If you’re an Alina fan, you know everything she creates is pure magic. A voice that mimics Earth’s peaceful elements. The music that follows serves as your dream escape. Put Alina on and zone out.
Her new single, “Electric” is just that. She sings with ease, “Kiss me, we’re a fire, babe, love me, take me to outer space.” As usual, the beat is slow and rhythmic, taking cues from her debut joint album with Galimatias, titled Urban Flora. R&B newcomer, Khalid chimes in on the second verse. The Texas native and Tinkerbell vixen are the equivalent of eachother. Both confident in their wavey sound and relaxed vocals. Verses hosting a boy-girl back and forth further illustrates the chemistry in the song.
Baraz is the future of soul/R&B, making each song its own masterpiece. She just announced her tour “Let’s Get Lost” starting in March. A full length album is on the horizon, so get ready.
MIEARS is Michelle Miears, former frontwoman of the electronica band BLSHS. Her first solo efforts are captivating in a new way. The Houston native’s vocal prowess is mesmerizing as ticking electronics flood every second of “Directional.” Harmonies take the lead and pull you in even further. An 80’s-esque beat keeps her voice on the right track reminiscent of other electro-pop bands like, Broods and Oh Wonder. The chorus rings, “Ooo, I’ll be your directional” a phrase guaranteed to echo in your brain for days.
Her EP, Who Will Save You will encompass the new solo woman MIEARS has quickly become. Look for the release on Feb. 17 on Loose Narrative.
1.) “In My Foreign” – Ty Dolla $ign, French Montana, Lil Yachty, and Nicky Jam
A classic hip-hop vid featuring too many features, oversized fur coats, and sports cars parked at an angle… Sampling Chicago’s hit from 1973, “Saturday In the Park” you can’t help but bop along to this track.
2.) “Company” – Tinashe
Wow… this woman proves time and time again that R&B is HER thing. Not only is her singing impeccable, but her dance moves are insanely impressive. Hip popping and hair flipping at its finest. Try not to get body jealous after watching this.
3.) “Maniac” – Jhene Aiko
With lyrics like: “Gotta read the sign like a zodiac, I’m a lowkey freak, you don’t know me yet?” there’s only one way to make this video represent the lyrics. Aiko is seen chained down to a bed as masked people hover over her. An asylum could be the location… She writhes and twitches in her manic state as she sings about, well… you get the idea.
4.) “I Got You” – Bebe Rexha
Rexha flops around a desert, rolling in the cracked ground, booty poppin’ on a car, and whipping her blonde hair around her face. Her eyes captivate you until you can’t look away. Donning several dramatic & sexy outfits, she proves pop is her game and right now she’s #1.
My prediction? She will become a leader on the R&B charts, dominating every spot. Her raw honesty and sense of self made her a frontrunner in music this past year. Keeping simple R&B sounds with spicy lyrics that fit the bill (listen to “Distraction”). SweetSexySavage, will be what you’re bumping going into 2017.
Big Sean:I Decided, Feb. 3
image via hbr.co.ke
It’s been a minute since his last album, Dark Sky Paradise (2015) which was flooded with all-star cameo’s like Ariana Grande and Kanye West. The rapper has slowly been releasing singles throughout 2016 with, “Living Single,” “Bounce Back,” “Moves,” and “No More Interviews.” Big Sean told Entertainment Weekly the album is focused on rebirth, saying “Sometimes I feel like I was an old man and didn’t succeed in life and asked for a second chance, and this is my second chance.”
image via factmag.com
The XX:I See You, Jan 13.
Mumbled rhyme schemes and pulsating guitar riffs litter every XX track. After their hit, “On Hold,” fans became once again addicted to the distinct XX sound. “There was so much pressure from ourselves about: What do people like about us? What makes us sound like us? What do we need to hang onto?” member Oliver Sim told Pitchfork. The trio remains out of the limelight as much as possible holding onto their privacy as much as they can. I See You could be their best yet.
Katy Perry: ??
image via celebmafia.com
It is rumored that Ms. Perry is back in the studio again working on new music. We haven’t heard much from the singer since her laid back 2013 album, Prism; garnering hits like, “Birthday,” “Dark Horse,” and “This Is How We Do.” Will she continue her pop-happy radio domination in 2017? Only time will tell…
image via edsheeran2016.com
Ed Sheeran: ??
Sheeran has been MIA for quite some time, perhaps perfecting his acoustic/pop sound? The crooner shared an Instagram with fans hinting that new music would be released this Friday (1/6). An album? single? music video? We just have to wait and see. In the past, he’s mentioned his progress on his third album (reportedly titled “÷”- following the numeric theme he’s titled past albums) calling it, “The best thing I have made thus far.”
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