It’s Friday, and hopefully by now you realize that means one thing: new music. With multiple album releases from the likes of Offset, Lil Pump and Gunna, it seems rap and hip-hop are dominating the releases of the week. But don’t let that fool you — some other great music was released. From singer-songwriter collaborations to a new single from a pioneering figure in music, here are some highlights from the week’s music releases:
The man. The myth. The legend.
Following the release of “New Light” in 2018, singer-songwriter John Mayer is back in the spotlight with single “I Guess I Just Feel Like.” Stripped back to acoustic guitar, a stark difference from the funk-pop of “New Light,” Mayer is in his element with his latest. The pioneering artist has always been a phenomenal songwriter and “I Guess I Just Feel Like” shows that. With poignant lyrics, Mayer exudes poetry within the song.
Relating to sound, the single has a country or folk aspect to it. Based in acoustics, the song delves into Mayer’s own introspection on life. Featuring bluesy guitar solos, the song is true to the spirit of Mayer. It’s touching, vulnerable and Mayer at his best.
Is it summer yet?
Playing music together since age 11, Los Angeles-based Wallows has taken time to craft its sound despite its members being relatively young. Consisting of Braeden Lasters, Dylan Minnette (yes, Clay from Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why) and Cole Preston, Wallows is equally part new age indie as it is classic rock, all mixed with a beachy vibe. On it’s latest pair of singles, the band is modern, catchy and makes listeners yearn for warmer months. “Scrawny” and “Are You Bored Yet? (feat. Clairo)” are sonically different yet remain in the same realm of music — Wallows’ realm of music.
A match made in heaven
Enlisting the help of songstress Julia Michaels, British singer-songwriter James Bay gets emotional on his latest single “Peer Pressure.” The single is the first release for Bay since his 2018 album Electric Light, while Michaels recently released her Inner Monologue Part 1 EP earlier this year. With both artists being established singer-songwriters with well-developed lyrics, the single is beautiful in multiple ways. From the late-night mistakes within the lyrics to the sweet vocals from both artists, the song is definitely one to listen to.
