Best New Music This Week: Megan Thee Stallion, Olivia Rodrigo, and More

Staying up to date with new music can be a daunting task. The weekly album releases and the constant stream of standalone singles can make it easy to overlook some exceptional tracks.

This week was marked by Megan Thee Stallion‘s re-emergence and Olivia Rodrigo’s entry into an iconic cinematic universe. The music landscape was buzzing with excitement. Here are some of the standout releases from this week:

Megan Thee Stallion — “Cobra”

Megan Thee Stallion is back with a powerful statement in “Cobra.” The song is a deep dive into her current state of mind and has ignited a variety of discussions.

Olivia Rodrigo — “Can’t Catch Me Now”

Olivia Rodrigo confirmed the rumors: she has a new song featured on the The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes soundtrack. “Can’t Catch Me Now” is a poignant ballad that builds to an epic cinematic climax.

The Kid LAROI — “Bleed”

As 2023 draws to a close, The Kid LAROI stands out with The First Time, giving us a taste of what’s to come. “Bleed” is an acoustic-driven pop-rock ballad that explores themes of love and loss.

Jung Kook — “Standing Next To You”

Jung Kook, a member of BTS, has released a solo album called Golden. The track “Standing Next To You” is a funky, ’80s-inspired single that’s sure to please audiences.

Kevin Abstract — “Madonna”

With Brockhampton behind him, Kevin Abstract is venturing into new territory. His recent singles, including “Madonna,” reflect a shift toward a more rock- and pop-inspired sound.

V.H.S. — “THE WELCOME SONG”

In a comprehensive interview, V.H.S. discussed their new video and music, particularly focusing on “The Welcome Song.” The track aims to welcome listeners into a complex world and spark discussions about topics such as identity, behavior, and occupation.

Kid Cudi — “At The Party” (Feat. Pharrell and Travis Scott)

As we approach 2024, Kid Cudi is gearing up for Insano, one of the year’s most anticipated albums. To kickstart the album rollout, he unveiled “At The Party,” a high-energy track featuring Pharrell and Travis Scott.

Hotline TNT — “History Channel”

Hotline TNT’s album Cartwheel received high praise, with tracks like “History Channel” earning critical acclaim. The band’s Will Anderson mentioned that the song was almost released as a single but was saved for the true fans.

Conan Gray — “Killing Me”

Conan Gray, who made waves with his album Superache in 2022, has been dropping a series of catchy singles in 2023. His latest, “Killing Me,” continues to draw inspiration from ’80s sounds.

Empty Country — “Bootsie”

Empty Country, the project of Joseph D’Agostino (formerly of Cymbals Eat Guitars), revealed how video games influenced his new album, Empty Country II. “Bootsie” is one of the album’s highlights, reflecting the sense of exploration and discovery found in video games.

Willow — “Alone”

Willow, despite her young age, is a seasoned artist with a diverse musical journey. Her latest single, “Alone,” demonstrates her prowess in jazzy neo-soul.