Happy New Music Friday! Not going to lie, this week has me exhausted from the first week of online learning. All of my classes just feel like one big one and I constantly have the feeling that I’m forgetting something. But no matter how rough your week was, it’s about to get better. Stop complaining and start vibing to Big Sean’s new album (finally), a new country album from HARDY and Diplo’s new ambient album with the songs named only using Roman numerals? And don’t even get me started on all of the amazing pop princesses who released new songs to empower you through the weekend.
If you’re new here, I make weekly playlists where I pick my favorite songs from each week’s releases and I write some of my quick thoughts about them. I also curate a Spotify playlist to go along with them. I’m all about helping people find their new favorite artists and songs so if you have any suggestions let me know!
I also made an Instagram for all my music invested peeps so feel free to check it out @kasualpicks on Instagram. I’ll be sharing my favorites in each genre on that platform so feel free to check it out! On here, however, I’ll designate my top favorites with an asterisk “*”.
Here’s the best songs released the week of Friday, September 4, 2020. Find the playlist HERE.
INDIE & CHILL
*Bummerland: AJR
That classic AJR sound we love with those piercingly relatable lyrics that hit a little too close to home.
Oni: GRMLN – Stranger, My Town,
This new album from this Japanese-American artist features a collection of a few unreleased songs as well as old songs that were not part of any prior album releases.
*Night Sports: Rebounder
Find my thoughts + the new music video for this song HERE.
Avenue G EP: Summer Salt – Little Legs
Zero: Declan McKenna – You Better Believe!!!, Emily, Sagittarius A*
My name in a song and the title? You KNOW I had to include it. But in all honesty, this album does go hard.
A Little Bit Yours: JP Saxe
*Seams: INTRN
Whatever You Like: CAL
This cover from CAL is beautiful and relaxing in all the best ways.
What They’ll Say About Us: FINNEAS
*It’s True: Cloe Wilder
MMXX: Diplo – I
In a true change of colors, Diplo released a full album of ambient music that might be my favorite yet. It’s on the border of space ambient but not deep enough in to be terrifying so each song leaves you relaxed, refreshed and ready to delve into your mind. Perfect for studying too.
Puddles: Daniela Andrade
*Unreal: Julia Stone
Heart Chained (feat. Master Peace & No Rome): MISOGI, Master Peace, No Rome
POP AND BOPS
*The One: FLETCHER
Every time Fletcher releases a new song, it feels like Christmas. Her latest track, titled “The One” is insanely catchy. “You’re not the one but you’re the one right now” is simply genius
One Day Left: LOVA
How would you live if you had one day left? Need to be inspired to start living your best life right now? LOVA has got you covered.
*Paradise Found: Eden xo
*Good Days Bad Days: Anna Straker, Gabrielle Aplin
These two queens will brighten your spirits this week with their new inspiring track. Perfect for playlists aimed at uplifting your spirits when you’re down.
*Island: Bow Anderson
The best empowerment anthem this week. We’re all independent islands baby.
*It’s Only A Heartbreak: Dagny
Working For The Weekend (feat. bbno$): MAX, bbno$
Unfortunately this song is highly relatable. But at least it’s finally Friday so the weekend is near!
*Little Things (feat. Quinn XCII & Chelsea Cutler) – Acoustic: Louis the Child, Quinn XCII, Chelsea Cutler
*Bite: Aaron Carpenter
Smooth, catchy and seductive, “Bite” is a top favorite from this week.
Sweet & Sour (feat. Lauv & Tyga): Jewish 685, Lauv, Tyga
*Where Did Our Summer Go?: Tony Ferrari
Despite first glance, this highly relatable song isn’t just about quarantine (even though for real where DID summer go?). It’s about growing up and not having summer vacation anymore which is tragic.
Hold On Tight: Aloe Blacc
Your weekly inspirational song to get you through the tough times. Have you ever received a hug from Aloe Blacc? Me neither, but this song feels just like what I imagine how those feel.
Nonsuch Park (sa): Scott Helman – Wait No More, Lois
This new album from Scott Helman is an experience full of soft pop hits that are the perfect addition to literally any playlist whether you’re driving or chilling at home or studying.
CHAOS: Gia Woods
The Final Pieces – EP: Navvy – Somebody Else
Lancaster Nights: Charlie Burg
Charlie Burg makes feel good music and this song is no different.
R&viBe
Invisible: Yuna
Hit Different: SZA, Ty Dolla $ign, The Neptunes
New SZA? We have been truly BLESSED this week. Plus some of my favorite producers, The Neptunes, were also involved on this track so you know it’s got to be good.
Come Over: VanJess
RAP SNAP CRACKLE POP
CRUISE CONTROL: prettyboys – U N I, CRUISE CONTROL AT 4 AM
With their new chill rap EP, prettyboys proves they’re a force to be reckoned with in rap with their smooth bars and usual use of guitar.
*Detroit 2: Big Sean – Why Would I Stop?, Wolves (feat. Post Malone), Time In with TWENTY88
The sequel to his 2012 mixtape and long awaited album that was supposed to be released this spring, Detroit 2 aims to pay tribute to the people and history of Detroit. While its release was expected in spring, Big Sean took the time to reshape the album and make it more relatable in quarantine. There are interludes labeled as “Story by” with artists like Stevie Wonder speaking directly to the listener. Check it out now.
The Voice: Lil Durk
Baggin’: Marshmello, 42 Dugg
Different from your typical EDM Marshmello song, this collaboration with 42 Dugg is more in the rap space than anything else and we’re so here for it.
*Tap In (feat. Post Malone, DaBaby & Jack Harlow): Saweetie, Post Malone, DaBaby, Jack Harlow
TikTok made me do it. This song will be stuck in your head all day. You’re welcome.
ELECTRO DANCE + RAVE SZN
*Between our Hearts (feat. CXLOE): Cheat Codes, CXLOE
*Lasting Lover: Sigala, James Arthur
Having known James Arthur for his slower and more relaxed songs, it’s nice to see him switch it up with this new collaboration with Sigala.
Good Vibes: HRVY, Matoma
Fire: Ytram, Elderbrook, Martin Garrix
Dare I say…this song is fire.
Hurt: Lost Kings, DeathbyRomy
Funny – Breathe Carolina Remix: Zedd, Jasmine Thompson, Breathe Carolina
you broke me first – Luca Schreiner Remix: Tate McRae, Luca Schreiner
You might know this sad song from TikTok but this week it gets a facelift into your next favorite dance track.
Inspiration: Alex Moye
Need a new song to hype you up while you’re studying but not enough to where you’re singing along and getting distracted? Alex Moye has got you covered. With “Inspiration,” you’ll be inspired to keep grinding through those lectures with maybe only the occasional distracting dance break.
Pretty Please: Jackson Wang, Galantis
YEE HAW
Next Girl: Carly Pearce
A warning from one girl to the next, “Next Girl” shows off Pearce’s songwriting ability with her different uses of the words “next girl.”
A ROCK: HARDY – BROKE BOY, A ROCK
An album full of songs about growing up, HARDY’s debut is full of songs that are just fun to sing along to.
Get Over Him: Lauren Alaina – Bar Back, Seen You In Your Hometown
In her new EP, Lauren Alaina sings about break ups and drinking and all things country.
And that’s it! I hope you enjoy and find some of your new favorite songs and artists from this playlist because I know I have. Plus I hope you discover some tunes to fuel your quarantine activities and studying sessions! And wear your mask over your nose! The pandemic isn’t over just because you want it to be!
Don’t forget to follow me on instagram to keep up to date about all things music or to be featured on an upcoming playlist!(@kasualpicks)
As always, you can find this week’s playlist HERE!
see you friday! 🙂
kasual kook x
ps. want me to check out your music? find me on social media @kasual_kook or email me @ kasualkook@gmail.com
pps. don’t forget to follow the playlist and share it with others! let me know what your favorite songs are! if you think i’m missing a genre of music you’d like to hear, let me know! i’d love to broaden my horizons
find other volumes and their playlists HERE. want to listen to a specific genre? find genre playlists HERE.
KASUAL KOOK 