On Monday, we start off the week right with our #SongOfTheWeek (in the mood for something uplifting and grand? check out Sarah Kinsley’s latest release and our interview with her!), and then we end it on a good note with #RecsFriday.
Without further ado, here are this week’s recommendations.
From us to you. With love.
Solar Power – Lorde
Alright, THE Lorde has come back to save us all from our misery. The New Zealand artist had already teased her new project Solar Power earlier this week, and here it is. The song is an ode to the sun, summer and freedom. What a promise, considering our reality right now. We all need the recklessness summer usually brings to our lives.
In the official video, Lorde is shown wearing a yellow outfit and seems to be surrounded by yoga and chess fans. If you look closer, though, it seems more like the set-up of a new cult. After all, she sings: “I’m kinda like a prettier Jesus”. Maybe that’s what Solar Power is all about: a new religion of love?
Four years after her last album Melodrama, Lorde makes a great comeback with this track. You’ll be able to see her live at Primavera Sound 2022, in Barcelona. ⬪ Marie Bail
Not As Blue – RickExpress, Topaz Jones & Alissia
New York-based RickExpress (real name Ricky McKinny Junior) has just released his first single Not as Blue. I must admit that I had never heard of this multi-talented artist – he’s a DJ, photographer, producer and now singer – before today. He had only released one mixtape (called New Normal) during the first lockdown, in 2020. RickExpress has a perfectly mastered high-pitched yet sensual voice, and it blew my mind on the first listen. The song has a groovy 80s beat, made even better with East Coast hip hop gem Topaz Jones’ addition. Musician and producer Alissia (known for having a soft spot for funk) also joins them on the track. A safe bet for the ears. ⬪ MB
F.M.E – Nemir & Lala &ce
Nemir is back! With a new 20-minute EP titled ORA. Out of the 7 songs on it, I chose F.M.E. In this song, the French rapper from Perpignan, in the South of France, sings along with another French artist, Lala &ce. On this track, they both say goodbye to their ex. “Every time you call me you remind me of my sorrow.” It’s time to let go of all the painful memories. Nemir’s sunny and delicate rhythm goes perfectly with Lala &ce’s nonchalant voice. ⬪ MB
Holiday – Ruth B.
“Babe, you sparkle like a sweet champagne / Your love is a holiday,” sings Canadian artist Ruth B. And it makes me wonder: what if love doesn’t give you butterflies in your stomach, but rather bubbles (of champagne)? That would explain why it makes you feel dizzy as well (I’m sorry, but it’s true). Anyway, if we believe love is like a holiday, then I’d say it’s a sweet and liberating passion, like a first day of summer. Yes, I know, summer hasn’t arrived yet, but it’ll soon to be here. And love as well, I promise. ⬪ MB
