I was sick and feverish during our First New Music Friday of 2018, but not to worry, I caught up quick and had a listen to all the releases from last week. Though there were not very many full Albums released, there were some notable Singles worth many listens, and perhaps some audio real estate on your next Playlist.
So, go on and get comfortable, whether at home, at the office, or out in the world somewhere on the go, and have a Listen to these Top 5 Best New Releases. If you like what you hear, go now go and support the art and the artists, buy an Album, or a Single, and go see some of these New Releases played live.
I would love to hear what you think of the selected songs, and album titles. Is there a New Music Release that you feel should have been on this list? Add to the buzz and comment below.
Top 5 New Releases – Released January 5, 2018
1. “Echo” by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Three-Sentence Review: An Audio Sneak Peek Single from BRMC’s upcoming (and anticipated) album, Wrong Creatures, “Echo” really just makes me want more. That’s a good thing though, especially with the 80’s New Wave (think Echo And The Bunnymen or “Hurting” era Tears For Fears) influence, darkwave atmospheric with a touch of Ambiance, is the Tease. “Echo” reminds me why I’ve been a Black Rebel Motorcycle Club fan for so long.
Initial Favorite Track(s): Single (N/A)
Rating (1-5 Stars): 5+
2. “God Save Our Young Blood” by BØRNS, featuring Lana Del Rey
Three-Sentence Review: At first listen this feels like a Summer Song, not a mid-Winter/ start of the Year release. That said, sometimes we all need a little sunshine, pop-sensibility laden, throw this on in the car and turn it up loud Song, even if its sweater weather outside. Lana’s moody-romantic tone gives this Indie Pop Song a layer of darkwave that elevates the Single from being a throwaway hit (this one will still be spinning when Summer actually arrives, I think).
Initial Favorite Track(s): Single (N/A)
Rating (1-5 Stars): 5
3. “Filthy” by Justin Timberlake
Three-Sentence Review: Speaking of Summer Singles, Timberlake’s New Song, “Filthy”, feels custom-made, club, radio, and workout ready, be on everyone’s Summer Song radar kind of Track. But maybe this is a necessary trend to kick off the year with, a make you want to dance, electro/dub infused, throwback R&B influenced Song. I love the classic R&B feel in the chorus and the dub effects throughout, though I do wish the hook was a little stronger here, that said there’s no denying that this one will even make your AI clone move.
Initial Favorite Track(s): Single (N/A)
Rating (1-5 Stars): 5
4. “Hand It Over” by MGMT
Three-Sentence Review: And yet another Summer sounding Single with the new Track from MGMT, albeit a sleepy-Summer sound. Another sneak peek/tease Song for MGMT’s upcoming (no release date yet) Album, Little Dark Age. I love the Psychedelic-meets-Dream vibe that permeates this Track which reminds me of Ariel Pink, Panda Bear, and “Do You Realize?” era Flaming Lips.
Initial Favorite Track(s): Single (N/A)
Rating (1-5 Stars): 4
5. Introvert’s Plight by When We Land
Three-Sentence Review: At first listen I am reminded of mid-80’s Genesis minus the pop-hooks. I wanted to like this Album more than I did, maybe mostly because of the Album title (I wanted more for an “introvert’s” plight). The production and instrumentation outshine the vocal and lyrics, which for a girl who loves words and lyrics, this one is a hard sell for me.
Initial Favorite Track(s): “Kicking and Screaming” and “Introvert’s Plight”
Rating (1-5 Stars): 3
