There has been a lot of great new music released over the last few weeks. You can find out what was released this weekend in our New Music Report, but take a look at what we've been listening to lately. Our editors Nicole, James, and Isha have shared some of their Expert Picks for the week. Check it out below:
Nicole's Picks:
Shawn Hook - "Never Let Me Let You Go"
It's always cool to see an artist evolve. When I was first introduced to Shawn Hook, it was by his piano-driven single "Sound of Your Heart." This year, Shawn released a really great collaboration with Vanessa Hudgens called "Reminding Me," part of his recent EP My Side of Your Story. Also on the EP? This catchy new dance track called "Never Let Me Let You Go." It's unlike anything I've heard from Shawn so far, so it immediately caught my attention -- and it just may catch yours too. Shawn's new song is very upbeat, melodic and dance-y, which is right up by alley.
Cedric Gervais featuring Liza Owen - "Somebody New"
I loved "Somebody New" from the very first piano chord at the beginning of the song, and as I kept listening, I had to keep asking myself ... this is Cedric Gervais?! Because I've never heard anything like this from him before. I've been following Cedric's music over the years, so I always like hearing his versatility as a producer, and "Somebody New," which features vocals from UK singer Liza Owen, definitely does that. It's a BOP. I love all of the little sound effects he incorporates into the song to compliment its catchy rhythm. In fact, in an interview with We Rave You, Cedric says of the tune, "It's an incredible record. It’s very different for my previous productions but I think it’s very fresh and it sounds like nothing that’s out there at the moment."
Yes, it's incredible indeed!
Follow Nicole on Twitter: @NicoleMastr0
James' Picks:
Miley Cyrus - “Malibu” (Tiësto Remix)
Leave it to Tiësto to give Miley Cyrus' breezy anthem, "Malibu,” a house makeover that doesn't particularly remove the feel-good vibes of the original. We love it and expect to hear another version of the hit from Dillion Frances in the coming future. Keep it coming, MC!
HAIM - "Little of Your Love"
Since debuting it on Saturday Night Live in May, HAIM has unveiled the studio version of "Little of Your Love," the latest new cut off their sophomore effort, Something To Tell You. The release arrived during their pop-up show in Los Angeles, where our favorite pop/rock trio try and convince a lover to give in. It’s basically everything you love about HAIM in exactly three minutes and 35 seconds.
Follow James on Twitter: @newyorkinstinct
Isha's Picks:
DJ Khaled featuring Nas & Travis Scott - "It's Secured"
“It’s Secured” is one of the songs on DJ Khaled’s brand new Grateful album that I can’t stop repeating over and over again. Before the album even dropped, I knew that the song that had both Nas and Travis Scott was going to be something out of this world. And I mean, DAMN! I was so right. “It’s Secured” shows both recording artists at their best. Nas – being the iconic lyricist that he is – has his usual flow and beautifully complex bar structure of the true rap GOAT he is, while Scott adds on the fire chorus that makes you appreciate the high level of hip hop greatness that you’re taking in through your ears. Khaled’s production on top of this makes “It’s Secured” one of the best songs on the entire 23-track album. We have no idea what made Khaled think about putting Nas and Scott on the same song together. But, thank god he had that thought, because our ears will never be the same again.
Vince Staples - "Homage"
Vince Staples’ “Homage” is featured on his new album Big Fish Theory. Like the entire project, this song is very different from any other song out at the moment. “Homage” is a fast-paced song that has Staples rapping about certain people trying to hold him back and restrict him. But, he’s not having that. The new song samples both Rick Ross’ “Hold Me Back” and A$AP Ferg’s “New Level” featuring Future. From the lyrics to the production, “Homage” will put you in a daze within the very first few seconds and you’ll love it. Take a listen – or five – and understand a bit more about Staples’ deep (diving) Big Fish Theory.
Follow Isha on Twitter: @IshaThorpe