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The weekend is here, which means it’s time to get some new tunes to jam out to from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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From Demi Lovato’s reimagined pop-turned-rock songs, to K.Flay’s raging new LP, check out just a few of our favorite new releases below:
Demi Lovato, Revamped
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While re-recording past work has become something of a trend as of late, no one is doing it quite like Demi Lovato. On Revamped, Lovato takes a look back through some of their biggest pop hits and reimagines them as bonafide rock bangers, whether it’s soulful ballads (“Tell Me You Love Me”), monster pop smashes (“Heart Attack”) or already rock-adjacent singles (“La La Land”). Revamped is the work of an artist taking the narrative back from her years of pop stardom, and it’s a raucous delight to listen to.
K.Flay, MONO
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If you’re still wanting to rage after hearing Lovato’s new album, might we suggest K.Flay’s excellent new LP MONO? Throughout this dynamic new project, K.Flay goes for the jugular over and over again by turning her songwriting inward and learning that her experience is just that — hers. Whether she’s delicately singing about a toxic ex (“Hustler”) or self-flaggulating alongside some gnarly production (the excellent “Punisher”), K.Flay goes all in on every song, making MONO a must-listen.
Vagabon, Sorry I Haven’t Called
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On Sorry I Haven’t Called, Vagabon offers to bring listeners on a journey of sorts — with a flourish of house beats and slick pop sounds, the singer-songwriter is ready to whisk you off into a brand new reality, built for the sole purpose of keeping the vibes pure. It’s a smartly-produced, lyrically-rich album that promises to capture your attention for all 35 minutes. As Vagabon told Billboard, “The ethos of what I wanted on this album was just to tell the audience, ‘We’re fine, at least for now.’”
Big Thief, “Born For Loving You”
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Anyone who’s attended a Big Thief show in the last few years likely already knows “Born For Loving You” — but if you haven’t attended, now’s your chance to hear it. The studio rendition of the song maintains the joyful, heart-melting energy of the band’s live performance, bringing a pure injection of dopamine into your day. “Doesn’t matter what dreams come true,” Adiranne Lenker sings on the song’s buttery chorus. “I was born for loving you.”
Snail Mail, “Easy Thing”
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On her last album Valentine, Lindsey Jordan — a.k.a. indie star Snail Mail — proved to be a master of yearning bedroom rock. Her latest single, “Easy Thing,” yet again underlines that point. On this doleful guitar ballad, Jordan pines for the love that got away, waxing poetic on their relationship even though her ex is left looking like a “loser” throughout the song. It’s a simple, sweet moment of melancholy that we highly recommend you listen to ASAP.
King Mala, “Never Wanna Know”
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Imagine giving a s–t what your ex thinks about your life? That’s the mission statement of King Mala’s delectable new kiss off “Never Wanna Know,” a bubbly, middle-finger single in which she proudly proclaims that she’s not even remotely interested in whatever her former flame is up to nowadays. The grooving bassline confidently brings you from one biting lyric to the next, while Mala styles her voice like an audible shrug as she sings, “I never wanna know / If your past keeps you up at night, cause I never worry about mine.” If you are striving to be unbothered, press play.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Billboard’s Friday Music Guide serves as a handy guide to this Friday’s most essential releases — the key music that everyone will be talking about today, and that will be dominating playlists this weekend and beyond.
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This week, Drake and SZA join forces for slime time, Doja Cat gifts us one more preview of Scarlet, and Demi Lovato lets those guitar solos squeal. Check out all of this week’s picks below:
Drake feat. SZA, “Slime You Out”
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“I’ma fall back and let SZA talk her s–t for a minute.” That’s how Drake concludes his opening verse on “Slime You Out,” a new high-wattage collaboration from his imminent new album For All The Dogs, and indeed, he’s made a wise decision ceding the floor: this atmospheric evisceration of fake lovers is dominated by SZA, who’s become one of the biggest names in music in the months since Drake’s last project, and sounds wholly engaged while crooning through a brush-off here. It helps that “Slime You Out” exists within the woozy, brutally honest R&B lane that SZA perfected on SOS, and instead of trying to compete with his co-star, Drake fires off a few capable similes before and after she highlights the track.
Doja Cat, “Balut”
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When Doja Cat showcased her Scarlet singles (“Attention,” “Paint the Town Red” and “Demons”) during a show-stopping medley at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards earlier this week, not only did anticipation for her Planet Her follow-up continue to heighten, but the performance also demonstrated to those who hadn’t been paying attention: Doja is one of the most exciting rappers alive. “Balut,” a more contemplative track from the imminent album, glides where her other recent songs slam on the gas, but her flow remains just as hypnotic — “Is it coke, is it crack, is it meth / What the f–k do she put in them hits?” she asks, her voice fluttering through every syllable with casual swagger.
Demi Lovato, Revamped
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Although Demi Lovato recruited some of rock music’s heavy hitters — Slash, The Used’s Bert McCracken and The Maine, among others — for a headbanging re-imagining of her pop hits, Revamped is led by Lovato’s own technical wizardry, as their vocal power is refracted through a different prism but sounds no less potent in the process. Songs like “Heart Attack,” “Cool for the Summer” and “Neon Lights” sound revitalized behind stinging guitar solos, while Lovato, whose underrated 2022 album Holy Fvck hinted at a rock makeover, giddily completes the transformation here.
Rod Wave, Nostalgia
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Nostalgia is Rod Wave’s fifth album in five years, and could potentially become his third straight Billboard 200 chart-topper — the Florida native has impressively expanded his fan base (an arena headlining tour kicks off next month) while remaining prolific with his heartfelt, ultra-melodic hip-hop. The follow-up to last year’s Beautiful Mind looks back on his journey (naturally, considering the album title) while also folding some unexpected voices into his emotive aesthetic, including indie-pop collective Wet and rising singer-songwriter Sadie Jean.
Diddy, The Love Album: Off the Grid
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Although the track list to Diddy’s long-awaited new project The Love Album: Off the Grid posits the hip-hop dynamo as something of a master of ceremonies — guests include Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Summer Walker, 21 Savage, Herb Alpert, The-Dream and Swat Lee, and that’s just on the first half of the full-length — the man himself is far more than just a curator, as present within the futuristic R&B ideas of the album as he was on Diddy-Dirty Money’s landmark LP Last Train To Paris. In fact, the back half of the project, featuring stars ranging from Teyana Taylor to Coco Jones to Jeremih, illustrates just how adept Diddy remains at bridging gaps between a new generation of stars and his own.
Thirty Seconds To Mars, It’s The End of the World but It’s A Beautiful Day
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“Stuck” and “Seasons,” the two hits that preceded Thirty Seconds to Mars’ sixth studio album It’s The End of the World but It’s A Beautiful Day, suggested a tightening of the veteran rockers’ long-running aesthetic, which has sprawled out in the past but was sanded down to compact hooks and concise sentiments on those singles. Indeed, Jared and Shannon Leto’s latest effectively simplifies the band’s appeal for its strongest work in years: songs like “World on Fire” and “Midnight Prayer” boast intricate electro-rock foundations without ever getting lost in the details, and over 33 minutes, the band explores themes of heartbreak, isolation and personal evolution with brisk confidence.
Editor’s Pick: Mitski, The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We
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Whether or not you’re invested in the context of Mitski’s latest release — following last year’s widescreen triumph (yet critically polarizing) Laurel Hell, as well as a greater profile, label contract negotiations and retirement thoughts — The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We is all-out gorgeous, a studio masterclass that’s grounded in some of the most arresting arrangements of the singer-songwriter’s career. Mitski’s incisive lyricism will always be a calling card, but these 11 lush, organic songs are worth getting lost in before her words help guide the listener back home.
With summer in our rearview mirror, gear up your playlists for the fall with some new songs from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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From Dove Cameron’s new team-up with Marshmello, to Tinashe’s long-awaited new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Dove Cameron & Marshmello, “Other Boys”
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Dove Cameron is sick of flirting with the “Other Boys” — she’s ready for someone new to come along and sweep her off her feet. This slick, pulsating new song from Cameron and the track’s official DJ, Marshmello, sees the star pining for the love of the one person who’s not giving it to her. Cameron lets her cool, slinky vocal glide with ease over the chilled-out, relentless beat, singing that her “heart can’t be satisfied by anyone but you tonight.”
Tinashe, BB/ANG3L
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R&B-pop star Tinashe is back, and she’s ready to groove. On BB/ANG3L, Tinashe is getting all the way in her R&B-pop bag and delivering a sonic universe of entrancing, introspective jams to help you vibe your way into the weekend. Whether she’s boosting her own confidence on “Talk To Me Nice,” or letting herself get vulnerable with someone new on “Uh Huh,” Tinashe commands every moment of BB/ANG3L — and you’ll want just a slice of that conviction for yourself.
Romy, Mid Air
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After a winning career as the lead singer of The xx, it should not come as a surprise that Romy Madley Croft’s debut album Mid Air is as good as it is. Yet it bears repeating that this electronica-suffused, trance-heavy new project sees the singer boldly taking herself into new territory, whether she’s embracing groovy disco sounds (“She’s On My Mind”), or going full turn-of-the-century Eurorave with Fred again.. (“Strong”). Mid Air is the kind of reintroduction that succinctly and joyfully reintroduces fans to an artist they already loved in a brand new light.
Allison Russell, The Returner
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Where her Grammy-nominated debut Outside Child sought to reckon with the trauma of her past, Allison Russell’s latest LP, The Returner, makes the case for living right now. Brimming with rich polyrhythmic texture and an emboldened folk sound fused with funk, disco, pop and rock, The Returner is an ode to joyfully remaking the world around you in your own image. Russell fights against oppression on the anthemic “Stay Right Here,” dismisses her innermost fears on “Demons” and vows to accept the gifts the world gives her on the titular track. Uplifting, inspirational and unabashedly itself, The Returner is the feel-good soundtrack you’ve been needing.
Blondshell, “Street Rat”
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After releasing one of the best indie-rock debuts of the year back in April, Blondshell is already back for more with “Street Rat.” No, she’s not talking about the lovable rogue from Disney’s Aladdin — instead, the fast-rising indie star tries her hardest to break through an unyielding cycle of bad habits that just won’t die. Floating over dreamy guitars and a relentless beat, Blondshell gives into the romanticism of her negative traits by the song’s end, making “Street Rat” a perfect dose of seratonin — even if it’s wrong, it just feels right.
Baby Queen, “Quarter Life Crisis”
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There comes a moment in every young adult’s life where you start to realize that the glittering days of youth are about to be over, and you start to feel some panic set in. If you’re currently there, don’t worry; Baby Queen has a song to soundtrack your predicament. On “Quarter Life Crisis,” the rising pop star contends with her life experience and lack thereof, feeling stuck in the middle of youth and wisdom. It helps that the lilting-yet-angsty music accompanying her only adds to the drama, making this particular “Quarter Life Crisis” one we’re happy to ride out.
Anjimile, The King
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“There’s a flood of flame,” Anjimile’s voice cries out on his new album’s opening track. “And it calls your name.” Thus begins the spiral of anger, confusion and sadness that is The King, the indie singer-songwriter’s masterful expression of grief. Written during the height of the 2020 protests against police brutality, Anjimile calls out the systems of power that protect corrupt cops (“Animal”), while also mourning from his own personal traumas (“Mother”) and wondering when if and when the world is going to meaningfully change (“The Right”). A portrait of rage and sorrow in the midst of dark times, The King is one of 2023’s most vital albums — and an instant classic from Anjimile.
Boyish, Little Demon Boy
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Looking to dive headfirst into the melodrama that is queerness in the modern day? Look no further than alt-pop duo Boyish’s new EP Little Demon Boy. Throughout this smart, empathetic and carefully-crafted project, India Shore and Claire Altendahl explore everything ranging from codependency (“Split Up”) to societal expectations (“Girls Are Mean”) to the endless need for validation (“Doomscroller”), all while giving us top-tier production and deliciously dreamy guitar licks. Boyish prove definitively on Little Demon Boy that they are the next big thing in the queer indie scene.
Check out all of our picks in Billboard’s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Olivia Rodrigo might just have four extra songs in store following the release of her sophomore album Guts — which, at the time of publication, is less than 24 hours away.
Out Friday (Sept. 8) at midnight, Guts already has a confirmed 12 songs on its standard track list, which includes the previously released singles “Vampire” and “Bad Idea Right?” But fans think they may have spotted four additional song titles hidden in a faux infomercial filmed by Rodrigo promoting her fast-approaching LP, posted on her official YouTube channel Wednesday (Sept. 6).
The parody infomercial recommends Guts to people who “regularly suffer from the agony” of spilling their guts to strangers or who struggle with trusting their guts. Around the 23-second mark, the album’s tracklist appears onscreen and scrolls from top to bottom.
At first glance, it looks just like the same tracklist confirmed by Rodrigo earlier this summer. But then, at the 26-second mark, the screen glitches for just a split second, quickly revealing what look to be the titles of four new tracks before they disappear: “Obsessed,” “Scared of My Guitar,” “Stranger” and “Girl I’ve Always Been.”
Some of these new titles perfectly match the clues Rodrigo hid in a cryptic tracklist teaser posted in July, particularly “Obsessed” and “Stranger.”
“GUTS DELUXE IS COMING,” tweeted one fan, reposting the infomercial on Twitter.
“GUTS DELUXE IS ABOUT TO CHANGE MY LIFE,” wrote another.
Guts will mark Rodrigo’s first LP since Sour, her 2021 debut that catapulted her to superstardom with No. 1 hits “Drivers License” and “Good 4 U.” She’s already scored another No. 1 with Guts, thanks to its smash lead single “Vampire,” released in June.
In a recent conversation with Phoebe Bridgers for Interview magazine, the 20-year-old star opened up about what she’s doing differently this time around. Alluding to her desire to avoid a repeat of the Joshua Bassett/Sabrina Carpenter drama sparked by the success of “Drivers License,” she told Bridgers that she now feels a responsibility to send her songs to their subjects before releasing them.
“I feel like last time, there was so much weird media s–t and I had no idea how to deal with any of it,” she reflected. “Literally, it was the first song out of the gate and all of that s–t happened. I felt so ill-equipped … That was an overwhelming experience, but now I definitely feel a responsibility [to give a heads up].”
See if you can spot the four rumored deluxe tracks in Olivia Rodrigo’s Guts infomercial above.
Need some new tunes from your favorite queer artists for the weekend? We’ve got you covered; Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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From Victoria Monét’s stunning new album to Omar Apollo’s moving new ballad, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Victoria Monét, JAGUAR II
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While her new album may be sold as a “part two,” don’t go and get it twisted — Victoria Monét’s JAGUAR II is not your typical followup. Throughout all 35 minutes of her magnificent new project, the singer-songwriter re-establishes herself as the name to watch. Blending together her signature R&B sound with a distinctive funk groove, Monét waxes poetic on one night stands (“Alright”), toxic entitlement (“Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)”) and even the materialistic drive of the entertainment industry (“Hollywood,” featuring surprise appearances from Earth, Wind & Fire, as well as Monét’s 2 year old daughter Hazel). JAGUAR II is Monét’s magnum opus, and one we can’t seem to stop listening to.
Omar Apollo, “Ice Slippin”
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Painting a picture with words is a difficult task for most songwriters — but when Omar Apollo does it, it seems easy. On his new single “Ice Slippin,” the alt-R&B star recreates a memory as vividly as possible by using every tool at his disposal. Through his heart-rending songwriting, production wizardry and soulful performance, Apollo painstakingly recreates his mental state when trying to come out to his family, painting an intimate portrait that any queer person listening can immediately relate to.
Ashnikko, WEEDKILLER
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Over the last couple of years, Ashnikko has slowly built her profile as the in-your-face, hyperpop-adjacent pop-rap star who will not compromise for anyone. While that character remains well intact throughout her new album WEEDKILLER, Ashnikko does go out of her way to break down some of the edifice surrounding her persona. With her signature grinding beats and sweltering vocals making up the vast majority of the album, it’s on standout track “Dying Star” feat. Ethel Cain that Ashnikko finally gives us a glimpse at the person underneath the pop star — and it will only make you want to go back and listen to the rest of this chaotically intricate album and hear it from a whole new perspective.
Madeline the Person, “Tantrum”
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Life is weird and chaotic and self-destructive — and that’s the mode that Madeline the Person is blissfully embracing on her new single. While “Tantrum” may sound like a delightful soft-pop song, the lyrics show the singer throwing away all of her preconceived notions about relationships. She decides to indulge in all of the behaviors that she’s been avoiding thanks to therapy and throw caution to the wind. “Tantrum” is ultimately an anthem to instant gratification — even if we know it’s “wrong,” it sometimes just feels too good to ignore.
Soccer Mommy, “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” (Taylor Swift cover)
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An indie rock phenomenon covering a nearly-20-year-old country song may not have been on your 2023 bingo card, but Soccer Mommy is here to show you why it should have been. Covering a deep cut from Taylor Swift’s debut album, Sophie Allison nails her performance throughout “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” walking the fine line between staying true to the original while making a cover your own. This dreamy, vibe-driven cover is a masterclass in putting your twist on a classic song.
Anjimile, “Animal”
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Anjimile wants to make sure you’re listening to him. “Animal,” his powerful third single from his upcoming album The King, immediately grabs you with a distorted growl from an acoustic guitar, as the rising indie star rages against the systems of power that allowed George Floyd to die at the hands of violent police in 2020. Managing to capture all his fury and frustration with just his voice and a guitar, Anjimile makes his point crystal clear in the very first verse: “If you treat me like an animal/ I’ll be an animal.”
Charlotte Day Wilson feat. Snoh Aalegra, “Forever”
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What happens when you blend a multi-hyphenate artist, a rising R&B star, and a chopped and screwed interpolation of a Foundations classic? “Forever” is what happens, the entrancing new track from Charlotte Day Wilson and special guest Snoh Aalegra. With layers upon layers of production constantly unraveling around Day Wilson’s magnetic voice, and Aalegra showing her stunning vocal clarity on her gorgeous verse, “Forever” is a song that feels like an instant classic from two top-tier performers.
Jaboukie, All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel
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Looking to dance, laugh, and over-examine all of the choices you’ve made in your life? Jaboukie is here to facilitate that process (roughly in that order) on All Who Can’t Hear Must Feel, his excellent debut album. Throughout the project, the comedian-turned-musician embraces industrial hip-hop, indie rock and even some glistening pop to deliver a melting pot of sonics, all while gassing himself up (“BBC”), getting nostalgic (“Cranberry Sauce”) and much more.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard‘s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
Miley Cyrus continued her “endless summer vacation” on Friday (Aug. 25) with her reflective new single, “Used to Be Young.” The song, which looks back on her past, features the introspective lyrics in the chorus: chorus: “You tell me time has done changed me / That’s fine, I’ve had a good run / I know […]
Selena Gomez isn’t done with her highly anticipated third studio album yet, but she’s keeping fans fed in the meantime with a sassy new jam, “Single Soon,” which arrived on Friday (Aug. 25). Explore Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news “Y’all have been asking for new music for […]
Olivia Rodrigo may just be a rockstar disguised as a pop princess. Ahead of the Sept. 8 release of her highly anticipated sophomore effort Guts, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter revealed details of the edgier direction her music will take on her new album (hint: it’s a lot closer to “Good 4 U” and “Brutal” than the other songs on Sour) in an in-depth interview with the New York Times, published Thursday (Aug. 24).
For instance, the publication reports that the new record’s first track “All-American Bitch” features fuzzy power chords and several f-bombs, while “Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl” finds the young star chanting a “litany of embarrassing party fouls over a springy bass line” while letting out cathartic screams. A few of the 12 tracks on Guts were recorded the old-school way: live, and with a full band.
As NYT puts it: With Guts, Rodrigo is “Trojan-horsing in rock’s musical brashness and emotional spikiness under the cover of pop stardom.”
“For me, that’s what music is, it’s expressing those feelings that are really hard to externalize, or that you feel aren’t societally acceptable to externalize,” Rodrigo told the publication. “Especially as a girl.”
But while her musical heroes include Jack White and Rage Against the Machine, the three-time Grammy winner said her rock tendencies reflect a more feminine side. Think: Gwen Stefani and Alanis Morissette, or newer tastemakers like Soccer Mommy and Boygenius.
“[I] always loved rock music, and always wanted to find a way that I could make it feel like me, and make it feel feminine and still telling a story and having something to say that’s vulnerable and intimate,” Rodrigo said, noting she looks up to women who make rock music without “trying to recreate a version of rock music that guys make.”
So far, Guts is preceded by two singles: “Vampire,” which debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, and “Bad Idea Right?,” which dropped earlier this month and crowned the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The tracks mark Rodrigo’s first releases since the album that made her a household name, Sour.
In the new interview, Rodrigo touched very lightly on one of Sour‘s biggest musical inspirations, Taylor Swift. The former Disney star was once very vocal about her adoration of the “Anti-Hero” singer and even gave Swift writing credits on both “1 Step Forward, 3 Steps Back” and “Deja Vu” off her 2021 debut.
Asked if she had attended one of Swift’s Eras Tour shows, Rodrigo simply said: “I haven’t yet,” quickly adding that she’d been busy. “I’m going to Europe this week.”
Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.
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These 10 tracks from artists including Renée Rap, aespa, Alana Springsteen and Land of Talk will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist of all 10.
Renée Rapp, “Pretty Girls”
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“This conversation’s classic / I can predict this s–t, line by line / I like a straight jacket / But it feels like it’s a little tight,” Renée Rapp sings on “Pretty Girls,” the most cleverly satisfying track on just-released debut album Snow Angel. “Pretty Girls” gestures at acoustic singer-songwriter production before speeding up to an electro-pop hook, but Rapp’s wordplay sizzles within both sounds, as she tries to navigate women who want to sexually experiment without any emotional understanding. – J.L.
Promiseland, “Bad Days”
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Promiseland may be signed to Julian Casablancas’ label, Cult Records, and the Strokes leader may make a cameo in the music video to new track “Bad Days,” but the lead single to the band’s forthcoming debut album recalls the atmospheric eeriness of Joy Division more than any garage rock revival tune. “Bad Days” moves with ghostly purpose, the skittering beats pushing the verses downhill before the chorus reaches skyward. – J.L.
Moyka, “Perfect Movie Scene”
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“Perfect Movie Scene” does not possess a discernible chorus; instead, Norwegian artist Moyka presents a few types of refrains over shuddering electronics and nearly five minutes, sprinting down a winding pathway of ideas concerning idealized romance. The momentum gathers as “Perfect Movie Scene” continues until a dance floor climax arrives, and Moyka wisely lets the moment breathe, understanding that sometimes the most impactful sequence doesn’t need a catchy hook. – J.L.
Sadie Jean, “16”
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Sadie Jean’s new single “16” is defined by the same gentleness that we often use to reminisce about simpler pieces of our youth: the singer-songwriter’s voice never rises above an amiable warble, but it never needs to while she reflects on teenage memories of girl talk, parking in a parent’s car and childhood bedrooms feeling smaller than they once were. Jean impressed on past singles like “WYD Now” and “Locksmith,” but “16” showcases her most nuanced performance to date. – J.L.
Margaret Glaspy, “Get Back”
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Echo the Diamond, Margaret Glaspy’s third full-length released last week, is defined by the singer-songwriter’s unfussy view of reality, each tweaked guitar string and weary-yet-hopeful lyric steeped in the California native’s reality. “Get Back” is highlighted by that uncompromising point of view: as she insists on returning to herself amidst immense loss, Glaspy holds nothing back, each production blemish adding character to a rugged song that will get stuck in your head. – J.L.
Alana Springsteen, “Amen”
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“Amen” is the final song on Alana Springsteen’s 18-track debut album Twenty Something, and its placement at the end of a 53-minute project gives the anthem an extra sense of gravity, as if the lessons learned across the first 17 tracks have led to the self-realization of who she is and what she wants. “I don’t need a happy ending,” Springsteen declares, her voice rising as she apologizes to those who wanted her to follow a safer path — and in its power, demonstrating why she couldn’t choose that option. – J.L.
Jake Scott, “Come Close”
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Jake Scott’s “Come Close” flirts with piano balladry, settles into synth-pop verses, and scoops up some echoing percussion midway through, but really, the single represents the singer-songwriter’s plain-spoken plea for fully unguarded connection with the one he loves. Scott has collaborated and toured with country musicians in the past, but “Come Close” is straightforward, sumptuous pop music, and Scott shines in that medium. – J.L.
Land of Talk, “Your Beautiful Self”
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About a minute and 10 seconds into Land of Talk’s new single “Your Beautiful Self,” Lizzie Powell’s vocal approach changes, their lower tone climbing onto a raised platform and escaping the shadows of the piano and drums. It’s a special moment within the influential Canadian project’s grand return — new album Performances will be released in October — and Powell stays in that register through the rest of the song, their voice a reminder of Land of Talk’s hypnotic appeal. – J.L.
aespa, “Better Things”
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With just a few dates into the girl group’s North American tour, aespa delighted MYs with the release of new track “Better Things.” Equal parts summer kiss-off and chill breakup anthem, the song sees the K-pop stars experimenting outside of their spellbinding universe to dabble in tropical house vibes. Karina, NingNing, Winter and Giselle ultimately shrug off a romance shrouded in doubt in favor for protecting their peace — and the end result is intoxicating. – S.B.
The Drums, “Isolette”
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The Drums’ Jonny Pierce leans into the emotional wounds of his past on new track, “Isolette.” Inspired by his mother’s traumatic birthing experience and the strained relationship they had as a result, Pierce allows himself to be vulnerable about his personal shortcomings, from being incapable of loving another properly to feeling paralyzed at the thought of making a mistake. Plucky, slightly upbeat guitar work shows that while Pierce is not fully past his issues, he continues to cope and often returns to the solitude from which he came. – S.B.
Another week means another opportunity to listen to some excellent new tracks from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ artists.
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See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
From Reneé Rapp’s long-awaited debut album to Doechii’s steamy new single, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below:
Reneé Rapp, Snow Angel
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Much like the titular winter fixture, Reneé Rapp’s Snow Angel is all about leaving her imprint on pop music. Throughout the rising singer-actor’s debut album, Rapp paints in broad strokes, employing soulful R&B and raucous pop-rock to create an accurate image of her life. The results come in the form of impeccably-written ballads detailing heartbreak and loss (“I Wish” and “Willow” immediately stand out), uptempo bops meant to stir your spirit (“Talk Too Much,” “So What Now”), or even an instantly-relatable queer femme anthem with “Pretty Girls.” From start to finish, Snow Angel serves as an unflinching self-portrait of Rapp’s not-yet-quarter-life crisis — and it leaves even more room for the star to bloom.
Doechii, “Booty Drop”
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What more do you need to know than what’s in the title? Doechii makes a promise on her sexy new single, repeating again and again the she “can make your booty pop.” Turns out, she’s not kidding — from the killer bassline to Doechii’s effortless flow, “Booty Drop” is the exact kind of song designed to get you out on the dance floor shaking your money-maker.
Anitta, Funk Generation: A Favela Story
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Just a year after giving us her killer album Versions of Me, Anitta is ready to give fans just a taste of what’s to come. With her new 3-track bundle Funk Generation: A Favela Story, Anitta dives head first into funk carioca, letting her buttery smooth voice glide over jumping bass and entrancing rhythms that will pull you in immediately. It’s a complete journey into Anitta’s Brazilian upbringing — and one you need to hear for yourself ASAP.
Demi Lovato, “Confident (Rock Version)”
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Continuing her high-octane revitalizations of past hits, Demi Lovato is ready to boss herself up. On the new, raw version of “Confident,” Lovato gives their brassy anthem some serious edge by trading in new growling vocals and putting a heavy focus on the song’s slamming drums. Be sure to do some stretches before listening — because you will be banging your head by the time you reach the end.
K.Flay feat. Vic Fuentes, “Irish Goodbye”
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Everyone’s experienced the Irish goodbye at some point or another in their lives — that moment when you look up and realize you haven’t seen your friend in the last 30 minutes. Now, K.Flay and Pierce the Veil’s Vic Fuentes are ready to give that practice its very own theme song. With glitching guitars, relentless drums, and some top-tier songwriting to help, K.Flay proves yet again that she’s a master of bottling angst into a much-needed release of musical dopamine.
Jamila Woods, “Boomerang”
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While you may know Jamila Woods for some of her softer, slower jams over the years, she’s here to show you that she can give you plenty of reason to dance on her new single. With “Boomerang,” Woods picks up the tempo, turns up the synths and lets her breezy vocal do the heavy lifting, as she looks a little bit closer at that one relationship that just keeps on coming back.
Slayyyter, “Erotic Electronic”
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Looking for something a little more racy? Of course Slayyyter is here to help. On “Erotic Electronic,” the rising pop singer strips herself down — no, literally — as she offers up all of the lengths she will go to in order to get with her lover. Add in some ground-shaking EDM production and a series of peaks-and-valleys synths, and you’ve got another club banger on your hands.
Calum Scott, “At Your Worst”
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Sometimes, a heartfelt love song is all you need to get that nice warm feeling going — and Calum Scott is certainly capable of giving you that. “At Your Worst,” the latest from the singer, is a moving slice of pop balladry that sees Scott celebrating his lover even, and especially, in the lowest moments. The soft guitar and bass section certainly helps keep you interested, but the real star, as tends to be the case with Calum Scott songs, is the singer’s gorgeous voice.
Shamir, Homo Anxietatem
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Anxiety seems to be the overarching theme for 2023, and Shamir is well-versed on that subject. Throughout Homo Anxietatem, the singer-songwriter seems to seek out, understand and eventually dispel anxiety, studying as many different sides of it — the pressure of stardom (“Obsession”), the stress of a relationship (“Our Song”), and the relief that comes in accepting your life for what it is (“Wandering Through”). It’s no surprise that an artist as talented as Shamir could turn anxiety into its very own concept album, but that doesn’t make it any less impressive.
Arlissa, “AUDACITY.”
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Knowing your worth is important, and Arlissa wants her ex to know that they cannot afford her. On “AUDACITY.”, the pop-R&B singer grooves her way through a betrayal from her former flame, before coming out the other end stronger. The simplicity of the production mixed with the singer’s inimitable vocal makes lines like “you had the audacity/ to act like you can handle me,” hit that much harder on this burning new jam.
Check out all of our picks on Billboard‘s Queer Jams of the Week playlist below:
