10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of November 15, 2024
It's been another one of those New Music Fridays with so much great new music that it's painful to narrow our faves to just 10 picks—and we love it.
You can never have too much of a good thing, and with the release of Shawn Mendes's best album yet, plus full-length projects from NCT Dream, BoyWithUke, RIMON and so much more, we know precisely what we'll be blasting all weekend long. For the full scoop, just keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Nov. 15, 2024.
(Shawn via Island Records)
1. Carrie Z Makes a Striking Debut With '20 sth'
After being a viral star in China, rising R&B singer-songwriter Carrie Z is ready to put he stamp on the world, and her debut single, "20 sth," already has us hooked. Driven by Carrie's airy vocals and gentle strum of an acoustic guitar, it has an intimate, homemade feel as Carrie sings of the struggles and triumphs of young adulthood, reminding us that none of us feels like we know what we're doing in our 20s. It's a cozy and relatable anthem about finding your way that is destined to resonate.
2. Skateland Explores What It Means to Be Alive With Joyce Howell, How Are You?
Dorian Williams II is perhaps better known as indie-pop singer-songwriter and producer Skateland, and his new EP, Joyce Howell, How are You? is all about exploring the little experiences that make up the tapestry of life. It's five tracks are almost dreamlike and soothing even in their melancholy as he weaves five tales that all make up different aspects of the human experience. "This is my version of a New Yorker column where I touch on the thoughts and experiences I've had this past year, and take some time to reflect on what they all mean in the grand scheme of both my life and life in general," Skateland explained in a press release. "Love, loss, growth, comparison, jealousy, nostalgia, longing, brain rot, being uncomfortable in your own body, etc. These are things we all wrestle with daily and this EP is my way of sharing what that's looked for me this year."
3. Adrian Lyles Yearns for Love in 'Somewhere to Go'
We're calling it now—Adrian Lyles has everything it takes to be the next big thing in pop. You might know the 19-year-old artist as Jet from High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, but after releasing his debut single, "Formalize Me," in September, he's been rapidly making a name for himself as a musician as well. His new single, "Somewhere to Go," is equally infectious with a bit of hip-hop flair as Adrian yearns for the type of love that'll make him complete and finally bring him peace. "'Somewhere to Go' is now yours," Adrian wrote in an Instagram post. "This was one of the first songs I ever made that felt like me. I hope you love it." With his debut project set to release next year, we cannot wait to see what he does next.
4. Jade LeMac Promises Never to Let Go With 'Pink Balloon'
If you're like us and first fell in love with the music of Canadian pop sensation Jade LeMac with her viral hit, "Constellations," prepare to be equally smitten with her latest single, "Pink Balloon." With orchestral, captivating strings and Jade's soaring vocals, the track is rich with emotion and vulnerability as she sings about holding on tight to beloved memories with the ones you love, no matter what the future might hold. "I feel that many people take things for granted during their lives," Jade shared in an interview with Sweety High. "It's something I've always worried about, especially when it comes to my relationships. With this song, I wanted to tell the story of someone who is able to really hold onto and cherish the memories that they share with a loved one."
Also read about: Jade LeMac Shares an Anthem of Presence and Gratitude With 'Pink Balloon'
5. Cyn Drops Her Debut Album Valley Girl
It feels like Cyn's Valley Girl is the keep that keeps on giving. After releasing Valley Girl: Side A in September, today marked the released of Side B, as well as the complete Valley Girl debut album, combining both EPs into a 12-track project. The songs document her journey as a Midwest-gal-turned-Valley Girl, with a cinematic pop sound and all of the drama and wit befitting a Hollywood star. And that's not all, because the extended version of the album will also be dropping later this month on Nov. 29, featuring another three brand-new tracks to fall in love with.
6. RIMON Tells Her Story With Debut Album, Children of the Night
We've been paying very close attention to Eritrean-born, Amsterdam-based artist RIMON this year since her unforgettable collaboration with Justice, "Afterimage." With her debut album, Children of the Night, she firmly establishes herself as a musical force to be reckoned with. Its 12 tracks show RIMON's raw lyricism at its finest as she effortless floats between R&B, pop and soul sounds. The opening title track sets the scene with an otherworldly sound that draws you in, and features by Mereba, Dylan Sinclair, BEAM and Kelz2busy further highlight her star power. "It's been a long time coming and I've been so overwhelmed by emotions these days cause only God knows what I've been through and with which challenges I was met during during the process," RIMON shared in an Instagram post. "I've laughed, I've cried, I felt lost and confused, challenged, uncomfortable, I've celebrated, I've doubted myself but proceeded to become stronger, more honest and became closer to myself than ever before. This journey was way more than making 'an album' to me, it has showed me things I never knew and I couldn't be more grateful for the growth and lessons that I'm taking with me for the rest of my life."
7. Shaboozey Holds on to Hope With 'Good News'
2024 truly has been Shaboozey's year, and after recently receiving six Grammy nominations, he's keeping the streak of unforgettable music going with his latest hit, "Good News." With rousing, twangy country instrumentation featuring fiddles and guitars, the song is an anthem about the conflict between turmoil and hope, and the power of persistence. Sometimes, in the darkest times, "all [you] really need is a little good news." "The response to this song the past 12 hours has been unreal!" Shaboozey wrote in an Instagram post. "It's telling how many people feel the weight of today's problems. In a world that feels heavy at times, we all need a little light. This song is my reminder that even in the darkest moments, there's always hope. For anyone who needs some good news right now—this one's for you."
Also read about: 5 Rising Country Stars You Should Know
8. BoyWithUke Makes Way for a New Era With 'Final' Album, Burnout
BoyWithUke has had a unique career, to say the least. Under a mask, he established himself as a viral music star before finally unveiling his true identity (and face) as Charley Yang last year. He says his new album, Burnout, will be his last under the name BoyWithUke, and if you're familiar with his music, you'll notice right away that its 14 tracks mark something more authentic, mature and sophisticated than his past work. Charley will be back—just under different circumstances—and for now, Burnout feels like an encapsulation of a certain period in his life, and a stepping stone for whatever might be next. "Burnout to me means acceptance of change and letting go," BoyWithUke shared in an interview with Sweety High. "I felt like the title was perfect because not only was I literally burnt out, but because I felt like this project was BoyWithUke's final album. It felt fitting to let BoyWithUke burn out (like a candle)."
Also read about: BoyWithUke on Embracing Change and Looking Forward to the Future With New Album, Burnout
9. NCT DREAM Keep Building on the Dream With New Album, DREAMSCAPE
Beloved K-pop boy group NCT DREAM have a knack for creating soundscapes that feel like pure escapism, and their new album, DREAMSCAPE, brings that concept to its full potential. Building off of their EP, DREAM( )SCAPE, which released in March, it features 11 tracks creating an atmospheric, dream-like state for listeners to lose themselves within. Whether they're tackling house music, pop or R&B, the group's versatility makes it all seem effortless, and the lead track, "When I'm With You," is an especially dreamy and romantic hit.
10. Shawn Mendes Finds Himself Again With New Album, Shawn
It's no exaggeration to say that Shawn Mendes's self-titled Shawn has been the most eagerly anticipated album of the year for many, and we're happy to say it lives up to even our loftiest expectations. Based on singles including "Why Why Why," "Nobody Knows" and "Heart of Gold," we already knew this would be his most honest release yet, but with the full picture of its 12 songs, its clear it goes even deeper—like Shawn's having these conversations with himself, and we're simply eavesdropping. "This album feels like medicine to me," Shawn revealed in a press release "It helped me reconnect with myself—allowing me to work through emotions, find clarity and feel stronger. Each song captures a moment from that journey, and I hope it brings a sense of peace and joy to everyone who listens."
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Nov. 8, 2024.