This past Thursday, on Jan. 22, both the Arctic Monkeys and Harry Styles made their long-anticipated returns to the music industry, after four-year hiatuses. Each of the artists’ new singles are already topping charts, and indie and pop rock fans alike are thrilled.
Opening Night by the Arctic Monkeys
The Arctic Monkeys partnered with the charity organization War Child to release their new single, Opening Night. The song is part of War Child’s newly unveiled charity album called HELP(2), which is a collaborative album bringing together big-name artists to draw attention to the struggles of children living in areas affected by war. All funds from the album (releasing on March 6) will go to War Child to support them in protecting the rights of all children living through conflict.
The song itself is the perfect addition to the Arctic Monkeys’ discography. The single offers a layered, thoughtful contribution to their distinctly alternative style. A steady beat grounds the song, with more and more instruments piling on and complementing the lead vocals. The lyricism is mysterious as always, the whole song pulled together in a way that feels almost lonely. Fans of the classic Arctic Monkeys sound will not be disappointed, though they may wish that the band was dropping an album instead of merely a standalone.
Aperture by Harry Styles
Styles’ newest hit single off his upcoming album Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally is upbeat and electronic, full of catchy undertones and synthesizer beats. The atmosphere that the pop song creates practically begs listeners to get up and dance. Styles’ voice isn’t bad either, the tone of his voice calm, almost soothing as he delivers lyrics about the fear and acceptance of falling in love. Taken together with the background track and vocals, the song becomes an oddly comforting and danceable techno-pop anthem, a perfect mood-setter for his new album, also coming out on March 6.
These two singles are sure to be crowd-pleasers, setting a tone and leaving listeners wanting more.
