NEW MUSIC FRIDAY 15.11.24 #7
Two Faced-Linkin Park (6/10)
This was the last track pushed on their album, and once again it brings an entirely new side and showcases the more 2000s production and the more all over the place screams. This song went for a completely new look where every instrument and mixing choice felt weird but worked. This is the uniqueness of Linkin Park; Emily's loud, unapologetic style goes amazingly for these heavy songs!
2 Hands - Tate Mcrae (5/10)
This wasn't bad, but it didn't have the infectious mood that 'It's ok, I'm ok' gave; instead, it fell flat and felt like a weak second song announcement for her upcoming album, which was announced to come out on February 21st, 2025, called 'So close to what,' but '2 Hands' has a beat very similar throughout and lacks the fun, pop era. This is supposed to be bouncy and fun but comes across in a tired way. I don't have much for this; accept that it needs a boost and that this isn't it. It's plain and boring.
The Mountain - Shawn Mendes (5/10)
As much as I respect Shawn for coming to a lighter-pitched side of music, I'm not the biggest fan of this. Don't get me wrong! I was waiting for this release, and 'Why Why Why' and 'Heart Of Gold' are actually good songs, and I'm glad he can finally speak about what he wants in music, but there is still no catchy hook to make this song a repeat or any factor that makes this better. Shawn Mendes and his guitar are naturally aligned, and he doesn't need a big production team to make a song, but this is still just meh; this was literally blandville. I'm not saying there's no vocal talent, but that's not the point here.
Que Pasaria... - Rauw Alejandro/Bad Bunny (5/10)
'Que Pasaria...' features on Rauw's new album and is a Spanish pop song with Bad Bunny. This for me isn't memorable, but I respect how they are not continuing along the traditional reggaeton and Latin routes that get boring and instead aim for something new; instead, they give their song a pulse that goes outside of the genre's roots.
Good News - Shaboozey (7/10)
Love to see a more chilled take from Shaboozey while managing to keep a groove that gets stuck in your brain. Shaboozey continues his country songs while adding the amount of time he spends singing a pitch and the way he sings the chorus to really make a noteable difference on this song! The delivery and the emotional touch on the song make this good for any occasion! Really good song!
Never Too Late - Elton John/Brandi Carlile (7/10)
What an amazing career Eltohn John has had; he's had to put it with so much crap in the industry, and seeing him still going with his style and enthusiasm is amazing! Brandi complimented the song, and the old, classic side of Eltohn being shown is amazing!!
AGATS2 - Juice WRLD/Nicki Minaj (5.5/10)
I felt Nicki was cut out more and they could've bonded better, and also that the beat sounded like a quick mix rather than taking the time into the track; it's still not bad though.
SLOW IT DOWN - The Kid Laroi/Qauvo (6/10)
This sounds like 'Strip That Down' but if Kid Laroi replaced Liam Payne, it had a repeated verse with a certain way of saying "Slow it down," which made a pretty good hook, and Qauvo's rap verse actually made this a decent party song that I believe has the ability to get some radio play! The slowing down of the song at parts is a really catchy part, and I believe this has potential!
Running Wild - Jin (3/10)
Jin poorly attempts to try and create a song that will be a western hit; on certain lines he sounds like he's nervous and gives the completely wrong energy. This guy has to be in some of the bottom-tier K-pop artists.
In My Bag - FLO/Glorilla (8/10)
Why was this suspiciously amazing? Glorilla is getting better and better, despite my counting it as a feature. Flo's energy was strong, and their voices were angelic. Glorilla brought a kick with the sassiness that wasn't overpowering but was just right for this song. I notice now Glorilla is better when she doesn't overpower the music, and that was our problem, but these features are shaping my opinion of her for the better! Yeah glo!
Drums of Death - FKA Twigs/Koreless (4.5/10)
This is a very experimental sound that uses electronic and industrial with art-pop. The problem for me is it's very glitchy and sounds clunky. As much as FKA is most likely trying for a new sound to see where it goes, I think this is too cramped it to one and isn't going in the right direction.
Kese (Dance) - Wizkid (5/10)
Wizkid made zero effort to make this unique from any other release by him.
Looking For Love - Alok/Anitta (5/10)
The Rider - Paris Paloma (5/10)
This song does sound like it'll fit the Lord of the Rings movie it's going to feature in, but the orchestral folk-pop fails to impress me and sounds bland.
Insecurities - Lil Baby (5/10)
Despite me having my daily dose of autotuned rap rubbish, this is actually decent, surprisingly!! I think the actual sound and the fact that it didn't use the 'boom bap' beat saved the song. What a weird surprise. You get the pass this time, Lil Baby, but this still isn't good.
People watching - Sam Fender (4.5/10)
The production wasn't good and made Sam hard to hear and understand. I understand that Sam was trying to make a pulse in his music with the alternative rock sound, but to me this felt blurred and unclear.
Teenage Dirtbag - Cat Burns (6/10)
The Cat Burns cover era is going well; from 'I like the way you kiss me' to this, she puts a new light on the song and sings it in a way that sounds like a fresh release.
Touching Toes - Olivia Dean (5/10)
Elephant - 070 Shake (6.5/10)
This sounded like it was experimental, and I'm glad to see 070 Shake not being afraid when a different song style is approaching. This sounds clear, and the production provides a really good base for the guitar and synthesiser.
Because of You - Lauv (7/10)
Bouquet - Gwen Stefani (7/10)
This brings a new, fresh style to the country! Maybe I'll check out the whole album just released by her.
Texas - Blake Shelton (4/10)
Country-pop goes wrong a lot of the time, and this is an example of just that happening again. The song is about Blake's girl who has run away and she's probably gone to Texas, but the way it's sung and how cheaply it sounds like something that would get played in Chuck-E-cheese is what makes me think this is a throwaway song; either way, there's no way of this becoming a hit.
Like the End - James Blake (4/10)
Such a flavourless song that sounds as if it was whipped up in 5 minutes.
HeartBreaker From Tennessee - Dasha (5.5/10)
Every single by her is getting less and less catchy. I really think she's going to be a one-hit wonder because 'Austin (Boots stop working)' is dying out and so is her character. No offence to her; this is completely fine, and I get it's a romance song, but still, this just doesn't make me want more.
You're Stuck - Odeal/Summer Walker (5/10)
Another basic R&B/Soul song from Summer that fails to add anything new into the mix, welcome to blandville Walker fans! Odeal's mood lacks any feel to it as well and trails off of the song, ultimately feeling like mumbling.
No Bad News - Cordae/Kanye West (6/10)
This blasted back early 2000s Kanye, and the production was very different compared to the first pushed single off of Cordae's new album!
MUSTANG BABY - Nessa Barrett/Artemas (6/10)
Nessa reminds me of Charlie but with real style; I like this woman, and once again she delivered! Well produced song.
Remember me - D4vd (6/10).
I don't think this track is a good choice to put in a video game, but it sure isn't a bad track; it's calming, and it's what d4vd is all about! The only problem is the production muffles it a bit.
Hold on me - Kygo/Sandra Cavazza (6.5/10).
Damager - Sammy Virji/Interplanetary Criminials (3/10)
This is so repetitive that it gets stupidly boring; I actually don't get how anyone can like this rubbish.
Two Faced-Linkin Park (6/10)
This was the last track pushed on their album, and once again it brings an entirely new side and showcases the more 2000s production and the more all over the place screams. This song went for a completely new look where every instrument and mixing choice felt weird but worked. This is the uniqueness of Linkin Park; Emily's loud, unapologetic style goes amazingly for these heavy songs!
2 Hands - Tate Mcrae (5/10)
This wasn't bad, but it didn't have the infectious mood that 'It's ok, I'm ok' gave; instead, it fell flat and felt like a weak second song announcement for her upcoming album, which was announced to come out on February 21st, 2025, called 'So close to what,' but '2 Hands' has a beat very similar throughout and lacks the fun, pop era. This is supposed to be bouncy and fun but comes across in a tired way. I don't have much for this; accept that it needs a boost and that this isn't it. It's plain and boring.
The Mountain - Shawn Mendes (5/10)
As much as I respect Shawn for coming to a lighter-pitched side of music, I'm not the biggest fan of this. Don't get me wrong! I was waiting for this release, and 'Why Why Why' and 'Heart Of Gold' are actually good songs, and I'm glad he can finally speak about what he wants in music, but there is still no catchy hook to make this song a repeat or any factor that makes this better. Shawn Mendes and his guitar are naturally aligned, and he doesn't need a big production team to make a song, but this is still just meh; this was literally blandville. I'm not saying there's no vocal talent, but that's not the point here.
Que Pasaria... - Rauw Alejandro/Bad Bunny (5/10)
'Que Pasaria...' features on Rauw's new album and is a Spanish pop song with Bad Bunny. This for me isn't memorable, but I respect how they are not continuing along the traditional reggaeton and Latin routes that get boring and instead aim for something new; instead, they give their song a pulse that goes outside of the genre's roots.
Good News - Shaboozey (7/10)
Love to see a more chilled take from Shaboozey while managing to keep a groove that gets stuck in your brain. Shaboozey continues his country songs while adding the amount of time he spends singing a pitch and the way he sings the chorus to really make a noteable difference on this song! The delivery and the emotional touch on the song make this good for any occasion! Really good song!
Never Too Late - Elton John/Brandi Carlile (7/10)
What an amazing career Eltohn John has had; he's had to put it with so much crap in the industry, and seeing him still going with his style and enthusiasm is amazing! Brandi complimented the song, and the old, classic side of Eltohn being shown is amazing!!
AGATS2 - Juice WRLD/Nicki Minaj (5.5/10)
I felt Nicki was cut out more and they could've bonded better, and also that the beat sounded like a quick mix rather than taking the time into the track; it's still not bad though.
SLOW IT DOWN - The Kid Laroi/Qauvo (6/10)
This sounds like 'Strip That Down' but if Kid Laroi replaced Liam Payne, it had a repeated verse with a certain way of saying "Slow it down," which made a pretty good hook, and Qauvo's rap verse actually made this a decent party song that I believe has the ability to get some radio play! The slowing down of the song at parts is a really catchy part, and I believe this has potential!
Running Wild - Jin (3/10)
Jin poorly attempts to try and create a song that will be a western hit; on certain lines he sounds like he's nervous and gives the completely wrong energy. This guy has to be in some of the bottom-tier K-pop artists.
In My Bag - FLO/Glorilla (8/10)
Why was this suspiciously amazing? Glorilla is getting better and better, despite my counting it as a feature. Flo's energy was strong, and their voices were angelic. Glorilla brought a kick with the sassiness that wasn't overpowering but was just right for this song. I notice now Glorilla is better when she doesn't overpower the music, and that was our problem, but these features are shaping my opinion of her for the better! Yeah glo!
Drums of Death - FKA Twigs/Koreless (4.5/10)
This is a very experimental sound that uses electronic and industrial with art-pop. The problem for me is it's very glitchy and sounds clunky. As much as FKA is most likely trying for a new sound to see where it goes, I think this is too cramped it to one and isn't going in the right direction.
Kese (Dance) - Wizkid (5/10)
Wizkid made zero effort to make this unique from any other release by him.
Looking For Love - Alok/Anitta (5/10)
The Rider - Paris Paloma (5/10)
This song does sound like it'll fit the Lord of the Rings movie it's going to feature in, but the orchestral folk-pop fails to impress me and sounds bland.
Insecurities - Lil Baby (5/10)
Despite me having my daily dose of autotuned rap rubbish, this is actually decent, surprisingly!! I think the actual sound and the fact that it didn't use the 'boom bap' beat saved the song. What a weird surprise. You get the pass this time, Lil Baby, but this still isn't good.
People watching - Sam Fender (4.5/10)
The production wasn't good and made Sam hard to hear and understand. I understand that Sam was trying to make a pulse in his music with the alternative rock sound, but to me this felt blurred and unclear.
Teenage Dirtbag - Cat Burns (6/10)
The Cat Burns cover era is going well; from 'I like the way you kiss me' to this, she puts a new light on the song and sings it in a way that sounds like a fresh release.
Touching Toes - Olivia Dean (5/10)
Elephant - 070 Shake (6.5/10)
This sounded like it was experimental, and I'm glad to see 070 Shake not being afraid when a different song style is approaching. This sounds clear, and the production provides a really good base for the guitar and synthesiser.
Because of You - Lauv (7/10)
Bouquet - Gwen Stefani (7/10)
This brings a new, fresh style to the country! Maybe I'll check out the whole album just released by her.
Texas - Blake Shelton (4/10)
Country-pop goes wrong a lot of the time, and this is an example of just that happening again. The song is about Blake's girl who has run away and she's probably gone to Texas, but the way it's sung and how cheaply it sounds like something that would get played in Chuck-E-cheese is what makes me think this is a throwaway song; either way, there's no way of this becoming a hit.
Like the End - James Blake (4/10)
Such a flavourless song that sounds as if it was whipped up in 5 minutes.
HeartBreaker From Tennessee - Dasha (5.5/10)
Every single by her is getting less and less catchy. I really think she's going to be a one-hit wonder because 'Austin (Boots stop working)' is dying out and so is her character. No offence to her; this is completely fine, and I get it's a romance song, but still, this just doesn't make me want more.
You're Stuck - Odeal/Summer Walker (5/10)
Another basic R&B/Soul song from Summer that fails to add anything new into the mix, welcome to blandville Walker fans! Odeal's mood lacks any feel to it as well and trails off of the song, ultimately feeling like mumbling.
No Bad News - Cordae/Kanye West (6/10)
This blasted back early 2000s Kanye, and the production was very different compared to the first pushed single off of Cordae's new album!
MUSTANG BABY - Nessa Barrett/Artemas (6/10)
Nessa reminds me of Charlie but with real style; I like this woman, and once again she delivered! Well produced song.
Remember me - D4vd (6/10).
I don't think this track is a good choice to put in a video game, but it sure isn't a bad track; it's calming, and it's what d4vd is all about! The only problem is the production muffles it a bit.
Hold on me - Kygo/Sandra Cavazza (6.5/10).
Damager - Sammy Virji/Interplanetary Criminials (3/10)
This is so repetitive that it gets stupidly boring; I actually don't get how anyone can like this rubbish.