As we gleefully continue our foray into Q4, the new music we’re getting is, accordingly, big and important. Selena Gomez this week makes her fan-demanded return with not one but two knockout singles; Kesha’s back with a Big Freedia lift in advance of her impending album; and, next week, we’re getting a Dua Lipa comeback that we do not deserve but we do need. Here’s the best new music of the week for you as you prepare for that.
Selena Gomez, “Lose You to Love Me”
Stars: they’re just like us! Nearly every 20-something lady (myself and Selena Gomez included) has been in some sort of failed FWB, situation-ship or relationship. It stings, and that sting is multiplied after said Dumpster Fire Human becomes involved with someone else instantly. In Gomez’s case, everyone who may or may not be involved as lyrical inspiration is wildly rich and attractive. Still, “Lose You to Love Me” is a great reminder that it’s okay to cut people off; you’re still a bad bitch, single or not. But, since it’s Spooky Szn… may this song haunt your ex for eternity.—Ashlee Bobb, communications manager
Yo Gotti feat. Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Uzi Vert, “Pose”
I’ve been wishing and hoping and praying every single day for a track featuring both Megan Thee Stallion and Lil Uzi Vert. Thank the lord that Megan came through and blessed us all on this remix of “Pose” by Yo Gotti. It’s a rumbling and heavy track, the kind that threatens to shake your car into pieces if you play it too loud. Yo Gotti does the perfect kind of sneering growl that he’s known for, while Megan and Uzi bring the colorful and playful rapping that they’ve made their names on. The end of the track devolves into this mess of ear splitting bass and ad-lib that sounds like the sky is being torn in half. Really great stuff.—Gabe Conte, digital producer
Sorry, “Right Round The Clock”
London band Sorry have spent a few years on the scene developing a meticulous sound and effortless cool. Now they’re set to release their debut album next spring, and we have the single this week to prove it. “Right Round The Clock” slinks with a playful swagger through a jazz-inflected fog. It’s an undeniable vibe, my friends.—Colin Groundwater, assistant to the editor in chief
Berhana, “Drnuk”
Over the last few years, you may have stumbled upon Berhana’s two biggest hits: “Grey Luh” and “Janet.” His debut album, HAN, came out last week, and it’s fantastic, successfully overlaying just about every genre that’s ever existed. I’m most partial to “Drnuk,” which vividly paints a trippy/wavy meet-cute in Tokyo that abruptly transitions to something that sounds like a lost track from 808s & Heartbreak. If you give it a listen and like what you hear, Hannah Giorgis wrote an illuminating profile on the man behind the music for The Atlantic this week.—Alex Shultz, editorial assistant
And our .5 of the week
Charli XCX played a newly mastered version of leaked demo/fan favorite “Taxi” before her NYC show
In the eternal words of Drag Race alum Derrick Barry: “That was fighting for gay rights, and people were killed!” [ed. note: no one was killed in the making of “Taxi”]
