R&B star James Vickery provides us with some serene on his debut album "Song That Made Me Feel." Guiding us through a soul-tinged project filled with buttery vocals and heavenly productions. Using sensual undertones and sultry rhythms, the singer details each experience like a diary entry as he explores his search for happiness and true love. The new full-length debut includes the previously shared tracks "Somewhere, Out There," "Come To Me" ft. Musiq Soulchild, and "Hourglass," and his latest offering is the EARTHGANG collaboration "You Comfort Me." Speaking about the new album, James said, "My baby is finally ready. I've taken my time with it, been given total artistic freedom to create the album I wanted to create, I've suffered, I've cried, I've had some of the best moments of my life. I can hand on heart say that this is totally the album I've always dreamed of making; I do not doubt that there will be at least something you can relate to on my debut album purely because I've delivered it to you totally and unapologetically raw, as it really and truly were in fact Songs That Made Me Feel." Already causing quite a stir in the scene for his ability to weave in between genres and create lush R&B-tinged cuts, Vickery is proving himself to be a one to watch, and this debut album solidifies it.

Every week, we highlight the top releases through our best music of this week and last due to the site being down due to some technical issues but am glad to be back! Here's our round-up of the best tracks that we came across that are must hears! ANDERSON EAST | HOOD OF MY CAR Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter Anderson East has debuted a new song, "Hood Of My Car," taken from his upcoming album "Maybe We Never Die," released on 20th August 2021. Collaborating once again with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb and long-time bandleader and now co-producer Philip Towns, the twelve tracks flow together with an overarching sense of urgency but maintain distinct musical boundaries. The energy toggles between hunger for vulnerability in togetherness and a clinging to solitude as romantic self-defence. There is consternation with the speed and volume at which the world operates and solace to be found in the simple act of getting up and going. Ahead of the release, East has shared two additional album tracks: "Drugs" and "Madelyn," which received rave reviews. East recently performed a special full-band live stream concert and will return to the stage this Autumn with his extensive ‘Maybe We Never Die’ headline tour. AQUA | I AM WHO I AM Best known for their 1997 multi-platinum crossover single "Barbie Girl," Danish-Norwegian Europop Aqua is back as they celebrate Copenhagen WorldPride with a new cover of Gloria Gaynor’s classic disco anthem "I Am What I Am." The track, which originally appeared in the Broadway musical ‘La Cage aux Folles, became an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community following the diva’s 1983 single release. With the new recording, the group strips the trackback to highlight its empowering lyrics of acceptance and self-love. By releasing their first cover version ever on July 16, Aqua invites music lovers all over the world to share in celebrating the upcoming Copenhagen 2021 WorldPride,” reads a statement from the band. Aqua released their last single, "Rookie," in 2018 – seven years after their 2011 comeback LP "Megalomania." The band has yet to confirm whether the new single is a standalone release or if more new music is on the way. JO O'MEARA | SWEET SURRENDER Former member of pop group S Club 7, Jo O'Meara has shared the follow-up to her lead single "On The Surface" with her new song, "Sweet Surrender," a throwback R&B number with a big pop hook. O’Meara says, “I wrote this song as I know many of us girls have been there: falling for the wrong man, even though our friends tell us that they’re no good! We ignore them and do what we want anyway. Even though deep we know they’re right, there is something about the bad boy that always attracts us and casts that dangerous spell. But it doesn’t always make it right; it often just gives us a false sense of surrender!” Jo wrote the song with the track’s producer/mixer Kjetil Mørland and Nicky Mac. "Sweet Surrender" and "On The Surface" indicate the songwriting skills that she has used on six of the album’s tracks, each of which expresses a different vibe, energy, and experience. Her new album will drop on August 21st, 2021. ILLENIUM & MATT MAESON | HEAVENLY SIDE ILLENIUM just unveiled his sixth and final single off his forthcoming album, "Fallen Embers." a collaboration with Matt Maeson, to prepare fans for the release of his highly-anticipated fourth studio album. ILLENIUM promised fans a final album single if the number of pre-saves hit 10,000. After accomplishing that goal in just a few days, he has delivered just in time for his massive "Trilogy" live show. “Heavenly Side” offers a fresh take on the signature Illenium sound fans know and love, romantic as ever with an alternative edge. The song is all about overcoming pain, anger, and darkness to become a new and better version of yourself — my heavenly side is coming to life if you want me. “Heavenly Side” follows up “First Time” with iann Dior, “Sideways” with Valerie Broussard and Nurko, “Nightlight” with Annika Wells, “Hearts on Fire” with Dabin & Lights, and “Paper Thin” with Tom DeLonge & Angels & Airwaves. Fallen Embers arrives on July 16th which includes collaborative tracks with SLANDER, Excision, Krewella, and more. RAY BLK | MIA (FEAT. KAASH PAIGE) British singer and songwriter Ray Blk's new single ‘MIA,’ which features Kaash Paige and accompanied with the announcement of her debut studio album "Access Denied." Written and recorded during the lockdown, the album is, as Ray explained in a press release, “for those who, like myself, know disappointment too well and have learned to put up walls as a coping mechanism for self-protection.” ADP produced it; Biggie’s iconic “One More Chance” is interpolated on the track, which R&B heads will also recognize as the backing for Ashanti’s hit “Foolish.” With a nostalgic Y2K vibe throughout, Ray and US R&B talent Kaash Paige prove to be a perfect pairing. “MIA’ is my summer anthem as we’re released from lockdown,” says Ray BLK. “It’s just about escaping, or being with someone who feels like an escape, like you’re on holiday and just at peace, away from the noise.” The new track follows her bouncy, Giggs-assisted number “Games” in March and her moving and uplifting track “Dark Skinned” in May, LOREN GRAY | PIECE OF WORK Singer and social media personality from Pottstown, Pennsylvania Loren Gray has released her new song titled "Piece Of Work." In a social media post about her new single “Piece Of Work,” Loren Gray noted that it was the first time she has been able to share her own vision. If this outstanding song is indeed a window into her artistic identity, Gray is en route to making a major, lasting impact on pop music. Buoyed by her most commanding performance yet, the ridiculously catchy new song stands out in one of the most crowded release weeks of the year. Gray’s past releases have generally been solid — and all offered a window into her substantial potential. None, however, felt this fully realized. None, however, felt this immediately resonant. The message of this song is as strong and as powerful as the incredible beat. It’s rare to get a track that makes you want to get up and dance but also makes you really listen to the lyrics and find that second layer of this deeper meaning.

Leicester-born R&B star Mahalia has released her second single, “Whenever You’re Ready,” the follow-up to her Rico Nasty-assisted track, “Jealous.” The track’s airy, carefree and colourful tone is a step in a new direction for Mahalia as she floats between heartbreak R&B and tropical island sounds, but on “Whenever You’re Ready” and “Jealous,” Mahalia’s seemingly striving for a glossier, Y2K-inspired sound, which takes her back to her younger days. Since releasing her debut studio album, "Love and Compromise," in 2019, the 23-year-old Jamaican-British artist has made a name for herself as one of the United Kingdom’s most promising R&B talents. Now, with a 2021 Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance under her belt, she’s quickly becoming a recognizable name here in the United States too. And with her new single, “Whenever You’re Ready,” she’s bound to launch further into stardom. The accompanying visuals directed by The Rest for “Whenever You’re Ready” are colour-coordinated, polished, and perfectly capture the silky, sunny vibe of the track. The choreography screams early-00s pop-R&B, with Mahalia and her dancers moving in sync with one another.

Sweethearts indie-pop duo Flora Cash are masters of capturing raw emotion in their music, and they continue that with their new single. "Chronically Beautiful." "The track was sparked when we were having a conversation about what it means to be beautiful," says Flora Cash, "especially when looked at through the lens of real love. It's not an acute, momentary perception; it's the feeling that the person you love; the person that you waited your whole life for, has a beauty that transcends any given moment and isn't dependent on what they happen to be wearing or how their face looks that day or week or month; they're chronically beautiful." "Chronically Beautiful" is a window into the next chapter, where two creative souls keep embarking on their life journey, growing together, asking important questions, and reaching powerful conclusions. Although they’ve both conquered love, their individual inner journey is still in the seeking mode, searching for the truth and ultimate self-acceptance, which is difficult to achieve in our society of ‘not good enough.’ Luckily, they have each other to remind them how good, perfect and beautiful the other is whilst gaining wisdom and understanding of perfect.

Jonas Blue and LÉON have unveiled an acoustic version of their collaboration single, ‘Hear Me Say. Putting aside the electronic elements of the original, the acoustic version of "Hear Me Say" captures the essence of the acclaimed track, placing a firmer emphasis on its emotive piano chords, live strings and LÉON’s impassioned vocals. The track follows epic club-focussed remixes from fellow dance music heavyweights Ferreck Dawn and KREAM. At the same time, the world-conquering original has now racked up more than 20 million global streams and featured in the opening episode of this year’s Love Island. Jonas will mark the end of lockdown with a sold-out headline performance at Ministry of Sound on 23rd July and appear on the main stage at Creamfields next month. With over 500 million global streams, Swedish singer LÉON brings her insatiable melodies to the track. She has built an expansive online following since launching in 2015, her dynamic debut album in 2019 and second studio album last year.

Rising Los Angeles-based pop singer and songwriter Dava is back with a fresh new single titled "Sticky," which is perfect for your summer. The track is an ideal song to listen to as you start your day. It’s a vibrant, daydream-inducing track about literally having your heart stuck on someone. "Sticky" follows the release of Dava's eclectic and impressive debut singles "New Ceilings," "ASOS," "Right Time," and "Papercut," which received critical acclaim as well as generated millions of streams thanks to playlist support from Spotify and Apple Music. Dava says, “I made ‘Sticky’ with some of my best friends; it’s probably the happiest record we’ve ever created. I was listening to a lot of Gwen and Beastie Boys, and throughout the process of making this song, we found a lot of freedom in taking such a clean sound and pairing it with the surprise bridge. That’s my favourite thing about music – the freedom of putting as much of you into a song as possible. I think ‘Sticky’ is the perfect record to leave behind before a new era.” She will be releasing her debut EP due out later this year, Dava lays it all bare, exploring her breadth as an artist and introducing herself as a need-to-know force who's sharing her story.

At the turn of the millennium, Pink was a white girl singing R&B with an aggressive pink dye job and a nonconformist streak. The shtick worked. In fact, it worked so well that she had the confidence and was given the freedom to change it up on her sophomore album, "Missundaztood." On November 20, 2001, and the album was released to global commercial and critical success, critics welcoming the more mature pop sound Pink presented on the record after a dance-pop/R&B debut. "Missundaztood" is a bold leap from her debut, "Can't Take Me Home." The R'n'B/Hip Hop roots are still strong, but this predecessor far excels in versatility. Here Pink drives her van full of attitude on a journey through sassy pop, and deep and meaningful acoustic guitar-led ballads. Radio was filled with an odd mixture of hits that offered reflection or escapism. Songs like Enrique Iglesias‘ “Hero” and No Doubt’s “Hey Baby” made their home on the Top 40 airwaves that fall. “Get The Party Started” had an infectious sentiment, and the catchy rhythm is a fantastic opener. Writing credits for Linda Perry of dodgy one-hit wonders 4 Non-Blondes may raise a dubious eyebrow initially. Still, Pink's faith in her childhood idol has paid off as Perry's contributions make up many of the highlights. It became the highest-charting single of that cycle, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. But the bombastic track wasn’t exactly an accurate preview of the heavy insight into Pink’s personal past that rounded out much of the album. “Don’t Let Me Get Me” followed at the top of 2002 with lyrics and visuals that playfully mocked Reid and gave a full video introduction to Pink The Rocker. Then that summer, “Just Like A Pill” continued her full dip into the post-grunge pool with an angsty video. Both singles cracked the top 10. This resulted in two dominant themes on Missundaztood: female empowerment and melancholic nostalgia. “18 Wheeler” and “Respect” fell into the former category and were pop confections. Cuts like “Eventually,” “Lonely Girl,” “My Vietnam,” and “Misery” gave the collection such an authentic heart that it appealed to an audience beyond radio inclinations. Even “Family Portrait” was just the right amount of torment and confessional that set her apart from the Class of Y2K Pop. But, then there were songs like the title track "Missunderztood," a quirky bobbing, country-tinged ditty of self-assurance and "Dear Diary" with its weird confessionals, we see Pink getting personal. Boys and romance are off the menu now; this is about serious redefining. Not too serious, mind. Mixed in with the blend of pure R'n'B ("Everything"), she was previously known for being genre leaping nuggets like "Numb" (full-on grungy-electro rock), whereas "Respect" falls halfway between a grown-up Daphne and Celeste and an Aretha Franklin homage. "Missundaztood" defied expectations both in sound and themes, and the gamble paid off. The LP spawned four Top 40 singles and sold 10 million copies in the US, catapulting Pink into pop’s upper echelon. But the pop-rock glory the pair crafted on Missundaztood paved the way for career-making albums in that mould from other pop stars: Avril Lavigne’s debut Let Go in 2002, Kelly Clarkson’s "Breakaway" and many more. Alecia Moore was the first to leave the doomed small town of “pop trend” and head to the big city where artists make personally meaningful albums while finding their signature aesthetic. That’s why "Missundaztood" remains fresh today, even years later.

Electronic music superstar ILLENIUM (real name Nick Miller) has finally returned with his new album titled "Fallen Embers." He recently made mainstream headlines when he became the first act in any genre to headline the new Allegiant Stadium, where the Las Vegas Raiders will play this season. When his nonstop touring schedule came to a halt last year, ILLENIUM took to the studio intending to create something truly remarkable. And after tying a bow on a triptych of albums in 2019—offering up only a handful of singles in 2020—Illenials were left wondering what was next. ILLENIUM kept fans on their toes with several tracks and Fallen Embers previews, dropping his first original of 2021, "First Time," with chart-topping singer-songwriter iann DiorDior's. This sensational single is a blend of ILLENIUM's melodic bass soundscapes and Dior's rock-influenced vocals, which explore undeniable chemistry with a perfect stranger. "Fallen Embers are the remnants of our past," ILLENIUM explained in a recent Instagram post. "They heal and unite lost souls to reveal the Phoenix within each of us. This album has been an incredibly personal journey for me."

The country duo of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, aka Dna +Shay, announced that they'd release their new album "Good Things" on August 13, featuring some of the duo's greatest hits over the last two years. The duo has previewed the release with the title track, “Good Things,” accompanied by a music video directed by Patrick Tracy. "Good Things," produced by the band’s Dan Smyers, features 12 tracks, including “10,000 Hours,” a collaboration that features Canadian superstar Justin Bieber that originally dropped in 2019. This year, Dan + Shay released “Glad You Exist,” which will also appear on the new album. "We poured every bit of our hearts into this project and have never been more excited for anything in our entire lives. I can't wait for it to be yours, so soon this accompanied," they said in a post celebrating the LP's upcoming release. Dan + Shay also recently announced the rescheduled dates of their headlining tour. Originally set for 2020, the trek was scuttled because of the Covid-19 pandemic. As it’s dubbed, the Arena Tour will now kick off on September 9th, 2021, in Greenville, South Carolina.

ISAAC DUNBAR | CELEBRATE Pride Month may officially be done, but bedroom pop heartthrob Isaac Dunbar Isaac isn't satisfied with the party ending. He has released a new song titled "Celebrate," in which he distills the exaltation into a song. The rising singer-songwriter declares that we ought to choose to celebrate each day, even if we don't feel like we have much to celebrate. He certainly makes it easy to indulge with the track's infectious '80s-style synths, mixed with heart-pounding drums and his ethereal vocals. "Celebrate' is about waking up and choosing happiness every single day instead of getting stuck in your own negativity," he said of the single in a statement. "It's sometimes easy to stay in a negative space than move to a positive one, so with this song, I wanted to bring awareness to that and to give people a reason to choose to celebrate each day." FLY BY MIDNIGHT | TRAGEDY Indie-pop duo Fly By Midnight started 2020 by taking a leap of faith and relocating to Los Angeles. The band -- made up of Tottenville High School alumnus Justin (Breit) Bryte and Florida-born Justin Slavo -- has released a new single, “Tragedy." Fly By Midnight has come a long way since its Staten Island beginnings. The band has been featured on MTV, VH1 and Billboard, and its first hit singles, “Brooklyn” and “Karaoke,” have racked up more than 300,000 views. Fly by Midnight first hit the scene with 2017’s "Cover Charge," a collection of pop covers including Harry Style’s “Sign of the Times” with The Janes, Julia Michaels’ “Issues,” and “Hotline Bling” by Drake. Bryte and Slavo left an indelible imprint, setting the stage for several original releases, from "New York Nostalgia" to Rerunning, both in 2018. But it wasn’t until 2019’s "Happy About Everything Else" when they collected their most-streamed song to date, the Betty Who-starring "Lovely,” which has amassed 17.5 million streams and broke through the static. SAM RYDER | JULY Sam Ryder has announced debuted his stunning new single "July," which is available now via Parlophone Records/Elektra Records. "July" sees Ryder reunited with his "Tiny Riot" writing partners Amy Wadge (Grammy-award winning writer - Ed Sheeran "Thinking Out Loud") and Max Wolfgang. The stripped-back piano intro perfectly showcases the full range of Sam's powerful voice, which soars throughout the song. Sam said about the track, "'July' is all about seeing the light after a period of darkness. Whether we're watching the blooms waking up outside in nature or experiencing an inner awakening after the longest year, I think we're all ready to say hello, July." "July" follows the success of Sam's previous singles "Whirlwind" and "Tiny Riot," which topped iTunes charts worldwide and have racked up tens of millions of global streams and over 4.5 million YouTube views. He recently performed his debut show from London's York Hall to an online audience of nearly 50,000 viewers. JILLIAN ROSSI | GIVE ME ONE REASON Singer and songwriter Jillian Rossi has been getting a lot of attention from her music which it was announced that she would be releasing her new compelling single, “Give Me A Reason." The song “Give me a reason” emphasizes Rossi’s vocal prowess and hopes to continue to cement herself as the next power vocalist of the next rising generation of pop acts. After the singer teased the song on Tik Tok, she had 1 million views on the media platform. She received attention from well-known celebrities, including Shaquille O’Neal, Disney Channel Star Skai Jackson, Tik Tok Star Nick Austin and many more. “Give Me A Reason” follows the release of Rossi’s hit single “Fever Dream,” which has independently become one of the most viral songs on the internet with 13 million views on Tik Tok, including 9 million streams on all platforms ever since it was released on April 28th. JOHN DUFF | HIGH HEELS Over the past year, the out singer has released a string of infectious earworms, including “Hokie Pokie,” I Hate LA,” “Do It,” and “100% Baby.” Now he’s finally released his debut EP, "Homo•Sapien," with his latest slice of pop perfection: “High Heels” featuring Lillias White. The track is an upbeat, infectious bop about the confidence that you can definitely play on repeat all summer long. "This is my most intricate and ambitious piece yet," Duff said about "High Heels" and his collection of 6 brand new tracks. "This is real music, played by real musicians. I’ve learned so much about myself from working with so many pros. The main thing is: I’m a real musician." This EP is everything I was told I shouldn’t do. It’s gay. It’s sexy. It’s honest. It’s a part of me." And speaking on the inspiration behind the "High Heels" track, Duff wrote the song in 2019 during a London trip when he saw a confident young woman sashaying confidently in a pair of stilettos in the wee hours of the day. NOAK HELLSING | DESIRE Swedish indie singer/songwriter Noak Hellsing has shared a new single titled "Desire," which he co-wrote and co-produced with Jacob Werner. As a young artist, Focusing on powerful lyrics, Noak is aiming for the listener's heart. With his dynamic voice, he is influenced by artists such as John Mayer, Ed Sheeran and Shawn Mendes, and Hellsing's soulful delivery in his music falls into a similar pop singer style. This song follows his third single, "No Love," which he wrote together with Philip Holmgren and David Kjellstrand. "No Love" falls under the same category as his earlier releases but with a more uptempo driving vibe combined with a distinct guitar melody connected with Noaks clear ID in his vocals. I am excited by what I hear in this endearing song because I feel Noak is setting the wheels in motion to secure his place as a powerful new music force. Keep watching.

Singer-songwriter and producer Chelsea Cutler releases her new single "Walking Away," which is also her first solo project in a year and a half. The new track marks the beginning of a new era in their musical life - their long-awaited second album is due to be released this year. "Walking Away" is the perfect introduction to this new phase. A year ago, Cutler published an excerpt of the song on social media, where it quickly became an absolute fan favourite due to its message. Accompanied by gentle guitar sounds, Cutler sings in her self-produced song about how intrinsic and complex a relationship can be" and about the realization that you can't hold on to something wrong. Chelsea Cutler shared on social media, “WALKING AWAY OUT EVERYWHERE NOW. Written and produced by yours truly. This song came to life over a year ago, and I've loved it ever since. It feels me but also feels like I'm growing. And it feels so so so good to finally put out music again and start this new era and share my heart with you all again. I can't wait, I can't wait, I can't wait for everything.” This year, she released the successful EP "brent ii" together with singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker.

KSI is back as he released his brand new album titled "All Over The Place." The album follows the recent release of his solo record "Holiday," which has seen some amazing success so far. The album also includes his collaborations with YUNGBLUD and Polo G: ‘Patience,’ Craig David and Digital Farm Animals team up; ‘Really Love’ as well as Anne-Marie link up ‘Don’t Play. Thanks to the handful of singles released before the album, the LP already sits at over 100 million streams. Compared with his previous albums, KSI takes more control here with more solo singles. He’s also worked with some more prominent names in the industry, from the likes of Future and 21 Savage and Bugzy Malone. "I’m super excited for the people to hear this album. I’ve improved on everything I did with Dissimulation.” KSI said of the album. “The singing has improved. The writing has improved. The beats have more layers to it, and I’m a lot more experimental, I’m way more comfortable on the mic etc.“ Long-time fans will remember him as a 15-year-old kid uploading videos of himself playing Fifa to YouTube, where he has since amassed more than 30 million subscribers.

Jason Mraz has released the deluxe edition of his latest album ‘Look For The Good’ which features updated classics and some brand new songs, including a ska version of his track, "Make It Mine." "Look For The Good," released last June, features actress/comedian Tiffany Haddish and reggae icon Sister Carol. Mraz announced on the album’s release day that all of his profits from Look For The Good, including his label advance and subsequent royalties, would be donated to non-profit organizations that serve to advance opportunity and equality for Black lives. Mraz recently announced his first US tour dates since the onset of the pandemic. "Look For The Good Live!" kicks off 30th July at Austin’s legendary Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater and runs through 28th August 28 at Pittsburgh’s Rock, Reggae, and Relief. Mraz enlisted his 13-piece reggae band to hit the road with him, featuring many of the performers from his latest album, "Look For The Good." Each night's unique setlist will feature songs from that album plus re-imagined Mraz classics and never-before-heard new compositions. In addition to the tour dates, Mraz will make a very special appearance with the San Diego Symphony at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the Symphony’s new permanent outdoor venue on San Diego Bay, on 26th September.

Following the lead single "Build It Better," Natalie Imbruglia has released the follow-up single titled "Maybe It's Great" serving as the second preview of the Australian artist's first album in six years, 'Firebird', due out on September 24. Co-written with The Strokes' guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. and producer Gus Oberg, the track offers up '80s-inspired synth-pop anchored by a driving beat. “It was a dream come true to work with Albert Hammond Jr,” Imbruglia said in a statement, with the song coming after the pair were photographed together in the studio back in 2019. Discussing the forthcoming album, which was previewed last month with the uplifting lead single ‘Build It Better’, Imbruglia said: “Making this album has been such a profound and satisfying experience. Having gone through a long period of what essentially was writer’s block, it was sometimes hard to envisage getting to this place. Other credited guests and writers on Natalie Imbruglia’s ‘Firebird’ are Romeo Stodart of The Magic Numbers, KT Tunstall, Eg White (Adele, Dua Lipa), Luke Fitton (Little Mix, Girls Aloud), Fiona Bevan (One Direction, Ed Sheeran), Rachel Furner (Jason Derulo) and more.

After a long wait, fans can now rejoice as Normani is finally back with a new single titled "Wild Side" featuring rapper Cardi B. Almost two years since she gave us “Motivation,” and just as motivation to keep clinging for the hope of her debut solo album was waning — the Fifth Harmony breakout star has made her big comeback. The new track debuted this morning and came with a fitting music video filled with choreography (developed by Sean Bankhead, who also did “Motivation”) that only Normani and Cardi B could pull off. Multiple outfit changes, various scenes, and lots of camera angles really draw you into Normani’s gaze, all while making you completely not ready for Cardi B’s verse. When you think the song has ended, Bardigang fans will notice that instant punch of Cardi B’s vocals. “Treat me like a watch, bust me down” comes in, and we’re instantly reminded of exactly how the rapper approaches things — there’s no holding back. This is paired with Cardi B and Normani embracing around a chain, and while “WAP” was all fast-paced and floor-pounding, this feels much more direct and controlled, which only makes the rap verse more commanding.

Toni Watson, aka Tones And I has released her debut album titled "Welcome To The Madhouse," who alone came up with the record-breaking tune "Dance Monkey." Spanning 14 tracks, "Welcome To The Madhouse" contains the previously-released numbers “Won’t Sleep,” “Child’s Play,” “Cloudy Day, and “Fly Away,” which is soaring on the U.K. singles chart for Tones’ second Top 40 hit in that country. The one-time busker turned global hitmaker was this week confirmed as the world’s leading songwriter for 2020, thanks to “Dance Monkey,” which went to No. 1 on charts in 30 territories, has racked up multiple billion streams and is now the third most-played song on Spotify. An overseas tour cut short by COVID-19 last year meant Watson had more time on her hands than expected. Fortunately for fans, the result is more tracks than were originally intended for "Welcome to the Madhouse." Behind her clever, tongue-in-cheek lyrics and strong, occasionally soaring vocal is a confessed outsider attempting to open herself up through music. "Welcome to the Madhouse" is an album Tones And I should be able to look fondly upon moving forward. The album won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but it doesn’t have to be. If anything, it will continue to add to the story of Tones And I, a busker who managed to hit gold early on and make it work.

Further increasing excitement for her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in "Respect" Grammy Award-winning recording artist Jennifer Hudson releases “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman.” The cover of the iconic track was penned by Carole King and Gerry Goffin and featured on Franklin’s 1968 album, "Lady Soul." Hudson’s version of the soul standard is presented as if it were a live performance, with a crowd roaring in the back as she belts the famous refrain over a rich horn fanfare. The soundtrack will feature Hudson’s take on 17 Franklin classics, as well as one new song, “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home),” which Hudson co-wrote with King and Jamie Hartman. Along with Hudson, the cast of "Respect" will feature Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, and Mary J. Blige. Liesl Tommy directed the film. Hudson was notably handpicked by Franklin to portray her in the film from MGM, which opens in theatres nationwide on August 13th. The soundtrack will be available on the same day.

Multiple Award winner Ben Platt shared his new single, "Happy To Be Sad," today via Atlantic Records. Produced by Michael Pollack (Justin Bieber, Katy Perry) and Zach Skelton (Jonas Brothers, Paul McCartney) with additional production from GRAMMY® Award nominee Gian Stone (Maroon 5, Dua Lipa), "Happy To Be Sad" heralds the arrival of Platt's much anticipated second album, "REVERIE," due to drop on Friday, August 13th. "I wrote this song the day after my boyfriend left me for a 5-month stretch," Platt says. "It was the first time we had to be apart long term because of the pandemic. It came incredibly naturally and was an immediate expression of the mixed emotions I was feeling that day- the sadness to be away from him against the joy and celebration of finding someone I love enough to make me feel that way." Today's premiere of "Happy To Be Sad" follows the recent release of Platt's summer hit single, "Imagine," produced by The Monsters & Strangerz and Jon Bellion

As part of their 25th-anniversary celebration, Pokémon has released a brand new song on the P25 Music collection album. The newly released track is from British singer-songwriter Mabel titled "Take It Home," in which she also co-wrote the song, and Mr. Franks and Tommy Brown produced it. Mabel says "epic" to be part of the project, which also features previously released tracks by Katy Perry and Post Malone. "I'm such a big Pokémon fan, and when they asked me to be a part of it, I needed to make the perfect song - something that's fun and that embodies that playful spirit." The new song comes on the heels of the dance floor banger "Let Them Know," which was released last month and provided the first taste of Mabel's new era. It's been two years since the release of her debut album, and she says the global pandemic kept her focused on creating more "feel good" music. Mabel does say she has a "body of work" that she is ready to release "when the time is right," working with producers and songwriters like Stargate, MNEK, Raye, SG Lewis, and that she's let go of any insecurities she used to it as a young artist.

After promising more music this year, Conan Gray comes through with a brand new track titled "People Watching" co-written by Julia Michaels and frequent collaborator Dan Nigro. Following the same pattern of his story-song cadence, Gray explores what it feels like to see other people fall in and out of love while remaining outside of the relationship format, safe from the turmoil, but also removed from the intimacy. “People Watching is for all my fellow lonely people who wonder what it’s like to be deeply in love,” Conan says. “I’ve never dated anyone in my entire life, so I’ve spent so many years of my life watching perfect couples sit in cafes and share coffee, whispering sweet nothings to each other. I can’t help but fantasize about what it must be like to feel that emotion. This track follows up his other recent new song, “Astronomy,” which reveals a slightly slower side of the rising pop star. Hear “People Watching” above and keep an eye out for a new video coming later this week. It follows Conan’s previous single Astronomy, which has amassed nearly 35 millions streams since its release earlier this year. This new music follows Conan Gray’s brilliant debut album "Kid Crow," which reached No.5 in the US upon its release.