10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of December 3, 2021
Another fantastic week in music is officially in the books!
Now that Christmas season is finally upon us, we've been streaming holiday music pretty much non-stop. And guess what? Some of our favorite artists have released new Christmas music this week! Interested in finding out which tunes we liked best and finding out about other new releases? Look below for the top 10 things that happened in music the week of Dec. 3.
1. SAINT PHNX + Jasmine Thompson Collab on 'Happy Place'
Five months ago SAINT PHNX came out with the now hit-single "Happy Place." And today, Dec. 3, they came out with a brand-new version with Jasmine Thompson. The original version was made as an ode to their father who had recently passed away. And with the new version, it's now from their mother's perspective. If you've ever lost a loved one, this song will cut deep. With soaring vocals and a stunning melody, you'll absolutely love this song.
2. Stray Kids Release Their First-Ever Holiday Album, Christmas EveL
If you're a fan of the K-pop group Stray Kids, you'll be happy to hear they've released their first-ever holiday album, Christmas EveL. The album has four songs, one of which is in English: "DOMINO." Even if you can't understand the lyrics in their other songs, you can still feel the holiday spirit shining through. We definitely plan on adding the album to our holiday playlists!
3. Chloe Lilac Drops when i feel better Mixtape
Chloe Lilac is a singer who displays her emotions through her songwriting skills. "when i feel better is a collection of songs I wrote in quarantine, hoping that I'd release them when the world was in a better place," Chloe shared in a press release. "I can't say that the world is in a better place now, but it felt right to put these out." When you listen to the mixtape, which has four songs, you won't be able to stop playing the songs on repeat. Our favorite song has to be "sick" mainly because of the music video which is mesmerizing and a must-watch.
4. Darren Criss Stuns With New Holiday Album, A Very Darren Christmas
We all know Darren Criss from Glee. When he sang "Teenage Dream" to Kurt, our hearts just about melted. And we get the same feeling when listening to his new holiday album, A Very Darren Christmas! With classics like "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas," there's so much to sing along to. Our favorite track off the album has to be "The Man With the Bag" because it features Adam Lambert. It's the crossover we never knew we needed!
5. 5 Seconds of Summer Celebrate 10 Years Together With New Single '2011'
Can you believe that 5 Seconds of Summer have been around for a whopping 10 years? They first got together in 2011, which is why they've released a new single, "2011," for their tenth anniversary. With hit after hit including "Youngblood" and "Who Do You Love," this band is here to stay. "We've loved every minute of being in this band. Here's to another 10 years of 5 Seconds of Summer," said the band in a press release. "2011" is super nostalgic and bound to put a smile on any 5 Seconds of Summer fan.
6. Sebastian Javier Gets in the Holiday Spirit With 'Christmas Time'
Up-and-coming singer Sebastian Javier has the voice of an angel, and it totally shines through in his latest song, "Christmas Time." After listening, we guarantee you'll be in the holiday spirit. It's uplifting and super fun to sing along with. Plus, the music video is full of home videos and some much-needed nostalgia. "The 'Christmas Time' video was shot at a special dinner my family and I had recently, and reflects on the importance of spending time with those we love," Sebastian shared in a press release. "Having my grandparents from Argentina in town for the first time since the pandemic has been the greatest gift, and I hope the video offers a tiny glimpse of my gratitude."
7. Khalid Releases His Scenic Drive: The Tape
Khalid has made waves in the music industry since he was a teenager, and he's not going anywhere, anytime soon. With his latest album release, Scenic Drive: The Tape, there are even more tunes and beats to jam along to. From dreamy ballads to downright singable tunes, we seriously can't get enough of what he has to offer. With songs like "Intro" featuring Alicia Keys and "Present," we guarantee you won't be able to stop streaming Khalid's new album.
8. Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi Team Up for 'Just Look Up'
Don't Look Up is going to be available to watch on Netflix on Dec. 10, and ahead of the release, Ariana Grande and Kid Cudi dropped their song of (almost) the same name that's featuring in the film. Don't Look Up stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as astronomers who are trying to save the world from an incoming asteroid, and when you listen to the song, it will make you even more excited to see the movie. With stunning vocals from Ariana and fantastic rapping from Kid Cudi, this song is about to blow up.
9. Ed Sheeran and Elton John Get Together for Single 'Merry Christmas'
We love Ed Sheeran and Elton John as individual artists, but when we heard their single "Merry Christmas," we instantly wanted to hear more from the pair! Both men bring something different to the table in this song and it's such a joy to listen to. If you're lacking holiday spirit, we urge you to give this a listen. Plus, all sales of the single will be donated to the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation and The Elton John AIDS Foundation.
10. Shawn Mendes Drops New Single 'It'll Be Okay'
At this point, you've probably heard that Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello split up. If you're in pain from the breakup like us, Shawn's latest single "It'll Be Okay" is here at the perfect time. We're honestly shook by the lyrics—was it a PR move to drop it this week? It feels like he's singing about his relationship with Camila and we are getting the major chills with each and every listen. His voice paired with the piano is such a vibe and we would be lying if we told you we didn't cry the first time we listened to it.
Love new music? Look HERE to find out all about the top 10 things that happened in music the week of Nov. 19.