Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - CHVRCHES {Screen Violence}

 

Sunday Spotlight: Halsey

Ashley Nicolette Frangipane also known as Halsey has just given us her fourth studio album, If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power, produced by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Gaining attention (in the early days) from self-released music on social media platforms. Halsey was signed by Astralwerks in 2014. Releasing her debut EP, Room 93, later that year.

Halsey released her debut studio album, Badlands, in 2015, the album was certified Double Platinum in the USA. Featuring Colors & Gasoline followed this up in 2016 featuring on the Chainsmokers' single Closer. 

Closer ended up topping the charts in over ten countries. 

Her second studio album, Hopeless Fountain Kingdom dropped in 2017. Consisting of radio-friendly singles like Now or Never, Alone & Bad at Love.  

Halsey's third studio album, Manic landed in 2020. The album became her best selling album worldwide. The lead single, Without Me became her most successful single to date. 

In 2020, Billboard reported that Halsey has sold over one million albums and been streamed over six billion times in the United States.

Halsey's awards and nominations include four Billboard Music Awards, one American Music Award, one GLAAD Media Award, an MTV Video Music Award, two Grammy Awards, and being named Songwriter of the year by BMI Film & TV Awards in 2021. 

So in the final Sunday Spotlight for a week or so, let's embrace the new concept record If I Can't Have Love, I Want Power. I am already falling in love with it, so maybe you will too. Laters.

Fresh Friday Countdown #274 - Friday 27 August, 2021

20 - Shouse & David Guetta - Love Tonight (David Guetta Remix)
19 - Anfa Rose - Petals
18 - Doja Cat - You Right {Feat. The Weeknd}
17 - Amy Shark - Worst Day of My Life
16 - The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
15 - Lorde - Solar Power
14 - Doja Cat - Kiss Me More {Feat. SZA}
13 - Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever
12 - Rain Radio & DJ Craig Gorman - Talk About
11 - Riton & Nightcrawlers - Friday {Feat. Mufasa & Hypeman}
10 - Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow - INDUSTRY BABY
9 - Lizzo & Cardi B - Rumours
8 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves 
7 - Tiësto & Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II
6 - The Weeknd - Take My Breath
5 - Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u
4 - Tones And I - Cloudy Day
3 - Vance Joy - Missing Piece
2 - Dean Lewis - Falling Up 
1 - The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber - Stay

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Streaming... NOW! | Key Releases, Friday 20 August, 2021

Let's kick things off with the new record from Jake Bugg. It's called Saturday Night, Sunday Morning. Remember when he collaborated with CamelPhat?

Tomorrow your feature album from, Holy Holy, Hello My Beautiful World will be showcasing the music videos from the record. Come back then for some more Holy Holy goodness.

Checkout my Sunday Spotlight (one of the final EVER Sunday Spotlights) on Lorde. Solar Power landed last Friday, you can stream the full record HERE.

Shane Nicholson used to front indie group Pretty Violet Stain. He is back with his ninth studio album,  Living In Colour.

Loaded with guests, Trippie Redd is back with Trip At Knight

Angus & Julia Stone dropped a surprise album last Friday. The album is actual in partnership with a video game. Angus & Julia gamers? Really. The new album is called, Life Is Strange.

Tropical Fuck Storm have one of the best band names ever. Their new release is called Deep States.

I haven't heard new music from Martha Wainwright in ages. Either way her new record landed on Friday, Love Will Be Reborn.

B Wise has been giving us a few awesome singles lately. Along with teaming up with the talented Becca Hatch, B Wise's new record is here now, jamie.

Only one new EP this week. Local like Angus & Julia Stone, it was a bit of a surprise. Boo. It's here new DMA's.

DMA’s – I Love You Unconditionally, Sure Am Going To Miss You

Client Liaison, Bliss N Eso lead a number of local new singles released last Friday. Along with another key new tunes this week to look out for.

Beddy Rays – Week On Repeat

Bliss N Eso – Tell The World That I’m Coming

Boo Seeka – Tripwire

Client Liaison – Elevator Up

CLYPSO – Less Talk

Cosmo’s Midnight – Titanic

CXLOE – Soft Rock

Future Islands – Peach

Swae Lee & Jhené Aiko – In The Dark

Lorde – Mood Ring

Otosan feat. Doolie – When You Go

Jordan Rakei – Clouds

Kim Salmon – Self Replicator

Tiny Little Houses – I’m Doing Just The Best That I Can

Remi Wolf – Quiet On Set / Grumpy Old Man

Album of the Week - HOLY HOLY {Hello My Beautiful World}

 

Sunday Spotlight: Lorde

Ella Marija Lani Yelich-O'Connor otherwise known as Lorde. Was born back in 1996.

On Friday her third record dropped, Solar Power. Born in the Auckland suburb of Takapuna and raised in neighbouring Devonport, Lorde is one of the biggest pop stars today.

In 2013 Lorde hit the world stage releasing her debut extended play The Love Club. The EP's included the chart-topping single Royals.

The debut studio album Pure Heroine was released that same year to critical and commercial success. 

In 2014, Lorde curated the soundtrack for the 2014 film The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1. Adding her own single Yellow Flicker Beat. 

Her second studio album Melodrama  came in 2017, also receiving widespread critical acclaim. Debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200.

Lorde's accolades include two Grammy Awards, two Brit Awards, and a Golden Globe nomination.

Now with Solar Power here, Lorde is a force to reckon with. Selling over five millions records already, it's Lorde's time to shine, solar style!

Fresh Friday Countdown #273 - Friday 20 August, 2021

20 - Olivia Rodrigo - Traitor
19 - Rain Radio & DJ Craig Gorman - Talk About
18 - Amy Shark - Worst Day of My Life
17 - Lorde - Mood Ring
16 - Shouse & David Guetta - Love Tonight (David Guetta Remix)
15 - Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever
14 - The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
13 - Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow - INDUSTRY BABY
12 - Lorde - Solar Power
11 - Doja Cat - Kiss Me More {Feat. SZA}
10 - The Weeknd - Take My Breath
9 - Lizzo & Cardi B - Rumours
8 - Dean Lewis - Falling Up 
7 - Riton & Nightcrawlers - Friday {Feat. Mufasa & Hypeman}
6 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves 
5 - Tiësto & Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II
4 - Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u
3 - Tones And I - Cloudy Day
2 - Vance Joy - Missing Piece
1 - The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber - Stay

Album of the Year Nomination #6 - Doja Cat - Planet Her

Following two Album of the Year Nominations last week, here we go again! New week, new Album of the Year Nomination. This time, Album of the Year Nomination number six goes to... Planet Her 

The third studio album by Doja Cat. Released on my father's birthday (happy early Father's Day dad) June 25, 2021. Actually my 86 year old father would hate this record. That said, Doja Cat has plenty of fans.

The album features appearances by Young Thug, Ariana Grande, the Weeknd, JID, and SZA.  Production on the record features frequent collaborators Dr. Luke, Y2K, Tizhimself and Yeti Beats, who executively produced the record alongside Doja Cat.

Planet Her is named after the fictional planet imagined by Doja Cat. 

The album's lead single, Kiss Me More featuring SZA, has already been one of the biggest hits of 2021. 

The second single, You Right with the Weeknd, is easily my favourite song on the record alongside Need to Know. Another sexy jam with an equally sexy video.

Reaching the top 10 in over a dozen countries, Planet Her also became Doja Cat's highest-charting album on the Billboard 200.  Peaking at number two, moving 109,000 units in its first week. Another fun fact is this was the biggest opening day for any album by a female rapper in Spotify history.

Former Album of the Year Nomination posts below - 

the Kid Laroi - Fuck Love 3: Over You

Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever

Tones and I - Welcome To The Madhouse

Olivia Rodrigo - SOUR

Amy Shark - Cry Forever

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - POLISH CLUB {Now We're Cookin'}

 

Sunday Spotlight: Jungle

Jungle are Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland. The group was founded back in 2013, since then they have given us three very fine records.

Hailing from London, England, 2014's Jungle, was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize that year.

Hits like Busy Earnin', Time, Heavy, California, Keep Moving and more have earned then multiple radio hits. I really feel upset I never saw the group one night in the USA when meeting a friend. We went to a restaurant, where Jungle were playing next door.

On a side next week we will be heading to New Zealand for a Spotlight on Lorde as her new album lands on Friday. Also out Friday Jake Bugg, B Wise, Holy Holy with their guest featured record Hello My Beautiful World, as I said before Lorde with her third record, Solar Power, Shane Nicholson and Tropical Fuck Storm also return with new albums. Apparently Kanye West will get his new album finally out next Friday.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Releases, Friday the 13th, 2021

First up meet tomorrow's (or Monday, we'll see how we go) Spotlight act, its Jungle with their third record, Loving In Stereo.

Next up it's Australian Iggy Azalea with maybe her last record, The End Of An Era.Will this have Fancy version 2 on it?

Meet next week's feature record. It's Polish Club with their latest, Now We're Cookin'. Come back next week for plenty of neat features.

Last but not least for the full length albums, it's The Killers with Pressure Machine. Las Vegas rockers are back. This is album number seven for the Brandon Flowers led crew.

We have two new EP's this week too.

Taj Ralph – Walls 2 Break

Loud Luxury – Holiday Hills

This week's singles include a big new tune from Rüfüs Du Sol, coloration galore tune by Joel Corry & Jax Jones ftg. Charli XCX & Saweetie as well as Elton John teaming up Dua Lipa while reuniting with PNAU!

Aitch – GSD

The Bamboos – Piece Of Me

Courtney Barnett – Before You Gotta Go

Joel Corry & Jax Jones feat. Charli XCX & Saweetie – Out Out

Denzel Curry – The Game

DJ Seinfeld – She Loves Me

DJ Snake feat. Rick Ross & Rich Brian – Run It

Annie Hamilton – Exist

Elton John x Dua Lipa – Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)

Ladyhawke – Think About You

Machine Gun Kelly – papercuts

Masked Wolf – Bop

Moaning Lisa – Cold Water

Montaigne – My Life Is Better With You

Mia Rodriguez feat. Yung Baby Tate – Billion Dollar Bitch

Rüfüs Du Sol – Next To Me

Freaky Friday Countdown #272 - Friday 13 August, 2021

20 - Shouse & David Guetta - Love Tonight (David Guetta Remix)
19 - Travis Scott & HVME - Goosebumps (Remix)
18 - Doja Cat - Kiss Me More {Feat. SZA}
17 - Onefour & Kapulet - How We Livin'
16 - Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow - INDUSTRY BABY
15 - Amy Shark - Worst Day of My Life
14 - Dean Lewis - Falling Up 
13 - Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever
12 - Lizzo & Cardi B - Rumours
11 - RÜFÜS DU SOL - Next to Me
10 - The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
9 - Riton & Nightcrawlers - Friday {Feat. Mufasa & Hypeman}
8 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves 
7 - Machine Gun Kelly - papercuts
6 - Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u
5 - Tiësto & Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II
4 - The Weeknd - Take My Breath
3 - Tones And I - Cloudy Day
2 - Vance Joy - Missing Piece
1 - The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber - Stay

Album of the Year Nomination #5 - the Kid Laroi - Fuck Love 3: Over You

Following Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever yesterday, its time for our first male artist Album of the Year Nomination for 2021! It's the Kid Laroi - Fuck Love 3: Over You. Fuck Love the debut mixtape by the Kid Laroi was originally released on 24 July 2020.

Featuring guest appearances from Corbin Smidzik, Juice Wrld and Lil Mosey. This was followed by a deluxe edition of the mixtape, titled Fuck Love (Savage). The second edition of the mixtape was released on 6 November 2020.

This time featuring appearances from Machine Gun Kelly, Marshmello, Internet Money and Youngboy Never Broke Again. 

The latest deluxe edition of the mixtape, titled Fuck Love 3: Over You, was released on 23 July 2021, with appearances from Polo G, Stunna Gambino, Justin Bieber, G Herbo, Lil Durk, and Mustard. An expanded edition of Fuck Love 3: Over You, titled Fuck Love 3+: Over You, was released shortly after on 27 July 2021.

Fuck Love features all the singles you love, Go, Tell Me Why, So Done, Stay and Without You. This album/mixtape/multi version release has been huge for the Waterloo local.

the Kid Laroi has been everywhere in 2021. The release made it to number one in Australia, Norway as well as the Billboard 200 & US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. Huge right!

So joining Tones and I, Olivia Rodrigo, Amy Shark and Billie Eilish, the Kid Laroi really is at the top of his game.

This album along with the songs featured on have been the soundtrack over the past two challenging years. What a solid, evolving body of work. Charlton Kenneth Jeffrey Howard you are a bloody legend!

Album of the Year Nomination #4 - Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever

It's four outta four for the ladies in 2021! The second studio album Billie Eilish, Happier Than Ever is the fourth Album of the Year Nomination for 2021.

Joining Tones and I, Olivia Rodrigo and Amy Shark, Billie Eilish is no stranger to the Album of the Year competition. Winning in 2019 with her debut album.

Released on July 30, 2021, Eilish cited self-reflection during the COVID-19 pandemic as the biggest inspiration for the record.

Featuring the previously released singles My Future, Therefore I Am, Your Power, Lost Cause and NDA.

Upcoming on Disney+ is the documentary concert film, Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles. Which is set to be released on September 3, 2021

Unlikely heading to Australia as live music dies a bitter death, Eilish will embark on her fifth concert tour, titled Happier Than Ever The World Tour, in Europe & North America next year.

So the Album of the Year Nominations don't stop today, another one is coming tomorrow! WHAT! Yes two days in a row. Come back tomorrow as it's the first male nomination for 2021.

You can stream the masterpiece below and head back tomorrow for a local nomination. Shit year in general, terrific year for music though!

Album of the Week - NAS {King’s Disease II}

Monday Spotlight: Prince

Prince Rogers Nelson AKA Prince released his posthumous album Welcome 2 America late July. The album was recorded in March 2010 before the Welcome 2 America Tour. It is the first full previously-unreleased studio album of Prince material to be released posthumously

So Prince was my first ever live concert as a music loving child. I saw him live at Sydney's Entertainment Centre. Now the legendary venue is no longer. Replaced by the ICC.

Prince was forever an icon. He sadly passed April 21, 2016.

Right now as we crave live music back in Australia, this is a special Monday (usually Sunday, I was busy playing board games yesterday #lockdown life) Spotlight.

Prince's music incorporated a wide variety of styles, including funk, R&B, rock, new wave, soul, synth-pop, pop, jazz, and hip hop. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a city I was lucky to go to as a child before travel became something in the past.

The Mall of America was there in Minnesota but Prince was the real icon of Minnesota.

Prince released hundreds of songs both under his own name and multiple pseudonyms during his life. He was also killer songwriter. Hits like Nothing Compares 2 U and Manic Monday, along with anywhere from 500 to well over 1,000 other songs Prince penned.

So as we lockdown in Australia, this week, it's most of NSW, Melbourne, Cairns, but who knows where will join the growing list tomorrow. It's time to stream some classics from Prince along with Welcome 2 America.

There is also news in relation to the Sunday (sometimes Monday) Spotlight. It's coming to an end at the end of November this year. Commencing all the way back in 2015 with Adele and Jamie Woon.

It's been a wild ride and I have enjoyed bring you a different (it repeats from time to time) artists weekly on Sunday to discover or rediscover. It's been a huge few weeks of musical releases too so this week, we may be going HAM in the Album of the Year race, so pop back (frequently!).

Until then, stay strong, continue to enjoy music and if you need some songs to keep you sane this Lockdown V2.0, head over to my other BLOG.

Streaming... NOW! | Key Releases, Friday 6 August, 2021

Let's kick off this week with the fabulous Leela James. She is back with See Me.

Nas delivers with loads of guests on his new record King’s Disease II. Lauryn Hill, Eminem, Hit-Boy along with A Boogie wit da Hoodie and more feature.

Tinashe again delivers another ace record with 333. The album features Aussie, Wax Motif, Kaytranada, Buddy and more.

Finally Youngn Lipz serves up his debut album, Area Baby.

There are also a few new EP's this week. Get amongst them now.

Carmouflage Rose – A Night With No Moon

Little Dragon – New Me, Same Us Remixes 

May-A – Don’t Kiss UR Friends

A pile of new singles this week, including my personal highlight from Flight Facilities featuring DRAMA. As well as Eves Karydas tasty new single Lemonade. Give us a new album already Eves!

Birdz feat. Thom Crawford – They Don’t Know

Children Collide – Man Of The People

Drapht feat. Complete & Eli Greeneyes – Problem Here

Duran Duran feat. Chai – More Joy!

Jerome Farah – Concrete Jungle Fever

Flight Facilities feat. DRAMA – Move

Holly Humberstone – Please Don’t Leave Just Yet

Eves Karydas – Lemonade

Purity Ring – Soshy

Jordan Rakei – Send My Love

Unknown Mortal Orchestra – That Life

Fresh Friday Countdown #271 - Friday 6 August, 2021

20 - Travis Scott & HVME - Goosebumps (Remix)
19 - Gang of Youths - the angel of 8th ave.
18 - Flight Facilities - Move {Feat. DRAMA}
17 - Tones And I - Fly Away
16 - Djoa Cat - Need to Know
15 - Lil Nas X & Jack Harlow - INDUSTRY BABY
14 - Amy Shark - Love Songs Ain't for Us {Feat. Keith Urban}
13 - The Kid LAROI - WITHOUT YOU
12 - Billie Eilish - Happier Than Ever
11 - Amy Shark - Worst Day of My Life
10 - Doja Cat - Kiss Me More {Feat. SZA}
9 - The Weeknd - Save Your Tears
8 - Tiësto & Ty Dolla $ign - The Business, Pt. II
7 - Dean Lewis - Falling Up 
6 - Riton & Nightcrawlers - Friday {Feat. Mufasa & Hypeman}
5 - Glass Animals - Heat Waves 
4 - Olivia Rodrigo - good 4 u
3 - Tones And I - Cloudy Day
2 - Vance Joy - Missing Piece
1 - The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber - Stay

Album of the Week - Offical Music Videos

Album of the Week - BILLIE EILISH {Happier Than Ever}

Sunday Spotlight: Leon Bridges

Todd Michael Leon Bridges is today's Sunday Spotlight. He is super chill, he is super smooth, so let's just get to it.

He is best known for his 2015 song Coming Home which  was also a Top 10 Most Viral Track on Spotify. 

Leon Bridges' debut album, also titled Coming Home, was released on June 23, 2015, on Columbia Records and subsequently nominated for Best R&B Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. His second record Good Things streamed in 2018 whilst his latest (below) landed late July. Yes today is August 1st.

What the hell 2021! At least the good music is continuing. From tomorrow come back for more Billie Eilish!