As the month of October comes to a close, many pop stars are gearing up for big releases. Louis Tomlinson put forth another single off his upcoming record Walls, Selena Gomez released her first post-Justin Bieber empowerment anthem, and Lizzo called upon one of pop music’s biggest stars to lend their voice on a remix.
Conan Gray — “Maniac”
Young pop singer Conan Gray broke out onto the scene with his exploration of young love on his EP Sunset Season last year. The singer is teasing a big release and gives a glimpse of what’s in store with a few singles, “Maniac” being the latest. Gray forgoes an intro and jumps right into the song’s first verse. In the lyrics, Conan chronicles a hypocritical past relationship who trash talks him to friends then asks to get back together. Though the lyrics are earnest, the track’s playful beat combines with Gray’s bright lyrical delivery to lighten the mood and turn the somewhat serious track into a dancey number.
Louis Tomlinson — “We Made It”
Louis Tomlinson has been through a lot in the past year. After coping with the death of his sister, Tomlinson turned back to music as a means of emotional expression and publically stated he’s creating music for himself and his fans — not commercial success. Though he wrote “We Made It” just over two years ago, the track is a relevant nod to turning a new page. Opening with a strumming guitar and a vocal melody to compliment Tomlinson’s nearly monotone delivery seemingly pulls inspiration from ’90s Brit-pop like Oasis.
Selena Gomez — “Look At Her Now”
After surprise dropping two tracks, one of which fans are convinced is about past lover Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez signals the beginning of a new era. “Look At Her Now” is an anthem to the growth and empowerment Gomez has experienced since her emotional breakup and previous record, Revival. After putting forth the touching single, “Lose You To Love Me,” Gomez follows up with a pumped-up composition that has themes of self-love and learning from past mistakes.
Lizzo — “Good As Hell” Remix Feat. Ariana Grande
Lizzo‘s most recent record, Cuz I Love You, catapulted the singer into the limelight, allowing her older music to get the attention it deserved. “Good As Hell” is exemplary. Though the song was released in 2016, it has risen in popularity and Lizzo capitalized on her growing fanbase by calling upon Ariana Grande to lend her voice. Though the song doesn’t change much in the structure, Grande’s sugary vocals add dimension to the feel-good tune.
Kesha — “Raising Hell” Feat. Big Freedia
Kesha is another musician who has taken time to reflect since her last album. After staying relatively quiet in the music scene this past year, with the exception of the track “Rich, White, Straight, Men” released earlier this year, Kesha released the first single from her upcoming project, High Road. With “Raising Hell,” Kesha combines her pop and country sensibilities over a chorus that opens to a funky composition of layered brass instruments.
Anna Of The North — “My Love”
Anna Of The North put forth her sophomore record Dream Girl earlier this week, and “My Life” was a hard to miss track. The lighthearted tune combines Anna’s bright vocals with a bouncy piano and feathered percussion.
Cailin Russo — “Declaration”
LA-based singer/songwriter Cailin Russo offers the first taste of her new era of music with “Declaration.” With her textured vocals, Russo creates a fierce soundscape by melting foot-stomping percussion with ’80s-inspired synths.
King Princess — “You Destroyed My Heart”
King Princess put forth her debut album, Cheap Queen, off Mark Ronson’s label, Zelig Records. “You Destroyed My Heart” stands out as an empowering anthem. With a distinct, throaty voice, King Princess sings of searching for someone new after facing heartbreak.
Alexander 23 — “The Internet”
After getting on the map by featuring on the soundtrack to Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why, Alexander 23 is back with a new EP, I’m Sorry I Love You. The playfully digestible pop tune highlights the hypocrisies of the internet. Alexander adds dimension by adding vocals remixed with a metallic edge.
Major Lazer — “Trigger” Feat Khalid
Major Lazer cooked up “Trigger” for PlayStation 4’s new game Death Stranding: Timefall. Over a full soundscape, Khalid uses a gunshot as a metaphor for a difficult breakup. The track’s hook has pitch-shifted vocals, shimmery synths, and a toned-down electronic percussion.
Some artists mentioned are Warner Music artists. .
