Editor’s note: In April 2021, we kicked off our weekly recommendations, coming to you each Friday: 4 to 6 picks, by 2 or 3 team members. But keeping that tight a schedule while this website is (sadly) not a full-time gig (pun unintended) has grown to be exhausting over time. So starting today —and for the foreseeable future—, #RecsFriday becomes #RecsSunday. For this first edition, here are 10 new songs to jam along to!
Dancer – LÉON
Easy on the ears, LÉON’s latest release revives back all the right 80s vibes. The track is all about falling head over heels for someone and finally accepting the reality of it, and somehow manages to translate that feeling into sound, especially if you listen to it with headphones.
In the Darkness – mxmtoon
Multitalented mxmtoon (featured in our Women of 2k20 playlist) is especially known for her knack for crafting soft lullabies. Recently, she voiced the character of Alex Chen in Life is Strange: True Colors, and so she decided to release an EP of the songs she sang in the video game. In the Darkness is sweet and dreamy, perfect to dance and twirl along to in your room with dim lights.
Venise – Leslie Medina
A long-time music lover, French actress Leslie Medina kicked off a singer-songwriter career of her own in 2020. Here, she sings about a relationship stuck in a rut. To get out of it, she suggests that they go to Venise. Whether the trip helps them rekindle the flame or not, at least “it’s never too late for Italy”.
Make of It – half•alive
Talking about mental health in their music isn’t a first for half•alive. The Long Beach-based band has actually touched upon the subject (and other serious and essential ones in life) many times, and always knows how to do it with an upbeat sound and some very good lyrical hooks. Here, one line in particular stands out and feels like a mantra: “My past is what I make of it.”
Deadline – Grouplove
Alright. This one was released back in March, but it’s off Grouplove’s brand new album This Is This, and it’s (still) a banger. It’s the kind of song you might sing and shout along to in the car, with the windows open. Or the kind you jump around to and yell in your room. 100% efficient to blow off some steam.
I’ve Got You – Kay Young & JNR WILLIAMS
Londoners Kay Young and JNR WILLIAMS might just have a hit on their hands. Wholesome lyrics, a feel-good sound and some serious old school party vibes. And the video reflects just that, with the rapper’s contagious smile as a sweet bonus. This one has to get you up on your feet.
Under the Sun – Cuco
Heavily inspired by the beliefs surrounding Día de los Muertos in modern Mexican culture, singer-songwriter Cuco takes us between the planes of the dead and the living in Under the Sun. The track is mesmerizing, and so is the music video. Look out for the gorgeous guitar solo.
Let Me – Dana Williams
“And I don’t need you to save me/I’m not hurt, I’m not a baby,” sings Dana Williams in her latest track, as she wonders if the someone she likes will ultimately let her down. More upbeat than her previous releases, Let Me is catchy and heartfelt. The melody might just get you hooked.
In Reality – Jazzie Young
Sometimes you just need to leave people behind because they do you more harm than good (if any). This track is about reminding oneself of that. LA-based Jazzie Young has just released a video for In Reality. If you enjoy anime, you’ll want to check it out.
Never Forget – Wax Tailor
Without any actual lyrics, Wax Tailor will get you thinking about life, and how history seems doomed to be repeat itself. The French musician and producer has a knack for cleverly picked and sampled soundbites, layered over captivating melodies. The music video is a must-see.
