Do Me (Feels So Good) by Molly Grace – 4/5
On-the-rise pop sensation Molly Grace released her next upbeat single,Do Me (Feels So Good) on April 18. A spectacularly cheeky track, Grace stays true to her sound, infusing funk and disco with every beat, straying from your typical pop song. Fans of Lizzo and Reneé Rapp will rejoice at Grace’s latest single, creating a pop beat fitting for either a solo bedroom dance party or an energetic drive with friends. The freshly bold vocals served up by Grace, backed by a deep rhythm, create the ideal summer song to warm audiences back up.
Bluebird by Lana Del Rey – 4.5/5
The second single off Lana Del Rey’s upcoming tenth album, Bluebird, released April 18, is a beautifully tragic lullaby seemingly pulled from the depths of Del Rey’s mind and heart. Soft, sweet and simple, Del Rey doesn’t stray too far from her typical sound, all the while ensuring her newest songs pave their own path. The lyrics tell a story filled with simple, yet deep metaphors of escaping pain and growing in freedom. As the track continues, the heartbreakingly beautiful instrumentals rise in emotion as Del Rey closes out the song with great passion.
Worst of Me by Cynthia Erivo – 1/5
As the wild success of Wicked: Part I begins to die down, Cynthia Erivo, one of the film’s stars, plans on continuing her presence in the public eye. The second release of her sophomore album, Worst of Me, came on April 11, and presents itself as almost too much. Erivo’s haunting backing vocals paired with her strong main vocals are overstimulating, providing an excess of elements, far too many to focus on at once. While the song does bring about emotion, the song as a whole doesn’t work with so many moving parts. Perhaps if just one aspect, the vocals or the instrumentals, were more toned down, it would be more appealing.
Bell Bottoms Up by Lainey Wilson – 5/5
Country singer Lainey Wilson has shaken up her genre’s scene with her newest single, Bell Bottoms Up, released on April 4. The track is reminiscent of 2000s country, specifically the Brooks & Dunn hit, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, and has sure hit potential. An amazing fit for dancing around with your friends, getting ready for a night out, this song has all the aspects of the best kind of country: double entendres, just the right amount of twang and line dance-ability. The best part of the song is when Wilson switches up the sound of the recording to give the impression of listening to the track live, a perfect addition to an already excellent song.
Headphones On by Addison Rae – 3/5
Addison Rae has made strides since her TikTok fame that launched her into the public eye years ago, but she has cemented her spot as a C-list singer/songwriter. The fourth and final single for her upcoming debut album, Headphones On contains a forced R&B-inspired aesthetic that is hard to swallow. While the lyrics are sweet, holding messages of identity and art as a salve for life’s problems, for those who choose beat over lyrics, Headphones On might not be a match.
