SONGS YOU NEED TO HEAR THIS WEEK

Muzik First
Mar 18, 2022
5 min read

Every week, we highlight the cream of the crop in music through our best music of the week column. Here's our round-up of the best tracks and music videos that came across our desks, This week we're bringing you the best new music that popular culture has to offer up. Genres mean nothing to us so be prepared to take a vision quest down a lot of different avenues.

JEWEL | LONG WAY AROUND

Four-time Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jewel shares her latest single, the Americana-tinged, lyrically uplifting “Long Way ‘Round,” from her forthcoming new studio album, "Freewheelin’ Woman," out April 15th via her own Words Matter Music. "Freewheelin’ Woman" is Jewel’s first new studio album in seven years and is her most adventurous collection yet. “'Long Way ‘Round" is a song about overcoming something difficult, even if it requires getting lost or taking the longer way around,” says Jewel. “I'm celebrating some of the things I've overcome and the choices I've made that have brought me to where I am today. The heart and mind are powerful muscles that are always willing to adapt and grow when you let them." This is the follow-up to Jewel’s self-produced and critically praised 2015 album "Picking Up the Pieces," "Freewheelin’ Woman" finds Jewel working with producer Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, P!nk, Avril Lavigne), dreaming up a soulful and groove-heavy sound partly inspired by the classic R&B records made at Muscle Shoals.

ROSIE DARLING | ALWAYS ALMOST

With a remarkable collection of intimately moving and beautifully empowering songs, Rosie Darling is making a name in the indie-pop scene. Following last year’s debut EP "Coping," Rosie returns with “Always Almost.” The first track from a forthcoming 2022 EP, “Always Almost,” is raw and radiant, transcending pain into song. “This song channels that frustration about being in a relationship where it’s almost working but isn’t – and how one person can put that blame on themselves,” she says. Rosie tells of well-worn emotions and the all-too-familiar story of love, loss, and renewal, but with a fresh coat of inspiring colour. Co-written with longtime collaborator Justin Gammella (FINNEAS, Ashe) & mixed by frequent partner Michael Brauer (Florence + the Machine, Coldplay), the track showcases her emotional prowess and clear vocals evoking some of her favourite contemporaries, including Chelsea Cutler, Julia Michaels, & Olivia Rodrigo.

KID RAIN | HOPE YOU NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN

Rising pop star KiD RAiN is in the middle of a big inclusive, viral moment as he today shares his brand new single, ‘I Hope You Never Fall In Love Again.’ Released in three different versions (ex-girlfriend, ex-boyfriend and they/them), it’s an insanely catchy shout-it-out loud pop stomper and probably the most inclusive FU to an ex ever written. The three main videos that KiD RAiN has teased ahead of the track’s release have been greeted by a massive reaction by fans. They’ve been viewed over 3 million times, gained 300,000 likes, and generated over 35,000 pre-saves. What’s more, their response has been instrumental in helping KiD RAiN shape the song’s direction. Inspired by its killer hook, the song was first revealed as an antidote to Valentine’s Day with an original version that had more of an alt-pop production. But when KiD RAiN shared an acoustic performance of the track, its impact was so huge that he decided to use that as the style for the official studio version.

HAIDEN | SORRY TO YOUR NEXT EX

Rising pop singer-songwriter Haiden already commands a significant fan base across social media, so when he initially teased "Sorry to Your Next Ex," it was little surprise that the track picked up over 25,000 pre-saves. A gas-powered rage record, the song speaks directly to the ex that you were way too good for. With a liberal application of distortion and attitude, this track borrows rock elements to heighten the intensity of the pop sound that Haiden is becoming known for. Haiden to become one of pop music’s most intriguing up-and-comers. The USC student had his viral moment less than two months ago, teasing the infectiously catchy tune “Can’t Hurt Me." The then-unfinished song, now titled “Can’t Hurt Me,” caught fire on TikTok’s For You page, earning him over 2.7 million views and a newfound fanbase. The song, which showcases distinct lyrical ingenuity and perfect pop vocals, was released in full on January 21, 2022, celebrating a fantastic first week with over 60k streams on Spotify alone.

DECLAN J DONOVAN | SMALL THINGS

With an unmistakable voice that draws the listener in from the moment he opens his mouth, it's instantly apparent that 19-year-old Declan J Donovan was born to make music. The Essex-born singer dropped the new single "Small Things," and we’re sobbing because it’s too beautiful. His fanbase is growing a lot lately as people discover his talent, and Declan J Donovan is featured on many major playlists on Spotify. Compiling over 97 million combined views and having up to 28 million plays on Spotify on his track "Perfectly Imperfect," we know this new one will gain lots of love, being a new favourite on the music platforms. Declan J Donovan started his career because he listened to Ed Sheeran and Bon Iver. He wanted to create some pieces about his visions of love life and started to write. Let’s say that he did the right thing because his writing skills are brutally honest and charming at the same time. His vocals are magical and comforting. But we can’t help to shed some tears with all the emotions flowing from the story he tells.

RAYE ROBINSON | PRINCE CHARMING

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Raye Robinson released her fourth single, “Prince Charming,” from her upcoming EP, "Crushes & Love Songs," set for release in 2022. The song glistens with punchy production and playful lyricism. Loosely disguised by a lighthearted, sugary soundscape, the track reaffirms self-trust and satisfaction, with the liberating theme inspiring independence and confidence in being alone. The bubbly new single “Prince Charming” glistens with punchy production and playful lyricism. Loosely disguised by a lighthearted, sugary soundscape, the track reaffirms self-trust and satisfaction, with the liberating theme inspiring independence and confidence in being alone. Showcasing her vibrant personality, the song is some of Robinson’s best work yet, drawing parallels to artists like Taylor Swift. Coming up with the concept for the song while going on a string of first dates, Robinson wrote the track about winding up in scenarios where someone wants more than you’re willing to give. The born and bred SoCal artist creates a fresh and intoxicating sound through honest songwriting and relatable themes, emitting innocence and dreaminess.