V’s New music Friday picks for the last week of March
V’s New music Friday picks for the last week of March
And just like that, March is coming to a close! Luckily for us, a host of fresh releases are sitting ready to be streamed. If you’re looking to sit in a bit of sadness, boygenius has an album that is perfect for you, or if you’re looking to dance, Khalid has provided an upbeat retro single with “Softest Touch.” Wherever you are, may the sun be shining, the weekend be a good one, and your speakers be turned up to the highest volume!
Chlöe, In Pieces
The producer and songwriter extraordinaire, Chloe Bailey, has finally released her long awaited debut solo album, In Pieces. After proving her musical prowess in sister duo Chloe x Halle, Bailey (dropping the last name for her solo act, going by Chlöe) has created a project that showed her process of healing post a highly tumultuous heartbreak. The standout track from the album is undoubtedly “Cheatback (ft. Future),” a stripped down guitar-focused song which chronicles the young star feeling prompted to “cheat back” on her lover who she has caught cheating on her. As her sister gears up for the press tour for her starring role in the upcoming live action version of The Little Mermaid, it is clear that Chlöe is headstrong in her pursuit of creating her own version of starpower.
boygenius, the record
If you weren’t upset this morning, then boy do I have an album that’ll do it to you! Boygenius, the alternative trio consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker, debuted with their critically acclaimed self-titled EP back in 2018. Almost five years later, the uber-melancholy songstresses have released their first full length album, the record, as a project that winds through feelings of regret, longing, and anger. Oh, it hurts so good! Sad girls unite!
Khalid, “Softest Touch”
“Softest Touch” marks Khalid’s first solo release of the year in a catchy retro-inspired bop that shows off the soulful and relaxed voice of the singer. The song is a romantic swoon over a lover, with Khalid proclaiming, “Whenever we’re together I find myself stuck on you / It’s now or never / Tell her future endeavors, plan out these trips in her name, I’ll go. The release comes ahead of the singer’s opening spot on Ed Sheeran’s upcoming “+ – = ÷ x Tour,” with Khalid sharing, “I’m so excited to finally give my fans a surge of new music! I’m currently gearing up for tour with Ed Sheeran and continuing to write and record new music that I can’t wait to share with the world. “Softest Touch” is the beginning of what’s to come. I hope you all enjoy it!”
Tyler, the Creator, CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale
Two years after the release of CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST, Tyler, the Creator has released a deluxe version, featuring 8 new tracks. The deluxe songs include features from host of stars A$AP ROCKY, Vince Staples, and YG. Between selling suitcases and nailpolish, it’s clear that the rapper is clearly focused on doing whatever feels right, and the deluxe album is confirmation of it. His music sounds effortless and fueled by his own desires, yet is simultaneously niche-ly curated to fit the soft rap lane he has so carefully curated for himself.
Ethan Bortnick, “the last laugh”
In an entrancing mix between classic piano skills and angst-fueled lyricism, Ethan Bortnick’s “the last laugh” is a single where he puts a stamp of closure on a traumatic breakup. The artist to watch has a cutting way with words, singing, “The punchline hit a year ago, Still fighting for the last laugh / We’ve spun around, on this merry go round, the carousel’s final lap / The weeds spring up and the garden dies, that’s just how it is / We’ve decomposed our self control” This release comes ahead of Bortnick’s upcoming tour, kicking off in April with a sold-out NYC show as well as including a range of international dates.
Chappell Roan, “Kaleidoscope”
In a departure from some of her most beloved upbeat pop hits, Chappell Roan has released “Kaleidoscope,” a swaying and thoughtful ballad where she reflects on how she got to where she is today. Over just a piano, the rising star actualizes her first love as her biggest influence in her burgeoning career. “Realizing I was in love with my best friend was the most dangerous moment of my life, but also the most beautiful,” shares Roan. “To move from platonic to romantic feelings is always a risk. As my love for them changes, it’s always love no matter which way you look at it.”
Coi Leray, “Players (Tokischa Remix)”
In a remix of her biggest hit “Players,” Coi Leray has tapped Dominican rapper Tokischa for a remix. The track flows back and forth between Spanish and English, giving a new side to the radio smash hit. This release comes after a line of several remixes of the song, including versions that feature Busta Rhymes and David Guetta.
