10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of June 21, 2024
The first New Music Friday of summer 2024 is living up to the season with some of the biggest releases of the year, including new albums from Gracie Abrams and Kehlani, a new Ariana Grande remix of an R&B classic featuring the legends who first brought it to life and so much more.
Can't wait to listen? Just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of June 21, 2024.
(Image courtesy of Republic Records)
1. VALÉ Flaunts Her Confident Side in 'fit mami'
Colombian singer-songwriter VALÉ is making 2024 her own, and she's kicking off the summer in the best way possible with her steamy new single, "fit mami." The dance track has an irresistible Latin club beat and hypnotizing vocals as VALÉ flaunts her confidence. "'fit mami' is probably my most fun song," VALÉ revealed in a press release. "I love to dance and party, so it was only fitting that we made a club track. This song is so incredibly energetic and has a great vibe, playing it live is so sick! I wrote this song with the intention of filling anyone who listens to it with confidence and the best vibes. The Fund and I had such a blast writing and creating this track, so I only hope everyone enjoys it as much as we do! Fit mamis unite!" It's also set to appear on her debut EP, under the sun, which will arrive Aug. 2.
Also read about: Everything You Wanted to Know About Colombian 'oop' Singer-Songwriter VALÉ
2. Akia Embraces Softness and Femininity 'Soft Girl Era'
Who said women always have to put on a brave face and be strong? Rising R&B artist Akia is fighting that narrative with her gorgeous new single, "Soft Girl Era," a sweet and soulful track about embracing feminine softness and living fully in all of the parts of what it means to be a woman. The track kicks off a brand new era for the American Idol alum, and we truly can't wait to see where she takes us next.
3. Sheppard Celebrate Family, Resilience and Hope on New Album, ZORA
Thanks to their viral, anthemic tracks, musical sibling trio Sheppard has racked up billions upon billions of streams, and fans will find that their new album, ZORA, delivers on everything they love about the band. Named after the group's grandmother, Zora, the album's 16 tracks are lively, empowering and stadium-ready as ever as they tackle themes of hope, light and resilience in the face of struggle. "The story behind the name 'Zora' is one of those rare, spine-tingling moments that you can't quite believe," the group told Sweety High in an interview. "As we were navigating some tough personal times as a family, the themes of resilience and optimism naturally permeated through the songs we were writing for this album—each one a beacon of hope, a call to hold on through times of darkness with the hope that a new dawn was just around the corner. Our inspiration through all of this was our Croatian grandmother, whose attitude to life has always been something of a beacon for us. She has faced some tremendous challenges in her life, yet her enduring smile and radiant energy never dimmed. When it came time to name the album we had written, in wanting to honor her and our Croatian heritage, we turned to Google Translate out of curiosity to see what 'dawn' would be in Croatian. The result? Our grandma's name, 'ZORA,' stared back at us triumphantly on the screen. Our jaws hit the floor. I still get goosebumps remembering the shock and perfect synchronicity of that moment. It wasn't just a name; it felt like a legacy coming full circle, a profound connection that chose us as much as we chose it. We knew immediately that ZORA was the only title that would perfectly encapsulate the essence of this album."
Also read about: Sheppard Share the Promise of Hope and 'Spine-Tingling' Serendipity Behind New Album, ZORA
4. EVNNE Choose Between Truth and Dare on 3rd Mini-Album RIDE or DIE
K-pop group EVNNE are still relative newcomers, but with their third mini-album, RIDE or DIE, they're showcasing just how powerful they are as a team. The seven-member ensemble shared the mini-album earlier this week, showcasing six energetic tracks exploring both sides of the concepts of "Truth" and "Dare." "This album starts with the idiom 'ride or die' which was inspired by the title track 'Badder Love,' which carries the message of running to one without regrets even if everything falls apart," the group shared in an interview with Sweety High. "Emphasizing faith and loyalty to 'ride together 'til the end,' this album embodies a spirited and raw youthfulness in pursuit of conquest. We hope everyone enjoys watching EVNNE unfold our unique story and different sides through this album."
Also read about: EVNNE Discuss Choosing Between Truth or Dare for Their 3rd Mini-Album, RIDE or DIE
5. Lola Young This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway
No one is doing it like English singer-songwriter Lola Young, and with her new album, This Wasn't Meant For You Anyway, her writing has never been sharper or more poignant. It's a breakup album for the ages, taking us through every emotion that accompanies a broken heart and including singles "Messy," "Big Brown Eyes," "Intrusive Thoughts," "Wish You Were Dead" and "Conceited." Its 11 tracks showcase Lola's versatile talents in the genre of soulful pop R&B, with lyrics that are equally biting, funny and fearless.
6. Role Model Reflects on the Past in 'Look At That Woman'
We're eagerly anticipating Role Model's second album and the follow-up to Rx, Kansas Anymore, which releases on July 19. He just shared his latest single, "Look At That Woman," giving us a taste of the nostalgic, homesick vibes of what's to come. It's an airy, '70s-inspired song with an easy sound that juxtaposes against the yearning regret in the lyrics as he reflects on guilt about a situation in the past. "'Look At That Woman' is a very nostalgic song that is looking back and regretting certain decisions," Role Model shared in a press release. "It's my coping song disguised as a nice, easygoing little jam."
7. Gracie Abrams Levels Up Her Artistry on Sophomore Album, The Secret of Us
Gracie Abrams' sophomore album, The Secret of Us, has completely blown us away, taking Gracie's signature brand of relatable pop and dialing it up with even more vulnerable lyrics and catchy hooks. It consists of 13 stunning tracks, including the unmissable "us." featuring none other than Taylor Swift, making for an album that begs to be listened to, start to finish, every time. "💛THE SECRET OF US💛 the album that I made with some of my favorite people (!!!!!!!!!!) is yours June 21 and the first single 💛RISK💛 comes out on May 1!" Gracie wrote in a post on Instagram. "We had real, true fun writing this album. There were also the occasional tears. Audrey and I wrote Risk on our couch at home. Aaron produced the s*** out of it. Abby shot the cover. The music is yours in basically five seconds and we cannot wait. I. Love. You."
Also read about: 20 Lovesick Lyrics From Gracie Abrams' New Album, The Secret Of Us, as Instagram Captions
8. ARON Yearns to Vanish in 'Invisibilidad'
If you're not yet familiar with German-born, Spanish-raised artist ARON, prepare to be obsessed with the release of his latest single, "Invisibilidad." The title is the Spanish word for "invisibility," with the lyrics revealing a complex relationship in which ARON wishes he could disappear from his lover's life, only to become invisible and be by her side without bothering her ever again. We also adore the music video, showing how he got here in the first place, and starring Brazilian model Juliana Nalú as his girlfriend.
9. Kehlani Lives in the Moment With 4th Album, CRASH
There's a good reason Kehlani is beloved as one of the queens of modern R&B, and her fourth studio album, CRASH, encapsulates everything about the stars soaring vocals and infectious lyricism that put her on the map. CRASH features 13 smooth and soulful R&B tracks, including collaborations with icons such as Young Miko, Omah Lay and Jill Scott, serving as a reminder to live fully and mindfully in the present moment. "A crash, in any form, is the peak height of the moment," Kehlani shared in a press release. "It isn't the anxiety of the before, or the lament after. It is the ever so imperative present. A space with no reminisce, no remorse, and no afterthought. CRASH IS HERE. At my most free, most fun, most loud, most fueled, so far." We haven't taken the music video for the title track off repeat.
Also read about: A Crash Course in the Longevity of Modern R&B Icon Kehlani
10. Ariana Grande Recruits Monica and Brandy for New Remix of 'the boy is mine'
Brandy and Monica's 1997 duet, "The Boy Is Mine," is a timeless R&B classic that's stood the test of time, so it came as no surprise that the track was just as stunning as ever in Ariana Grande's capable hands when she dropped her own version of the song earlier this month. Today, the world was graced with a new remix featuring both Brandy and Monica, adding further layers to the track. We'd go so far as to say that this is the definitive version, with all three artists at their top of their games.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of June 14, 2024.