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. Feel free to let us know if we missed anything.
“bittersweet” — Madison Beer
“Bittersweet,” the second single from Madison Beer’s forthcoming third album, captures the clarity and relief that come with moving on. Beer’s airy vocals over a synth-heavy production create a digital yet dreamy atmosphere. The track’s polished sound and emotional resolve draw clear parallels to the sound of Ariana Grande’s “eternal sunshine,” blending vulnerability with a sense of closure.
“Kiss” — Demi Lovato
“Kiss,” from Demi Lovato’s upcoming album “It’s Not That Deep,” channels playful, dance-pop energy with unabashed confidence. Produced by Zhone, who is also credited on Kesha’s “Joyride,” the track leans into club-friendly electro-pop. At just over two minutes, it’s a flirty and fun track that reminds listeners to live in the moment because, after all, it’s not that deep.
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“The Manifesto” — Gorillaz
“The Manifesto” is the second single from Gorillaz’s upcoming album, “The Mountain.” The majestic track features an expansive group of Indian musicians who curate the song’s immersive atmosphere through instruments such as the sarod and bansuri. The lyrics emphasize perseverance in tough times, set against a background that blends hip-hop with cultural influence. Verses from Trueno, an Argentinian rapper, complement the instrumental and Proof, the late rapper from D12.
“Zoo” — Disney, Shakira
Reprising her role as Gazelle in “Zootopia 2,” Shakira returns with an upbeat, tropical track fitting perfectly within the “Zootopian” aesthetic. It’s an inspirational movie anthem full of vibrance and fun with lively Spanish verses. Only Shakira could turn a dance floor into a stampede, chanting, “We’re turnin’ the floor into a zoo, ooh-ooh.”
“MOVE LIKE THAT (MOMO)” — TWICE
Momo’s high-energy solo, produced by Shift K3Y and powered by groovy beats and a catchy rhythm, was teased ahead of Twice’s [THIS IS FOR] World Tour. Stepping beyond her rap roots, the track highlights her versatility as the group’s main dancer with a more bass-heavy sound, constructed to perform on stage.
“Blue” — Alina Baraz, Galimatias
Two years since her last release, Alina Baraz returns with a new sultry, slow-burning track featuring longtime collaborator Galimatias, whose hazy synths and ambience echo the dreamy vibe of their debut together. “Color me in blue, I am lost in you,” Baraz sings, as her vocals glide over Galimatias’s signature lush, alluring production blending smooth R&B with electronica.
“TOP NOTE” — Reina Washio ft. SOOJIN
Marking SOOJIN’s first solo collaboration, this atmospheric song, primarily in English, evokes the powerful, yet delicate scent of lingering perfume that “flows in your heart” and “glows in the dark” with a pulsing bass. Washio said the track “expresses the desire to ‘be yourself’ while maintaining pride and showing off your strength.”
“momentary lovers” — Khalid
Part of his newest album, “after the sun goes down,” which dropped on Friday, is “momentary lovers” by Khalid. Using a bouncy, engrossing beat and his layered vocals, he sings about having a brief reconnection with someone from his past without getting too attached. The upbeat feeling and the realization that the relationship will not last forever are contrasted throughout the song, as he sings, “You’re my baby for the summer” and “Pull me closer and don’t think about the outcome.”
“Your Girl” — Towa Bird
For season two of “Nobody Wants This” on Netflix, “Your Girl” is Towa Bird’s first release of the year. Bird sings about a girl who is in a relationship that keeps coming back to her with lyrics, such as “You’re out of touch, so she comes running to me.” Starting with a guitar intro, “Your Girl” is upbeat with fun bass, creating an exciting, consistent melody. The electric guitar gives a heightened, carefree feeling to the song along with the melodies throughout.
“EYES CLOSED” — JISOO and ZAYN
Zayn Malik and Jisoo’s voices blend seamlessly in the collaboration between the BLACKPINK member and the British singer, “EYES CLOSED.” The chorus is lively with a longing for love and connection as their flowy voices sing together throughout the song. The acoustic guitar conveys simplicity and vulnerability as Jisoo and Malik contemplate a romantic connection during the chorus. The beat and melody captivate and invite a somewhat hopeful feeling about a romantic connection.
