Best New Tracks of the Week: May 21st, 2023
This week had some VERY high-profile comebacks that I was pretty interested to dissect even though nothing sounded anything like I expected it to, for better or for worse. Enjoy <3
5. Say Yes To Heaven - Lana Del Rey
Lana did the gays another favor this year by officially releasing a fan-favorite leak that's been floating around for a while. While this was never one of the Lana leaks I was totally head over heels for I'm glad she's putting it out in this capacity because it has the murky distinctive darkness of her Ultraviolence era all over it. The gentle sway of the melodies and the practical visuals of the lyrics combine quite well.
4. WHERE SHE GOES - Bad Bunny
I've been fooled too many times, I won't be late on Bad Bunny again. His new single is a pummeling cross-section of hip-hop and reggaeton that has hit written all over it, not just because of a star-studded music video either. Bad Bunny continues to use his beaming personality to distance himself from any of his contemporaries and this is an anthem you only release when you're one of the biggest stars on earth.
3. The Narcissist - Blur
While I didn't love this comeback song on first listen and the refrains felt a bit languid right out of the gate, it didn't take long for the song to grow on me. Not only do I appreciate the song's cheery demeanor despite some of the aching self-reflection and nostalgia that went into it, but I also love that the instrumental accompaniments aren't afraid to be wiry and bouncy. I don't think the band is reinventing the wheel here but I'm happy with what they delivered.
2. The Greater Wings - Julie Byrne
Lost in a week with some more highly anticipated new drops is Julie Byrne who got her long-awaited comeback hype when she topped the Best New Tracks list a few weeks ago. Thankfully, she turned right around and did it again with this equally gorgeous ballad marked by gentle masterful climaxes and impressive restraint throughout.
1. It Must Change - ANOHNI
WOW. Anohni is back and rather than bringing the discordant wrath of her previous album she is channeling some absolute classic protest songs and reckoning with the world around her in a much statelier sense. Not only is the soulful instrumentation surrounding her grand vocal performance beautiful but also helps inform a sentiment that seeks less to inflame and more to incite contemplation with pointed questions and sharp political commentary. This feels like a song that could end up being one of the best of 2023.
