Happy NMF on this Friday, February 17, 2023! This week’s picks include pop stars Niall Horan and Bebe Rexha, country pop icon Kelsea Ballerini, rising artist Francisco Martin and last but not least, music newcomer, Zach Gordon! All that and more in this week’s post! Enjoy!
“Heaven” by Niall Horan
😇 Former One Direction member, Niall Horan returns to the music scene after a three year hiatus! In the lead single off his forthcoming album, The Show, the pop star preaches for us all to just enjoy life! Why give in to the cliche deadlines in life, like you must do so and so at a certain age or else! No, that’s simply not true because every human being is unique and we don’t need to rush ourselves. There’s a time and place for every aspect of life as we grow up. If you’re happy with where you are in life, don’t change anything until you feel comfortable doing so!
🎼 In my opinion, there’s some subtleties reminiscent of The Beach Boys with Horan’s intro vocals and the lyrics, “god only knows” which aludes to the former’s classic 1966 hit single.
🎤 This first new song comes at a perfect time! With his upcoming debut coaching duties on NBC’s The Voice in March, and the release of his third studio album on June 9th, the year is looking really bright for the 29-year-old singer-songwriter.
Will you be seeing him on tour this year?
“Heart Wants What It Wants” by Bebe Rexha
🕺 Pop star, Bebe Rexha returns with a brand new solo single called “Heart Wants What It Wants,” that’s sure to delight fans all around the world! This track has major ’70s vibes going on with an infectious beat that’s hard not to hum along! I love how her vocals are raspy at certain moments of the song. It’s giving Miley Cyrus and Elle King combined in my opinion.
💖 The music video screams confidence, body positivity, and determination in one’s love life. If you know what you want in life, you pursue the path you want to take! No holding back and if someone disappoints you, you simply move on because your happiness is the main important thing when it comes to dating.
😁 I predict this song will also blow up on the radio waves much like her epic collaboration with David Guetta in “I’m Good (Blue)” which is still a Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 mainstay.
What did you think about the new song? Share your responses down below!
“Blindsided” by Kelsea Ballerini
😥 Country pop songstress, Kelsea Ballerini follows up her Subject To Change era with a cathartic new EP called Rolling Up The Welcome Mat which explains her side of the story when it comes down to her divorce with Morgan Evans.
💔 In “Blindsided,” she’s laying down the facts and reality of her failed marriage. The words, “tell me, were you blindsided or were you just blind?” is a mighty strong lyric to hear her sing out!
Definitely check out the short film for the EP which includes this song’s music video along with the official videos for the other five tracks!
🙏 I hope Ballerini finds inner peace and heals her emotional wounds with this body of work now out!
📅 Mark your calendars as the 3x Grammy-nominated artist is set to be the musical guest on the March 4th episode of SNL!
Which chapter is your favorite?
“Passenger Princess” by Francisco Martin
😎 This is the perfect song to add to your cruising down the highway (or scenic route) playlists! It comes from American Idol alum, Francisco Martin! This is the first new song of his to be released post-Manic.
🚗 👑 It’s a very blissful single to hear. You want to shoutout your lover whom you can credit as your better half in life! Your life is literally on cloud 9 right now and you hope the feeling is reciprocal from your partner’s POV. *fingers crossed it does for you*
🎺 I love the instrumental section towards the mid point of the track. The trumpets with the mix of drums and synthesizers plus Martin’s chill casual vocals make for a wonderful sounding song and I highly recommend you all to check out! Looking forward to the official music video soon and his eventual debut LP!
Feel free to express your appreciation of your “passenger princess” in your life in the comments below!
“Time Bomb” by Zach Gordon
⏳💣Actor Zach Gordon is no wimpy kid anymore as he’s grown up and has now started a music career with his debut single, “Time Bomb.”
💔 This heartbreaking anthem is designed for those who recently broke up with someone because the relationship simply wasn’t meant to be. The love you have for your now ex is only one directional. You still have lingering feelings for this person despite them lying to you and not showing the true love you deserve. A tough situation to be in for sure and Gordon really channels that emotion into a beautiful heartfelt song.
😥 So if you’re feeling sappy in this post V-Day time period, definitely give this track a listen today!
Thoughts on Gordon’s transition into the music scene? Comment below!
Thanks for reading this week’s New Music Friday post! Comment about your faves down below! Like and share this post with your friends and fam!
‘Til next time, stay safe, and happy listening! 🎹
Philip's Music Corner 