Keeping up with new music can be exhausting, even impossible. From the weekly album releases to standalone singles dropping on a daily basis, the amount of music is so vast it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks. Even following along with the Uproxx recommendations on daily basis can be a lot to ask, so every Monday we’re offering up this rundown of the best music released in the last week.
This week saw Girlpool offer up their third career album, standout hip-hop releases from G Herbo and Lil Xan, and found Cage The Elephant proving why they are one of rock’s most underrated bands. Yeah, it was a pretty great week for new music. Check out the highlights below.
Girlpool – What Chaos Is Imaginary
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There’s something about the embrace of Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad on the cover of their new album, What Chaos Is Imaginary, that is striking. Maybe it’s just the intimacy between the two bandmates, or the sky behind them that exudes optimism, but there’s a warmth and comfort in the image that stops me in my tracks every time I see it. Girlpool’s music operates the same way, with this third career collection expanding upon the duo’s full-band sound and penchant for affecting harmonies.
Broods – Don’t Feed The Pop Monster
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Following a stint opening for Taylor Swift in Australia and New Zealand, New Zealand pop siblings Broods seem ready to make the next step. The singles from Don’t Feed The Pop Monster have been particularly strong, including the airy “Everything Goes (Wow),” leading to believe that the rest of the album should follow suit. Good pop groups are hard to find, and Broods seem ready for the bigger spotlight.
G Herbo & Southside — Still Swervin
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Whether it’s through his old moniker of Lil Herb or now as G Herbo, this Chicago rapper has been on everyone’s list to breakout for a while. This latest effort, a collaboration with trap producer Southside, should find Herbo continuing to carve his raw and energetic niche, never dulling his edges and happy to just be himself, even if that means operating on the fringes.
Beirut — Gallipoli
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It wasn’t much more than a decade ago that the trumpet-tooting, globally influenced indie of Beirut was one of the hottest names in music. And though the popularity of the project may have waned, Zach Condon’s music continues to be as evocative and striking as ever. The title track, in particular, captures mournful nostalgia in a way that few other artists can match.
Cage The Elephant — “Ready To Let Go”
There has not been a better hit-making band in the alternative world in the last decade. Full stop. And though it seems like Kentucky’s Cage The Elephant never quite get the respect they deserve, they just keep producing infectious rock songs that doesn’t have many peers. “Ready To Let Go” is as sturdy and inviting as anything they’ve ever done, beginning their latest album cycle with a bang.
Perfume Genius/Empress Of — “When I’m With You”
Empress Of’s “When I’m With You” is the best song she’s ever written, and was one of our favorite tracks of 2018. It’s a pretty perfect tune that doesn’t need anything altered, yet still, this rework from Perfume Genius takes the song to unexpected places. It’s slowed down and dramatic, with Mike Hadreas’s fragile vocals combining with the original for a piece that gives the original new meaning. If it’s not broken, sometimes it’s still worth working on.
Billie Eilish — “Bury A Friend”
17-year-old singer Billie Eilish has finally announced her debut album will be coming out, titled When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?. In celebration of that, she also offered her latest single. “Bury A Friend” is glitchy and full of despair, with some Yeezus screams thrown in for good measure. There might not be a more exciting young artist in music.
Big Boi Feat. Killer Mike & Backbone — “Return Of The Dopeboy”
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Perfectly timed to precede his Super Bowl appearance, Outkast hip-hop legend Big Boi returns with this track featuring fellow ATLien Killer Mike. The song features a relaxed flow throughout until Killer Mike comes in with his peerless energy. With Atlanta about to be the biggest stage on the planet, Big Boi is ready for his closeup.
Lucy Dacus — “La Vie En Rose”
Any day when Lucy Dacus offers up a new recording feels like a holiday. But for 2019, she’s decided to release new covers on a holiday schedule. Her version of Edith Piaf’s iconic “La Vie En Rose” is in honor of Valentine’s Day, but expect more for Independence Day, Halloween, and, uh, Springsteen’s birthday. You know, the important holidays.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
