Did anyone else notice a significant rise in the music releases this month? I did. It feels like everyone I listen to has released either a single, an EP, or an album. I didn’t get to listen to all of them, but here are some of the most notable releases of this month.
SINGLES
”Risk”, Gracie Abrams
Gracie Abrams is back with the first single off her new album, “The Secret of Us”, to be released next month. “Risk” is a new sound for Gracie, who until now had mostly settled for ballads, with a soft singing voice. This single shows the passion in Gracie’s voice, the urgency of falling in love with someone without being sure of the outcome. It’s almost angry in this definitive way of exploring feelings, with the bridge culminating in the issue at hand, “too soon to tell you I love you”.
“Sexy to Someone”, Clairo
Clairo returned with the lead single off her new album, “Charm”, as the release is next month. In this song, Clairo explores the need for validation and meaning through the eyes of someone else. The lyrics explain that if someone found her attractive or sexy, she would have a reason to leave her house. Although on the surface it is about wanting someone, having a deeper look into the lyrics you’ll find the loneliness and the desire to be with someone who will give meaning to a life.
“glimpse of me”, Olivia O’Brien
Olivia O’Brien looks back on a relationship of the past, and all the changes that occurred throughout the time apart. The lyrics speak directly to the other person, telling them she’s the “girl of your dreams”, but they won’t get to know her because she knows better now. It is a heartwarming song about figuring out your worth and looking towards the past not with regret, but gratefulness towards who you’ve been and happiness towards who you’ve become.
”stick of gum”, Nemahsis
Nemahsis is a Palestinian artist that has gained some popularity over social media. Her discography is mostly slow melodies with strong songwriting, which we can also find here, but the difference is in the music production. The drums ressemble strong footsteps, which rise as the song advances, reaching the peak with the chorus where Nemahsis shows us even with upbeat songs, her voice comes through as the highlight.
EP’s
”Saint Rich.”, OSTON
OSTON explores deep heartbreak and the consequences of toxic relationships in these songs. There is so much heartache in these lyrics and the production that take you on a rollercoaster. OSTON reached a new level of honesty and vulnerability with “Saint Rich.”, giving us a cathartic set of songs to scream along to. If you’ve been through a difficult break-up or situation that left you with trauma, you might find comfort and validation in the EP, as well as healing.
”Void”, Winona Oak
Winona Oak’s new EP takes a deep dive into the artist’s mind. Mental health is explored through both an interior and exterior perspective, with vulnerable lyrics who hit right in the heartstrings. There is honey in Winona Oak’s voice as she brings forth the hidden struggles and reassures the listeners that they’re not the only ones who suffer in silence.
ALBUMS
”HIT ME HARD AND SOFT”, Billie Eilish
Billie is back, and what a return! Each song holds different layers of production, transitions not only at the end of songs, but within songs too. There is so much passion in this record and you can tell that Billie and Finneas have given us their best. The lyrics are on par with their the production, the storytelling of the record making it impactful. There is not one song that I’d skip, each one having their own particularities that makes them unforgettable.
”Matriarchy”, girli
girli’s debut album is an introspective look into who the artist is as a person, going from mental health to self love to romance. There are a lot of feelings in this record, and girli explores them in a masterful manner. The title of the album, “Matriarchy”, is a reflection of womanhood and woman-aligned experiences. Through the self-love and questioning of one’s feelings, having your heart broken, finding romance, “Matriarchy” achieves an impressive result.
”empathogen”, WILLOW
WILLOW returns with its sixth album, though this time it’s different. The singer refers to the album as the first grown-up album it made. WILLOW takes us on its spiritual journey of discovering itself. Blending genres like jazz and rock, the record is a pleasure to the ears. There are layers upon layers of musical production, and the instruments are wonderful. When you look closer to the lyrics, there is a lot to decipher. WILLOW’s writing is poetry, and its voice is accompanying us through this emotional process. The album ends with a note of acceptance, acknowledging that not everything is figured out, but it doesn’t matter because the awareness is there.
”Radical Optimism”, Dua Lipa
We were all wondering where Dua Lipa would go next after the success of “Future Nostalgia”, and we have the answer. Although the record is more laid back, we find the neat production and clear vocals Dua excels at. She takes us on an adventure of wondering if this person will be the one, holding onto hope throughout the trials of the relationship. “Radical Optimism” ends on a bittersweet note as Dua Lipa finds happiness for the person she thought was the one.
Missed out on the April music releases? It’s not too late!
