Queen Lorde

 

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Image via theconcordian.com

“I’m waiting for it, that green light, I want it” marks Lorde’s return to pop radio. Spreading her anthemic breakup tune, “Green Light” accompanied by a joyous music video starring herself swirling through a city at night in a tight pink dress feeling a multitude of emotions.

Piano is the biggest element in this song. Starting as a ballad, the message quickly spreads into something more uplifting. The pre-chorus holds a silver lining element; “But I hear sounds in my mind, brand new sounds in my mind.” Clearly about a breakup, Lorde says, “The song is really about those moments kind of immediately after your life changes and about all the silly little things that you gravitate towards.” The singer manages to keep a low profile concerning her personal life but made “Green Light” something that millions will understand. She imagines a drunk girl embodying this song, saying, “This is that drunk girl at the party dancing around crying about her ex-boyfriend who everyone thinks is a mess. That’s her tonight and tomorrow she starts to rebuild.”

Her most recent single takes on a more somber tone. “Liability” is an ode to self-love as the inevitability of life can sometimes be overwhelming. In her case, being a superstar can scare people away; “The truth is I am a toy, that people enjoy, til all of the tricks don’t work anymore, and then they are bored of me.” She explains the love she has for herself and how she tries to please herself as best she can, referring to herself as a “forest fire.” Only backed by a subtle piano, Lorde’s voice wavers on an array of notes making you feel like you’re going up and down a never ending staircase. Piggy-backing off the breakup essence of “Green Light,” rebirth, will be an obvious theme on the upcoming album.

Watch a live performance of “Liability” on Saturday Night Live this past weekend, here.

Lorde’s album, Melodrama will be available June 16


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Friday Feelz: “Make Daddy Proud” – Blackbear

 

Image via Instagram.com/iamblackbear

Through a haze of crooked finger peace signs, crisp white shoes, and squinty stoned eyes, Blackbear promotes himself; on Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and he does it well. Remaining unsigned to any record label, he has no strings attached to anyone but himself. He releases his songs on Soundcloud before they even hit Spotify or iTunes. Fans go nuts and practically beg him to let them buy it. That’s how you know you’re onto something special.

 

After recently announcing his musical collaboration with Mike Posner titled, “Mansionz”, Blackbear ( born Matthew Tyler Musto) is back with a brand new solo single and plans for an album release on,  you guessed it, 4/20.

The song, “Make Daddy Proud” appeared on Soundcloud Monday night, making fans squeal with joy at the sounds of some new Bear. “Proud” lets electronic tid-bits take the front seat as we’ve heard on his previous tracks like 2016’s”Wanderlust” and “Flirt Right Back.” Mixing hip-hop beats with electronic synths and chords seem to be his niche making him an easy crossover into the pop genre. A surprisingly charming falsetto sings, “Tell me how do you cope with it? how do you sleep with yourself at night?” The money-littered chorus praises a woman for spending Daddy’s money. His lyrics preach a subtle mix of encouragement and sexism, but the beat is too dominant to ignore.

As usual, along with the new release, came corresponding merch; orange hats (matching what seems to be the artwork for his new album) that read, “Let’s Make Daddy Proud Again.” I’m sure they’ll sell out more than coffee on Monday morning. The Pennsylvania native has a brand and sure knows how to sell it. Fans in the Beartrap support him every step of the way, selling out shows, merch, and his music.


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Friday Feelz: “Electric (feat. Khalid)” – Alina Baraz

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.


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MIEARS: “Directional”

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.


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Music Video Roundup!

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.


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