Black Country, New Road - Happy Birthday
(Released March 3, 2025)
"Happy Birthday" showcases the band's evolving sound following their acclaimed 2022 album. With bassist Tyler Hyde taking lead vocals, the track evokes the spirit of 1970s singer-songwriters while addressing contemporary themes. Hyde's performance explores the contrast between personal struggles and broader societal issues, touching on concepts of privilege and modern challenges. The song's lyrics offer a nuanced perspective on finding hope amidst difficult circumstances. Musically, the track builds to a striking vocal passage around the 3-minute mark that stands out as a particularly powerful moment (one of my favorite music moments of the year so far) . Overall, "Happy Birthday" demonstrates Black Country, New Road's continued resilience, artistic growth and ability to craft emotionally resonant music.
Samara Cyn & Sherwyn - Pop n Olive
(Released March 4, 2025)
A delightful summer anthem that perfectly captures the carefree spirit of the season. The track's infectious bass line and sugary-sweet indie pop production create an irresistible backdrop for the artists' playful vocal interplay.
Samara Cyn and Sherwyn's catchy, call-and-response style seamlessly blends singing and rapping, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. Their chemistry is palpable, as they trade verses and harmonize with effortless charm.
The song evokes vivid imagery of cruising down the highway on a sun-drenched day, windows down and worries left behind. With its upbeat tempo and feel-good vibes, "Pop n Olive" is poised to become a summer favorite, providing the perfect soundtrack for road trips, beach days, and warm nights under the stars.
Baby Nova - Tweaker
(Released January 22, 2025)
A haunting and emotionally charged track that tackles difficult themes with unflinching honesty. The artist's blunt lyricism explores complex interpersonal dynamics and internal struggles over a delicate, dark musical backdrop.
The production creates an atmospheric foundation for Baby Nova's raw vocal delivery. A standout moment comes during the bridge, where classic rock-inspired slide guitar and strings accompany a poignant spoken word section. This passage conveys a profound sense of heartache and resentment, evoking the pain of betrayal.
Throughout the song, Baby Nova fearlessly confronts uncomfortable truths about human nature and relationships. The artist's willingness to explore these challenging topics results in a deeply moving and thought-provoking listening experience.
Empty Pinata - I Have A Huge Crush On Doja Cat
(Released February 12, 2025)
" I might be the one to take you out your house and in my car and break your heart" sings the former LA Rodriguez in this groovy February single. The aptly titled "I Have A Huge Crush on Doja Cat" explores themes of chaotic young love over a captivating, yet melancholic surf rock guitar lick reminiscent of something you'd hear from Joy Again, The Drums or Surf Curse. All while enthralling us with a Midwest-Emo-esque vocal performance akin to the likes of Modern Baseball. There's a timeless element to this song, as something that feels very fresh, yet feels like it has always existed. This tune will continue to be a favorite of our team throughout 2025, and we're excited to see what more he has to bring us with his EP coming in the summer of 2025.
GELO - Tweaker
(Released February 6, 2025)
LiAngelo "GELO" Ball, once known primarily for his basketball pedigree, has emerged as a surprising force in hip-hop with his 2025 single "Tweaker." The middle Ball brother has successfully carved out his own identity, separate from his family's basketball legacy.
The track's sound harkens back to the early 2000s, evoking the style of Southern hip-hop powerhouses like Cash Money and No Limit Records. This retro approach has struck a chord with listeners, propelling "Tweaker" to the forefront of the hip-hop scene.
GELO's rapid rise to stardom is evident in his high-profile performances at NBA All-Star Weekend and Rolling Loud, cementing his status as one of 2025's breakout artists. "Tweaker" not only showcases GELO's musical talents but also marks the beginning of a promising career that stands on its own merits, independent of his brothers' basketball fame.