If we thought last month was overwhelming for music releases, it has nothing on the amount of albums and singles we got this month. I took one for the team and listened to almost all of them just to tell you which ones are worth paying attention to.
SINGLES
“Genesis.”, Raye
“Genesis.” is a three-part masterclass in music production and story-telling. The moment I pressed play, I did not expect the wonder that would be this seven minute track. It is a rollercoaster of emotions with the vulnerable and poetic lyricism, as well as the production taking you on different levels. Raye explores the concept of “Genesis.”, which in the Bible is rebirth of the world after the apocalypse. The singer-songwriter addresses the issues she’s going through, and ties them in with world issues. I could write a novel about this song, but I’m just going to leave it at you should listen, you won’t regret any second of it.
“Please Please Please”, Sabrina Carpenter
We’ve talked about Sabrina’s album announcement in this article, where she first teased “Please Please Please”. The song is both sad and comedic, with Sabrina asking her love interest to not embarrass her. It is a warning for the other person, but also a recognition that it is possible this relationship may end up a mess. The single is catchy and fun, which tells us a little bit about the vibe of her upcoming album.
“Anything”, Griff
Griff continues to outdo herself with each new release. If you didn’t know, Griff writes, produces and has complete creative control of her music, which makes her artistry all the more impressive. With the new single “Anything” off her debut album, Griff tells this person that she loved them so much that she would’ve done anything for them — which is a feeling everyone who has loved someone deeply can relate to. The track has a catchy melody, but the emotion in Griff’s voice is what betrays the upbeat energy, as well as the heartbreaking bridge.
“Perfect Revenge”, Dylan
Continuing her streak of releasing pop perfection after “The Alibi”, Dylan is upholding her legacy with “Perfect Revenge”. In this single, Dylan continues to lean into the unhinged energy she’s been bringing as she speaks directly to the person she’s obsessed with. The single explores the concept of having a crush taken to the extreme, much like “The Alibi”. We’re excited to see where Dylan’s next project goes.
EP’s
“love & limerence”, Olivia O’Brien
Olivia O’brien is back with this heartfelt EP exploring these two themes surrounding romantic feelings. The singer-songwriter talks about the struggles of looking for your person, and instead being met with uncertainty. This constant search is limerence, the obsession to be with someone, whereas the love comes in self-reflection and acceptance. The project ends with “if i can’t be with you”, which expresses that Olivia is fine being on her own if she can’t have this person.
“Into Your Power”, EZI
EZI’s new EP, as the title suggests, is all about empowerment. Although coming in with only four songs, each one of them has a grandiose production. With the title and the cover, EZI is clearly showing the opposition of falling into your power through adversity. She manages to bring forth a lot of emotions, with “Cold Cement” tugging at the heartstrings of every person who’s constantly going through heartache.
ALBUMS
“The Secret of Us”, Gracie Abrams
Last month, we talked about Gracie’s debut single off her new album, “Risk”. The single was leading us towards thinking the album would be happier leaning. However, while the production is a little more upbeat, Gracie keeps her brand of sad and introspective songs. The album explores the fall of a relationship, all while being a love letter to the listeners who have been around for a long time. “I Love You, I’m Sorry” is the perfect sequel to “I Miss You, I’m Sorry”. The track is followed by “us.”, the feature with Taylor Swift that turns out to be where the title of the album is derived from. “Let It Happen” is a sadder alternative that goes back to “Mess It Up”. The lyricism remains on par, with Aaron Desner’s and Jack Antonoff’s production bringing a new dimension to the songs. It is a bittersweet album. Gracie’s sophomore album is more mature in the heartbreak it explores, but also in recognising it was for the best.
“BRAT”, Charli xcx
Charli xcx’s new album has been on everyone’s radar, and rightfully so. Although we knew Charli excels in her genre, the album is more than hyper pop excellence. Charli’s lyrics explore being a woman in the music industry. We encounter a lot of introspective thoughts about feeling insecure, not good enough, while at the same time recognising that her feeling that way about her peers means they probably feel the same about her. There is a dichotomy of questioning your place and knowing you deserve to be there, and Charli achieves it wonderfully. The “the girl, so confusing” remix with Lorde further delves into the subject, showing how we, as women, tend to think other women are out to get us when in reality they’re going through similar issues.
“Honeymind”, Ben Platt
Ben Platt returns with another record that is self-descriptive in its title. “Honeymind” is sweet and peaceful. It is full of love for his partner, for the life he’s living, and for his own person. With his song “Fear of Missing Out”, Ben Platt recognises he’s working on being better to himself. When it comes to the production, it is like drinking honey-tea. Through his music, Ben Platt speaks to the soul, and brings us much needed peace. There isn’t much else to say except if you’re feeling overwhelmed by life, this album is the place to start as it will bring you to tears, but will leave you feeling like you’re in a soft blanket with a cup of tea in your hands.
“CRASH”, Kehlani
Kehlani starts the album in a direct manner, showing you she’s determined to take your heart from the beginning. They don’t let up during the entire record, with transitions in the music production so smooth that Kehlani could steal anyone’s heart. The singer knows what she wants and knows the type of love she has to offer is healing. However, even with all the pride she has of her love, Kehlani reminds us to not settle for less. With “Better Not”, they tell their love interest that if they want her, they better show loyalty. The production is showstopping, with danceable tracks all around as well as a few ballads. Kehlani proves that they can do everything.
Missed on the May music releases? There’s nothing to worry about, we wrote an article about those too!
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