Winding down on the year from hell, let’s check out some of the high points of the month by keeping an updated account of the best new songs of the month. December 2020, you might be the last month of an otherwise difficult and weird year, but we’re going to remember you for the good stuff.
Cool k thanks bye.
(Headline lyric from Sara Bareilles’ “December.”_
Looking for a sprawling, enigmatic track to really set your week on fire? How about this new bop from Hot Summer – the brainchild of Jon Sortland (The Shins) and Brian Belier (EV Kain). Self-proclaimed “byproduct of shut-in pandemic isolation and a desperation to generate sparks to light the gloom from solitude and gold coast fire haze,” the duo does just that with an otherworldly atmosphere as the backdrop in their first single, “Fire and Ice.”
This song is a testament to what you can do in isolation, miles and miles away from your best friends. (These two idols were 470 miles away from each other when they created this masterpiece, by the way.) So turn it on, turn it up, and create something magical yourself!
I’m not sure a more poignant song could have been released during this time. As many of us wait for some pretty important results, we haven’t lost hope. Talena Bricker’s new track “Done No Wrong” meanders along beautifully with a country-laced composition just bursting at the seams with a similar attitude. Admits Bricker of the track:
I think, in the end, the song became about hope. And how hope is a wonderful thing, but can also be a little scary. It can be that extra push to get out of your comfort zone and do something scary.
While Bricker’s soft vocals dance around your current reality, allow yourself to feel the emotions that birthed the track itself. Guilt, loss, despair, confusion, love, hope. And we’ve got your first listen.
As he prepares to unleash his fourteenth full-length release upon the world, folk-pop artist Richard X. Heyman brings us introspective new track “Choices We Make” just ahead of the 2020 election. As someone who hasn’t necessarily ever shied away from political commentary, this is one of the most directly political lyric videos we have seen leading up to Tuesday’s big event.
As always, we’re impressed with Heyman’s showmanship, knowing full well he is responsible for most of the instrumentals and writing for the entire track. This time around, he has enlisted his wife (Nancy Leigh) to play bass, Probyn Gregory (the Brian Wilson band) on trumpet and trombone, and Duke Guillaume on sax.
The track itself meanders along comfortably, asking the listener to dig deep for meaning in the choices they have made up to this point, as well as to consider future choices. Though the song does have an obvious political lean, it is something to keep in your back pocket when you have future decisions to think about. It breathes promise into your convictions, and brings a sense of strength to the process.
Check out the new lyric video below, and let us know what you think over on our Facebook page!
Columbus-bred R&B talent I M a N I is coming at us with a sultry, gorgeous new video for her track “Pretty Boi.” Not only does this song perfectly display the artist’s insane proclivity for vocal range, it’s kind of the perfect track for a meet-cute at a (socially distanced) house party. (Or going through your scrapbook of memories and exes alone in your apartment with your cats. Whatever.) Explains I M a N I of the track:
This song has two phases, the love-struck phase and the heartbroken phase. In the beginning I basically explain how I’m “lost in a daze” with this guy, totally not understanding that he is only with me for his pleasure. The second verse goes into me “confronting” him, telling him my intentions while his intentions are easily seen. The guy is “pretty” but he is also a boy which displays immaturity. I knew this situation was pretty relatable and knew that there would be people who can relate this song to their life. I want the people who listen to “Pretty Boi” to understand their worth. You are definitely worth more than a “booty call”. Don’t settle down for Pretty Boys, settle down with someone who has the time and love for you.
The video was shot outside, gorgeous sunsets and greenery surrounding I M a N I as she captivates us all with the most vibe-worthy song of autumn 2020. (Seriously, read the Youtube comments if you’re not convinced. We are NOT the only ones fawning over her.)
ZANYA’s latest track is an entire ambiance. The lyrics reflect a feeling that so many are experiencing right now, however seductively she frames it with her silky vocals and relaxing instrumentals. “Feel This Bad” is the embodiment of a person zenning out as much as possible heading into the election, a necessary track for the next few weeks and beyond. Check it out below, add it to your voting playlist, and free your mind a bit in the coming weeks.
Yes, that’s right. We got another powerful song about the change this country needs (desperately) to tantalize your earbuds with. While we all rev up for an important day in the United States, let’s celebrate the power behind our collective voice with powerhouse females. JoJo – the only JoJo that matters – released her new track “The Change” recently and the soulful single will inspire your intent, no matter what mood you started today in.
Let her goosebump-inducing vocals and words raise your confidence in what’s to come. We’re in this together, but it starts within each of us.
**Winner for possibly the cheesiest post we have ever published. Sorry – we are too invested in the current unrest to not feel validated by powerful anthems.
Hi. It’s October. That’s really all the energy I have for this one. (But the following new release music videos by Nadia Vaeh, Rebekah Fitch, Priya Ragu, Jessie Reyez, Maren Morris, Evie Irie, Black Pink, and more are worth checking out. So… do that.)
Can’t guarantee these songs will all be perfect for a cuddle by the fire or with a blanket. But, hey, they will entertain you. Most will have incredible lyrics or standout vocals. Some will be quirky, others will be magnetic. Either way, you’re in for a treat. So check out all the best of all the latest below, and keep coming back for more all month long!