10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of Feb. 26, 2021
Can you believe we're already at the end of February? Time really does fly by—especially when there's good music playing n the background.
This week, especially, we were introduced to some incredible new beats. We seriously don't know how these artists do it—is there even any time to sleep? From pop, to R&B, to alternative and more, we're absolutely loving the tracks we heard. Keep reading for ten big things that happened in music the week of Feb. 26, 2021.
1. Wonho Releases Highly Anticipated Album, Wonho 1st Mini Album Part2. <Love Synonym #@: Right for Us>
While Wonho's latest album is surely a tongue-twister, we can say that it has completely blown us away. It was released today, and yes, we've already listened to the entire album. His vulnerability and artistry truly shine, and we're excited to see where the future takes him. We're especially digging the music video for "Lose," which features stunning visuals and beautiful scenery. It's an absolute must-watch.
2. Norway-Born Elise Eriksen Drops Music Video for 'Smile'
Elise Eriksen has lived all over the world. Born in Norway, she later moved to New York then Los Angeles, so it's safe to say she has truly seen it all, and it can definitely be heard in her vocals. This week, she dropped the music video for"Smile," and wow, it's breathtaking. Filmed in her home country of Norway, where it was -15° F, Elise powered through and gave a remarkable performance. "…We somehow managed to get a piano onto the ice and shoot everything with an iPhone 12," she said in a press release. "Even though I thought my hands were going to fall off at one point while I was playing, seeing the finished video, and the idea that we'd all had in our head come to life, made it totally worth it."
3. Chanel West Coast of Ridiculousness Reveals Music Video for 'Eazy' feat. Anaya Lovenote and Salma Slims
Everyone's favorite Ridiculousness cast member, Chanel West Coast, just came out with the music video for "Easy" feat. Anaya Lovenote and Salma Slims. We love seeing Chanel in her element, and it's clear she shines as a musical performer in the video. Clad in incredible hair, makeup and clothes, Chanel takes viewers on a special journey. The song itself is full of hip-hop queens, and we're loving it. In a press release, Chanel said, "Eazy is one of my favorite records off my album, so I had to make sure the visual was an absolute vibe. I wanted the video to have the feel of a '90s skate video and I think my boy Damien Sandoval did an amazing job executing my vision."
4. Jade Patteri Shares Empowering 'Unity' Music Video
Jade Patteri is the ultimate triple-threat as a dancer, actor and singer-songwriter, but we think it's really her music that strikes us straight to the core. She released a new EP called Unity last month, full of songs that speak to the causes closest to her heart, and this week, the heart-wrenching music video for the title track dropped as well. "This video is a response to the cultural, racial and political divides that propagate the injustice in our current society," Jade told Sweety High. "I won't give too much more away but I will say that the storyline of the video had the entire crew in tears. Dance is a powerful language that can say so much, coupled with a topic that is raw today beyond compare."
5. TikTok Boy Band On the Outside Graces Us With Single 'How Beautiful'
What would we ever do without TikTok? The addictive app introduced us to the inimitable five-piece boyband On the Outside, and their hearts are as big as the rousing music they make together. Their new single, "How Beautiful" is tied to their "Make Positivity Go Viral" campaign in celebration of next month's International Women's Day, and is about reminding us all that we should stop apologizing for just being ourselves, and start realizing we're enough. "We are excited about releasing 'How Beautiful' because it represents everything we stand for as a band," On the Outside revealed in a press release, supporting each other in love and positivity and accepting each other's differences as beauty and not flaws."
6. Maisie Peters Gets Personal With 'John Hughes Movie'
We've decided that we will never tire of Maisie Peters' lilting and angelic voice, and her latest gorgeous track, "John Hughes Movie," puts her vocal and writing talents on full display. She had us at unrequited feelings, but putting it over an infectious beat, leading into a dance break, absolutely gives us life. "'John Hughes Movie' was written about a house party I went to when I was 16, about some very important earth-shattering heartbreak I experienced that night from some boy I now genuinely cannot recall," Maisie explained in a press release. In the end, at least she got this song out of the experience.
7. Noah Schnacky Turns Heartbreat Into a Positive With 'She Broke My Heart'
Leave it to country heartthrob Noah Schnacky to write a breakup song so upbeat, positive and romantic as "She Broke My Heart." The title of the track might lead you to believe that this will be a tear-jerker, but with its bouncy hip-hop beat and twangy guitars, it's quickly clear it'll be anything but. Instead, it's a fun song about realizing all of the good that can come out of the end of a relationship, including the fact that it opens you up to new things. At its heart, it's really a song about new love, and we are obsessed.
8. Becky G and Burna Boy Turn Up the Heat With 'Rotate'
Becky G never disappoints when it comes to releasing steamy new anthems, and her new song "Rotate" featuring Nigerian artist Burna Boy is no exception. This sporty track in both Spanish and English will get you up and moving even if you don't speak both languages, and with Burna Boy's irresistible rap interlude, we can't stop listening to it. "'Rotate' to me is a celebration," Becky said in a press release. "I think it's evident that fútbol holds a special place in my heart and having Burna Boy join me on this made sense because ultimately I wanted to embody the perfect pre-game song that gets the blood flowing, makes you want to dance and enjoy the sport."
9. Justin Bieber Announces the Official Release Date of His New Album, Justice
Feel like it's been way too long since we got a new album from Justin Bieber? Fret not, because the wait is nearly over. His sixth studio album, Justice, will be in our hands (and ears) in less than a month on March 19. While we don't yet know how many songs we'll be blessed with at its release, we do know it'll contain previously released singles "Holy," "Lonely" and "Anyone." Maybe he'll stick with the single-word song titles all the way through? Whatever happens, we're sure it'll be well worth the wait.
10. Nick Jonas Drops Surprise Single, 'Spaceman'
Nick Jonas is quite the busy man these days. Tomorrow, Feb. 27, he's hosting Saturday Night Live. Monday, March 1, he's a judge on The Voice. And he's in the new film Chaos Walking, being released on March 5. We know—how does he do it all? In addition to all of this, he also dropped a new single this week, "Spaceman." With a strong hook and a vibey beat, this is a song you'll want to get up and dance to.
Missed our picks last week? Click HERE to find out our top 10 favorite tracks of the week of Feb. 19.