Just To Keep You Satisfied” is the opening track of the album, where frontman Elijah Hewson sings about aspirations of becoming a better version of himself, singing “I couldn’t face the faces in my personality / Maybe I’ll be stronger, maybe I’m a freak / Maybe I’ll be faithful even if I was a cheat.” 

Icona Pop, “I Want You”

Oh, so you wanted a club banger? Icona Pop is serving one up with a support from Galantis on their newest single, “I Want You.” The track is destined for the dancefloor, with a booming techno beat and a sense of pure euphoria.