10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of May 5, 2023

Yes, Ed Sheeran just released what's probably his best album of all time—but that's not the only super exciting musical news to drop over the last seven days.

Based on our favorite new tunes of the week, it seems that May is a time for thoughtfulness and introspection, from Ed's deeply raw and confessional album to Amber Liu's uplifting new release and a remixed version of Toosii and Khalid's epic collab, and so much more. To get listening, just keep scrolling and discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of May 5, 2023.

1. Sydney Rose and Charlie Oriain Will Do Anything for Love in 'i can't live without you'

Ever felt like you'd give literally anything for the one you love? That's precisely the subject of "i can't live without you," the stunning new duet between Sydney Rose and Charlie Oriain. It's a whispery, gorgeous ballad straight from the heart about all of the sacrifices we're willing to make for love—sometimes to an extent that's no longer healthy. We can say we relate. "'i can't live without you' is a song that expresses the fact that you would do anything for the person you love because you simply can't live life without them," Sydney explained in a press release. "I really enjoyed writing the different ways in which I could metaphorically give someone my entire being (whether it be a heart transplant or a literal hospital). But behind all the love-y stuff, there is a sprinkle of anxiety in the song. I let the person know that even if they don't feel the same way that I do, I would do anything for them regardless ('even if to you I'm close to nothing and little')."

 

Also read about: Sydney Rose Explores the Bittersweet Side of Everlasting Love in 'I'll Never Get Over It'

 

2. Caroline Romano Explores Homesickness and Nostalgia With 'Mississippi Air'

We've always believed that 21-year-old singer-songwriter Caroline Romano's lyrical and vocal talents extended far beyond her years, and in her new single, "Mississippi Air," those abilities are both on full display. The nostalgic indie-rock track is a powerful reflection on her home state of Mississippi and the feelings that come with being home, with all kinds of memories—both good and bad—flooding in along with the smell of the air. "'Mississippi Air' is really just a longing for something, or a feeling, that once was," Caroline shared in a press release. "It's driving past a blur of trees spinning into a film reel, playing a movie of something you used to know, and briefly you are able to breathe. You're able to know the love you once had without the pain associated with it. I think we all have those moments as we drive through familiar grounds that take us back to when something you've lost wasn't lost at all. It is a deep surrounding type of breath you take in those moments. That's 'Mississippi Air'—lavender bikinis, button downs, silver trucks, pools and Harry Styles songs."

 

Also read about: Caroline Romano Talks Feeling Like the Odd One Out and Her Debut Album, Oddities and Prodigies

 

3. Oscar Lang Sheds Light on a Dark Subject With 'One Foot First'

Indie-pop artist Oscar Lang's Look Now, out July 21, is one of our most highly anticipated albums of the summer, and his new single "One Foot First" is a powerful example of what makes his songwriting unique. With its dreamy and evocative sound, it balances upbeat vibes with a hint of melancholy, perfectly matching the sentiment of its various pretending they're okay as they contemplate taking their own lives. The track feels infused with the vibes of our favorite '90s Britpop, but it's unmistakably modern. "This song came from a dark place," Oscar shared in an Instagram post, "and I hope it can bring you some light."

 

4. Snakehips Drops Epic Debut Album, never worry

We don't know if we've ever listened to a debut album quite so bold and star-studded as Snakehips's new drop, never worry. The multi-platinum British production duo manages to do so much with the album's 12 tracks, refusing to fit neatly into a singular genre as they blended aspects of dance music with hip-hop and R&B. The whole affair truly is a massive collaborative effort, with supporting artists including Daya, Dckwrth, Tinashe, Tkay Maidza, Earthgang, BIA, Lucky Daye, Kilo Kish, Nicole Millar, MadeinTYO, Rochelle Jordan, AG Club and Bryce Vine—and if this is just their first album, we can't even imagine where they'll be headed next.

 

5. Lola Young Tears Down Rich Kid Culture in 'Money'

BRIT-nominated English singer-songwriter Lola Young is known for her incisive lyricism and soaring voice, and we especially love the way they come together in her new single, "Money." Propelled by a thrumming hip-hop beat and R&B-infused vocals, the track takes a dig at rich kids who don't understand the value of money, or how ridiculous they look with the way they spend it. Money might give them all of the things they want, but in and of itself, it won't make them happy. The track is also set to appear on Lola's new project, My Mind Wanders And Sometimes Leaves Completely, dropping before the end of the month. "It's my journey towards being a woman and figuring out who I am," Lola shared of the project in a press release, and we seriously can't wait to hear the rest.

 

6. Benson Boone Tests the Waters With PULSE

Benson Boone never misses, and his new PULSE EP consists of five tracks with Benson at the very top of his game. Over the course of its songs, PULSE takes us between infectious pop tracks and vulnerable and anthemic ballads, showcasing Benson's incredible versatility as a performer. They feel like sunny days and freedom, with sounds that seem tailor-made to be performed live. We simply can't wait to scream the lyrics aloud with him at the next concert opportunity.  "These songs are definitely more me," Boone revealed in a press release. "PULSE just expands and builds on that world. I'm testing new waters and loving it. This is where I am now."

 

Also read about: Benson Boone Talks 'Sugar Sweet,' Its Serendipitous Music Video and His 'First Real Tour'

 

7. Chloe Moriondo Revisits Fan Favorites With the Split Decision Double Single

Fans of indie-pop sensation Chloe Moriondo are in for a big treat with the release of their new Split Decision double single resisting two beloved tracks with a genre-swapped twist.

The double single reworks Blood Bunny's "I Want To Be With You" as well as SUCKERPUNCH's "Celebrity," demonstrating that Chloe truly isn't pinned down to any one style, and putting a whole new twist (and giving brand new meaning) to the fan-loved singles. "I love both of these songs dearly and created each at such different points in my life," Chloe explained in a press release. "They mean a lot to me and I hope you love this cute little crossover that I had such a fun nostalgic time making ♡"

 

8. Amber Liu Gives Us the Motivational Anthem of the Summer With 'No More Sad Songs'

International pop superstar Amber Liu may be best known for being a member of K-pop heavyweights f(x), but the California native is a powerful artist in her own right, and we're already predicting that her new single, "No More Sad Songs," is poised to be one of the songs of the summer. With a vibrant danceable sound and irresistibly inspirational lyrics about overcoming a broken heart, it's got all of the makings of an instant classic—and we're sure it won't be long before its sound takes over our TikTok FYPs.

 

9. Khalid Joins Toosii on a Beautiful Remix of 'Favorite Song'

Toosii's "Favorite Song" has been one of the runaway hit songs of 2023, and it honestly just keeps getting better—especially with the brand new remix of the track, featuring Khalid. We adore the way the song reflects the polar opposite of toxic masculinity, with Toosii fully willing to be vulnerable and open with his love, and Khalid's vocals in the chorus, as well as his gorgeous new verse, elevate the track to new heights. "I'm excited to have Khalid join me on this track," Toosii shared in a press release. "He has such a dope and unique voice and I think it really takes an already amazing song to the next level. I've been wanting to collab with him on the right track for a while and I think we picked the perfect one. Hope y'all enjoy!" Toosii also just announced that his debut album, NAUJOUR, will be out June 2, and we're already counting down the days.

 

Also read about: Toosii Shares the Inspiration Behind His Viral Hit, 'Favorite Song'

 

10. Ed Sheeran Drops His Magnum Opus, – (Subtract)

We're not exaggerating when we say that Ed Sheeran's new album – (Subtract) is his all-time greatest collection of songs, and we dare you to convince us otherwise. The sixth studio album is his rawest, realest and most vulnerable yet as Ed tells his own powerful stories of loss, grief and hope, with a poignancy that's instantly relatable, regardless of your own experiences. The fact that all 14 unmissable tracks also have their own music videos is the icing on the cake. "I had been working on Subtract for a decade, trying to sculpt the perfect acoustic album, writing and recording hundreds of songs with a clear vision of what I thought it should be," Ed revealed in a press release. "Then at the start of 2022, a series of events changed my life, my mental health, and ultimately the way I viewed music and art. Writing songs is my therapy. It helps me make sense of my feelings. I wrote without thought of what the songs would be, I just wrote whatever tumbled out. And in just over a week, I replaced a decade's worth of work with my deepest darkest thoughts …
As an artist, I didn't feel like I could credibly put a body of work into the world that didn't accurately represent where I am and how I need to express myself at this point in my life. This album is purely that. It's opening the trapdoor into my soul. For the first time, I'm not trying to craft an album people will like, I'm merely putting something out that's honest and true to where I am in my adult life."

 

Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of April 28, 2023.