17-08-2025, 11:06
NEW MUSIC FRIDAY 15.08.25 #43
Crush – Zara Larsson (8.2/10)
Erm… Zara? Casually whipping up her quickest time between albums and actually a hit, I hope this doesn't fall down the way "Venus" did with the non-singles. But until we find that out, we've got this, which has Zara's voice blended with synths to talk about how it's called a 'crush' because it'll never be the actual thing. It's not the most appealing topic for an upbeat summer song with interesting blending, but I'll accept this because it's still mega fun!
Imaginary Playerz - Cardi B (7.5/10)
Cardi is weirdly having quite a good improvement recently; this and "Outside" actually aren't average. This song has an atmosphere that feels like despite Cardi taking it slower, she still delivers a fiery & classy punch. I do think the talking scenes should be taken out from the song, but aside from that, it's really nice.
Love Is Like - Maroon 5/Lil Wayne (7.9/10)
Woah, this actually isn't too bad; it kind of got me moving! The song has a feeling that's rich with vibes, with Maroon 5 delivering smoothly, and surprisingly, Lil Wayne actually matches it! The producer's choice of background too feels vibey yet calm, and I think that helped ease into the feel. This is shockingly great.
Man I Need - Olivia Dean (5/10)
I'm sorry, but I just can't with Olivia's music; it feels like she wants this fresh and captured-in-the-moment sound, but in reality it's one of the dullest takes on soul that we've seen this decade. The song does not convey warmth; it all just feels so dull from every angle.
Caramel – Conan Gray (7/10)
This may be the weakest single yet from the "Wishbone" album, but I've still got high hopes for a consistently luscious sound, especially since the warm company of the vocal softness here is enough to carry the song to a decent score, even if at times it does feel overused. Conan's higher pitch on the main segment could've also been conducted better, but I'll take this.
Nice Shoes – Steve Lacy (5/10)
I can't lie, not the follow-up I was hoping for… After each listen I just forget the WHOLE song. It appears to be alternative, with the drums adding nothing but that dull factor to the production, with everything in total just not hooking me.
Ain't Enough Road – Jordan Davis (6.3/10)
Jordan, you were getting better; don't start the slip back down. Alright, this isn't terrible, but it's got the same reminiscent feeling of nearly every other country artist who gets called out for trying typical marketing songs that'll hit country radio. Can't say I'm impressed, and it doesn't nail the spot on delving deep into anything either.
Aftermath – Edit – Dominic Fike (6.9/10)
Dominic's latest song is a nicely light mix of guitar plucks, drums and soft vocals but fails to have the one part which keeps you returning for an actually long time.
Diamond – Tom Grennan (6.4/10)
As we pull up the album release date, we get a taste of generic with what feels like Tom's usual songs but blended into one with a mix of everything, yet still needed some level of replay value. Not great.
Move Wrong - Polo G/VonOff1700 (7/10)
My head was shaking to this! As much as the flow isn't precise, with bars not sounding like they go together, I can still respect how this song's tough and more intense production actually has its pros here and there; it's fun, and it tells what the track is going for.
In plain sight – Khalid (8/10)
I'm totally rocking with this new Khalid, and unlike his past albums' collection of heartfelt emotional songs, this one is upbeat and has a nice amount of kick that doesn't go over the top. Fun yet easy.
Tantrum – Jonas Brothers (6.5/10)
Following the album release of "Greetings From Your Hometown", the Jonas Brothers make a quick return to releasing more, and as everybody expected and quickly found out, they're back to their same old brand of American diner music, and I don't hate it, but it really does get old, although if I heard this in Five Guys, then I would've been vibing. Any generic pop song that comes on there is a hit in the moment.
Thirst Trap - Audrey Hobart (7/10)
Audrey's latest song has a hook which talks about her thinking she looks bad in thirst traps; she once again brings the Gracie Abrams comparison up to my brain, with "Thirst Trap" sounding like something off "The Secret Of Us" but instead with more flavour and one burst of jazz instruments unexpectedly coming in last second.
You Don't Look At Me The Same - Mimi Webb (6/10)
The piano came in, Mimi's sad tone came in, and I was expecting some sort of hook which it was building up to... but no, the so-called "build-up" was just what the song was going to stick at. I don't want to say it again, but Mimi's music really isn't the same.
Passport – Coco Jones (7.3/10)
Light yet very groovy, with Coco having this beautifully lighter voice that adds this level of class to the groove. It's effective and one of the best I've heard yet from her.
Colours – JVKE/Tilly Birds/John Michael Howell (5.5/10)
I'm sorry... why is JVKE leaning away from this magical bliss music, and now he sounds more like Forrest Frank? I just can't with these fall-offs.
Through a Screen – Ty Myers (6.3/10)
An acceptable violin performance, and as usual, it tries to fit the tone of Ty's slow country songs. Doesn't do too much, but I'll take it.
Si Te Vas – J Balvin/Jay Wheeler (7.2/10)
Priceless - Bryant Barnes (6.9/10)
Bryant has done a fine job of creating a distinct sound that does sound like it would attract fans of Khalid, especially with his 2024 era. As much as Barnes can make a beat that's rich with flavours, I still think he could add more; it doesn't have that one notable part factor.
Shake Dat – Chief Keef/Mustard (7.5/10)
Very rarely do I hear a song that's most likely going to go under the radar despite having hit status potential. The bouncy beat is here; it's not too terrible for radio and certainly has some slick rap verses, with Mustard giving us a production that wouldn't have been turned down by Tyler or Kendrick for their fun rap eras.
Johnny – Sadboi/MOLIY (8.2/10)
Apart from the lyrics about sugar daddy and Bugatti and whatever in the hell I just heard, I do think that this is a MASSIVE improvement from "Shake It To The Max". It has the energy and pace that an ass-shaking song needs, and it's actually backed by some real funk! Thank you!
GHOST. - Armani White/Samara Cyn (8.6/10)
It's like Tyler The Creator's "Don't Tap The Glass" but even funkier and quality controlled, and without any cringeness, unlike what went into, I believe, the only other song I've heard by him, "Billie Eilish". This is amazing; such a party song, I'd say a new Music Friday gem.
Better Than the Floor – Sam Barber/Chande Peña (7/10)
Sam has a little emphasis in his voice that is an improvement from some of his other songs. Overall, a nice little country song, not exactly special.
Helium – The Chainsmokers/Anna Sofia (2/10)
I don't know, man; the random bass hit feels like something so worthless and cheap that CYRIL would try for it. It adds nothing to the song but feels like it's there for the overproduced factor, where they thought adding it was necessary. Boring song too.
All This Love - Cat Burns (7.5/10)
Cat took over 6 months to deliver again, and she delivers, as usual, an earworm of a hook with instrumentals that are packed with a flavour punch. Although I will admit that this is nowhere near her best and does feel a little bit same-ish, I'll take it.
Afters – BL3SS/Gravagerz (5.6/10)
This song doesn't do much apart from exist. More DJ music that sounds like it wouldn't even get into the club.
Pity – Mahalia/Tanya Stephens (5/10)
A short song with not much impact, it sounds like Mahalia thought it would hit better though. The soul is mixed with what I believe are loud trumpets in a party mix that not only feels short but also feels quite half-baked in terms of being memorable.
SPACE INVADER - KAYTRANADA (7.3/10)
A funky house song with summer chords that give a bright and refreshing feeling, although more could have been done to build upon that feeling.
SEE U DANCE - Joey Valance & Brae/Rebecca Black (8/10)
I'm going to be honest, "No Hands" is one of the cringiest rap albums I've ever heard, but I actually think there's hope for "Hyperyouth". Instead of the constant brain rot references and stupid inserts, it instead focuses on what's actually fun to a wider audience: real dance music! It's Joey but massively improved. Love that!
So So Good – Live – Phil Wickham/Brandon Lake/Elevation Worship (2/10)
Wow, this song is SO creative; this has reached the levels of creativity and artistic reach of Alex Warren, the Jonas Brothers and Lil Dicky. Ok, but let's be real, popular Christian music is on a constant nosedive of quality, with everything having this chanting sound that feels so worn out and tired of music.
Make Believe - Luke Dean/Omar+ (7.4/10)
Two artists who are both having their trending dance moment in the UK charts this year collaborate in an attempt to both score themselves a second hit, and I must say that this is a much-improved return. What sounds like heavy breathing creates this catchy tune when mixed with the pumping bass and synths, which sometimes get bubbly in the mix. It's a hit, and oh, the vocals kind of sound like Charli XCX but are weirdly engineered to sound actually bearable, even good. Never thought we'd see that day.
See You Again – &ME/Rampa/Adam Port/Sevdaliza/Keinemusik (5/10)
Adam tends to be that artist who makes the hit formula but without that one part which connects the hit formula to a painfully generic formula, and that's good, but what's not good is how he always features with the same people with the same results, and that missing piece is bigger than we expect. This song is missing some spice.
Times Square Jesus – The Favours/FINNEAS/Ashe (8.5/10)
I love the little slightly upper-pitched part of the hook; it makes me think of "Fairytale Of New York" a little. The song is near close to what sweet magic feels like, with care and love put into the folk duet.
Wear and Tear – Everything is Recorded/Sampha/Florence + The Machine/Danielle Ponder/Jah Wobble (6.3/10)
Before You Broke My Heart - Tobiahs (6/10)
Tobiahs returns after his mini charting achievement in the UK. Can't say I'm too happy to have another overused-sounding DJ tune with the altered voice, but at least it's not the worst thing. Just basic.
Running Home - Jade Lemac (7/10)
After "Constellations" having minor success, Jade returns with a much more straightforwardupbeat pop song. I get one song doesn't determine every other song you should make, but for a shot at success, something a little more lent into that magical feeling would definitely work.
Imma sh**t – Kodak Black (2/10)
I get that violent gangsta rap has often been normalised in rap culture, but not like this?? I'm sorry, but this is just disturbing. This song describes the plotline to a brutal murder, with lyrics describing the model of gun, the scene and "shitting up blood", "brain fragments", killing someone on camera and more. I'm seriously worried for Kodak, man, because this is not only cringe rap crap but genuinely just disturbing. Seek help. And apparently after more research people are branding this as raw life stories and about him fighting with legal issues, but honestly... just what? I need more links than that.
BIRTHDAY BEHAVIOUR - BIA/Young Miko (7/10)
A song that has lead rap potential with the mix of singing and rapping blending in the right amount for the two. Quite fun, it's definitely one for the party attendees.
Summer Skies (Love To Cry) - Lost Frequencies/Argy/Rhys from the Sticks (5.2/10)
Lost Frequencies really is one of the many artists who had that 2022 peak and then came crashing down to this, where the hook includes emotionless speaking that is often included in the DJ culture of DJs who really don't know how to make music and think they're going to hype up the club by shouting "we ready" (spoiler: they're not).
The Devil Is A Democrat - Tom Macdonald (3/10)
I don't even hate it... I'm just sick of it.
Carrying The Club - Flo Rida/Cooper Alan/Shaylen (1.4/10)
The AI-sounding country-rap song that sounds like a part two to "Yippee Ki Yay"
Hoes Be Mad – Cash Cobain/BunnaB (5.7/10)
These two collaborating was never going to be good… but you know what? It actually wasn't as doggy doo-doo as I thought it was going to be. Just dull, not an overly exaggerated annoyance.
Dogg' Em - Jozzy (7.1/10)
Funky guitar plucks with fast-paced R&B in the mix. It's certainly acceptable.
Running – That Mexican OT (3/10)
This sounds like a song you'd hear a drunk homeless man mumbling on a public bench at 3am; in fact,the song sounds like this. Parody songs have a vocal tone like this, which makes this song even harder to take seriously. Rap crap but without the usual rap crap features.
Shake The Nation - Riva Starr/Hyperloop/Carl Cox/Eliza Rose (8/10)
The mysteriously, slow & intenseness sound transforms dance and groove into something beyond thinking.
Dumb N Dumber Flo – Rio Da Yung Og/RMC Mike (0.6/10)
Lil Dicky's lyrics are on this level, and the overly rough feature sounds like an animated American truck driver. Then we get to this talking snippet, which honestly feels more unnecessary than the ASMR ending to Nicki Minaj's "Big Foot"; they should've kept this unreleased.
Niña Mala - Xavi/Omar Montes (7.5/10)
They're onto something with this; the Latin groove is addictive and gets stuck in your head, with the upbeat pace just making you vibe instantly.
Piece Of My Heart - ROSIE (5.5/10)
ROSIE sounds like ROSÉ, but she isn't as sad in her sad songs.
Daughter - Elizabeth Nichols (6.5/10)
Calm country music. Sounds like something that needs Lainey Wilson for a spice-up.
Dancer - Claire Rosinkranz (7.2/10)
400 – Kal Banx/Pink Siifu/Reggie/Outlaw Mel (5.1/10)
Lesbian Of The Year – The Beaches (7.5/10)
Calm, light, yet still has this vibe to it that feels nearly similar to songs that give a "floating" feel.
The Good Ones – Stacey Ryan (8.1/10)
The pop girlies are well and truly back! This had the energy, the vibe and basically the structure of a well-formed yet successful-sounding song. It's underrated, and you should check it out!
Have Your Way – Katy Nichole (8/10)
Christian music like this needs to enter the scene instead of whatever Forrest Frank is putting out. The vocals are strong and have purpose, the message is simply Christian and not some Forrest Frank-ass lyrics, and it's well executed to the point of something that can be understandably loved. If there was a movie scene of a character boldly standing on top of a mountain, this song's vibe would fit it.
Useless (Without You) - Elmiene (7/10)
Actually a very nice voice and a nice little R&B song.
Sliver - Mother Soki (5/10)
The definition of 'boring' and 'mid'.
Back Outside – Nija (8/10)
Sounds like Chris Brown's music but if it actually was kind of good. I like how there was a wide range of sounds from chords to hits to whatever I heard, and yet the song still doesn't feel overproduced.
Anyways, whatever – KenTheMan (7.7/10)
If Cardi B's and Kaliii's styles merged together but in the best possible way. Don't overthink this; it's just simply fun.
Amaya Papaya (No Me Digas Bebé) - Alex Ponce/Zulia (6.5/10)
Picking out my Spanish music to listen to by preview is turning out a lot better and giving me at least a better spin on the genre. It also really shows how mainstream messes up by churning out the same fart-ass trumpets in every mix; show us something like that actually focuses on prioritising better quality with the instruments having flavour instead of just existing. Still not amazing but definitely better than what I usually hear from the genre's trend.
DND - Reggie Becton (6.5/10)
March - Skullcrusher (7.9/10)
Flyest In The Room – Mike Dimes (7/10)
Rougher and bolder rap.
Jazzy Glazzy – Jdr (7.5/10)
An interesting mix of jazz instruments and dance music put into this fun and appealing bop.
My Bones - Mega (7.1/10)
Mega's music has went from controlling the simples to controlling whole productions. So cool!
Crush – Zara Larsson (8.2/10)
Erm… Zara? Casually whipping up her quickest time between albums and actually a hit, I hope this doesn't fall down the way "Venus" did with the non-singles. But until we find that out, we've got this, which has Zara's voice blended with synths to talk about how it's called a 'crush' because it'll never be the actual thing. It's not the most appealing topic for an upbeat summer song with interesting blending, but I'll accept this because it's still mega fun!
Imaginary Playerz - Cardi B (7.5/10)
Cardi is weirdly having quite a good improvement recently; this and "Outside" actually aren't average. This song has an atmosphere that feels like despite Cardi taking it slower, she still delivers a fiery & classy punch. I do think the talking scenes should be taken out from the song, but aside from that, it's really nice.
Love Is Like - Maroon 5/Lil Wayne (7.9/10)
Woah, this actually isn't too bad; it kind of got me moving! The song has a feeling that's rich with vibes, with Maroon 5 delivering smoothly, and surprisingly, Lil Wayne actually matches it! The producer's choice of background too feels vibey yet calm, and I think that helped ease into the feel. This is shockingly great.
Man I Need - Olivia Dean (5/10)
I'm sorry, but I just can't with Olivia's music; it feels like she wants this fresh and captured-in-the-moment sound, but in reality it's one of the dullest takes on soul that we've seen this decade. The song does not convey warmth; it all just feels so dull from every angle.
Caramel – Conan Gray (7/10)
This may be the weakest single yet from the "Wishbone" album, but I've still got high hopes for a consistently luscious sound, especially since the warm company of the vocal softness here is enough to carry the song to a decent score, even if at times it does feel overused. Conan's higher pitch on the main segment could've also been conducted better, but I'll take this.
Nice Shoes – Steve Lacy (5/10)
I can't lie, not the follow-up I was hoping for… After each listen I just forget the WHOLE song. It appears to be alternative, with the drums adding nothing but that dull factor to the production, with everything in total just not hooking me.
Ain't Enough Road – Jordan Davis (6.3/10)
Jordan, you were getting better; don't start the slip back down. Alright, this isn't terrible, but it's got the same reminiscent feeling of nearly every other country artist who gets called out for trying typical marketing songs that'll hit country radio. Can't say I'm impressed, and it doesn't nail the spot on delving deep into anything either.
Aftermath – Edit – Dominic Fike (6.9/10)
Dominic's latest song is a nicely light mix of guitar plucks, drums and soft vocals but fails to have the one part which keeps you returning for an actually long time.
Diamond – Tom Grennan (6.4/10)
As we pull up the album release date, we get a taste of generic with what feels like Tom's usual songs but blended into one with a mix of everything, yet still needed some level of replay value. Not great.
Move Wrong - Polo G/VonOff1700 (7/10)
My head was shaking to this! As much as the flow isn't precise, with bars not sounding like they go together, I can still respect how this song's tough and more intense production actually has its pros here and there; it's fun, and it tells what the track is going for.
In plain sight – Khalid (8/10)
I'm totally rocking with this new Khalid, and unlike his past albums' collection of heartfelt emotional songs, this one is upbeat and has a nice amount of kick that doesn't go over the top. Fun yet easy.
Tantrum – Jonas Brothers (6.5/10)
Following the album release of "Greetings From Your Hometown", the Jonas Brothers make a quick return to releasing more, and as everybody expected and quickly found out, they're back to their same old brand of American diner music, and I don't hate it, but it really does get old, although if I heard this in Five Guys, then I would've been vibing. Any generic pop song that comes on there is a hit in the moment.
Thirst Trap - Audrey Hobart (7/10)
Audrey's latest song has a hook which talks about her thinking she looks bad in thirst traps; she once again brings the Gracie Abrams comparison up to my brain, with "Thirst Trap" sounding like something off "The Secret Of Us" but instead with more flavour and one burst of jazz instruments unexpectedly coming in last second.
You Don't Look At Me The Same - Mimi Webb (6/10)
The piano came in, Mimi's sad tone came in, and I was expecting some sort of hook which it was building up to... but no, the so-called "build-up" was just what the song was going to stick at. I don't want to say it again, but Mimi's music really isn't the same.
Passport – Coco Jones (7.3/10)
Light yet very groovy, with Coco having this beautifully lighter voice that adds this level of class to the groove. It's effective and one of the best I've heard yet from her.
Colours – JVKE/Tilly Birds/John Michael Howell (5.5/10)
I'm sorry... why is JVKE leaning away from this magical bliss music, and now he sounds more like Forrest Frank? I just can't with these fall-offs.
Through a Screen – Ty Myers (6.3/10)
An acceptable violin performance, and as usual, it tries to fit the tone of Ty's slow country songs. Doesn't do too much, but I'll take it.
Si Te Vas – J Balvin/Jay Wheeler (7.2/10)
Priceless - Bryant Barnes (6.9/10)
Bryant has done a fine job of creating a distinct sound that does sound like it would attract fans of Khalid, especially with his 2024 era. As much as Barnes can make a beat that's rich with flavours, I still think he could add more; it doesn't have that one notable part factor.
Shake Dat – Chief Keef/Mustard (7.5/10)
Very rarely do I hear a song that's most likely going to go under the radar despite having hit status potential. The bouncy beat is here; it's not too terrible for radio and certainly has some slick rap verses, with Mustard giving us a production that wouldn't have been turned down by Tyler or Kendrick for their fun rap eras.
Johnny – Sadboi/MOLIY (8.2/10)
Apart from the lyrics about sugar daddy and Bugatti and whatever in the hell I just heard, I do think that this is a MASSIVE improvement from "Shake It To The Max". It has the energy and pace that an ass-shaking song needs, and it's actually backed by some real funk! Thank you!
GHOST. - Armani White/Samara Cyn (8.6/10)
It's like Tyler The Creator's "Don't Tap The Glass" but even funkier and quality controlled, and without any cringeness, unlike what went into, I believe, the only other song I've heard by him, "Billie Eilish". This is amazing; such a party song, I'd say a new Music Friday gem.
Better Than the Floor – Sam Barber/Chande Peña (7/10)
Sam has a little emphasis in his voice that is an improvement from some of his other songs. Overall, a nice little country song, not exactly special.
Helium – The Chainsmokers/Anna Sofia (2/10)
I don't know, man; the random bass hit feels like something so worthless and cheap that CYRIL would try for it. It adds nothing to the song but feels like it's there for the overproduced factor, where they thought adding it was necessary. Boring song too.
All This Love - Cat Burns (7.5/10)
Cat took over 6 months to deliver again, and she delivers, as usual, an earworm of a hook with instrumentals that are packed with a flavour punch. Although I will admit that this is nowhere near her best and does feel a little bit same-ish, I'll take it.
Afters – BL3SS/Gravagerz (5.6/10)
This song doesn't do much apart from exist. More DJ music that sounds like it wouldn't even get into the club.
Pity – Mahalia/Tanya Stephens (5/10)
A short song with not much impact, it sounds like Mahalia thought it would hit better though. The soul is mixed with what I believe are loud trumpets in a party mix that not only feels short but also feels quite half-baked in terms of being memorable.
SPACE INVADER - KAYTRANADA (7.3/10)
A funky house song with summer chords that give a bright and refreshing feeling, although more could have been done to build upon that feeling.
SEE U DANCE - Joey Valance & Brae/Rebecca Black (8/10)
I'm going to be honest, "No Hands" is one of the cringiest rap albums I've ever heard, but I actually think there's hope for "Hyperyouth". Instead of the constant brain rot references and stupid inserts, it instead focuses on what's actually fun to a wider audience: real dance music! It's Joey but massively improved. Love that!
So So Good – Live – Phil Wickham/Brandon Lake/Elevation Worship (2/10)
Wow, this song is SO creative; this has reached the levels of creativity and artistic reach of Alex Warren, the Jonas Brothers and Lil Dicky. Ok, but let's be real, popular Christian music is on a constant nosedive of quality, with everything having this chanting sound that feels so worn out and tired of music.
Make Believe - Luke Dean/Omar+ (7.4/10)
Two artists who are both having their trending dance moment in the UK charts this year collaborate in an attempt to both score themselves a second hit, and I must say that this is a much-improved return. What sounds like heavy breathing creates this catchy tune when mixed with the pumping bass and synths, which sometimes get bubbly in the mix. It's a hit, and oh, the vocals kind of sound like Charli XCX but are weirdly engineered to sound actually bearable, even good. Never thought we'd see that day.
See You Again – &ME/Rampa/Adam Port/Sevdaliza/Keinemusik (5/10)
Adam tends to be that artist who makes the hit formula but without that one part which connects the hit formula to a painfully generic formula, and that's good, but what's not good is how he always features with the same people with the same results, and that missing piece is bigger than we expect. This song is missing some spice.
Times Square Jesus – The Favours/FINNEAS/Ashe (8.5/10)
I love the little slightly upper-pitched part of the hook; it makes me think of "Fairytale Of New York" a little. The song is near close to what sweet magic feels like, with care and love put into the folk duet.
Wear and Tear – Everything is Recorded/Sampha/Florence + The Machine/Danielle Ponder/Jah Wobble (6.3/10)
Before You Broke My Heart - Tobiahs (6/10)
Tobiahs returns after his mini charting achievement in the UK. Can't say I'm too happy to have another overused-sounding DJ tune with the altered voice, but at least it's not the worst thing. Just basic.
Running Home - Jade Lemac (7/10)
After "Constellations" having minor success, Jade returns with a much more straightforwardupbeat pop song. I get one song doesn't determine every other song you should make, but for a shot at success, something a little more lent into that magical feeling would definitely work.
Imma sh**t – Kodak Black (2/10)
I get that violent gangsta rap has often been normalised in rap culture, but not like this?? I'm sorry, but this is just disturbing. This song describes the plotline to a brutal murder, with lyrics describing the model of gun, the scene and "shitting up blood", "brain fragments", killing someone on camera and more. I'm seriously worried for Kodak, man, because this is not only cringe rap crap but genuinely just disturbing. Seek help. And apparently after more research people are branding this as raw life stories and about him fighting with legal issues, but honestly... just what? I need more links than that.
BIRTHDAY BEHAVIOUR - BIA/Young Miko (7/10)
A song that has lead rap potential with the mix of singing and rapping blending in the right amount for the two. Quite fun, it's definitely one for the party attendees.
Summer Skies (Love To Cry) - Lost Frequencies/Argy/Rhys from the Sticks (5.2/10)
Lost Frequencies really is one of the many artists who had that 2022 peak and then came crashing down to this, where the hook includes emotionless speaking that is often included in the DJ culture of DJs who really don't know how to make music and think they're going to hype up the club by shouting "we ready" (spoiler: they're not).
The Devil Is A Democrat - Tom Macdonald (3/10)
I don't even hate it... I'm just sick of it.
Carrying The Club - Flo Rida/Cooper Alan/Shaylen (1.4/10)
The AI-sounding country-rap song that sounds like a part two to "Yippee Ki Yay"
Hoes Be Mad – Cash Cobain/BunnaB (5.7/10)
These two collaborating was never going to be good… but you know what? It actually wasn't as doggy doo-doo as I thought it was going to be. Just dull, not an overly exaggerated annoyance.
Dogg' Em - Jozzy (7.1/10)
Funky guitar plucks with fast-paced R&B in the mix. It's certainly acceptable.
Running – That Mexican OT (3/10)
This sounds like a song you'd hear a drunk homeless man mumbling on a public bench at 3am; in fact,the song sounds like this. Parody songs have a vocal tone like this, which makes this song even harder to take seriously. Rap crap but without the usual rap crap features.
Shake The Nation - Riva Starr/Hyperloop/Carl Cox/Eliza Rose (8/10)
The mysteriously, slow & intenseness sound transforms dance and groove into something beyond thinking.
Dumb N Dumber Flo – Rio Da Yung Og/RMC Mike (0.6/10)
Lil Dicky's lyrics are on this level, and the overly rough feature sounds like an animated American truck driver. Then we get to this talking snippet, which honestly feels more unnecessary than the ASMR ending to Nicki Minaj's "Big Foot"; they should've kept this unreleased.
Niña Mala - Xavi/Omar Montes (7.5/10)
They're onto something with this; the Latin groove is addictive and gets stuck in your head, with the upbeat pace just making you vibe instantly.
Piece Of My Heart - ROSIE (5.5/10)
ROSIE sounds like ROSÉ, but she isn't as sad in her sad songs.
Daughter - Elizabeth Nichols (6.5/10)
Calm country music. Sounds like something that needs Lainey Wilson for a spice-up.
Dancer - Claire Rosinkranz (7.2/10)
400 – Kal Banx/Pink Siifu/Reggie/Outlaw Mel (5.1/10)
Lesbian Of The Year – The Beaches (7.5/10)
Calm, light, yet still has this vibe to it that feels nearly similar to songs that give a "floating" feel.
The Good Ones – Stacey Ryan (8.1/10)
The pop girlies are well and truly back! This had the energy, the vibe and basically the structure of a well-formed yet successful-sounding song. It's underrated, and you should check it out!
Have Your Way – Katy Nichole (8/10)
Christian music like this needs to enter the scene instead of whatever Forrest Frank is putting out. The vocals are strong and have purpose, the message is simply Christian and not some Forrest Frank-ass lyrics, and it's well executed to the point of something that can be understandably loved. If there was a movie scene of a character boldly standing on top of a mountain, this song's vibe would fit it.
Useless (Without You) - Elmiene (7/10)
Actually a very nice voice and a nice little R&B song.
Sliver - Mother Soki (5/10)
The definition of 'boring' and 'mid'.
Back Outside – Nija (8/10)
Sounds like Chris Brown's music but if it actually was kind of good. I like how there was a wide range of sounds from chords to hits to whatever I heard, and yet the song still doesn't feel overproduced.
Anyways, whatever – KenTheMan (7.7/10)
If Cardi B's and Kaliii's styles merged together but in the best possible way. Don't overthink this; it's just simply fun.
Amaya Papaya (No Me Digas Bebé) - Alex Ponce/Zulia (6.5/10)
Picking out my Spanish music to listen to by preview is turning out a lot better and giving me at least a better spin on the genre. It also really shows how mainstream messes up by churning out the same fart-ass trumpets in every mix; show us something like that actually focuses on prioritising better quality with the instruments having flavour instead of just existing. Still not amazing but definitely better than what I usually hear from the genre's trend.
DND - Reggie Becton (6.5/10)
March - Skullcrusher (7.9/10)
Flyest In The Room – Mike Dimes (7/10)
Rougher and bolder rap.
Jazzy Glazzy – Jdr (7.5/10)
An interesting mix of jazz instruments and dance music put into this fun and appealing bop.
My Bones - Mega (7.1/10)
Mega's music has went from controlling the simples to controlling whole productions. So cool!