New Music Round Up: Little Mix, Carly Rae Jepsen, Martin Garrix, Nick Jonas & More
Singles
Little Mix Ft. Stormzy – ‘Power’
'Glory Days', Little Mix’s first Number One album, was a triumph. ‘Shout Out to My Ex’ and ‘Touch’ were two of 2016’s best singles, all the more impressive considering that last year saw new singles come from almost every big name on this dying space rock, including Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Beyonce, Drake and more heavy-hitters.
When it comes to singles, the four-piece have set the bar intimidatingly high. ‘Power’, 'Glory Days''fourth single, might not be the group’s best yet, but it’s definitely improved by the presence of Stormzy. (We’re a big fan of Big Mike referencing his own tracks in his features: "You know I'm blinded by his grace but when you found me I was dim.")
Carly Rae Jepsen – ‘Cut To The Feeling’
Carly Rae Jepsen continues to prove why she’s one of the best pop stars in the world with ‘Cut To The Feeling’ – a song which couldn’t make it onto 2015’s 'E-''MO-TION', or even onto that album’s collection of B-sides, 'E-''MO-TION'': Side B,' yet is still a leap ahead of what Jepsen’s peers are slinging against a wall. How does she do it? Is Carly Rae Jepsen even 'human'? 'What ''other gems is'' Carly Rae Jepsen hiding from the people?'
‘Cut To The Feeling’ appears on the soundtrack for animated film Ballerina, which Jepsen has also lent her voice (of the speaking kind) to.
Martin Garrix & Troye Sivan – ‘There For You’
MTV-favourites Martin Garrix and Troye Sivan combine to make use of (following Drake, Migos and Future) 2017’s favourite instrument: the flute.
Rita Ora – ‘Your Song’
Rita Ora is back with a new Ed Sheeran-assisted single. Listen closely and – just like on Liam Payne ‘Strip That Down’ - you can hear his voice…
Halsey Ft. Lauren Jauregui – ‘Strangers’
More new music from the US’ Ashley Nicolette Frangipane as the June release date for 'Hopeless Fountain Kingdom' begins to rear its head. Featuring Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui, ‘Strangers’, an LGBTQ love song, follows Halsey’s ‘Eyes Closed’ (co-written with The Weeknd) and her intense directorial debut, ‘Now or Never’.
Nick Jonas Ft. Anne-Marie & Mike Posner – ‘Remember I Told You’
Nick Jonas, Mike Posner and MTV-favourite Anne-Marie combine for a song that sounds fairly light and unconcerned, but, lyrically, deals with thinking back on ‘the one that got away’. It’s rare that you get to enjoy a real, meaningful connection with another person, and this trio appear to know that well as they trade verses lamenting the loss of “the spark” with a special person.
Enter Shikari Ft. Big Narstie – ‘Supercharge’
Unexpected collaborations have been landing hard and fast in 2017. Chase & Status and Blossoms. Linkin Park with Pusha T and Stormzy. Next up? St Albans’ finest Enter Shikari and national treasure, Big Narstie. ‘Supercharge’, when played live, will probably result in everyone’s limbs being broken. It’s a monster.
Kali Uchis ft. Jorja Smith – ‘Tyrant’
Jorja Smith is one of the most exciting young voices in music right now. Jorja's sensitive, soulful vocals earned her a feature on Drake’s 'More Life', and the future looks 'very' promising for the Walsall-born singer. Smith has linked up with Kali Uchis, a Colombian-American artist to make a song that sounds so pure and uplifting that– and this is a guarantee – will make you feel fine and joyous.
Wilkinson ft. Boy Matthews – ‘Wash Away’
Wilkinson has dropped a new vocal version of his single 'Wash Away', now featuring Boy Matthews. Make sure you hit play...
ALBUMS
Axwell ^ Ingrosso - 'More Than You Know'
Swedish dance giants Axwell ^ Ingrosso release a new EP ahead of a packed touring schedule. MTV recently went record shopping with the duo to talk about UK subcultures, laser swords and getting into the studio with Kanye West. Watch that here.
The Amazons - 'The Amazons'
Let’s turn our minds back to 2014 for a moment. The current line-up of indie-rock outfit The Amazons were in Reading, working shifts in a supermarket to help fund their band. Fast-forward to 2017, and the four-piece – and MTV Brand New For 2017 stars - have released their explosive debut. The hard work has, clearly, paid off. ‘Junk Food Forever’ is the one to hear. Make sure you see them live – it’s when they’re at their best.
Lil Yachty - 'Teenage Emotions'
Lil Yachty burst into everyone’s minds last summer on surprise hit ‘Broccoli’, featuring fellow up-and-comer D.R.A.M.. 10 months later, one of rap’s most exciting young stars – he’s only 19! – has a debut album out.
Featuring collaborations from Diplo, MTV Brand New star Stefflon Don (on the supremely chilled ‘Better’) and Migos, (can anyone name a track released in 2017 that 'hasn’t' featured help from Migos’ Quavo, Offset or Takeoff?), 'Teenage Emotions' is right up there with, if nothing else, 2017’s best album artworks. Make sure to check the reverse side of the sleeve for plentiful pizza and gold.
Bryson Tiller - 'True To Self'
Surprise! Bryson Tiller’s second album is here a week early. Just like Bryson's first record, 'T R A P S O U L', there are no features on there, just Tiller, front and centre.
"When you are being true to yourself, you are completely honest with what you feel, deeply value, and desire," Tiller wrote on Instagram as he announced the surprise release. Listen below…
'Listen to your ''favourite'' tracks no matter where you are with the MTV TRAX music app. No ads, no limits, no monkey business. Download it now for FREE at mtvtrax.com.'