Now Playing: New Music Friday 9.8.17

Hello!

Here’s yet another edition of me pretending I know how to review music. To be honest, I really just want to showcase my feels when I hear songs for the first time, especially from artists that I love.

Here are a few songs that stood out to me on this week’s New Music Friday playlist :

“You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore” by Demi Lovato

https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/3JBUv4SVXFAbZVlnchORpU

At 10 p.m. PST last night, I saw that this song was released. I was about 1 hour late, but you better believe I went straight to Spotify and streamed it. I will always love Demi Lovato’s voice. It’s so strong and soulful and there’s just so many feels when she belts out those high notes. Her ballads are always my favorite.

This is the 3rd track from her upcoming album and from what I’m hearing I could tell that I’m going to enjoy it. I feel like she’s gotten some inspiration over the years and just like Sam Smith’s new song, I feel some heartbreak.

Her 6th studio album, “Tell Me You Love Me”, will be released on 9/29/17.

“Too Good At Goodbyes” by Sam Smith

https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/7oAraczbemGSNWqnbkU87R

It’s been two years, so people have definitely been waiting to hear from Grammy Award winner, Sam Smith. With records like “Stay With Me”, “Lay Me Down”, and my personal favorite “Not In That Way”, expectations are high. And being deemed the male version of Adele, emotions are high as well.

In “Too Good At Goodbyes”, Sam gives such a soulful performance. He is basically singing about not giving a f**k when the relationship in question ends. But even though he’s trying to mask it, you can hear the heartbreak.

“Let Me Go” by Hailee Steinfeld with Alesso feat. Florida Georgia Line & watt

https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/5Gu0PDLN4YJeW75PpBSg9p

I love Hailee. For some reason, I feel like she’s been in the music industry for a while and then I remember she’s only 20 years old. While her sound is very pop, I feel like she stands out as an artist. When I listen to her sing, I don’t see Hailee Steinfeld, the actress trying to merge into the music business. I see her as the solo music artist, if that makes sense. I think she does a really good job at keeping the two careers separate. I’m hoping a studio album is coming out soon.

Anyways, this song has a very familiar sound to it. It’s definitely clear that Alesso is on the track. But I think the cool part of this song is how Florida Georgia Line is featured. When country meets pop, it’s always a good time.

“Love So Soft” by Kelly Clarkson

https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/0o7glLPfZgns8ZF14Wlpf7

It’s so hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since Kelly Clarkson was deemed the 1st American Idol. Makes me feel old AF. But Kelly Clarkson, along with Carrie Underwood, is undeniably one of the most successful American Idols.

With this song, I feel like Kelly stayed true to herself, but added a little more flavor to go along with what we’re currently hearing on the radio now. It’s a song to sing along to and it gets you up and moving.

“Leave Right Now” by Thomas Rhett

https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/0wyja8xD9cNhDtfuY0dVMP

I don’t listen to country often. I don’t hate it, but it’s just not something you’ll see on my playlists. I’ve never listened to Thomas Rhett, but like most country songs, this song sounded super sweet. I like that it starts off sweet with an acoustic guitar and then later on there’s some electronic music infused as if a DJ came and remixed the song.

From what I can tell, Thomas Rhett is kind of straddling the line between country and pop and it sounds great. If I didn’t know that Thomas was a country singer, I probably wouldn’t have thought this was country.

“Dark Side of the Gym” by The National

https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/1OdpIb0nzhDcqwkiYp0O1u

I have no idea who The National is, but apparently they’re an indie rock band that’s been around since 1999 (maybe even longer). I usually like alternative rock, but just like country, it’s not on my typical playlists (at least currently).

This song is pretty chill and mellow, but there’s a music break towards the end that makes me think of those cheesy teen movies from the 80s. I even get a 50s vibe. All I picture is a young couple slow dancing in a gym at their school dance.