New year, new music. You all missed me while I was gone, right? On second thought, please keep your opinions to yourself. There’s a lot of great new music this week, but I’d like to take a moment to highlight the new releases from women this week. We’ve got new songs from powerhouses Jess Glynne and Tiffany Young, plus a few newcomers. No, Ariana Grande hasn’t released her new album yet, so this list will just have to tide you over until then.
“Thursday” by Jess Glynne feat. H.E.R.
Yeah, you’ve probably heard “Thursday” all over the radio and wondered why you were crying in the club because of its raw honesty, but have you heard the new feature from H.E.R.? No, you haven’t, because it just came out today. In this song, Jess Glynne presents a vulnerable and open account of learning to love and accept yourself. Speaking of, I chatted with her about this song, her new album, and more—interview coming soon. But for now, pour yourself a glass of red wine, because this is going to get you all the way in your feels.
“Born Again” by Tiffany Young
Mark my words: Tiffany Young is going to be a star in 2019. The California-born singer is huge in Korea, and now she’s making her way stateside. Her voice is incredible. Her new song “Born Again” is a robust production with poignant vocals that will embed themselves under your skin and a catchy dance beat.
“Hurts Like Hell (Madison Beer Cover)” by Jenny March
This acoustic cover of Madison Beer’s hit is the perfect petty anthem for not wanting your ex to get over you. If you can’t relate to that sentiment, tell me: what was it like being indoctrinated into literal sainthood? March’s version is less pop-y and more raw than the original—it is acoustic, after all.
“Valhalla” by Lauren Ruth Ward
This song gives a really cool rocker chick vibe. It feels 70s to me, but maybe that’s just because I don’t listen to rock music so I don’t know what a 70s vibe is actually like. Let’s go with it. Lauren also has a great voice. Grab your leather jacket before you hit play on this one.
“WTP” by Teyana Taylor
Yes, the song itself came out with the release of her album, K.T.S.E, but the video is new. The cool thing about it is it’s completely self-directed. I don’t want to spoil it, because you should all go watch the video, but she killed it. And as far as female sexual empowerment goes, it doesn’t really get any better than a song that repeats “work this p*ssy” over and over for like, four minutes. And it’s not a command, like, for a guy to work it. It’s saying “I will work this p*ssy.” I could summon the one gender studies course I took in college to write an entire essay on the importance and power of that, but I’ll spare you all if you promise to watch the video.
“Pretty” by Terror Jr.
Terror Jr. is technically a duo, but their lead vocalist is female, so I’m counting it. Also, truth be told, I had no idea they were a duo until I looked it up. The more you know. Anyway, with a hook like “they say pretty is pain,” Terror Jr.’s song “Pretty” is reminiscent of Jess Glynne’s “Thursday.” But while Jess Glynne presents a soulful and slow narrative, Terror Jr.’s song is all airy vocals and infectious melody.
“Anxiety” by Julia Michaels feat. Selena Gomez
F*cking duhhhh, I included this on my list. I sort of feel like this song could very easily be called “FOMO” because the first verse talks about how you don’t want to go out or see anyone but then when you decide to stay in you miss them. I appreciate Julia Michaels’ openness about mental health struggles, and I feel both very heard and personally attacked by this song. But in all seriousness, THANK YOU for bringing visibility to this.
Follow the Betches New Music playlist on our Spotify for all these songs and more.
Image: Courtesy Of Atlantic Records
Welcome back to another installment of “songs I just discovered that you should add to your playlist”. The reception to last week’s list was positive (special thanks to all two people who commented), so I’ve decided to return with another, longer list. Please note that you will not see the new Drake on this list anywhere, because that is a given. If you want someone to tell you to listen to Scorpion, just like, walk outside. Anyway, here’s some new stuff that came out within the past week or two that you really need to get on if you want to impress your friends.
Valee feat. Jeremih – “Womp Womp”
Pitchfork called “Womp Womp” “the song of the summer,” which I’m not sure about just yet, but I do see this song blowing up. Valee is from Chicago, but this song has a very Atlanta rap vibe—one constant flow throughout the song, simple production, Walmart references. If I smoked weed, this would be a song I’d smoke to. But I don’t, so I’ll just day drink to it.
YG feat. 2 Chainz, Big Sean & Nicki Minaj – “Big Bank”
This track came out around Memorial Day, but the video only dropped earlier this week, so it qualifies. Any song that has YG and Nicki Minaj is all but guaranteed to be a hit these days, and then you have Big Sean, who I don’t feel super strongly about but I get that other people love him, and 2 Chainz, who as I’ve mentioned before, is my religious leader. If I could provide some visual imagery for a sec: If I were living my best life, I’d be listening to “Big Bank” while driving a vintage car with the seat all the way back with one hand on the wheel. Feel me? As you’d expect, this song BANGS. Are the kids still saying songs bang, or are we only calling things a “bop” now? Whatever.
Moss Kena, THEY., Rapsody – “Problems”
Full disclosure, this is not a good day drinking song unless you’re tryna mix vodka and emotions. But I’m including it anyway because I want everyone to know about R&B duo THEY. But on another, truer level, I want nobody to know about THEY. so I can continue to feel like I’m in on this big secret and have amazing taste in unknown artists. #HipsterProblems. Anyway, “Problems” is their newest release in conjunction with Moss Kena and Rapsody. (Sidenote: Rapsody is also criminally underrated.) “Problems” is mellow and easy to listen to, and it’s very catchy. At the same time, the subject matter is brooding. This is the type of song that you’ll listen to at first while zoning out and doing other shit, until you stop and listen to the lyrics one day and you’ll be like, “shit. Am I feeling emotions rn?”
JHart – “Put It To Bed”
Let’s continue on the SS Feels for a sec with this next pick. You might have heard J Hart on Kygo’s “Permanent”, and I can tell you right now that this dude’s about to be everywhere. His voice is so fucking good, and I predict him being the new Sam Smith. You heard it here first. JHart’s brand-new single, “Put It To Bed”, is going to put you all the way in your feels. The vocals are so smooth, and the syncopated rhythm basically makes you involuntarily move to the beat. Yeah, one glass of red wine and you’re gonna be belting this song at the top of your lungs while going through dating apps.
Teyana Taylor – “WTP”
Teyana Taylor’s updated version of K.T.S.E. came out this week, so now I can finally talk about it. All her songs are fire, but a particular favorite of mine is “WTP,” which I firmly believe should be in every club in America. The fast-tempo track features Teyana’s smooth vocals laid over the refrain “work this pussy”. YES BITCH! It is 2018. If he cannot work this pussy, he can GTFO. That is my 2018 energy.
Casanova feat. A Boogie With da Hoodie – “Down Bitch”
Casanova, friend of Betches and guest at the Meme Gala, released his debut project today, with appearances from the likes of OT Genasis, G-Eazy, Rich the Kid, Chris Brown, and more. “Down Bitch” is, in my opinion, one of the most likely radio hits. It’s easy to listen to and it’s got a catchy hook, making it solid daytime listening music.
Baily – “MYOB: Or Whatever”
This song is like, kind of a lot, but also it’s been stuck in my head since I watched the video?? And I think that means something. So I’m including it here. New York native Baily just dropped this video that feels very DIY, which in turn is relatable. This song is extremely high-energy, and I guarantee that after you listen to this song once you’ll be scream-singing “MIND YOUR BUSINESSSSSS!” It’s perfect for a rowdy rooftop party when your neighbors try to file a noise complaint.
Lizzo – “Boys”
Cool so basically Lizzo is who I want to be when I grow up. She’s super confident, she’s unapologetic, and she’s body positive, sex positive, and all-around an advocate. She is every definition of a boss. Any Lizzo song that you put on is going to make you feel yourself so fucking hard, and she’s incredibly talented. I would admit that I’m biased because I’m obsessed with everything Lizzo puts out, but at the same time, everything she puts out is incredible, so…?? Anyway. The video for “Boys” dropped exactly one week ago, and this is precisely the song you’re going to want to put on to dance like crazy with all your friends.
