A showcase of some of the best new music releases from the past week.
Zayn – ‘Pillowtalk’
Zayn is all grown up! And he wants us to know all about it. First he dropped the boy band and then, for good measure, his last name went too. His latest move? A sexy video, of course. That should help. But how about the song? It seems like people were kind of hoping he would magically turn into Frank Ocean or something, but that definitely isn’t happening. Could be worse though.
Lontalius – ‘Glow’
‘Glow’ is an optimistic take on a forgotten relationship, delivered so heavy-hearted that it’s hard not to feel a little broody. Lontalius née Eddie Johnston says it’s “about feeling like you should have negative feelings for an ex but realising they were actually alright. People are beautiful and relationships are too. I just wanted to write a pop song.” Word is that he’ll be releasing a new track from his upcoming album, I’ll Forget 17, every week in the lead-up to the release. So far, so good.
Rihanna – ‘Higher’
It’s too all over the place to be a statement album, but snuck in amongst the final run of ballads which close out ANTI is ‘Higher’ – the pinnacle of the record and one which showcases Rihanna at perhaps her most vulnerable. “This whiskey got me feelin’ pretty,” she begins. “So pardon if I’m impolite.” At a brief two minutes, it feels like it’s gone all too soon.
KING – We Are KING
A full five years since their debut EP, lavish R&B trio KING – comprised of Anita Bias and sisters Amber and Paris Strothers – have revealed their new full-length album, We Are KING. The LA-based group, who write and produce everything in-house, turned heads with that first release, which even led them to be shoulder-tapped by Prince. Don’t let this one go under the radar.
The Pleasure – ‘Under My Skin’
After revealing his new moniker – and two new songs – a couple of weeks ago, Lawrence Goodwin is back once again with another new track, ‘Under My Skin’. In much the same vein as those previous releases, this one’s a bitter slow-burn, perfect for those days when you just want to draw the curtains and pull the sheets over your head.