10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of October 28, 2022
Is there such a thing as too much incredible music being released in one week?
As listeners, we'd say no, but since we have to narrow our weekly favorites down to just 10 picks, we have to say our favorite artists made this one tough for us. Over the last seven days, we saw some spooky drops from rising artists just in time for Halloween, great solo music from K-pop greats and new tracks and videos from Paris Jackson, Taylor Swift and Harry Styles. We don't think a music-lover could ask for more, so keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of October 28, 2022.
1. Zac Poor Reaches Out to His Past Self in New Single 'Ghost Boy'
Sometimes, we all need a little reminder that everything is going to be okay, and Zac Poor's new song "Ghost Boy" is a moving pop track that instantly uplifts us (while also having a title perfect for the season). As an LGBTQ artist, Zac wrote the song as a kind of anthem to his past self, with '80s-inspired synths that make us feel like we can do anything. "'Ghost Boy' is a letter to my younger self," Zac shared in a press release. "A reminder to him and every member of the LGBTQ+ community that it gets better." Zac's currently working on his debut album, Years Of My Youth, and if this track is any indication, he's destined for big things.
Also read about: Daisy the Great Reveals the Story Behind Their New Album All You Need Is Time
2. Julia Wolf Calls Out Two-Faced Haters With 'Dracula'
Need a spooky yet ultra-relatable track to add to your Halloween playlists? Julia Wolf's "Dracula" is the perfect fit as a dark, moody track calling out the people who are unable to see just how spiteful and mean they can be. We think the mirror metaphor is perfect for the end of October. "As someone who is a diehard horror fan, I wanted to use our beloved Dracula, the vampire who can't see his own reflection, as a way to call out people who throw the most shade while hiding behind closed doors or phones," Julia explained in a press release. "People get so two-faced and think they've fooled everyone around them when really the spotlight couldn't be shining down any brighter."
3. Rachel Chinouriri Ignores the Voice in the Back of Her Head in 'I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Trying)'
If you're not already a Rachel Chinouriri stan, it's time to change that. The indie-pop artist is known for her vibrant voice and evocative lyricism, which come through in every note of her new single, "I'm Not Perfect (But I'm Trying)." The fast-paced, synth-tinged track is all about learning to not listen to the nagging voice in the back of your head telling you to do the safe thing and not try. Instead, Rachel dives head-first into the bold single—and we're so glad she does. "I wanted to write a song about the hesitation before diving into a situation," Rachel said of the track in a press release. "I was reflecting on the self-doubt I have sometimes but also the desire to always jump straight into things. It's the realization and acceptance of being perfectly imperfect. This life is full of motion and keeping up isn't always easy. But I remind myself to just go for it in order to grow as a human being and experience new and amazing things."
4. Leanna Firestone Realizes It Is What It Is in 'You Just Didn't Like Me That Much'
Sometimes, a breakup can leave you feeling like your ex is purposely trying to make you miserable, but usually, things are so much simpler than that—and that's precisely the sentiment behind Leanna Firestone's playful new pop single, "You Just Didn't Like Me That Much." It's a smooth, somewhat cathartic single about making some important realizations about your past relationship, learning to move forward and understanding your own worth, and it's a message we believe will resonate with many fans. "Just because someone doesn't love you, doesn't mean they hate you," Leanna explained in a press release. "And doesn't mean you don't deserve love."
5. Levi Hummon and Cassadee Pope Join Forces for 'RSVP'
It turns out that Levi Hummon and Cassadee Pope's new song "RSVP" is the stunning country collab we didn't know we were waiting for. Back by a gentle acoustic guitar and a swelling county twang, the song really allows Levi and Cassadee's strong voices to shine as they sing an unusual breakup song from two perspectives, all about the aftermath of a party, and feeling downtrodden when a certain someone never shows. "I have been a fan of Cassadee since her 'Hey Monday' days," Levi revealed in a press release. "I had our write circled in my calendar for months, and even though we had a few reschedules, the day the writing session took place with my producer, I knew I wanted to write a duet. It's not often that you come out of a room having accomplished the exact goal of the write, but we did, and both Cassadee and I knew how special the song was. I can honestly say this is one of my favorite songs I've ever been a part of, and I cannot wait for the world to hear it. So much of my music is about good times and parties, and so it means a lot to put out a song that's about when the party's over so to speak, and things aren't quite what you hoped they would be. I know we can both relate to that in our lives."
Also read about: HunterGirl Reveals the Story Behind Her Post-American Idol Debut Single, 'Hometown Out of Me'
6. Ruel Relishes in the Freedom of a Breakup in 'SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM'
There's something about upbeat, positive breakup songs that we just can't resist, and Ruel just released one of our favorites of all time in the form of his new single "SOMEONE ELSE's PROBLEM." While the tune starts off a bit slow and slightly melancholy, it soon picks up with its joyous chorus and never lets up, reminding us of all the great things that letting go of a bad-for-you relationship can bring. "'SOMEONE ELSE'S PROBLEM' is about that feeling you get when you realize the benefits that only the end of a relationship can bring," Ruel said in a press release. "When you look through a different lens at all the time you spent with that special someone and realize you're way better off without them. I wanted to write something with subject matter that was more lighthearted, kinda funny but still empowering. I really love this song and I hope my fans can relate to it and feel better about themselves after a s****y breakup."
7. MONSTA X's KIHYUN Proves His Solo Power With Debut Mini-Album, YOUTH
When MONSTA X's KIHYUN debuted as a solo artist earlier this year, his new music was met with record-breaking success—and we think it's obvious why. Known by fans as a "chameleon," KIHYUN is a master of picking up all kinds of genres and styles and making them his own, and with his first-ever mini-album, YOUTH, we get to see all sides of his multifaceted talent. Check out the title track, "Youth," to see what we mean. "My youth was filled with relentless nervousness and anxiety about my future," KIHYUN explained in an interview with Sweety High. "It was like a race where I needed to keep running without any specific destination in mind. These thoughts and emotions are exactly portrayed in all aspects of the title track, 'Youth,' from the concept films to the lyrics. So it was just natural to choose this song as the title track of this mini album since it seemed like the perfect fit."
Also read about: MONSTA X's KIHYUN Tells the Story Behind His Debut Solo Mini-Album, YOUTH
8. Paris Jackson Gets Romantic With New Song 'just you'
Again and again, Paris Jackson wows us with her raw, grungey take on pop-rock, and her latest single, "just you," is just the latest in a long line of instant classics from the artist. It's as much a straightforward love song as it is a desperate plea to be loved in return, and the kind of love that feels so right it makes you afraid to lose it. "The songs I write are very vulnerable," Paris shared on Intagram, "and we can all be scared to be that level of vulnerable — not just with another person, which is already scary, but with a crowd of people, it's pretty terrifying."
9. Taylor Swift Drops a Cinderella-Inspired Music Video for 'Bejeweled'
It's hard to believe it's only been a week since the release of Taylor Swift's Midnights, because the impact it's had on the world feels so much bigger than that, and this week, we were blessed with another music video from the album for "Bejeweled." It's one of our favorite songs on Midnights, all about learning to prioritize yourself and coming into your own power, perfectly suiting the video also featuring Laura Dern, the HAIM sisters, Dita Von Teese, Pat McGrath and Jack Antonoff. "On this sparkling evening I'll be releasing my twist on a fairytale we all know," Taylor wrote on an Instagram post. "The one about the girl and her step sisters and the clock striking 12… This video is wild, whimsical and created SPECIFICALLY for you, my beloved fans who have paved this shimmering path. Look out for some dazzling cameos!"
Also read about: 80 Moody Lyrics From Taylor Swift's Midnights to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
10. Harry Styles Becomes a Merman for 'Music For a Sushi Restaurant'
We were not expecting Harry Styles to drop a body horror music video for "Music For a Sushi Restaurant" this week, but it's absolutely perfect for the Halloween weekend, and as icky as it is, we just can't tear our eyes away from it. In the video, Harry plays a merman with octopus-like tentacles who gets hauled off the beach and taken to a sushi restaurant's kitchen. There he sees other sea creatures being chopped and made into meals, becoming the star performer at the restaurant before he, himself, is put on the menu.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Oct. 21, 2022.