10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of October 20, 2023

We may still be a week out from 1989 (Taylor's Version), but with the release of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour last week, Taylor continues to dominate our New Music Fridays.

Not only did we get a release of a live version of her fan-favorite song "Cruel Summer" from The Eras Tour, but Sabrina Carpenter's new Spotify Singles session also included a transformative cover of Taylor's "I Knew You Were Trouble" that we cannot stop listening to. Add the brand-new blink-182 reunion album, a new video from Madison Beer and some gorgeous collabs, and this week was one for the books. Keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Oct. 20, 2023.

1. Devon Gilfillian Shares New Video for Togetherness Anthem 'Love You Anyway'

Soul artist Devon Gilfillian is one of our favorite breakout singer-songwriters on the rise. His latest single, "Love You Anyway"—which also served as the title track of his gorgeous stunning sophomore album—just got a new music video, asking participants to share the changes they'd like to see in the world, and we can't take our eyes off it. The track is an anthemic declaration of love, forgiveness, connection and togetherness that soothes the soul. "My dream is for this song to bring all communities together to have a conversation," Devon explained in a press release. "There's so much hate in this world that we could lessen just truly getting to know each other. I know it may be idealistic, but I hope this song brings some change and light to the world."

 

2. Darren Kiely Yearns for a Better Future in 'Lost & Found'

Irish-born, Nashville-based  singer-songwriter Darren Kiely has been making waves with stirring, emotional folk-pop ballads including "Mom & Dad" and "Time to Leave," but we think his latest, "Lost & Found," is his most impactful yet. Featuring Darren's raw vocals and infused with his traditional Irish music influences, the yearning track is about feeling trapped, yet looking to the future and searching for something better. "'Lost & Found' is for anyone who has been in a difficult place or mental state and feared that they might be stuck there forever," Darren shared in a press release. "It's about realizing that you can't stay in that place anymore and setting out to do something about it."

 

3. Maddie Zahm Gets Candid on Debut Album,  Now That I've Been Honest

We've always been struck by the profound honesty and vulnerability at the heart of Maddie Zahm's music, and that all comes to a head with the release of her debut album, Now That I've Been Honest. Featuring 12 tracks, including beloved singles "Dani" and "Eightball Girl," the album tells Maddie's story in order, from her youth to today, with the artist at her realest yet. It effortlessly hops across genres with heartfelt ballads, soulful pop anthems and upbeat dance songs to bring one narrative together in a work that's sometimes messy, sometimes euphoric and always pure Maddie. The focus single, "Bedroom," is particularly relatable. "Has this ever happened to you? You cultivate a vibe, an energy, a safe space for you to escape to and then your ex decides to take it away from you?" Maddie asked in a press release. "If so, 'Bedroom' is for you. This song is for any of the humans who have found themselves reshuffling their bedroom around to be able to forget you ever shared it with someone else. You made me hate my bedroom."

 

Also read about: Maddie Zahm Talks Grappling With a Loss of Identity on 'Where Do All the Good Kids Go'?

 

4. Infinity Song Share New Metamorphosis EP

Sibling quartet Infinity Song have been some of our viral favorites in 2023, and honestly, we think this is just the beginning for them. They got their start busking in Central Park before being discovered and getting signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation, and their new EP, Metamorphosis, shows what these four are really made of. It includes seven tracks, including their viral hit "Haters Anthem," which just got a playful new music video. "We've been workshopping these songs, writing and honing our sound for the past two years," the band shared in an Instagram post. "The process of growing and loving what you create almost feels like a Metamorphosis. We're so happy to be able to share the new songs with you guys fully."

 

5. Calum Scott Recruits Zoe Wees for a New Duet of Smash Hit 'At Your Worst'

We immediately fell in love with Calum Scott's upbeat unconditional love anthem "At Your Worst" when it dropped this summer, and it just got even more beautiful with the addition of new vocals by German artist Zoe Wees. The song is extra powerful as a duet, with harmonies that lend additional weight to each and every word. "'At Your Worst' was born from a feeling that sometimes it might be hard for someone to love me because of my anxieties, my time away, my self-doubt—but also from the realization that we are all worthy of being loved no matter our flaws or insecurities," Calum shared in a press release. "This could be a song reassuring someone that you'll love them no matter what, but it's also song to yourself: a reminder that you should love yourself at your worst, because self-love is the most important. The sound on this one feels nostalgic and retro to me—kind of takes me back to my Sega Mega Drive. I'm excited to share new music with my fans and show everyone what I've been working on!"

 

Also read about: How Restless Road Kept Their Eyes on the Prize for Their Debut Album, Last Rodeo

 

6. blink-182's Classic Lineup Reunites for Emotional New Album ONE MORE TIME…

As die-hard blink-182 fans since the '90s, we've experienced a lot of emotional ups and downs with the band over the years, but with the release of their ninth studio album, ONE MORE TIME…, we can say this is definitely one of the high points. It may have taken bassist and vocalist Mark Hoppus's battle with cancer and drummer Travis Barker's near-fatal plane crash to finally regroup with estranged guitarist and singer Tom DeLonge, but it's clear the trio is closer than they've been in decades, and it shows on the album's 17 new pop-punk tracks. It's equal parts loving and angsty as the group reflects on their camaraderie with each other and the time they've lost to petty differences, with a bit of the band's signature raunchiness thrown in for good measure, and it all makes our hearts very happy.

 

7. The Kid LAROI, Jung Kook and Central Cee Join Forces for 'TOO MUCH'

We have been loving the unexpected and iconic collaborations that take place when K-pop greats team up with the biggest and brightest Western artists, and "TOO MUCH" is the latest of these collabs to blow us away. Featuring Jung Kook, The Kid LAROI and Central Cee, this catchy track is smooth and sultry as it highlights the biggest strengths of all three artists. It's one we expect to hear a lot of through the end of the year.

 

Also read about: Love The Kid LAROI? Use One of These Lyrics As Your Next Instagram Caption

 

8. Sabrina Carpenter Puts Her Own Spin on 'I Knew You Were Trouble'

This was a momentous week for Sabrina Carpenter thanks to her Spotify Singles release, featuring an even sassier version of "Feather" and a show-stopping rendition of Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble." Sabrina's version completely reinvents the hit song with a bit of country flair and a more stripped-back approach, trading in the dubstep sections for twangy guitar strings and it's pure magic.

 

9. Madison Beer Crushes Hard in 'Sweet Relief'

Madison Beer's sophomore album, Silence Between Songs, has been on heavy rotation since it was released last month, and one of our favorite tracks, "Sweet Relief," just got even sweeter with a new music video. The seductive track is all about falling head over heels for a crush, and we love the way the story unfolds in the video as a laidback day in the life as she spends time with friends and runs into the guy she's crushing on. "I've learned so much about myself and my artistry on the journey of the last two years since my last record," Madison said in a press release. "This album tells the story of so many different pieces of me that I discovered in the moments of pause where I settled down from the noise and learned the most about myself. I hope my fans are as inspired listening to it as I was when creating it."

 

Also read about: 19 Somber Lyrics From Madison Beer's Silence Between Songs to Use as An Instagram Caption

 

10. Taylor Swift Shares Live Version of 'Cruel Summer' Straight From The Eras Tour

There's no denying that "Cruel Summer" was one of the highlights of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour, and with the huge success of the tour film, she's supporting the beloved track with The Cruelest Summer EP. It features a live performance of "Cruel Summer" from the tour and a brand new LP Giobbi remix of the track with a chill, dancey vibe. "One of my favorite things you've done was when you supported 'Cruel Summer' so much, I ended up starting The Eras Tour show with it," Taylor shared in a post on Instagram. "For old times sake, I'm releasing the live audio from the tour so we can all shriek it in the comfort of our homes and cars plus a brand new remix by [LP Giobbi]. Thank you, so much, forever, wow, just thank you!"

 

Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Oct. 13, 2023.