New Music Round-Up: Ariana Grande, Liam Payne, Anne-Marie

Singles

Ariana Grande - 'No Tears Left to Cry'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffxKSjUwKdU

Ariana Grande's long-awaited return is even more spectacular than expected. 'No Tears Left to Cry' is a celestial shapeshifter of sheer optimism and the perfect opener for her new era.

Liam Payne & J Balvin - 'Familiar'

https://open.spotify.com/track/0Y4hwUppbGc8aIBmiTz30A?si=4d7HFABFTEOj6jLdkIQRZA

J Balvin is added to the long list of Liam Payne collaborations this week as the superstar duo team up to deliver a hip-twisting banger perfect for the summer sunshine.

Anne-Marie - '2002'

https://open.spotify.com/track/4Pbg79cTBu4vgSphoyNq3j?si=s17PM1rDQZe1dpX7tD6b6A

With just one week to go until Anne-Marie's debut album drops, the singer releases '2002': a gorgeous, sunkissed ode to nostalgia. Fun fact: it was co-written by Ed Sheeran!

Khalid, 6LACK & Ty Dolla $ign - 'OTW'

https://open.spotify.com/track/6Hgh47WXVKtXN5zGOu0hjI?si=0VrpPnGjTX2wiW6OuteacA

'OTW' is one of two new Khalid tracks this week! The slick and sultry track is a nice extension from the sound of his debut album, and 6LACK and Ty Dolla $ign compliment the song perfectly.

Sean Paul & Major Lazer - 'Tip Pon It'

https://open.spotify.com/track/22wt8Hi61HAuHIrnltZ0wF?si=pHyHFzdeTpOMvdv3fgqNeQ

Will hearing 'Sean Da Paul' ever get old? The answer is no, and we are utterly obsessed with his latest collab with Major Lazer. 'Tip Pon It' is going to be everywhere this summer - bookmark us.

Billie Eilish & Khalid - 'lovely'

https://open.spotify.com/track/0u2P5u6lvoDfwTYjAADbn4?si=8r6kmYjdSriNxIxUW0U6UA

Khalid joins forces with rising star Billie Eilish for 'lovely', a stripped back duet that puts the pair's incredible raw talents at the forefont.

Naughty Boy, RAY BLK & Wyclef Jean - 'All Or Nothing'

https://open.spotify.com/track/0hvMM1GPZZZHtNuMl8sU8a?si=eOKLfk57QiSYqlhk85Rd0w

Naughty Boy returns with an island-ready bop just in time for summer, accompanied by reggae legend Wyclef Jean and the ever-brilliant RAY BLK.

Blossoms - 'There's A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls)'

https://open.spotify.com/track/6fpwnFX30ZjUBiaOdx1yRB?si=V4Ga-IAwT1mLcnapD5yQiw

Well, this is just lush, isn't it? Blossoms bring out the synths to distract us from the rather sad lyrics of this lil' indie bop to make it sound happy, and we're sold.

Halsey x Calvin Harris - 'Alone (ft. Stefflon Don)'

https://open.spotify.com/track/5K09638EBQjVMrZYXA89aC?si=9ylj7oRKSJakyVbmnUuZ8g

Calvin Harris is officially back on his dance floor. The super-producer transforms Halsey and Stefflon Don's 'Alone' into a chaotic-in-the-best-way '90s rave anthem.

The Vamps - 'Hair Too Long'

https://youtu.be/pF4dtuJARGE

'Hair Too Long' is the second single from the Day Edition of The Vamps' third album, and it's a funky piece of pop-rock.

Mahalia - 'No Reply'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVpnGM1S_50

Rising starlet Mahalia delivers one of the slickest R&B tracks in recent memory, with a honey vocals and hypnotising production.

Avelino - 'More Everything (feat. J Styles)'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSLRwYck4RI

After a massive 2017, Avelino teams up with J Styles for his first track of the year and 'More Everything' is a total banger. 

Rae Sremmurd, Swae Lee & Slim Jxmmi - 'CLOSE (feat. Travis Scott)'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSIY6C1uv4E

Rae Sremmurd, Travis Scott and Mike WiLL Made-It? We knew this was going to be fire before pressing play and it does not disappoint.

Folly Rae - 'Sniper'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VK1OKHfnGpA

If you don't already know Folly Rae then get familiar right now. 'Sniper' is one of the freshest songs we've heard in 2018, with an insanely catchy chorus that won't leave your head for hours on end. We're not complaining!

The Chainsmokers - 'Somebody (feat. Drew Love)'

https://open.spotify.com/track/3pWcj8hxj3fsb9TDAcMpEl?si=YGF3ACXIQ7iXWep8PWKlhg

The Chainsmokers' own Drew Love takes center stage for the dance duo's latest tropical number about leaving the riches for love.

Teleman - 'Submarine Life'

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pEKnirTY1I

London's own Teleman drop the pop-leaning 'Submarine Life' this week, while staying true to their electro roots and robotic vocals.

Sugarland - 'Babe (feat. Taylor Swift)'

https://open.spotify.com/track/5FNeJveCmVB2TPDbIYqK0M?si=zPty9X5TSqeQPO1J9_MvSw

At last! Taylor Swift and Sugarland unite for a happy break-up song that was originally written for Swift's Red album.

Albums

J. Cole - KOD

https://open.spotify.com/album/4Wv5UAieM1LDEYVq5WmqDd?si=8ghgX2HDTt6EpZ8F-i-lWA

Just days after announcing his return, J. Cole drops a brand new album KOD today. Following from 4 Your Eyez Only, the rap superstar uses his voice to question the politics of our current age and constantly switched-on digital society. The title track shows his stance as an independent thinker as he rejects the pressures of the music industry to make the art he wants, and we admire.

Nines - Crop Circle

https://open.spotify.com/album/3NCaaR039Ja15HACg6hay1?si=bt_LjCVRTAqcrd4diUSz7A

On his second full-length album, Nines is an open book as he navigates his new luxe life with his past in prison and on the streets. While celebration reigns on the brilliant 'Haze' and 'Oh My', other tracks dig deeper to wipe the gloss and keep things real.

Bishop Briggs - Church Of Scars

https://open.spotify.com/album/1TTxcgs3zEngN0EB56yXzY?si=VKzuTq6oQSiQkYlgemhiRA

Fiiiinally. Bishop Briggs' debut album arrives today, building upon the success of 'River' with an excellent collection of alt-pop anthems.

Sasha Sloan - sad girl - EP

https://open.spotify.com/album/1uKkqozFkKpyjynnTdRqLB?si=PJ1luEiETXirCWM8Q4PlNw

With major songwriting credits under her belt (Camila Cabello, Charli XCX), Sasha Sloan makes her solo arrival with sad girl - EP: a combination of honest lyricism, perfect pop sensibilities and a little something different. We love it.

PRETTYMUCH - AN EP

https://open.spotify.com/album/2rmcMZwrpFewSPsoaC6Dvc?si=4FpksxcQR4CuEXUC4l7r-A

PRETTYMUCH deliver two new tracks this week with their debut EP, which includes the singles '10,000 Hours' and 'Healthy.'

Words: Ross McNeilage