10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of December 15, 2023
It's hard to believe that Christmas is just 10 days away, but with festive music releases and surprise drops that feel like gifts to the fans, we're definitely getting into the spirit.
From a whimsical yet haunting new track from Jagwar Twin to an uplifting John Legend anthem and an epic collab between Megan Thee Stallion and Reneé Rapp for the Mean Girls musical, this week had a little something to offer for every kind of music fan. Just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Dec. 15, 2023.
1. Jagwar Twin Channels the Wonka Spirit in 'Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)'
Timothée Chalamet's new Wonka movie is already proving to be 2023's biggest holiday hit, and with Jagwar Twin's new single "Bad Feeling (Oompa Loompa)," he's keeping the fun going. We can't get enough of the slightly spooky sounds, akin to a distorted lullaby, pulsing beat and haunting whistles as he interpolates the classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory Oompa Loompa song. Just like the Oompa Loompas carted off naughty kids, Jagwar Twin has a bad feeling about something and plans to get them out of his life.
2. Tafari Anthony Refuses to Give Up on Love in 'Evermore'
Canadian artist Tafari Anthony dropped his debut album, When I Met Your Girlfriend, last month, and one of our favorite tracks, "Evermore," just got its own powerful music video. The album details the journey of a relationship, from its beginnings to its downfall and end, with the emotionally stirring "Evermore" marking the conclusion as he promises to be there for someone no matter what. "This is the moment on the album where the major shift happens; From falling in love, to being in love, and then experiencing heartbreak," Tafari explained of the track in a press release. "At its core, 'Evermore' is about wanting to support someone unconditionally during difficult times. Letting them know no matter how finite the time might be, you'll be there for them. The video depicts the flip side of that when they don't allow you to be there for them but you keep trying. Visually this video is much darker than the previous videos and should feel a little bit uneasy. You're not too sure what has happened, but you can feel the gravity of it."
Also read about: A Definitive Ranking of the Most Iconic Christmas Songs
3. Kid Prexy Crushes Hard in 'I Think That You're Pretty'
16-year-old singer-songwriter Kid Prexy has developed a bold pop-punk sound well beyond his years, and we love the way his talent and youth combine with the release of his new single, "I Think That You're Pretty." Channeling an early '00s pop-pink vibe, it's a sweet and honest declaration as he falls hard for someone new. "I wrote this song to express the feeling you get when you see someone that you're instantly attracted to and can't stop thinking about them," Kid Prexy shared in a press release. "For the music video, I wanted it to have an old school pop punk vibe and be performance driven. I think it turned out really sick and having my drum teacher, Josh Henry, from my School of Rock days perform with me was a lot of fun!"
4. Will Swinton Transforms the Music in His Dreams Into 'Daydream'
New Zealand artist and TikTok sensation Will Swinton consistently captivates his audience with his raw vocals and storytelling, and with his new song "Daydream," he beautifully captures the angst of unrequited feelings. Driven by an anthemic pop-rock sound, it's about wondering if someone's still thinking about you, because you simply can't stop thinking about them. Appropriately, the song came to him in his sleep. "'Daydream' came from a dream that I had," Will explained in a press release. "In the dream I was in a studio session with FINNEAS, and he played me music. He plays it and it was the melody to 'Daydream.' I don't remember the words exactly, but I made a voice memo of it as soon as I woke up."
5. CitiLimitz Put Their Own Twist on Soul Classic 'This Christmas'
Sibling trio CitiLimitz are beloved for their nostalgic R&B sound, and if you're hunting for holiday playlists that seamlessly blend the old with the new, look new further than their cover of Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas." The 1970 classic is known for its sweet lyrics and soulful sound, but with their cozy harmonies and a '90s R&B twist, CitiLimitz has made it their own.
Also read about: Austin Millz Dishes on the Meta Sonic Listening Party at Miami Art Week and the Power of Meta
6. DRAMA Add New Drama and Emotion to 'All I Want for Christmas Is You'
Mariah Carey's definitive holiday song, "All I Want for Christmas Is You," is already everywhere this year, and we think there's something truly magical about this new cover from R&B duo DRAMA. We adore the slowed-down and stripped-back instrumental, with an almost melancholy piano and bass-driven approach that allows the vocals to take center stage. This cover is less about searing high notes and more about the raw, longing emotion of the song, and we find it particularly powerful.
7. Bootsy Collins Writes the Ultimate Theme Song for the Cincinnati Black Music Walk Of Fame
Bootsy Collins may have just written the greatest theme song of all time in the form of "Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame." Featuring Bootsy and fellow music legends Penny Ford, Terry Troutman, Reggie Calloway, Vincent Calloway and Tnava Avant, this rousing celebration of funk music will be unveiled later today as the official theme song of the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame. We've never been, but we just might be listening to this one all weekend.
8. David J Recruits Ex Frawley for a New Perspective on 'After We Broke Up'
We loved the original version of country star David J's "After We Broke Up" when it was released back in October, but now that there's a new version out featuring his actual ex, Frawley, it's somehow twice as good. It's a twangy country-pop track about post-breakup confusion and still feeling hung up on the relationship, and with Frawley's added perspective, it's clear both parties still feel the same way. "Texted my ex, now we have a song out together," David wrote in an Instagram post. We're very glad he did.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About Country Artist David J
9. John Legend Reminds Us to Chase Dreams With 'Don't Need to Sleep'
We Dare to Dream is a powerful refugee sports documentary with an equally impressive soundtrack thanks to John Legend's new song "Don't Need to Sleep." The anthemic and uplifting track, carried by John's unparalleled voice and stirring piano and strings, reminds us all to hold on to our dreams and never give up on them. You can also check out We Dare to Dream now on Peacock.
10. Megan Three Stallion and Reneé Rapp Tease the Mean Girls Movie Musical With 'Not My Fault'
The film version of the Mean Girls musical will finally hit theaters on Jan. 12, and while we were already down counting the days, the new Megan Three Stallion and Reneé Rapp duet, "Not My Fault," has us more excited than ever. "Not My Fault" will be the final song on the soundtrack, with Reneé (in the character of Regina George) letting listeners know that if she steals their girlfriends, she's not to blame. It's a sleek, disco-infused pop track with a queer twist and infectious Megan Three Stallion hook, and we have high hopes for everything else the soundtrack will bring.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Dec. 8, 2023.