10 Big Things That Happened in Music the Week of Jan. 22, 2021
As hectic of a year as 2021 has been thus far, it's also been a breath of fresh air. We can feel it this week in particular—and that's reflecting in the musical space as well.
With everyone from Maggie Lindemann to Tate McRae and Billie Eilish dropping new music this week, we don't know if there's ever been a better time to fawn over indie-pop powerhouses—and they were far from the only ones to catch our attention in the last seven days.
Can't wait to hear the best of the week? Keep reading for 10 big things that happened in music the week of Jan. 22, 2021.
1. L.A. Artist Julietta Releases the Anthemic 'Not Today'
Julietta may not be the biggest name on the list this week, but she's one that deserves recognition, and her new pop anthem "Not Today" is proof of this. It's an optimistic and forward-thinking track that emphasizes the power of a positive attitude, and it's an absolute bop, too. "I know what rock bottom feels like, to be in the dungeons of my mind," Julietta said of the track in a press release. "I'm not scared of it, but I refuse to go back."
2. Moon Taxi Drops Their Sixth Album, Silver Dream
Nashville-based rockers Moon Taxi have just released their sixth full-length album, titled Silver Dream, and it might be their best yet. It's reflective of these strange times we live in. "We are hopefully on the tail end of the craziest year of our lives," singer Trevor Terndrup explained in a press release. "And at the same time, we are walking into a new era of music. Maybe there will be a silver lining to 2020." The new album includes their new single "Say," and we're obsessed. With a moving, driving sound that makes you want to sing right along, it's about speaking what's in your heart and finding your inner bravery. It's a burst of inspiration we can all use right now.
3. Rayvon Owen Woos With New Single 'Do It Again'
Former American Idol contestant Rayvon Owen legitimately has one of the most beautiful voices in the business, and his latest single, "Do It Again," puts his powerfully soulful voice on full display. His vocals bring out the romantic beauty of this emotional and gorgeous track, and we haven't been able to take it off repeat.
4. OK Go Shares New This Will Be Our Year EP
The Zombies classic "This Will Be Our Year" is one of our favorite tracks of all time, and we love that OK Go has released an EP with both a hi-fi and a lo-fi version of the iconically uplifting song. It's a gorgeous tune, with a message we're really feeling right now! "'This Will Be Our Year' is one of my favorite songs of all time, and it's more timely than ever," singer Damian Kulash said in a press release. "After such a catastrophic year—so much that we rely on just crumbling beneath our feet—it feels good to add a drop to the world's bucket of hope and optimism."
5. DJ Duo Vicetone Announce Debut Album Legacy
Ruben der Boer and Victor Pool make up the Dutch DJ duo Vicetone, and these boys are the best at what they do. They just announced their debut album, Legacy, set to include 10 stunning songs that show the breadth of their talents. The album features the duo's new single, "No Rest," which is destined to be a hit. It begins with a sweeping string production before moving into an upbeat rhythm that's just plain fun. It's yet another motivational album to kickstart 2021 with real purpose. We can use all the help we can get.
6. K-Pop Sensations CRAVITY Drop Their Third Album, Season 3 [Hideout Be Our Voice]
We've stanned K-pop group CRAVITY since the very beginning, and we are so excited to listen to their latest creative endeavors with the new album Season 3 [Hideout Be Our Voice]. It's the third album in their Hideout series, this time focusing on the group's newfound sense of unity, and the fact that they're achieving their musical dreams together. The album also includes the new single "My Turn," which has a captivating music video you simply won't be able to turn your head away from.
7. Fan Favorite Tate McRae Blesses Us With New Song 'Rubberband'
At this point, we don't think it's physically possible for Tate McRae to release bad music. Her newest song "Rubberband" just might be at the very top of our list, with her signature delicate vocals making the message soar over a sultry R&B rhythm. It's a song about trying your hardest to get over someone—and how sometimes that makes it even more difficult to let them go. "Snapping a rubberband is a way to get over something…sometimes even a person," Tate explained in the video's YouTube description. "This song means a lot to me. I hope you guys love it."
8. Maggie Lindemann Gifts Us With Her Debut EP, Paranoia
It's the week Maggie Lindemann fans have been waiting for—at long last, she's released her debut EP, featuring eight gorgeous tracks that are quintessentially Maggie. The EP begins with the pop-punk "Knife Under My Pillow," which Maggie says is based on a true story. "When I was living in my old house, I had extreme paranoia," she told Sweety High. "I would always have to call people and tell them to come over because I thought someone was in my house trying to kidnap me or something. So yeah, I used to literally sleep with a knife under my pillow."
9. Silk City Teams Up With Ellie Goulding for 'New Love'
When Mark Ronson and Diplo team up to form their superduo Silk City, you have to expect pure gold, and that's exactly what we get with "New Love," featuring Ellie Goulding. It's three and a half minutes of pure party energy, and Ellie's vocals make it transcend. It's a bouncy, danceable love song that we'll want to hear everywhere once the world can finally go back to normal.
10. Billie Eilish Enters Brand New Territory Rosalía on 'Lo Vas a Olvidar'
"Lo Vas a Olvidar" shows off a whole new side of Billie Eilish's abilities, and we are absolutely stunned. The track, also featuring Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalía, brings the two artists' vastly different approaches together into one haunting and otherworldly track. The song's title means "you will forget her," and even those who don't understand the lyrics in Spanish will find the song poignant and heartbreaking all the same.
Took the week off? Click HERE to discover the 10 biggest things that happened in music last week.