Check out buzz’s picks for the top 10 new music releases of the past week, updated weekly. The list consists of the best songs, albums, EPs and music videos from all genres of music. Let us know if we missed anything.
“Hymn to Virgil” — Hozier
Hozier’s newest single, “Hymn to Virgil,” is a brooding musical rendition of Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno.” The song twists the concept of Dante’s journey through hell with harrowing lyrics, a gospel-tinged chorus and eerie orchestral sounds, creating layers of unease. The song comes as an addition to the deluxe version of “Unreal Unearth.”
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“Leash” — Sky Ferreira
“Leash” is a slinking pop single for Halina Reijn’s upcoming movie “Babygirl,” which follows a CEO who begins an affair with a young intern. Sky Ferreira’s first single since 2022 is a chaotically hazy combination of layered production, grungy guitars and a pulsing drum track. The expansive dream pop track features Ferreira’s haunting vocals as they warp around the instrumentation, creating an elaborate soundscape.
“With Only Your Mouth” — Love Spells
“With Only Your Mouth” is a dreamlike single from Texas artist Love Spells, wistfully portraying themes of intimacy and heartbreak. The muted strum of the guitar and lulling drums delicately course throughout the song, creating a relaxed rhythm that further pushes the track’s ethereal atmosphere.
“Chest Pain” — Malcolm Todd
Malcolm Todd evokes sounds of alternative R&B with his newest single, “Chest Pain.” Todd authentically sings about his helplessness after a breakup and the feeling of falling in love and losing that person. Poignant lyrics are woven between a groovy production and Todd’s soulful vocals, creating a heartfelt track.
“Maybe In Nirvana” — Smino
Smino’s melodious newest album, “Maybe in Nirvana,” is a passionate display of his growth and maturity as an artist. The album flaunts Smino’s catchy, soulful verses within a dynamic production that makes the track an enjoyable listen. “Maybe in Nirvana” is more low-key than previous albums, lacking the amount of high-profile features that made up “Luv 4 Rent” or “NOIR” — instead, it showcases Smino’s ability to create a high-quality album on his own.
“EL CLúB” — Bad Bunny
Alongside a trippy music video, “EL CLúB” features the Puerto Rican artist mourning over a past relationship and dealing with nostalgia. Although the track starts slow, it grows more upbeat with energetic house rhythms. The video clip has powerful imagery, blending high-speed dream sequences with darker scenes accompanied by acoustic guitar sounds. As always, Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rican roots are evident in both the rhythms and the visuals of his new project.
“gervonta” — Peso Pluma
Breakout star Peso Pluma’s latest single is named after the American boxer Gervonta Davis. Known for his modern take on corridos tumbados music — a traditional Mexican genre — the artist sings and raps about his lavish lifestyle in this vibrant tune.
“Southern Life (What It Must Be Like)” — Sharon Van Etten
In her latest single from her upcoming record, “Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory,” the singer-songwriter yearns about empathy and self-compassion in the melancholic synth-rock song. With a hypnotic vibe, the song highlights Van Etten’s husky vocals, teasing her listeners for more.
“Abandoned” — Waxahatchee, MJ Lenderman
Indie acts Waxahatchee and MJ Lenderman teamed up for an ingenious cover of Lucinda Williams’ “Abandoned.” The acoustic track was released exclusively as part of Waxahatchee’s EP “Apple Music Nashville Sessions.” The artists’ vocals find a strong connection in this stripped-down acoustic track, paying homage to the folk veteran.
“Focus Ring” — Denison Witmer, Sufjan Stevens
Starting with a question, “Focus Ring” is a soothing tune from Denison Witmer and Sufjan Stevens. Part of Witmer’s upcoming record “Anything At All,” to be released Feb. 14, the track is an earnest ballad about generosity. Stevens’ angelic vocals are a welcome addition to the dreamy track — a nice reminder of his strength in the indie folk genre.
