Welcome back to Happy Mag’s Staffs Picks, where every Friday we highlight our favourite new music releases from the past week.
Another Friday comes to pass and the weekend awaits, we’ve made it friends! Before we clock off and crack a cold one, we have got another week’s worth of amazing new music releases to share with you.
From the highly-anticipated new Album from Bebe Rexha, to stunning new singles by The Sooks, The National and Birdee, we have got some real treats for you today; so without further ado, let’s get into that sweet sweet music.
The National — The Alcott
The National’s ninth studio album, “The First Two Pages of Frankenstein,” has arrived, featuring the stunning duet “The Alcott ft. Taylor Swift.” Against a sparse piano and string arrangement, the song tells the story of a couple attempting to salvage a troubled relationship. It’s a standout moment on the album, showcasing The National’s storytelling prowess.
Boy and Bear — Silver Moon
Boy & Bear are back with a new single, “Silver Moon,” and it’s a smooth serving of indie-pop. With slinky synth accents and sharp guitar riffs, the track perfectly complements lead singer Dave Hosking’s emotive vocals. The catchy chorus and punchy grooves will have you swaying along in no time. And if that’s not enough, the band’s upcoming album launch nights promise an intimate evening of acoustic performances, career retrospectives, and Q&A sessions.
The Sooks— Burn Me Out
Western Sydney’s The Sooks deliver a fresh dose of indie surf rock with their latest single, “Burn Me Out.” The track boasts a raw, garage-rock energy and post-punk edge that amplifies the band’s already cool and angular indie rock grooves. With a driving rhythm, punchy guitar riffs, and captivating vocals, “Burn Me Out” captures the frustration of feeling alienated and disconnected from the world. But what makes the track truly compelling is The Sooks’ ability to tap into universal emotions and experiences. Through their authentic and empathetic approach, they’ve crafted an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt stuck in a rut.
Birdee — Dreams
Indie pop sensation BIRDEE 王煒 is back with a brand new single, “Dreams,” co-written and produced by 2x Grammy-nominated producer Okan (known for his work with Sean Paul, Tinie Tempah, and Becky G). The track is a captivating release, written during BIRDEE’s first-ever tour of the UK, where she was inspired by new places, people, and experiences. With its dreamy, uplifting vibe, “Dreams” is a reminder that anything is possible. And if that’s not enough, the single comes complete with a stunning music video filmed on Sydney Harbour.
Gena Rose Bruce — Lighting Up
Gena is back with her latest single, “Lighting Up,” and it’s a mesmerizing and vulnerable display of the songwriter’s talent. With thoughtful and powerful vocals at the forefront, Gena explores the importance of facing reality and being honest about your emotions. “For a long time, I would suppress how I was feeling and give off a fake ‘I don’t care about anything’ vibe,” she reveals. “But I came to a point where I was just numb. You stop the pain, you stop the joy.” With “Lighting Up,” Gena chooses to walk in the light and let love in.
Mike O’Dowd — They Walked Past A Work Of Art
“They Walked Past A Work Of Art,” is a stunning addition to the indie music landscape. With a unique songwriting style, emotive vocals, and captivating melodies, O’Dowd has established himself as an artist to watch. The recording of “They Walked Past A Work Of Art” has a live and intimate quality that draws listeners in, reminiscent of a captivating performance in a cozy venue. His raw and emotive vocals are complemented by the lush atmosphere of the music, creating a captivating backdrop for his storytelling. Fans and critics alike eagerly await what’s to come from this talented artist.
Nessa Barrett — American Jesus
Pop provocateur Nessa Barrett has made a triumphant return with her incendiary new single “american jesus.” The sultry, unapologetic anthem from the 20-year-old artist is a testament to her bold and uncompromising style. Debuting on her recent sold-out young forever tour and quickly becoming a fan favorite, “american jesus” showcases Barrett’s undeniable talent for crafting deliciously devious pop bangers. With this latest release, she is sure to continue winning over new fans and cementing her place as a rising star in the pop music world.
Femi Tahiru — Comfortable
UK alternative scene’s rising star Femi Tahiru is back with his latest single, “Comfortable.” Known for his natural and intriguing artistry, Femi effortlessly blends innate instrumentals with creative wordplay to create a seductive and soulful sound. With his unique storytelling ability and signature beats, “Comfortable” showcases Femi’s distinct take on alternative R&B. As one of the most promising new artists in the UK, Femi Tahiru continues to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Bebe Rexhe — Bebe
Bebe Rexha drops the highly-anticipated third album “Bebe” and it’s an absolute scorcher, featuring an arsenal of certified bangers and soon-to-be classics. The album is a testament to Rexha’s artistic depth and range, encapsulating her talents with hits like “Seasons”, a stunning duet with country icon Dolly Parton.
The album packs a punch with its infectious pop hit “I’m Good (Blue)” featuring David Guetta, as well as the groovy disco-inspired track “Heart Wants What It Wants”, the empowering club banger “Call on Me”, and the recently released stoner anthem “Satellite” featuring none other than Snoop Dogg.
But none of these hits compare to the captivating departure of “Seasons”. It’s an understated country ballad that sees Rexha and Parton explore the ebbs and flows of life with striking vulnerability. The chorus, “I’m still the same, same, same — same old me,” showcases the duo’s harmonies over simple percussion and acoustic guitar picking. The song’s accompanying video captures the raw and unfiltered essence of the performance, making it an instant classic. “Bebe” is a triumph, solidifying Rexha’s place as a pop superstar with the range to tackle any genre.
Listen to our full Best New Music playlist below and be sure to follow Happy Mag on Spotify
