It is officially summer. Despite the tumultuous year, the music world has not missed a beat by releasing songs that are high-energy, cathartic, and deeply personal. This week we see music from artists like Haim, who released their third studio album on personal triumphs; and newcomer Jean Dawson, who makes deeply emotional music about childhood trauma.
Haim, “Women in Music Pt. III”
The Haim sisters are back! For fans of the California-based group, this third studio album is a departure from their popular pop appeal. Yes there are catchy songs on Women in Music Pt. III but the three members (Este, Danielle and Alana Haim) have gone through important life events that are infused into the lyrics of this project. “Things were changing so fast that when we were supposed to get our record out, it just didn’t seem like an appropriate time to do it,” Alana told Zane Lowe of Apple Music. “So, we ended up changing our release date later this summer. And now that it seems we’ve settled into this new normal life of weird quarantine, we really just want to get it out.”
BTS, “Stay Gold”
In the latest addition to their Japanese catalog, BTS has released a music video for their new Japanese-language single, “Stay Gold,” a timely pop piano number infused with enough joy to pop their cheeks. With a sweet introduction to Jungkook (“In a world where you feel cold / you have to stay golden”) that becomes a halftime anthem, it’s pure joy, okay? (And don’t even make Jin start singing in English: “I’ll steal your heart.”)
Delilah Montagu, “Version of Me”
Up-and-coming Delilah Montagu from the UK has a haunting voice that melts smoothly into popular pop compotes. A talented songwriter, the 21-year-old released a new single for “Version of Me,” a cathartic ballad about mental health and other personal subjects. “I am very proud of the video,” says Delilah. Teen Vogue about the video directed by Florence Kosky. “It sums me up and all my different ways and includes strong women in my life that I love and respect who have played such an important role in who I am today and are a great reason why I have the confidence to speak my truth.” .
Khruangbin, “Mordecai”
The Houston-based group Khruangbin is made up of Laura Lee Ochoa (bass), Mark Speer (guitar) and Donald “DJ” Johnson (drums). Pure funk is probably the best way to describe her vibrant, beautifully produced and therapeutically fun music. Her new album, Mordechai, comes months after his EP with Leon Bridges and his recent collaboration with Jay Electronica in APIDTA This album could be the album of the summer.
Jean Dawson, “Clear Bones”
They were immediately transported to a 90s grunge party when they listened to newcomer Jean Dawson. Raised in Tijuana, Jean crossed the border every day to go to school in San Diego and “fell in love with music during these long trips.” His music reflects a lot the trauma of his childhood, but also the lighting. It also flows between English and Spanish in his music to intentionally express his duality. Jean’s “Clear Bones” video is the perfect introduction to his art.
SEVENTEEN, “Left and right”
SEVENTEEN made his triumphant return this week with his seventh mini album, Heng: garae. All 13 members have a knack for the bouncy pop club that’s in full swing on “Left & Right,” a song that has already proven its infectious TikTok challenge potential.
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