V’s New Music Roundup: Lil Nas X, Sam Smith, and more

Here are some of the biggest and best music releases of the week.

What’s better than new music? This Friday is stacked with singles, from Sam Smith and Kim Petras to The 1975. Plus, new extended projects from Joshua Bassett, Maya Hawke, and Laufey.

Let’s get into this week’s best releases: 

“Unholy” by Sam Smith feat. Kim Petras

Image courtesy of Universal Music Operations Limited

TikTok was READY for this song. With a raging club beat and a glorious Petras feature, it absolutely lives up to the expectations. When you hear “new Sam Smith,” you might expect some slow, acoustic music. This is the opposite: blazing, wild, feral. 

“Sad Songs In A Hotel Room” by Joshua Bassett

Image courtesy of Warner Records Inc.

The teen heartthrob’s new EP came out, bringing up a more vulnerable, emotional side. The title track is a standout with its wistful lyrics: “And I order room service for one / Champagne mini bar bottles are done / I’ve got a balcony room with a view / Velvet curtains are closed / I’m singin’ sad songs in a hotel room.”

“All I Need To Hear” by The 1975

Image courtesy of Dirty Hit

Singles from the upcoming The 1975 album keep getting better and better. Slower than the previous “Happiness” and “I’m In Love With You,” this new single combines the band’s trademark poeticism with a sleepy drumbeat. It’s Billy Joel meets Bright Eyes in the best possible way.  

“STAR WALKIN’” by Lil Nas X

Image courtesy of Columbia Records

All you need to say is “new Lil Nas X” and I’m foaming at the mouth. As his MONTERO tour travels the country, more music is all we could ask for. Maybe it doesn’t have the same staying power as “Industry Baby,” but it sure hits the spot.

“Luna Moth” by Maya Hawke

Image courtesy of Mom+Pop

With Stranger Things and Do Revenge, Maya Hawke is becoming the number one it-girl. Her music is quiet and solemn, clearly inspired by the likes Phoebe Bridgers. Hawke proves that she can do a whole lot more than Netflix projects. 

“Tomorrow 2” by GloRilla feat. Cardi B

Image courtesy of CMG/Interscope Records

Following up her original “Tomorrow,” GloRilla comes out with a new mix with Cardi B. The Cardi verse is grungy and unembellished, calling back to that early music we loved so much. For fans of Cardi’s “Press,” this one’s for you. 

“I Wanna” by ella jane

Image courtesy of FADER Label

For fans of that more underground indie-pop sound, ella jane is your girl. Of all her recent singles, this is clearly the standout. The chorus will make you want to run through the streets or star in your own rom-com. In short, keep an eye out for ella jane. 

“Ain’t No Love” by Baby Tate feat. 2 Chainz

Image courtesy of Warner Records Inc.

Baby Tate may be one of the most prominent rising rappers. Here she experiments more with her R&B sound, emulating artists like Chloe Bailey and Ari Lennox. Plus, a killer 2 Chainz verse. 

“Valentine – Live” by Laufey

Image courtesy of AWAL Recordings America

After releasing her first album “Everything I Know About Love,” Laufey proved that she’s mastered the woozy jazz-pop sound. Now she returns with a live album, “The Reykjavík Sessions,” which may be even better than the original. As her recent V profile demonstrates, nobody is doing piano love songs like Laufey. 

“Poems” by Couch

Image courtesy of Couch Records

Where oh where did funk go? Sometimes we just want that synth-powered music to fill our souls and make us dance. Couch is bringing this sound back to pop, one trumpet flair at a time. 

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