10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of November 22, 2024
That end-of-the-year feeling is quickly creeping up on us, but as we prepare for the onslaught of winter weather, family gatherings and a lot of holiday shopping, at least we have the perfect soundtrack to back us up this New Music Friday.
Once again, ROSÉ has wowed us with her boundary-breaking sound with her latest R&B-infused ballad, while the week also saw hot new releases from James Arthur, Tiny Habits and Lizzy McAlpine and, of course, the eagerly anticipated release of Wicked: The Soundtrack. This is one we won't soon forget, so keep scrolling to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music the week of Nov. 22, 2024.
('number one girl' via Atlantic Records)
1. BAYEM Captures the Sunny Warmth of Real Connection in 'Malibu'
If you're not already familiar with rising pop singer-songwriter BAYEM, it's time to start paying attention—and his latest single, "Malibu," is the perfect place to begin. It's as funky and fun as it as sunny and vibrant and BAYEM sings about the kind of love that brings warm, bright SoCal vibes, no matter the weather. It's chilly and wet in our neck of the woods, making the message hit extra hard for us. "'Malibu' is a track about the glow we feel when we've found that connection," Bayem explained in a press release. "Not just a flutter of seeing someone attractive, but the warmth that comes from vibing with someone special. 'Malibu' was chosen as the comparison because standing on El Matador Beach as the sun sets feels like one of those wonders that reconnects you with your humanity."
2. colby! Explores Doomed Relationships With Debut EP, Dead Giveaway
Emerging pop artist colby! is very new to the scene, but with her debut EP, Dead Giveaway, she has our full attention. Consisting of five instantly infectious and universally relatable tracks, it explores the theme of shallow relationships and the moment of realization they'll never be anything more. We especially love the opening title track, with a coming-of-age feel that instantly sucked us in. "I wrote Dead Giveaway about those moments in a relationship—romantic or platonic—when you realize there's no real depth there," colby! shared in a press release "You're putting in the effort to keep things going, but it's clear the other person isn't meeting you halfway, and they're unlikely to change. There's nothing left to save, and it's time to accept that you need to go your separate ways."
3. Cifika Enters a New Music Era With 3rd Album, Bonfire
South Korean singer-songwriter and producer Cifika is known primarily for her pulse-pounding electronic music, making her new album, Bonfire, a major departure for the talented star. Over its 11 tracks, Cifika demonstrates her versatility as she branches into a rich alternative sound, incorporating elements of pop, folk, ambience and, of course, electronica to take us along with her on a lyrical and musical journey, bathed in an ethereal, otherworldly quality only she could create.
4. DARUMAS Yearn for Freedom in 'Wanna Be'
Since debuting earlier this year, Latin music trio DARUMAS have made quite the impression, earning a nomination for Best New Artist at the Latin Grammys as well as performing at the esteemed award ceremony last week. Today, they dropped their latest infectiously funky single, "Wanna Be," combining an irresistible bassline with catchy lyrics in both English and Spanish. It's a song about the contradiction that can exist in a relationship as one yearns for both connection and freedom, seeking independence without losing what they have with the other person.
Also read about: Aldana, Vedala and Ceci of DARUMAS Talk Making Music and Their Self-Titled Debut Album
5. Say Lou Lou Explore the Course of a Relationship With New Album Dust
Indie-pop duo Say Lou Lou consists of twins twins Elektra and Miranda Kilbey, and their first full-length project in six years, Dust, has been well worth the wait. With an irresistibly dreamy and lo-fi pop sound, Dust's 10 tracks chart a course through every stage of a relationship, from from the giddiness of new love to the heartache of its end—and the pain that lingers long after. "Dust consists of 10 songs about the dynamic of a relationship, from the beginning to bitter end, and the aftermath," the duo explained in a press release. "In Dust Pt.1 we met a woman who is a disappointed, bitter and unfulfilled girlfriend who wants more, a girl who dreams she was living in another world where love is more dangerous and exciting and the ex who is nostalgic and longing for resolution and friendship. For the final five songs, we are continuing the exploration but are choosing a slightly more humble and self reflective persona, and a little bit of humor, too. Production wise, the thread that ties the record together is the acoustic guitar and mixing acoustic and organic elements with the electronic, kind of like an ode to the UK noughties pop productions but without the higher tempos and a more suggestive and sincere Sea Change-mood."
6. Father John Misty Ushers in the End of the World With Mahashmashana
With Father John Misty, we've learned to always expect the unexpected—and that definitely applies to his new album, Mahashmashana. The album oozes with his one-of-a-kind narrative style, creating a collection of eight songs, some told from the perspectives of different characters, that are sometimes weird, often clever and always evocative. His unique approach to indie-folk is further infused with anthemic '70s classic rock vibes as he weaves a story that ushers in the end of the world.
Also read about: 20 Clever Father John Misty Lyrics to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
7. Wicked: The Soundtrack Reinvents the Iconic Broadway Musical
Wicked has been one of Broadway's most successful musicals of all time, and it should come as no surprise that the new movie adaptation is poised to take the world by storm—especially with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as its powerful leads. The soundtrack is also out today, featuring the stunning songs performed to perfection in the film. Even if you're not a Wicked fan, you're probably already familiar with hits "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," and this soundtrack is about to make you fall in love with each and every song. The new recordings bring a fresh energy to the classic songs, and we're devastated we have to wait a whole year for the second part of the film (and soundtrack) to arrive.
Also read about: 19 Gravity-Defying Lyrics From Wicked to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
8. Tiny Habits and Lizzy McAlpine Remember Those They've Lost in 'For Sale Sign'
After Lizzy McAlpine featured viral indie trio Tiny Habits on two tracks earlier this year, they've collaborated once again for Tiny Habits' bittersweet new single, "For Sale Sign." It's equal parts warm, nostalgic and painful as they sing about the impact make on those they leave behind when they pass. "'For Sale Sign' has lived with us for a while now and we'd been hoping for the right time and circumstances to put it into the world," Tiny Habits' Cinya Khan said in a press release. "It means a lot to us and reminds us about how special life is and just how lucky we are to live it. We're so happy to release it into the world and hope it can sweetly hold its listeners for just a few moments."
Also read about: Judah, Maya and Cinya of Tiny Habits Share the Story Behind Debut Album, All For Something
9. James Arthur Finds Full Acceptance in Love With 'ADHD'
Multi-Platinum selling artist James Arthur is no stranger to tackling complicated topics, and we love his approach to investigating love and mental health in his new single, "ADHD." It's a song about learning to live with your challenges and overcome the struggles, and just how much it the love and acceptance of someone special to you can help. "Multi-Platinum artist James Arthur is set to release his highly anticipated new single, "ADHD," on Friday, November 22, 2024. ""ADHD"" is a heartfelt exploration of the complexities of love and mental health, and how acceptance from a partner can make all the difference. For James, this track represents a breakthrough in his own personal journey, reflecting his openness about living with ADHD and the challenges that come with it.
James reflects on the song, saying,
10. ROSÉ Cries Out for Love in 'number one girl'
ROSÉ has quickly graduated from K-pop superstar to global icon, and ahead of her debut album rosie, dropping Dec. 6, she's just wowed us again with her latest single, "number one girl." The new track is a soaring, heartfelt ballad about unrequited love as she cries out to be wanted back in return—and we can absolutely relate to. The music video, directed by ROSÉ herself, also has a gritty, homemade feel that further accentuates the song's powerful message.
Missed our favorite tracks last week? Click HERE to check out our top 10 favorite releases for the week of Nov. 15, 2024.