13-06-2025, 22:01
NEW MUSIC FRIDAY 13.06.25 #34
Suzanne - Mark Ronson/RAYE (5.5/10)
I've defended and loved RAYE a lot, but I honestly can't defend this… it just feels so simple in so many aspects. There's no part that gets you hooked or excited more, nor is there anything at all that goes out of the ordinary. It goes for a more old, soulful sound that feels overused.
Everything Goes With Blue – Tyla (4/10)
After the Smurfs movie gave us one of the worst songs of the year and stained the name of Rihanna, they come back with another big improvement but still not good enough. The problem is that all these Smurf songs feel manufactured for a children's audience and not authentic songs by the artist. This movie soundtrack has got to be the worst album of 2025.
Midnight Sun – Zara Larsson (7.3/10)
After hearing Zara Larsson's last attempt at making something fun, I wasn't really impressed, so to see her take a break from a noise that makes us think of JoJo Siwa is not only refreshing but frankly necessary to score a hit. "Midnight Sun" feels a bit… let's say "unbranded". It's not like this hasn't been done before; it's a song about love on a summer's day, and seeing MNEK credited as a producer is disappointing because I know he can do a lot more than this. Now, negatives aside, this is still quite fun. It's like the feeling that her David Guetta collaboration "On My Love" gives you, but with less of that free feeling, so a slight step down. Also, seeing the break between Zara's albums (3 years), it's shocking to see an album! announcement only a year later!
The Contract – Twenty One Pilots (6.4/10)
The first single from TOP's upcoming album, and after hearing "Clancy" for the first time a few weeks ago, it's safe to say there was definitely some excitement in me for this. Did they deliver? Honestly, this could've been much better. It feels like they're trying to give us something new with adding a brand of electronics on top of a slightly changed rock-pop formula. I've heard better from them; this doesn't hit the mark of approval for me.
Holy Blindfold – Chris Brown (6.5/10)
Probably wasn't the best time to drop music, but still. This song is simple; it's Chris Brown, and I haven't heard much of him, but from the stuff I've heard from him, this doesn't impress me much more.
Won't Stop – Gunna (7/10)
Gonna adds his previous collaborator Turbo on the team in "Won't Stop", where he goes against criticism and says he'll continue; it's definitely a lot clearer than his last stuff.
Underdog – Roddy Ricch/F1 The Album (8.6/10)
We continue from another song in the run-up to F1: The Album, AND THIS IS THE BEST ONE I'VE HEARD YET!! The flow, the pace and the tone are so smooth that the whole song has an aura all around it. Must listen.
West Life - AJ Tracey (7.1/10)
AJ Tracey gets yet another green because he is one of my favourite UK rappers. It's smooth & has his classic energy.
Documents – Slick Rick/Nas (7.7/10)
"Documents" is the 10th track off Slick Rick's new album "VICTORY". And it has a feature from the well-loved creator of "Illmatic", Nas. The two have good rapport and successfully deliver a sound that feels like it could do some things for the US rap scene. It's not falling short of the well-thought tag.
Figures On The Wall – MOIO (8.2/10)
This song is a reason to keep living life; stuff like this brings a tear to your eye. Now, the Web doesn't have a floodload of information on this release, but we don't need that. All that matters here is the connection; I wish the connection had been able to be interpreted better and the meaning didn't feel blurred and hard to find. But I'll take this.
R&P – LD/Headie One (8.1/10)
This is the first song I've heard from LD and the best song I've heard from Headie One. If you've heard UK rap/drill, you could've seen this coming from a mile away, but that doesn't mean the song still doesn't hit hard. The verses are speedy, on point and precise. They really went over the bar.
LAST MAN STANDING - Blusher (6/10)
It's just really boring.
Westmoreland - Joe Armon-Jones/Asheber (6.4/10)
Faithless – Lewis Fitzgerald (7.3/10)
Guitar pop with a upbeat chord progression and a life message. Lewis plays the part of the song really well; I enjoyed it.
Comedown – Henry Moodie (6.9/10)
I miss the days of "drunk text".
Folded – Kehlani (7/10)
Surely this had to be inspired by Tyla; in fact, if you like Tyla, then this'll be right up your alley. It has a slow and easy pitch that feels right.
When I Get Home – 4Batz/Wale (7.9/10)
Who's out here calling Batz repetitive? The slow and easy energy hits every song, just as good but in a different way. Love it.
Miscalculations – Ellie Dixon (6.9/10)
A little basic pop but not the worst thing.
In My Head – Mae Muller (4/10)
Genuinely one of the most uninteresting and generic artists on planet Earth.
Midnight Calls – Debbie (7.1/10)
Stay Gold – Jax Jones/Ado (7/10)
Finally, Jax Jones made a good song and stopped his slide into the abyss of crappy music artists. From Beyblade X (assuming that's an anime show based on the cover), this song is repetitive but in an earworm way that gets stuck in your head. It won't get a load of replays, but a few returns to this wouldn't hurt.
Plasticine – James Marriott (6/10)
A Better World – David Guetta/Cédric Gervais (7.6/10)
A rare moment where David makes something that actually brings back the fun summer feeling and really captivates you. At least we have this back for a little bit.
TATTOOS & U – Iann Dior (8.4/10)
Just under two minutes of straight-to-the-point upbeat pop that should really be picked up by social media. Give this more attention!
Call Me When You Need Me – Highasakite (6.6/10)
Kintsugi – Ella Eyre (7.3/10)
Did I miss something?? How did Ella go from "Deep Down" to this? Well, this is still pretty cool; it would do well in a bold perfume advert.
TV Show – April (4/10)
Nothing about this was interesting.
When my wings are cut off – daine (6/10)
Distant Strangers – ONEFOUR/The Kid Laroi/Imogen Heap (4.6/10)
It's a reimagined and remixed version of Imogen Heap's "Headlock" that adds rap while using some of the same flow. Overall, though, it's just a cheap remix.
ART – Nemzzz/Latto (6/10)
Nemzzz made this a lot better; I feel his style is easier to listen to, so him being on this helped.
Geezer - Kevin Abstract/Dominic Fike (6/10)
It won't be remembered long.
WASSUP – Joey Valance & Brae/JPEGMAFIA (4/10)
After hearing a lot of Joey Valance's "No Hands" album, I had a bad view of them, and this is like the things on "No Hands". Cringe, pointless and a blip of new music Friday that will be forgotton.
Chargie – Alesha Dixon/Tom Moutchi (8/10)
This is how you do it. This reminded me of if Tate McRae's intense feeling was merged with Tyla into a dancefloor hit. Amazing.
Sound & Light – Alison Goldfrapp (8.4/10)
Wow, Alison just keeps on delivering. I've really got to check out more of her music. This reminds me of Kylie Minogue but with a warm summer feeling that gives a similar feeling to nostalgia; my brain loves this.
Sweet – Badger/Chelsea Grimes (7.2/10)
It's like a better version of Tommy And Piri.
Burna - Jessy Blakemore (8.4/10)
This is like Cat Burns, and as someone who loves Cat, this is a massive win.
Aren't I Good For You – Yazmin Lacey (6/10)
It's like if Jorja Smith and Olivia Dean got on a song together.
Summer 17 - Elijah Waters/Jeshi (6/10)
SUCKERPUNCH – All Time Low (7/10)
It starts by sounding like a male version of Lady Gaga if she did a pop-rock song and then goes into a sound that fits upbeat country a little more. And it all sounds well made.
Anxiety – Spotify Singles – Nova Twins (1.1/10)
A TERRIBLE cover of Doechii's "Anxiety" that tries to be something different by adding rock and stronger sounds but instead only sounds harsher on the ears.
Aftersun - Jessica Winter (7/10)
Sick n Tired – Cash Cobain/OnlyHeaven (3.4/10)
I don't know what to think of this… it's so slow that it sounds, on one hand, bad, but on the other hand, the slowness has good qualities. Either way, the feature still ruined it by jumping in and delivering a sound like Sexyy Red and then started singing despite sounding awful as a singer.
Good Things Come To Those Who Wait – Skream & Benga (5/10)
What was the point of this? Repeated nonsense.
Suzanne - Mark Ronson/RAYE (5.5/10)
I've defended and loved RAYE a lot, but I honestly can't defend this… it just feels so simple in so many aspects. There's no part that gets you hooked or excited more, nor is there anything at all that goes out of the ordinary. It goes for a more old, soulful sound that feels overused.
Everything Goes With Blue – Tyla (4/10)
After the Smurfs movie gave us one of the worst songs of the year and stained the name of Rihanna, they come back with another big improvement but still not good enough. The problem is that all these Smurf songs feel manufactured for a children's audience and not authentic songs by the artist. This movie soundtrack has got to be the worst album of 2025.
Midnight Sun – Zara Larsson (7.3/10)
After hearing Zara Larsson's last attempt at making something fun, I wasn't really impressed, so to see her take a break from a noise that makes us think of JoJo Siwa is not only refreshing but frankly necessary to score a hit. "Midnight Sun" feels a bit… let's say "unbranded". It's not like this hasn't been done before; it's a song about love on a summer's day, and seeing MNEK credited as a producer is disappointing because I know he can do a lot more than this. Now, negatives aside, this is still quite fun. It's like the feeling that her David Guetta collaboration "On My Love" gives you, but with less of that free feeling, so a slight step down. Also, seeing the break between Zara's albums (3 years), it's shocking to see an album! announcement only a year later!
The Contract – Twenty One Pilots (6.4/10)
The first single from TOP's upcoming album, and after hearing "Clancy" for the first time a few weeks ago, it's safe to say there was definitely some excitement in me for this. Did they deliver? Honestly, this could've been much better. It feels like they're trying to give us something new with adding a brand of electronics on top of a slightly changed rock-pop formula. I've heard better from them; this doesn't hit the mark of approval for me.
Holy Blindfold – Chris Brown (6.5/10)
Probably wasn't the best time to drop music, but still. This song is simple; it's Chris Brown, and I haven't heard much of him, but from the stuff I've heard from him, this doesn't impress me much more.
Won't Stop – Gunna (7/10)
Gonna adds his previous collaborator Turbo on the team in "Won't Stop", where he goes against criticism and says he'll continue; it's definitely a lot clearer than his last stuff.
Underdog – Roddy Ricch/F1 The Album (8.6/10)
We continue from another song in the run-up to F1: The Album, AND THIS IS THE BEST ONE I'VE HEARD YET!! The flow, the pace and the tone are so smooth that the whole song has an aura all around it. Must listen.
West Life - AJ Tracey (7.1/10)
AJ Tracey gets yet another green because he is one of my favourite UK rappers. It's smooth & has his classic energy.
Documents – Slick Rick/Nas (7.7/10)
"Documents" is the 10th track off Slick Rick's new album "VICTORY". And it has a feature from the well-loved creator of "Illmatic", Nas. The two have good rapport and successfully deliver a sound that feels like it could do some things for the US rap scene. It's not falling short of the well-thought tag.
Figures On The Wall – MOIO (8.2/10)
This song is a reason to keep living life; stuff like this brings a tear to your eye. Now, the Web doesn't have a floodload of information on this release, but we don't need that. All that matters here is the connection; I wish the connection had been able to be interpreted better and the meaning didn't feel blurred and hard to find. But I'll take this.
R&P – LD/Headie One (8.1/10)
This is the first song I've heard from LD and the best song I've heard from Headie One. If you've heard UK rap/drill, you could've seen this coming from a mile away, but that doesn't mean the song still doesn't hit hard. The verses are speedy, on point and precise. They really went over the bar.
LAST MAN STANDING - Blusher (6/10)
It's just really boring.
Westmoreland - Joe Armon-Jones/Asheber (6.4/10)
Faithless – Lewis Fitzgerald (7.3/10)
Guitar pop with a upbeat chord progression and a life message. Lewis plays the part of the song really well; I enjoyed it.
Comedown – Henry Moodie (6.9/10)
I miss the days of "drunk text".
Folded – Kehlani (7/10)
Surely this had to be inspired by Tyla; in fact, if you like Tyla, then this'll be right up your alley. It has a slow and easy pitch that feels right.
When I Get Home – 4Batz/Wale (7.9/10)
Who's out here calling Batz repetitive? The slow and easy energy hits every song, just as good but in a different way. Love it.
Miscalculations – Ellie Dixon (6.9/10)
A little basic pop but not the worst thing.
In My Head – Mae Muller (4/10)
Genuinely one of the most uninteresting and generic artists on planet Earth.
Midnight Calls – Debbie (7.1/10)
Stay Gold – Jax Jones/Ado (7/10)
Finally, Jax Jones made a good song and stopped his slide into the abyss of crappy music artists. From Beyblade X (assuming that's an anime show based on the cover), this song is repetitive but in an earworm way that gets stuck in your head. It won't get a load of replays, but a few returns to this wouldn't hurt.
Plasticine – James Marriott (6/10)
A Better World – David Guetta/Cédric Gervais (7.6/10)
A rare moment where David makes something that actually brings back the fun summer feeling and really captivates you. At least we have this back for a little bit.
TATTOOS & U – Iann Dior (8.4/10)
Just under two minutes of straight-to-the-point upbeat pop that should really be picked up by social media. Give this more attention!
Call Me When You Need Me – Highasakite (6.6/10)
Kintsugi – Ella Eyre (7.3/10)
Did I miss something?? How did Ella go from "Deep Down" to this? Well, this is still pretty cool; it would do well in a bold perfume advert.
TV Show – April (4/10)
Nothing about this was interesting.
When my wings are cut off – daine (6/10)
Distant Strangers – ONEFOUR/The Kid Laroi/Imogen Heap (4.6/10)
It's a reimagined and remixed version of Imogen Heap's "Headlock" that adds rap while using some of the same flow. Overall, though, it's just a cheap remix.
ART – Nemzzz/Latto (6/10)
Nemzzz made this a lot better; I feel his style is easier to listen to, so him being on this helped.
Geezer - Kevin Abstract/Dominic Fike (6/10)
It won't be remembered long.
WASSUP – Joey Valance & Brae/JPEGMAFIA (4/10)
After hearing a lot of Joey Valance's "No Hands" album, I had a bad view of them, and this is like the things on "No Hands". Cringe, pointless and a blip of new music Friday that will be forgotton.
Chargie – Alesha Dixon/Tom Moutchi (8/10)
This is how you do it. This reminded me of if Tate McRae's intense feeling was merged with Tyla into a dancefloor hit. Amazing.
Sound & Light – Alison Goldfrapp (8.4/10)
Wow, Alison just keeps on delivering. I've really got to check out more of her music. This reminds me of Kylie Minogue but with a warm summer feeling that gives a similar feeling to nostalgia; my brain loves this.
Sweet – Badger/Chelsea Grimes (7.2/10)
It's like a better version of Tommy And Piri.
Burna - Jessy Blakemore (8.4/10)
This is like Cat Burns, and as someone who loves Cat, this is a massive win.
Aren't I Good For You – Yazmin Lacey (6/10)
It's like if Jorja Smith and Olivia Dean got on a song together.
Summer 17 - Elijah Waters/Jeshi (6/10)
SUCKERPUNCH – All Time Low (7/10)
It starts by sounding like a male version of Lady Gaga if she did a pop-rock song and then goes into a sound that fits upbeat country a little more. And it all sounds well made.
Anxiety – Spotify Singles – Nova Twins (1.1/10)
A TERRIBLE cover of Doechii's "Anxiety" that tries to be something different by adding rock and stronger sounds but instead only sounds harsher on the ears.
Aftersun - Jessica Winter (7/10)
Sick n Tired – Cash Cobain/OnlyHeaven (3.4/10)
I don't know what to think of this… it's so slow that it sounds, on one hand, bad, but on the other hand, the slowness has good qualities. Either way, the feature still ruined it by jumping in and delivering a sound like Sexyy Red and then started singing despite sounding awful as a singer.
Good Things Come To Those Who Wait – Skream & Benga (5/10)
What was the point of this? Repeated nonsense.