Here is a selection of stories from the music world, plus the best new songs. Stuck in a rut with your playlists and not sure what to try next? Each week, our critics listen to recently released singles and pick their favourites. Make sure to subscribe to the playlist and tell us in the comments if you think we’ve missed anything or if there is a particular track you are enjoying.
Justin Vernon is in his crossover prime
When Justin Vernon of Bon Iver started recording the band’s debut album in a Wisconsin log cabin in 2006, he must have felt like the ultimate folky outsider. Since then the world has moved to meet him. His fifth album, Sable, Fable, is like a compendium of all sides of his work — the glitchy AOR of If Only I Could Wait showing him in his crossover prime. Victoria Segal
A Sherelle surprise
The 6 Music DJ and electronic music Renaissance woman Sherelle released a surprise debut album With a Vengeance on Wednesday — full of 160bpm dance music that will limber you up for one of her festival appearances this summer. Sherelle is also sticking it to the man with her £10-a-ticket gigs, with more shows announced soon. Jonathan Dean
Best new tracks
By Jake Helm
Lana Del Rey
Henry, come on
The first single from the singer-songwriter’s forthcoming tenth album, The Right Person Will Stay, out in May, is an ethereal, sombre take on country music, exploring themes of love and pain: “And it’s not because of you / That I turned out so dangerous / Yesterday, I heard God say, ‘It’s in your blood’”. First teased over a year ago, it arrives just ahead of her UK tour in June and highlights her signature layered vocals at their most captivating.
Loyle Carner
All I need / In my mind
The south Londoner’s immense stage presence will surely electrify the Other Stage at Glastonbury when he headlines this June. But before that, the Mercury-nominated rapper is back with his first new music in nearly two years: two sublime, emotive tracks that signal a subtle shift in direction. Blending hip-hop with an alternative edge, both tracks showcase his dynamic artistry.
Sugababes
Weeds
Following the pulse of their dancefloor hit Jungle, the trio opt for a slower follow-up, shifting the spotlight to their rich harmonies. Their voices, now more mature and controlled, explore the delicate nature of romance. It’s a confident song from a band that once again are capturing the attention of audiences.
Hard Life
Othello
The Leicester boy band return with their first single in almost a year — and only their second since a forced name change after a trademark lawsuit from easyGroup, the company behind easyJet. Drawing inspiration from the classic board game and Shakespeare’s play, the track delivers a raw take on crumbling relationships layered with a hip-hop flair.
The Amazons
Night After Night
The latest preview of the English alt-rock band’s fourth studio album, 21st Century Fiction, out on May 9, is a blistering anthem born from late nights at Jumbo’s Clown Room in Hollywood, a haunt once frequented by David Lynch. It’s a thunderous taste of what’s to come.
The Divine Comedy
Achilles
Neil Hannon, fresh from composing original songs for the hit film Wonka, has now announced his band’s first studio album since 2019. Titled Rainy Sunday Afternoon it’s set for release this September, and its first single is a melancholic and contemplative piece that marks a graceful return.
OK Go
Better Than This
The California-based quartet return with And the Adjacent Possible, their first album in over a decade — and it’s bursting with energy. The standout track is a punchy, vibrant explosion. It’s impossible not to smile as it plays.
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