Not only are we thankful it’s finally Friday, we’re also thankful for all the new music released today. Here are our top picks to start your weekend off right.
IN DEFENSE OF MY OWN HAPPINESS - JOY OLADOKUN
Joy Oladokun just released her highly-anticipated, major label debut album, in defense of my own happiness. The album is a mix of folk, country, and soulful pop-infused gems. in defense of my own happiness opens with “someone that i used to be”, an introspective anthem that lyrically hits hard, especially lines like “I think too much sometimes / Having trouble giving grace / To every one of my mistakes”. Same Joy, same.
“sunday” is a definite highlight. The song was originally released in 2019 and is about sexuality, religion and the struggle of acceptance, a song that Oladokun says her twelve-year-old self needed to hear.
Other highlights on this record include “i see america”, “mighty die young”, “breathe again”, and “sorry isn’t good enough”. Oladokun credits Tracy Chapman the reason she decided to learn guitar. You can definitely hear Chapman’s influence throughout this record, especially on tracks like “heaven from here (with Penny and Sparrow)”, “i see america” and “jordan”.
The album even features Country Star Maren Morris on “Bigger Man”. Their voices pair well on this ballad as they harmonize on the song’s chorus: “I’ve paddled upstream where the river ran / I’ve turned sticks and stones into an olive branch / I made a full house with a shitty hand / Yet here I am / Still gotta be the bigger man”.
Hailing from Arizona, the Nashville-based singer/songwriter has proven with this album alone that she’s a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
"PASADENA" - TINASHE & BUDDY
Tinashe is back with her latest single “Pasadena” featuring Buddy and issa vibe, indeed. The hook is catchy and fresh. It’s the perfect song to roll your windows down and drive up the sunny California coast, feeling free, feeling right. “Pasadena” is the first single off her upcoming album 333 and we can’t to hear what Nashe has in store for this era.
L'AIR DE RIEN (LEGACY EDITION) - TÉTÉ
In honor of the 20th anniversary of his debut album, French singer/songwriter Tété just re-released L’air de rien. Aptly titled L’air de rien (Legacy Edition), the album features an additional 37 tracks filled with demos and live versions of classics from his expansive discography. If you haven’t listened to L’air de rien, you are sorely missing out. It’s a strong debut, reminiscent of artists like John Mayer, Jack Johnson, & Dave Matthews Band. But don’t be fooled by the comparisons, Tété is as unique as it gets. Songs like “Love Love Love”, “Les envies”, and “Dodeline” show off his fun, whimsical side that we know and love. The album’s smooth transitions really elevate the listening experience. Each track feels as if it serves a purpose. He also has a strong ear for melody and a way with words (even if you don’t understand French, trust me, lyricstranslate will show you how brilliant he is). And for my Beatles fans out there, Tété covered “Eleanor Rigby” and truly made it his own. L’air de rien (Legacy Edition) is worth the listen. You won’t be disappointed in this French Folk masterpiece.
"GUETO" - IZA
Need more summer tunes? Well, IZA’s latest single, “Gueto”, is THAT tropical summer bop that will have you on your feet. “Gueto”, translated Ghetto, celebrates IZA’s origin, stating that she wants people to feel proud of being who they are. In an interview with G1, IZA states that the lyrics came from a great pride that she began to feel seeing all the things she was achieving. There was no way to celebrate the things that were happening and the place she was going without remembering where she came from.
This track kicks off a new era for the Brazilian singer, songwriter, and dancer. If “Gueto” is an indicator of what’s to come, IZA’s album will be a must listen.
TIME MACHINE - FOUSHEÉ
You might know Fousheé from her viral TikTok hit “deep end” or maybe you recognize her name from season 15 of The Voice. Either way, the alternative R&B songstress dropped her debut album, time machine, and we cannot get enough of it and her captivating voice. Highlights include “I don’t love you no more”, “paper plane”, and “2 L8”. The latter samples Carole King’s “It’s Too Late” and features Fousheé’s gorgeous, airy vocals on top of a simple guitar instrumental.
She also teamed up with Lil Yachty on “clap for him” and Steve Lacy on “candy grapes”. Lacy & Fousheé’s harmonies are everything on this closing track. Listen to “candy grapes” once and you’ll feel like you’re ascending, especially with that outro that feels Prince inspired. She even covered Depeche Mode’s “enjoy the silence”. Named Apple Music’s Up Next Artist, Fousheé is an artist on the rise who deserves your undivided attention.