10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of December 22, 2023
Christmas may be just three days away, but that doesn't mean our favorite artists were slacking this week in terms of dropping hot new music.
These last seven days saw the release of festive faves, soaring new anthems and some unforgettable new tracks from top J-pop and K-pop artists to keep our New Music Friday playlist going into the holiday weekend. Curious about what we loved best? Just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Dec. 22, 2023.
1. Eighty Ninety Reflect on a Lonesome Holiday in 'Snowflakes in Your Hair'
Just last week, indie-pop brother duo Eighty Ninety released their self-titled debut album, and they're closing out the year with the gorgeous new holiday song "Snowflakes in Your Hair." Driven by soothing acoustic guitars, the track is about heartbreak and the pain of feeling alone during the holidays, with a stripped back and melodic sound that speaks right to the soul. "We wanted to give our fans something extra, a thank you for the incredible way they've embraced our music this year," the brothers shared in a press release. "'Snowflakes in Your Hair' is about the experience of spending the holidays alone, and we tried to capture the mix of nostalgia and solitude that comes with it. We like snowflakes as a metaphor for the unique and fleeting nature of experiences and relationships: just like every snowflake is different and melts away, the moments and people in our lives leave a lasting impact on who we are even after they're gone. It's a symbol of both the beauty and transience of life's encounters… it's also just a Christmas song!"
2. MORGXN Embraces the Challenge of Life in 'To Be Human'
Nashville-based singer-songwriter MORGXN is gearing up for the launch of his third studio album, BEACON, which drops on Feb. 2, and we love the glimpse we get at its narrative with the artist's latest release, "To Be Human." With soaring strings and an emphasis on the clear purity of MORGXN's voice, it's about the human condition and the challenges and triumphs of being alive. "The hero's journey is sometimes just about letting it all fall apart, breaking through like there is something on the other side of this," MORGXN shared of the album in a press release. "Sometimes you don't see that there is light out there, that you are the beacon."
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About 'home' Singer-Songwriter MORGXN
3. RYEOWOOK Sings of Love and Snowflakes With 'Lingering'
K-pop sensation and SUPER JUNIOR member RYOWOOK is well-known and beloved for his powerful ballads, and his latest, "Lingering," is here just in time for Christmas. It's a sweet and simple song about young wintertime love, backed by a twinkling piano that gives it a nostalgic and melancholy holiday feel. It's one we'll be listening to all season long (and returning to for years to come).
4. Jax Jones and Robbie G Join Forces on 'Forever'
Multi-Platinum U.K. DJ and producer Jax Jones and Dublin-based producer Robbie G are each incredible on their own, but together, their work is even more impossible to ignore. With atmospheric synths and an irresistible beat, their new song "Forever" tells a heartfelt narrative about making real connections with friends, being present, and yearning to hold on to the moment forever. "Sometimes I hit a dead end with my creativity, and I struggle to get past it but if you can push through, there's a chance you'll make something special," Jax explained in a press release. "Robbie G really inspires me as he has been putting in work on his music forever and has an amazing fighting spirit to keep going."
5. WanMor Put Their Own Twist on Boyz II Men's 'Please Don't Go'
If you love the sound of iconic '90s R&B, you should not be sleeping on rising group WanMor. Its four teenage members—Big Boy, Chulo, Tyvas and Rocco—are the sons of Boyz II Men's Wanya Morris, and it's very clear that talent runs in the family as they remake the group's hit song "Please Don't Go." Their sound on the track truly transcends time, feeling classic yet timeless, and giving us just a taste of what these guys are capable of. "Thank you Boyz II Men for creating great music and special thanks to Uncle Nate for writing this legendary song!" the group wrote in an Instagram post.
6. Tom Odell Closes a Chapter With 'The End'
English singer-songwriter and producer Tom Odell is known for his evocative and emotional songwriting, and his new track, "The End," has had a life of its own on TikTok since well before its official release. Marked by Tom's whispery, affecting vocals and stirring strings, the song is beautiful yet haunting as he sings about his journey with sobriety and the sad, quiet dissolution of a once-strong relationship. "'The End' first presented itself as a piano melody, which was originally inspired by having a panic attack—that's where that line 'give me back my oxygen' came from…. Ultimately, it's a song about the finality of love, which felt like an interesting place to end the whole album." "The End" will also close out his upcoming album, Black Friday, which will release on Jan. 26.
7. Travis Japan Reach for the Stars on Debut Album, Road to A
If you're like us and have been following the musical journey of Travis Japan since America's Got Talent, you know how big of a deal the release of their debut album, Road to A, is. The Japanese boy group's first album is more than a decade in the making, showcasing the guys' progress on their mission, with the "A" in Road to A standing for "authenticity." We especially love the new single "Okie Dokie!," with an absolutely infectious energy and an uplifting, upbeat message that's about to earn it a spot on a million playlists. "As Travis Japan, we are pleased to announce the release of our first album!" group leader Chaka shared in a press release. "It is full of our past and future, an album full of charm. No matter what, we are looking forward to your excitement as we move forward. Thank you so much for your support."
Also read about: J-Pop Sensations Travis Japan Talk Sophomore Single 'Moving Pieces' and Growing as Artists
8. Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson Remix 'I'm Just Ken' Just in Time for Christmas
There are a hundred reasons so many people consider Ryan Gosling as Ken to be the breakout star of Margot Robbie's Barbie movie, and the song "I'm Just Ken" is just one of them. Now, right in time for the holiday, Ryan has teamed up with legendary producer Mark Ronson for "I'm Just Ken (Merry Kristmas Barbie)." It does not disappoint, with a completely reworked orchestration that even further highlights Ryan Gosling's vocal talents, and plenty of Christmas cheer to boot.
Also read about: 29 Powerful Quotes From the Barbie Movie to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
9. Alicia Keys Offers Her Love and Support in 'Lifeline'
Blitz Bazawule's new The Color Purple musical drama hits theaters in the U.S. on Christmas day, with a star-studded cast including Taraji P. Henson, Halle Bailey, H.E.R. and Jon Batiste—just to name a few. Its soundtrack is sure to be stunning—especially because in addition to the musical itself, it will also feature songs inspired by the movie, featuring Usher, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson and many more, as well as Alicia Keys' gorgeous new single "Lifeline." It's an inspiring ballad about remembering to rely on the people in your life when things get tough and you're feeling alone, and power of connectivity, community and love.
10. JIMIN Shares a Love Letter to Fans With 'Closer Than This'
Leave it to BTS's JIMIN to end the year with a bang with the release of his newest solo single, "Closer Than This." The new song acts as a love letter to the fans, serving as a declaration that he and ARMY will stick together through thick and thin, both in times when they're together and times they're apart. We adore the song's smooth sound and comfy vibes, allowing us to settle into a relaxing mood just in time for the new year.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Dec. 15, 2023.