By Liz Hammond, Digital media editor
Another week has passed and I’m still underwhelmed by what music has been coming out so far this year. I really thought that it was going to be fantastic, cue fireworks. But, instead I am left with disappointment.
So instead of giving a negative review on all the new trash music people have been putting out, I’m going to do a positive review on all the music I have on my playlist.
It took a lot of trial and error, but I did find a new song that I put on repeat. “Security” by Porches is glittery and fun, just like the entire album that it’s on. Frontman Aaron Maine has the voice of an angel and he could lull me to sleep any day.
Rex Orange County has been on my radar for so long and I’ve just been counting down the days until they blow up and everyone finally knows who they are. Their song, “Best Friend” almost makes me want a boyfriend for a few seconds before I rethink it.
But honestly, for me to even consider that is wild. It’s the lyrics that really pull you in, but it’s the beat that makes you stay. That guitar is so well-done that I would love to just sit and listen to him play it all day.
Angus and Julia Stone have been around for a while, also not to my surprise. This brother sister pair is a match made in heaven. The song “Chateau” makes you want to run away from all your responsibilities in a convertible with the top down and your hair blowing everywhere. The way that they sing is so light and enchanting that I’ll never get over it.
Speaking of bands that have been around for awhile, The Shins have forever gone down in alternative music history. James Mercer is the mastermind behind it all and it’s his unique voice that keeps them relevant: I know immediately if I hear a Shins song because of his voice.
Their song, “A Comet Appears” honestly would be one of my top three favorite songs in their repertoire: it has everything, including introspective lyrics.
There hasn’t been a lot of rap music lately that has impressed me. Other than, of course, the “Black Panther” album by Kendrick Lamar and other various artists. But I’m saving that album for another review.
PARTYNEXTDOOR gets a bad reputation sometimes because he’s just a typical R&B artist. But, I happen to think that his voice is original, especially his sound and production style. This song has been on my playlists since last November.
Also contributing some picks is Living & Arts Editor Danielle Bettendorf, who combed her recent listens for newer lesserknown music.
Hayley Kiyoko, who started to get more recognition after her single “Girls Like Girls” was released in 2015, released “Curious” off of her first album “Expectations” in early January. The song details Kiyoko’s questions towards a potential lover who is unclear about whether she wants to be with Kiyoko or not. Kiyoko has been praised for recording music with clear LGBT themes, which continue in “Curious” as Kiyoko earnestly addresses a girl who is publicly seeing a guy, but playing games with Kiyoko in private.
Dua Lipa made the top of the charts with “New Rules,” but continued her anthems of selflove in her new song “IDGAF.” The song is breezy and describes saying goodbye to an ex and choosing oneself over the other person. The prior themes of looking out for yourself over those who do not have your best interests in mind are still prevalent will appeal to those who love Lupa’s strong persona.
Finally, Normani and Khalid just released a single together called “Love Lies,” which is Normani’s first solo work outside of Fifth Harmony. The song was released on Valentine’s Day 2018 and was written for the film “Love, Simon.” The two previously collaborated when Normani featured in Khalid’s music video for “Young, Dumb & Broke” last year. In “Love Lies,” both singers sing smoothly through romantic inquiries to each other. After Khalid released his debut album “American Teen” and Normani begins to release more solo music, both artists are definitely ones to keep on your radar.
Finding new music to actually enjoy is hard enough as it is, so I hope that you can take some enjoyment out of these. There are so many artists out there who aren’t recognized but actually put in more time and thought into their music than any mainstream artist would ever think about.