What better way to kick off a weekend than with new music? Fridays are always chock full of the latest songs and albums ready to be the soundtrack to everyone’s antics, and here you’ll find some of the week’s standout releases. Whether you’re ready to spin an anticipated song from a favorite artist or just taking a look at what’s out there, there’s a whole lot of tunes to dive right into. Who knows—maybe you’ll find your next obsession.
Mike Shinoda
“Open Door”
Made-in-quarantine music has almost become a genre of its own over the past few months but Linkin Park’s Mike Shinoda has taken it to a new level. His upcoming album, Dropped Frames, was made via Twitch by taking suggestions from fans—it results in lead single “Open Door”. The electric track features Shinoda’s patented hip-hop influences made even better by female vocals in the hook.
WSTR
Skrewd (Reimagined)
Before WSTR were regarded amongst the best in the genre, the UK pop-punk powerhouses released an EP called Skrwd that presented their raw, pure punk roots. Now, they’re celebrating the re-release of the EP on vinyl with a reimagining of two of the EP’s tracks. “Ain’t Great” takes the tune into acoustic territory—something WSTR are all too good at—but “South Drive” gets an ironic non-serious pop-tronica remix that fans are hysterically destroying. (“You know you’re allowed to keep some stuff on your hard drive, right?”)
Kanye West
“Wash Us in the Blood”
Yeezus season is upon us. “Wash Us in the Blood” marks the return of a new West era that draws parallels to his polarizing 2013 record, Yeezus. Hard-hitting beats mixed by Dr. Dre sees West with a fresh sense of urgency that he’s been lacking, while the addition of Travis Scott’s droning vocals add further bark to its bite.
Katy Perry
“Daisies” (Acoustic)
By Katy Perry’s standards, her forthcoming album’s lead single, “Daisies”, is kind of a flop commercially—but the reality is that it’s probably one of Perry’s best songs to date. Whether a number one hit or not, Perry makes it even better by way of a beautiful acoustic rendition that has her belting out emotion with every word.
MxPx
Life in Quarantine
MxPx’s Mike Herrera has been passing the time inside by doing what he does best—playing music. The pop-punk frontman has been live streaming performances weekly for the past couple of months now, and for those who never tuned in, the tunes are packaged in a nice little compilation available on streaming services. Featuring fan favorites and their new track, “Worries”, it helps scratch that live show itch just a tiny bit.
Silverstein
“Where Are You” (Alternate Version)
A Beautiful Place to Drown has quietly maintained its status as one of the best rock albums of the year so far. Silverstein, who are no strangers to covers, re-recordings, and acoustics, put a different twist on one of the album’s standouts “Where Are You”. The alternate version is largely acoustic and a stark contrast from the original’s crunchy guitars and overall intensity, but frontman Shane Told and the rest of Silverstein make it as natural as ever.
Disclosure
“My High”
DJ duo Disclosure and UK rapper Slowthai link up for a hip-hop infused club jam on “My High”. The track’s trance-like aura explodes from start to finish with percussion, never missing a beat. Slowthai’s inventive flow only adds to the production, making it another cut off Disclosure’s new album that helps build its hype.
Ellie Goulding
“Slow Grenade”
Ellie Goulding is collaborating with guests more than ever on her new album, and so far each feature has never felt like filler. “Slow Grenade” featuring Lauv is no different. The two singer/songwriters are both pretty similar and they naturally fit together like a puzzle on this mellow track. While Goulding’s robotic vocals are the backbone, Lauv helps even it out with his smooth delivery.
Pop Smoke
Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon
Rising rapper Pop Smoke was tragically killed this past February, ending the life of a promising artist whose untapped potential knew no bounds. With the help of his former manager, the finishing touches were put on his debut full-length that gives fans and the public the opportunity to appreciate his craft like it deserves. Pop Smoke is generally an acquired taste—his smokey (no pun intended) vocals end up becoming addictive; while well-placed features add further value. It’s an easy listen with its hour-long length and it’s something you’ll have no problem returning to.
Other new releases:
Lany – “if this is the last time”
Ty Dolla $ign – “Ego Death”
Lovelytheband – “idwgtyp”
The Front Bottoms – “Montgomery Forever”
The Knocks x Idris Elba – “One Fine Day” (feat. Tiggs Da Author)
MisterWives – “decide to be happy”
Yellowcard – Yellowcard (B-Sides)
HONNE – no song without you
