New Songs Sunday: A quick review of this week's tracks

1. Jesy Nelson – Boyz (feat. Nicki Minaj)

The former Little Mix member, Jesy Nelson, makes her highly anticipated debut with the new pop single, “Boyz”. “Boyz” is a strong debut with some old school 90s hip-hop influence, a scrumptious beat and a sassy & fun attitude. Nicki Minaj pays homage to Biggie and Tupac while also proving once again that she can go full throttle with her straight-fire bars on songs that aren’t even hers.

2. Kylie Minogue – A Second To Midnight (feat. Years & Years)

Last year, the pop legend gifted her fans with the dance album ‘Disco”. But Minogue remains a busy artist and performer. Not keen on sitting on her laurels, the British-Australian pop star has collaborated with the younger pop artist Olly Alexander, who goes by the stage name of Years & Years, for a solid disco-dance single.

3. Megan Thee Stallion, Maluma & Rock Mafia – Crazy Family

Hotties don’t need to wait any longer as Megan’s fans can now enjoy the rapper’s latest tune, “Crazy Family”. The theme song is from the upcoming children’s animated movie, “The Addams Family 2”. “Crazy Family” is a Halloween-inspired party song with a Latin flavour as well as a very noticeable change in the form of rather family-friendly lyrics,

miles away from Megan’s usual style. This can feel awkward to some folks while for others, it’s no hassle at all. Happy Halloween in advance.

4. Charli XCX – Good Ones (Joel Corry remix)

Joel Corry remixes Charli XCX’s latest pop single “Good Ones”. Unfortunately, it’s a mostly generic sounding beat with a party flavour, something not very different from the original track. While fans of 2010s’ popstars such as Gaga, Kesha and Katy Perry will simp for both the remix and the original, it is advised that others stay away.

5. Ananya – Give Me Up

Ananya Birla only gets better and better with her music as there’s some genuine willingness here to improve musically. The production is smooth and refreshing like a sip of cold drink on a Tuesday afternoon. “Give Me Up” is emotional, bold and heartwarming.

6. Mitski – Working for the Knife

The queen of sad indie music is back after a two-year-long break and fans are going crazy. Mitski is on her top lyrical game here as she sings of an artist suffering from creative burnout who has anxieties regarding people losing interest in her work, a very personal theme for Mitski.

7. Alewya – Play

The British-Ethiopian artist does what she does best: delivering a tribal house/club music banger to light up our locked down days. There’s drama, a cry for liberation, a practice in connecting with her ancestors and heritage, and a message urging for the sheer importance of being physical and free.

8. Borito – Hook

The Tel Aviv-based dream pop band releases their much-anticipated single after only posting a live version of it online some months ago. “Hook” is innocent, sweet and sometimes sad. In other words, it’s a perfect bedroom pop/dream pop tune.

9. Elton John & Dua Lipa – Cold Heart (Claptone remix)

Nothing beats the PNAU remix of “Cold Heart” with its genuinely warm heart and nostalgic disco sounds. Most listeners seem to agree with this as reflected by the song earning over 103 million plays on Spotify. The Claptone remix sounds more modern than the PNAU remix, and though it isn’t as hard-hitting or infectious as its predecessor, it’s still worth a listen for fans of Elton John and Dua Lipa.

10. Miso Extra – 1013

Miso Extra is a London-based producer and singer who dabbles in DIY electronica. “1013” may first sound bubbly but reveals itself to be thematically darker than her previous track, “The Adventures of Tricky N Duke”. The artist sings about injustices in society and wanting to be heard and seen while an accordion plays on loop in the background like some electronic swing music.

11. Yeule – Don’t Be So Hard Beauty on Your Own Beauty

The enigmatic artist is all set to release their highly anticipated album, ‘Glitch Princess’, early next year. Meanwhile, check out their latest single, “Don’t Be So Hard on Your Own Beauty”, which is irresistibly pretty, heartfelt and emotionally resonant.

12. Big Thief – Change

The Brooklyn-based indie rock band is on a roll with their latest folk-rock songs. First “Little Sparrow” and then “Certainty” and now, “Change”. The band’s upcoming album is yet to be announced with a release date and cover but it’s safe to say that it will be another formidable album.

13. Miraa May – Go Girl (feat. RAYE)

This 80s-influenced dance track might suffer from comparisons to last week’s girl power-anthem by Precious and Baby Tate which is also coincidentally titled “Go Girl”. But this song seems to be more in line with Saweetie and Doja Cat’s “Best Friend” where the rappers take turns to hype each other up. Miraa May and RAYE have a good chemistry here although it’s mostly RAYE who oozes with vivacious charm.

14. Amber Mark – Foreign Things (George IV remix)

“Foreign Things” has so far seen three official remixes and seems to be really well fitted for different styles of remixes. It’s a versatile track and is safe in the hands of the young George IV who chops up Mark’s vocals to make a hyper-electro track. Those who take a liking to this track might also want to check out Odesza’s brilliant “Say My Name” featuring Zyra.

Check out the “New Songs Sunday” playlist on Spotify:

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New Songs Sunday: A quick review of this week’s tracks