New Music Round-Up: Khalid, Normani, Tinashe

Singles

Khalid x Normani - 'Love Lies'

This is how you do a duet. Khalid and Normani are perfect together on this modern, midtempo ballad about insecurities in love. Much like Khalid, Normani possesses a voice capable of conveying a million emotions and her silky tone acts as the perfect foil to the gravelly texture of Khalid's distinctive vocals. The 'Work from Home' star may be the last Fifth Harmony member to release a solo single but it was definitely worth the wait. Normani the superstar has arrived and we can't wait to see what she does next.

Tinashe - 'Faded Love (feat. Future)'

Tinashe is one of the most underrated artists in music today. As a performer she is second to none among musicians her age and yet she still yet to properly take-off and become the household name that she deserves to be. 'Faded Love' could be the hit that changes things for the 'All Hands on Deck' singer. Not only is it Tinashe's most assured release since '2 On' but it's also just an excellent song. The production is mesmerising and that 'love, love, luh-luh-luh-luh-love' hook is sublime. At triumph.

Sean Paul & David Guetta - 'Mad Love (feat. Becky G)'

Sean Paul never fails to release a banger and this David Guetta and Becky G team-up is excellent. Not only does Becky G excel on the breakdown but it also sounds like a sister to Sean Paul's magnum opus 'Got 2 Love U'. Expect to hear this everywhere.

Frank Ocean - 'Moon River'

'Moon River' is one of the most gorgeous songs ever written for a film so it's no surprise that Frank's cover of it is exquisite. His voice captures the aching beauty of the song perfectly. A stunning Valentine's treat to tide us over until Frank's next release.

Rina Sawayama - 'Valentine (What's It Gonna Be)'

Rina makes music exciting. Her work harks back to the kind of layered production that thrived in the late nineties and early noughties. It's old-school without sounding dated and 'Valentine (What's It Gonna Be) is a brilliant example of Rina at her best.

Justine Skye - 'Know Myself (feat. Vory)'

We weren't expecting Justine to release new music so soon after her incredible debut ULTRAVIOLET but we're not mad either. 'Know Myself' is another Valentine's release - a first-class carefree ode to love that puts Justine's talent front and centre.

ROZES & Nicky Romero - 'Where Would Be'

ROZES rose to prominence in 2016 via The Chainsmokers' smash hit 'Roses'. 'Where Would Be' sounds like it could end up being just as big. The lyrics are super relatable and the drop in the chorus is tailor-made to dominate radio all year long.

Shakka - 'Man Down (feat. AlunaGeorge)'

Shakka and AlunaGeorge is the collaboration we never knew we needed. 'Man Down' is a supreme lowkey bop.

808INK - 'Come Down'

808INK take British rap into new and exciting realms. 'Come Down' does just that. We can't wait to hear the EP.

Bobii Lewis - ‘Save Me’

Another great single from Bobbii Lewis. 'Save Me' is a love song that's somehow sweet but not at all cheesy.

Sofia Reyes - '1, 2, 3 (feat. Jason Derulo & De La Ghetto)'

Sofia Reyes is one of Mexico's brightest talents and this Jason Derulo feature could be an international hit.

Tayá - 'Skin (feat. Lotto Boyzz)'

Tayá shines on this 'Body Party' esque slice of R&B perfection. Plus Lotto Boyzz kill it on the middle eight.

PRETTYMUCH - '10,000 Hours'

PRETTYMUCH are one hit away from becoming one of the biggest boybands right now. This could be it.

Conducta - 'Only U'

Conducta is back with a hit that is both forward-thinking and old-school at once. Get this one on repeat.

Albums

Rejjie Snow - Dear Annie

Rejjie Snow is an Irish born rapper who creates the kind of dreamy hip-hop that makes the perfect soundtrack for almost any occasion. Dear Annie stars features from the likes of Animé and Anna of the North but it's Rejje who stands out on this brilliant LP.

Nipsey Hussle - Victory Lap

It's hard to believe that Victory Lap is Nipsey's first official album. It proves why he is an essential voice in hip-hop.

Rak-Su - Rak-Su - EP

Rak-Su return with an EP full of the original songs that led them to X Factor victory. We can't wait to hear more.

Words: Sam Prance

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