Ye (Kanye West): BULLY
After several delays, Ye’s new album, BULLY, is set to be released on Jan. 30. Throughout the past year, Ye has already released several tracks including “PREACHER MAN”, “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”, “DAMN”, “LAST BREATH” and “LOSING YOUR MIND”. The final release of the album will hold a total of 13 tracks. BULLY will be one of Ye’s most innovative albums, since he uses artificial intelligence for certain vocal aspects.
“PREACHER MAN” is a track that focuses on Ye’s religious vulnerability and past controversies, and he speaks as if he is the preacher throughout the track. “BEAUTY AND THE BEAST” is a piece that covers his reputation and controversies: the beauty is his music, but the beast is how his public reputation comes across. “DAMN” is an unguarded look into heartbreak and unresolved emotions. “LAST BREATH” is a unique track featuring Spanish vocals throughout, and includes a message of independence. Lastly, “LOSING YOUR MIND” is a look into Ye’s struggle with bipolar disorder and self-destruction. Overall, BULLY is a carefully-built exploration of Ye’s inner conscience as he finds clarity within himself.
Charli XCX: Wuthering Heights
Following the major success of her grammy-winning Brat album, British pop singer Charlie XCX plans to release her new album, Wuthering Heights, on Feb. 13. The 14-track album is inspired by Emily Brontë’s 1847 novel, “Wuthering Heights”. Instead of simply creating a song for the movie, Charlie XCX has crafted an album that combines gothic undertones with her classic synth-pop style, reimagining the novel.
Three released tracks from the album have already been released: “House” featuring John Cale, “Wall of Sound” and “Chains of Love”. “House” featuring John Cale is a musical piece featuring spoken word, as well as the repeated phrase, “I think I’m going to die in this house.” Wall of Sound is a song of contrasting emotions and revolves around the idea of being trapped in one’s own thoughts. Finally, Chains of Love is a well-executed track that was most-likely directly inspired by the story of “Wuthering Heights”, featuring Charlie XCX’s classic style while including a more dramatic melody. Wuthering Heights is expected to be an exciting release, with many fans hoping it lives up to Brat’s success.
Bruno Mars: The Romantic
The Romantic marks Bruno Mars’s 4th solo studio album, and will be released Feb. 27. The album will lean into a more R&B vibe with inspiration from the 1990s and early 2000s. So far, only one track has been released, titled “I Just Might”.
I Just Might features an upbeat melody and a catchy tune. The song captures the moment of meeting someone for the first time and the feeling of falling for them, as Mars sings “I just might make her my baby.” The track is catchy and perfectly upbeat, setting a positive tone for the upcoming album.
Megan Moroney: Cloud 9
Megan Moroney will be releasing her third studio album, Cloud 9, on Feb. 20. The album marks a new feeling of creativity and fulfillment in Moroney’s country career, as she sings about how she feels like she is on cloud nine. The 15 tracks on Cloud 9 will include songs featuring famed country singer Kacey Musgraves and pop singer Ed Sheeran.
Moroney has released three tracks, currently including “6 Months Later”, “Beautiful Things” and “Wish I Didn’t. 6 Months Later”. “6 Months Later” retells the story of Moroney breaking up with an ex-boyfriend; “Beautiful Things” is a deeply heartfelt track inspired by Moroney’s niece, as she provides a strong message of self-worth and confidence to women. “Wish I Didn’t” is another song about Moroney’s dating life, as she recounts the story of dating a guy who was known as a “red flag”.
