Music you may have missed over spring break
Music you may have missed over spring break
Ariana Grande - eternal sunshine (Pop)
Ariana Grande’s follow-up to her 2020 quarantine-record positions has surpassed expectations yet again. Grande leans heavily into the smooth R&B vocals of her previous record. Then, she combines them with catchy beats reminiscent of sweetener (2018). Grande tops every track off with vulnerable yet self-empowering lyrics, something we saw a lot from her thank u, next (2019). She has certainly figured out her sound and knows where to go from here. eternal sunshine debuted at #1 on the Billboard 100, and it stayed there the following week, alongside the record’s second promotional single, “we can’t be friends (wait for your love).” It makes her the first woman in history to have two records spawn multiple #1 debuts on the chart. Grande’s new movie Wicked (2024), where she stars as Glinda, is slated for release in November.
Lead single: yes, and? Hidden gem: bye
Must-listen track: the boy is mine Title track: 5/5 ☆
Erika de Casier - Still (R&B)
Still is the third solo studio album from Portuguese-born Erika de Casier. With only 524k monthly listeners on Spotify, you likely have no idea who she is. De Casier’s music is best described as: “her [own] take on 90s/00s R&B ''. If you are familiar with K-pop group NewJeans, you might’ve heard her work without knowing it. Credited as a writer on both tracks, she’s responsible for both hits “Super Shy” and “Cool With You.”. If you’re a fan of the hyper-pop PinkPantheress produces, you will fall head over heels in love with Erika de Casier. Featured artists on the record include Shygirl, Blood Orange, and They Hate Change. De Casier is set to hit the road on a promotional tour this month.
Lead single: Lucky Hidden gem: The Princess
Must-listen track: ooh Second favorite: Home Alone
Faye Webster - Underdressed at the Symphony (Indie)
If you are someone who says, “I listen to all genres – except country,” then Faye Webster is an artist to check out. She effortlessly blends new-age indie with rock with a bluegrass twang in most of her work. Arguably, Underdressed at the Symphony is Webster’s most experimental record to-date. In the past, we have seen influence from many genres on individual records, but never all three on the same one specifically. The title track, “Underdressed at the Symphony,” stays true to everything we love about Faye Webster: break-up lyrics, steel guitar, and strong orchestral strings. Lil Yachty, a fellow artist and Webster’s childhood friend, is featured on “Lego Ring.” Webster will begin the second leg of her USA/Canada tour this fall.
Lead single: But Not Kiss Hidden gem: He Loves Me Yeah!
Must-listen track: Lifetime Title-track: 4/5 ☆
BONUS: Chappell Roan - The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess (Indie Pop)
Chappell Roan’s debut album was released in the fall of 2023. I’m here reviewing this album to ensure you no longer go without hearing it! I fell in love with this record over spring break. I wish I had listened to it sooner. It’s an extremely fun, extremely sapphic body of work. Roan was commended for its pop sound. In “Naked in Manhattan,” she sings, “Boys suck / and girls I’ve never tried / and we both know we’re getting drunk tonight.” Roan is letting it all hang out in this record. “Telling secrets … wearing nothing but lashes / at every party / we’re the party / shaking our asses,” she sings in club-anthem“Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl.” Roan is currently opening for Olivia Rodrigo’s “GUTS” World Tour.
Lead single: Pink Pony Club Hidden gem: HOT TO GO!
Must-listen track: Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl Second favorite: Naked in Manhattan
Elena Hernandez Music Editor