Happy Monday! Kickstart your week ahead by checking out all of the new music that has just been released in this roundup of new music that you need to be listening to. From new albums from Fifth Harmony and PVRIS, to new songs from Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato, to new collaborations from French Montana & Mariah Carey and Miguel & Travis Scott, take a look at this week's New Music Report.
Taylor Swift - "Look What You Made Me Do"
Taylor Swift is in full comeback mode with the release of "Look What You Made Me Do," the lead single off her sixth studio album, reputation, which is set to drop November 10. On the almost-four minute track, "Look What You Made Me Do" hears the star treading into slinky pop territory as she calls out someone who has seriously tried to cross her or maybe it's more than one person. After a reference to a "tilted stage" in the opening verse, it sounds like it’s a direct dig at Kanye West and his "Saint Pablo Tour" stage set-up. "I don't trust nobody and nobody trusts me/ I'll be the actress starring in your bad dreams," she sings during the bridge, before the ultimate revelation. "I'm sorry, the old Taylor can't come to the phone right now," she playfully teases. "Why? Oh, because she's dead!"
Demi Lovato - "Tell Me You Love Me"
Taylor Swift may have snagged most of the limelight during last Friday’s release day, but that didn’t mean that Demi Lovato couldn’t score some love. In fact, her newest track off her upcoming album of the same name shot up to the No. 2 spot on iTunes single chart and for good reason. “Tell Me You Love Me” is primarily stripped back showing, which puts her big vocals to the forefront for a heartbreak anthem about being lonely. "Tell me you love me/ I need someone on days like this," Lovato sings. "I hope I never see the day that you move on and be happy without me."
Fifth Harmony - Fifth Harmony
Fifth Harmony refocus their sights after the sudden departure of Camila Cabello in December. As a foursome, the pop quartet don’t stray too far from their formula, but the good thing about a four-member group is that each of the bandmates have more time to balance out responsibilities. Even though some of the tracks like “Down,” “He Like That” and “Sauced Up” end up with a little more urban sensibility than previous 5H efforts, the short but sweet set of 10 tracks does its job at solidifying the act’s formula without the need for Cabello. See: “He Like That” and “Angel"
Thirty Seconds to Mars - "Walk on Water"
It's been four years since Thirty Seconds to Mars last released an album, and back in June, the band teased via a video posted to Twitter that a new LP was coming. Fast forward two months, and we're finally getting our first taste of said new album with a brand new single. "Walk on Water" is the first taste of Thirty Seconds to Mars' upcoming fifth studio album, which follows 2013's LOVE LUST FAITH + DREAMS. The track also comes with a lyric video, compiled of footage shot in a single day on the fourth of July this year in the US.
Thirty Seconds to Mars is sure to perform "Walk on Water" during their set at the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Festival this September at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Queens of the Stone Age - Villains
Queens of the Stone Age have finally returned with a new album! Josh Homme and crew released their seventh studio album Villains, the followup to 2013's ...Like Clockwork. The release of Villains, which was produced by Mark Ronson, is preceded by its first two singles "The Way You Used to Do" and "The Evil has Landed," and unlike the band's previous albums, their newest album features no guest appearances from other artists.
Villains includes nine tracks total. According to Rolling Stone, he album's lead single "The Way You Used to Do," was actually inspired by a few rock icons including ZZ Top, Cab Calloway, Shirley Bassey and the Misfits. Meanwhile, "Fortress" was written for Josh Homme's 11-year-old daughter Camille.
In an earlier interview with Rolling Stone, the band's Troy Van Leeuwen said of Villains, "There's a lot of depth and midtempo songs on the last record, and we are a rock & roll band. Peppering this record with some upbeat stuff was good for balance. That's a result of self-awareness. When you have a song like [Clockwork's] 'The Vampyre of Time and Memory,' you listen to it, like, 'Holy s**t, why are you so depressed? You have the best job in the world and you're surrounded by people who love you and you get to do this so shut the f*** up.'"
Fergie - "You Already Know" (featuring Nicki Minaj & "Hungry" (featuring Rick Ross)
Fergie’s Double Duchess announcement comes with the release of two boss bangers with Nicki Minaj and Rick Ross. While “You Already Know” hears the pop star sing atop a retro sample from Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock's "It Takes Two,” “Hungry” remains the stronger of the cuts, with Fergie Ferg claiming her dominance over some aggressively trippy production. Both will appear on her forthcoming LP, which is set to drop September 22.
The Killers - "Wonderful Wonderful"
The Killers are another week closer to the release of their new album, Wonderful Wonderful, which drops on September 22, and the release of the self-titled track is being met with some odd reviews. If we’re going to be specific, the song has been described as “scrappy” and “weird.” Considering the set's previous release like "Run For Cover," "Wonderful Wonderful” still appears as a solid indicator of the album's sonic progression. And yet, it's an interesting release, considering Brandon Flowers' recent thoughts on the rock landscape with Vice.
Noah Cyrus - "Almost Famous"
After performing the song for the first time in December, Noah Cyrus appeases fans’ appetites with the studio version of the a heartbreaking ballad called “Almost Famous," which is all about questioning what happens when love just isn’t enough. Opening with soft guitar chords, "Almost Famous" hears Noah alarmingly self-aware of a dwindling relationsip. "We were almost legends you and me/ We were almost perfect/ We were almost like the people in the painting/ It's like we were almost/ It's like we were almost famous," she sings during the hook.
Rod Stewart featuring DNCE - "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy"
Rod Stewart's 1978 smash, "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" sees a 2017 makeover, courtesy of the music icon's new cover collaboration of the pop track with DNCE. On the cover, Joe Jonas takes the lead with the opening verse, before the all-too-familiar pop hook kicks in. Stewart gets into the groove for the follow-up verse, proving that "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" still indeed hits the same way it did in the late '70s. The team-up arrives on the heels of Stewart's new partnership with Republic Records, which is not-so-surprisingly also the home of DNCE. "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy" was off Stewart's ninth studio effort, Blondes Have More Fun, and is one of his signature songs, peaking at the No. 1 spot in six countries, including the United States.
Luke Bryan - "Light It Up"
In 2015, Luke Bryan wanted to Kill The Lights, but in 2017, the country star wants to "Light It Up." The four-time Entertainer of the year dropped his brand new single "Light It Up," and it's the first single from his upcoming album due out later this year.
The mid-tempo "Light It Up" talks about when you're constantly checking your phone to see if that special someone has called/texted/Snapchatted (hey, we're in 2017, right?), etc. You're just hoping your phone screen is lit up with their name -- the ol' waiting for the reply conundrum. The song was written by Luke himself and Old Dominion's Brad Tursi. This is also the first taste of the Georgia native's yet-to-be-titled sixth studio album. Luke tells iHeartRadio exclusively of his new song:
"It's kind of a glimpse into people and how they communicate these days with ... people are breaking up with text messages or getting back with text messages. They're just on their phones so much. And it's just about a guy that's hanging on everything that's happening on his phone, and he's like 'please, just light that screen up with your text message, so we can get it back together.'"
Sofia Carson - "Ins and Outs"
Following her previous 2017 single, "Back to Beautiful," Sofia Carson has returned with a new bop called "Ins and Outs." In the mellow pop song, was co-written by iHeartRadio Music Festival Village performer Julia Michaels and her songwriting partner in crime Justin Tranter, and produced by Jason Evigan. In the song Sofia is singing about laying all your cards out on the table in a new relationship, not judging either person's past. "Discover your information, this intimate situation/Show me, show me, show me/All the ins and outs/'Cause it'll just make it easier to love you," she sings in the chorus.
French Montana featuring Swae Lee & Mariah Carey - "Unforgettable (Remix)"
Even though we didn’t anticipate French Montana was going to churn out an acoustic remix to his summer scorcher, "Unforgettable," featuring Sway Lee, it’s a welcome reworking of the track, particularly with the addition of Mariah Carey. On this remix, MC finally produces something worthwhile for the pop titan’s stature. "[Our conversation] started because my son’s name is Moroccan, and French is Moroccan, and we were just talking,” she recently told MTV News. "We did this little remix, and then Justin Bieber came in, and he got on it. The label never really released it, but then like, later on, we did this — so this is cool."
Lil Uzi Vert - Luv is Rage 2
After months of teasing, Lil Uzi Vert released his debut album a few days ago. What’s interesting about this album is that the rapper didn’t even tell people that it was dropping it until just a few hours beforehand. “Tonight at 12 ….2 the album. OKAY BYE,” Uzi said on social media. Luv is Rage 2 consists of 16 tracks and it only has two features… who just so happen to be two of the biggest names in music at the moment: The Weeknd and Pharrell Williams.
The Script - "Written in the Scars"
With one week left to go before The Script releases their fifth studio album Freedom Child, the band shared another new song from the record called "Written in the Scars," which follows the lead single "Rain." The message behind the song is the idea that what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger. Lead singer Danny O'Donoghue sings in the chorus, "If it's hurting right now/It's gon' make us who we are/It's written in the scars."
Martin Garrix - "Pizza"
Shout out to Martin Garrix for creating an ode to one life's most treasured and cheesy treats: pizza. The song is an instrumental only melodic dance floor anthem, kicking off and ending with a gorgeous orchestral section. And the video? Four minutes and sixteen sections of footage from touring, signs from his fans saying that they "love [him] more than pizza" (that's A LOT), and of course, a lot of pizza-eating from martin himself. And the end, he says while enjoying a slice, "I love you, and I love pizza." We love you and pizza too, Martin!
A$AP Mob - Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy
August has been a great month for A$AP Mob. A$AP Twelvyy dropped his debut album, 12, and A$AP Ferg released his latest mixtape, Still Thriving. Now, the squad has given us its much-anticipated album, Cozy Tapes Vol. 2: Too Cozy, which is the second installment of the group’s 2016 release, Cozy Tapes Vol. 1: Friends. This project is hot from beginning to end. With songs like “What Happens,” “RAF,” “BYF,” “Feels So Good” and more; you won’t be able to stop playing the 17-track album. It also features artists like Lil Yachty, Playboi Carti, Big Sean, Gucci Mane and more.
PVRIS - All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell
PVRIS has returned with their second studio album, following their 2014 full-length debut White Noise. All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell by it's first three singles, "Heaven," "What's Wrong," and "Anyone Else," and includes ten new tracks total. Via a long note to fans on social media, PVRIS front woman Lynn Gunn wrote of the new album:
"White Noise was one moment in time. It was captured, bottled up and brought forth for your consumption. This record is the next moment. But it doesn't feel captured just yet ... It is still surfacing, materializing and manifesting before us. It is still breathing and running wild; waiting to be caught at the right moment where we can finally catch a good glimpse of its face. It bares so much of our souls, yet so much remains unsaid. Half is fully exposed; the other still locked away. Half is now so distant from our hearts, like a far off dream; the other half still so close, standing on our shoulders, breathing down our necks. Half is healing; the other is still aching, broken and bleeding out, waiting to realize what wounded it in the first place."
Lynn concluded by saying, "Be kind to it or be cruel to it. Let it free you or consumer you. Feel whatever you need to feel from it. All that matters is that you are feeling."
Busta Rhymes featuring Vybz Kartel & Tory Lanez - "Girlfriend"
Busta Rhymes got back to his Jamaican roots with this new smash. “Girlfriend” gives its listeners a reggae feel, as soon as it comes on. In honor of the Caribbean vibes of the track, of course Busta had to call on Vybz Kartel and Tory Lanez to assist with it. “Now let it go girlfriend/Bend and touch your toes girlfriend/Now all my chicks everywhere, hands in the air (show em!) and let em’ know girlfriend,” Busta sings on the single’s hook. “Girlfriend” is just in time for summer! Blast it over and over. You won’t be sorry.
Miguel featuring Travis Scott - "Sky Walker"
Miguel and Travis Scott make an excellent team. They previously came together for "Waves," and joined forces again for their latest collab "Sky Walker." This song is awesome, and it's all about doing you, boo. In the chorus, Miguel sings, 'I'm Luke Skywalkin' on these haters/Celebrate every day like a birthday/Good things come to those that wait up." In an annotation on Genius.com, Miguel had this to say about his new song:
"A lot of people don’t know me for that side of my personality. When I come into the studio, I’m likely to put a lot of pressure on myself to say something that’s really personal or unique or that will get the conversation started. I don’t think my fans know this fun side of me. It was a different spirit in the studio that day, and that’s exciting. The energy was right and because it was fun the song wrote itself all the way through."
Keyshia Cole - "Incapable"
Keyshia Cole is back, everyone! It’s been a while since we heard from the R&B songstress, but it looks like she’s been inspired to get back on her grind with this new “Incapable” single that she just dropped. For all Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood out there, you most likely already saw Cole working on the song in the studio on the show. Now, it's officially here, so you can listen to the soon-to-be hit as many times as you like. “Incapable” tells the story of a woman finally letting go of an ex who wronged her multiple times. Though it was co-written by Elijah Blake, it most likely picks from Cole’s relationship with her estranged husband, Daniel Gibson.
deadmau5 x Shotty Horroh - "Legendary"
If you've been itching for something new from deadmau5, then this new collaboration with British rapper Shotty Horroh called “Legendary” will do the trick. Even though it's a short and sweet cut, clocking in at only a little more than two minutes, Horrah shines with his hard-hitting bars atop the EDM heavyweight's production. Shout out to those subtle piano keys though!
Wu-Tang Clan featuring Redman - "People Say"
Wu-Tang Clan released a new song entitled “People Say.” Members of the group like Method Man, Raekwon, Masta Kill, Inspectah Deck are accompanied with a special guest appearance by Redman for the track. “People Say” was produced by RZA and follows “Don’t Stop,” another new single the group dropped for HBO’s Silicon Valley. Remaining true to Wu’s roots, the song has a classic feel that will make you long for the 1990s’ return.
Old Dominion - Happy Endings
Old Dominion have been teasing fans with song after song over the last few months, but the band has finally released their new album Happy Endings. Happy Endings is Old Dominion's second studio album, and follows their 2015 debut record Meat and Candy. The new record features 12 new songs including their single "No Such Thing as a Broken Heart," along with previously released promo singles like "Written in the Sand," "Shoe Shopping," and "Be With Me." The album also includes a collaboration with Little Big Town called "Stars in the City."
XXXTentacion - 17
Ladies and gentlemen, XXXTentacion has finally released his debut album, 17. We’ve been hearing music from the rapper for quite some time now, but the XXL Freshman‘s brand new project is finally here for everyone to take in. 17 has 11 songs on it, and interesting fact, it only has one feature -- an Ohio rapper named Trippie Redd. One person who has co-signed 17 is one of the future kings of hip hop, Kendrick Lamar, himself. “Listen to this album if you feel anything. Raw thoughts,” K. Dot tweeted about 17. So, if K. Dot says something is worth listening to, we suggest you listen to his words. He’s never lied.
PARTYNEXTDOOR – "Break Me Down" and "DAMN"
PARTYNEXTDOOR was feeling very giving this past week. The singer dropped not one, but two new songs for his fans’ listening pleasure. One of the songs is called “Break Me Down” and it talks about how a special woman leaving PND has affected him. “Why you act like you don’t know me?/Before all the K’s, Kylie’s, and Kehlani’s, whoa/Why you do me this way?/Must be how it go when you crack the Drake code, Draco,” he sings on it. The second one is called “DAMN” – and no, it has nothing to do with Kendrick Lamar. This one also shows the heartbreak PND is feeling after losing this mystery woman. “If you love me go and show it to me/Passion, passion, passion, passion, I need passion,” he sings.
Bridgit Mendler - "Diving"
First Aly & AJ make their tremendous comeback, and now, fellow former Disney star Bridgit Mendler is on a similar path. Bridgit released two other singles this year, "Tempermental Love" and "Can't Bring This Down," and for her latest release, she's teamed up with duo RKCB on the sultry "Diving." The new song hears Bridgit reveal her thoughts of a former love. She sings in the chorus, "I've been/Diving, diving, diving/I've been/Silent, ooo, diving back into you."
Qulinez - "World Gone Crazy"
Electronic music duo Qulinez have shared their latest single, "World Gone Crazy." The song, featuring hints of tropical house, was written along with Dutch singer/songwriter Bart van Dalen, and talks about a night full of love and passion. The chorus features lyrics like, "All night, all night/Gimme that love till the walls start shaking/All night, all night/Turn it up loud till the world gone crazy."
R3hab featuring Khrebto - "You Could Be"
Is it just me, or is R3hab CRUSHING it lately? For the catchy "You Could Be," which follows his collaboration with Felix Cartal "Killing Time," R3hab teams up with Russian producer Khrebto and will be featured on his upcoming album, which is set to drop on September 15th. "You Could Be" is a sweet song itself, as the lyrics in the chorus say, "Hey, you, let me show you something good/Yeah, we can be something good/If you let me show you everythingI can be your everything/Will you be my everything?"
Hardwell - Hardwell & Friends, Vol. 02 EP
Hardwell has been releasing new songs left and right recently, all included on his latest Hardwell & Friends, Vol. 02 EP. The five-song set includes collaborations with friends like Henry Fong, Mr. Vegas, Kill the Buzz, Max Collins, MOKSI, and more. Vol. 02 comes just under a month after releasing Hardwell & Friends, Vol. 01, which also includes five tracks.