New Music Round-Up: Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, The Weeknd

Singles

The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar - 'Pray for Me'

https://open.spotify.com/track/4ofvoCdXq99vpMZO4Cfp8x

Soundtrack albums often suffer from being too bloated but three singles in and the Black Panther OST is already shaping up to be one of the records of the year. The production is next level, The Weeknd sounds sublime and Kendrick's verse is worthy of his best.

Jennifer Lopez - 'Us'

https://open.spotify.com/track/2MMvonKGALz6YOJwaKDO3q

J.Lo has a way with bangers and 'Us' is the dancefloor anthem that 2018's been missing. Skrillex is on hand for production duties and he's found a way to highlight J.Lo's talents in a new and fresh way. From the vocals to the chorus breakdown, we're obsessed.

Tove Styrke - 'Changed My Mind'

https://open.spotify.com/track/4ocQq9RpzpfzkFdsWa0heR

Tove Styrke has a knack for writing catchy off-kilter pop and 'Changed My Mind' is a prime example of this. From the production flourishes to the vocal echoes, it's experimental pop at it's best. Tove's third album Sway is out in May and we cannot wait to hear it.

Kojo Funds - 'Check (feat. RAYE)'

https://open.spotify.com/track/4i8ObH2xPP4DSNniUJlgar

'Check' wins us over with its brilliant Craig David sample alone. It's Kojo's unique charisma and RAYE's emotive delivery that make it a great single in its own right though. It's early days but we reckon that 'Check' could end up being one of 2018's biggest hits.

Heather Brave - 'Feel You Watching'

https://open.spotify.com/album/4aOazpormLT4YNE7Z3Fnm1

Heather may only just be establishing herself as a popstar but 'Feel You Watching' proves that she's in it for the longhaul. Her vocals are massive, the chorus is euphoric and those 'I wanna feel the rain together' ad-libs at the end are nothing short of magical.

CHVRCHES - 'Get Out'

https://open.spotify.com/track/3dhl7hXKfEeGYshNWUqaiy

Chvrches are back and boy did we miss them. 'Get Out' is pop in its purest form and up there with their best work.

Busta Rhymes - 'Get It (feat. Missy Elliott & Kelly Rowland)'

https://open.spotify.com/track/3Tt9CEnGYd69ZrUGpiTe2Z

Busta, Missy and Kelly are three of the best in the business for a reason and 'Get It' showcases all of their skills.

Hak Baker - 'Skint'

https://open.spotify.com/album/1Nq5LbCacolRXmEsY9JmJM

Hak Baker is changing the game for folk music and 'Skint' acts as evidence why with its touchingly candid lyrics.

Pale Waves - 'The Tide'

https://open.spotify.com/track/4jUJrEiDpehD2wC0dw1Tqx

'The Tide' isn't drastically different from Pale Waves other singles so far but it's still expertly crafted dream pop.

The Swoons - 'Lost'

https://open.spotify.com/album/6x47C3rCGx60VPVhIojZk7

Music's hottest new trio strike again. From its captivating verses to its soaring chorus, 'Lost' is a triumph.

Steve Aoki, Daddy Yankee, Play-N-Skills & Elvis Crespo - 'Azukita'

https://open.spotify.com/album/5LSqEb2yiUoWM91rUnvDjS

Steve Aoki turns up the tempo with a relentless all-star collaboration and we can't get enough of it. 

Mahalia - 'Proud of Me (feat. Little Simz)'

https://open.spotify.com/album/13DiRRO8DTuLxsD6qqQlp4

Mahalia and Little Simz make the perfect pair on this brilliant, laidback ode to self-empowerment.

Albums

Justin Timberlake - Man of the Woods

https://open.spotify.com/album/01l3jTY261V3CESZR4dABz

Justin Timberlake returns to music with his most adventurous album to date. Man of the Woods may not be filled with the bops that made Justin the legend that he is today but instead it allows him to get introspective and reveal the man behind the superstar.

Madison Beer - As She Pleases

https://open.spotify.com/album/5boeEaUtj7gHXFxKtFFlzL

From silky smooth vocals to a proper popstar presence, Madison Beer's got it all and As She Pleases is a real moment.

Rae Morris - Someone Out There

https://open.spotify.com/album/3h30Uo7ctjnKADgYzcUj40

Rae Morris shined on her debut LP Unguarded but Someone Out There sees her find her own sound to great success.

Words: Sam Prance

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