New Music Friday's most oustanding contenders

A mix of old and new, this week's releases brought up prominent names in the industry and also new artists on the rise. Many offered a new breakup anthem and others tried something new, nevertheless, here’s seven songs you should try out ASAP:

Say Yes To Heaven- Lana 

Quickly making its way to the top of the chart in this week's round up of new music, Lana Del Rey’s “Say Yes To Heaven”, was not only highly anticipated, but also highly unexpected. After releasing her newest album “Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” Del Rey released this single which is thought to be from earlier recording days for her album “Ultraviolence” The song itself opens up with Del Rey’s signature sensual yet moody tone, here she somehow in her own Lana way subliminally begs a lover to continue being with her, “If you go, I’ll stay” is a heartbreaking lyrics, but also a very popular one, as a deepcut version of this song starting being passed around on TikTok before its official release. Del Rey’s artistry makes it easy for listeners to immerse themselves into the feeling of her songs, and this time it is no different, for those who are mourning a breakup, carefully eyeing a new interest, or simply those who are creating scenarios in their head to pass the time, here's a new song to add to the list. 

Haven’t You Ever Been In Love- Lewis Capaldi

With his signature rasp and emotionally charged vocals, Lewis Capaldi’s new single is another tear jerker. His powerful voice strikes immediately at the beginning of the song, singing in the role of a partner who desires the chance to grow closer to their companion, and in an attempt to fully have them, bears an honest admittance, one that is not angrily, but hopeful. “If you knew what I knew you’d be terrified” the partner replies, depicting an honest portrayal of what it means to be human and afraid. Capaldi’s ability to evoke genuine emotion through his music is what adds to the way he crafts his lyrics, undoubtedly making it easier for those looking to drown themselves in poignant ballads, to not have to look that far.

Maybe Someday You’ll Have A Daughter- Jordyn Shellhart

With subtle tones that remind listeners of a young Taylor Swift on the rise, Jordyn Shellharts new song, shows off her smooth and silky voice, and the hope of a promising new star. The title may at first be misleading, but its easy to grasp at what Shellhart is outlining. While there are a few spare lines that seem overdone in the industry, “tasted like cigarettes” she nevertheless shows her penmanship with lyrics like, “I'm staying busy just to stay sane.” Putting into perspective the pain that she once felt onto a metaphorical individual who will soon mean more than she does, her vocals begin to get louder and faster, as a means of solidifying her statements. She builds a sense of regret that is targeted towards the inspiration for this song, but also untangles a web of vulnerability that ultimately conveys a more personal testament with little help needed from instrumentals. 

Sometimes Today Seems Like Yesterday- Samara Joy

In a wonderful turn of events on the charts this week, Samara Joy delivers a ballad similar to many of her prominent predecessors in jazz. Instantly transported to a bar in the 1920s, Joy’s still youthful voice adds a modern appeal to the music. While a sorrowful tune leads the background, it succumbs to Joy and her lyrics, that depict a seemingly unaltering cycle of life, but while, “today seems like yesterday” rest assured, “thats where I’d like to stay.” Fixating on the past as she entails, might make it easier to live in the present, but in the sense of Samara Joy’s artistry, the future of jazz is safe in her hands. While many new songs succumb to overused lyrics and unimaginative experiences, Joy’s standout jazz performances make her an artist worth remembering. 

Walking Backwards- Ben Howards

While you may have to check your phone a few times to make sure you didn’t accidentally switch to a different song, that doesn’t at all mean you should skip Ben Howards new ambient single. The initially intrigue lies within the clever production that Howards places at the beginning, with hints of 60s disco, its more experimental than ever, yet his transcendental lyrics remain compelling. With the use of more intricate production techniques, he is able to mask the saddening lyrics like, “I said I been here before/ Into the future of my life/ Just like the moon always returning/ To the pailing dawn”, with an upbeat tempo that makes listeners want to dance. In the realm of new music, Ben Howards ranks high in most eccentric. 

Don’t Kiss Me- Maple Glider

Don’t Kiss Me is a powerful account by the captivating lyricist and singer who is Maple Glider (Tori Zietsch). More important now than ever, Zietsch uses her delicate yet haunting voice to deliver a vulnerable statement. While her vocals are a mesmerizing quality, the lyrics particularly add depth, “My safety should not have to be earned” is an effective line that commands attention. Taking the last portion of the song to repeat the same four lines, this song was not made with the intention to top the charts, it was made to state a point and take back something that should have been hers the whole time. With a talent for capturing all types of moments, Maple Glider’s music contains a timelessness within its lyrics and production, making use of a trusted acoustic guitar on this release, as a perfect parking to her lyrics.

Ace Up My Sleeve- Lord Huron

As a master of their art with a few tricks up their own sleeves, Lord Huron’s new single for “Starling Girl” is one for the people who need just that little bit of convincing. Keeping with their classic atmospheric soundscape the intricacy of this song seems to lie more in the layers of instrumentals, rather than the lyrics themselves. It’s not to say that the band's penmanship has lost its touch, quite the contrary as their lyrics continue to be as introspective as ever. “I can’t lose there’s an ace up my sleeve” signifies the bands ability to evoke a sense of wanderlust onto the listener, giving just enough hope to carry along with you on the journey.