Billboard’s Friday Music Guide: New Releases from Justin Timberlake, Megan Thee Stallion, Ice Spice, and More
Justin Timberlake’s Introspective Ballad “Selfish”
Justin Timberlake’s latest single, “Selfish,” marks a departure from his usual upbeat pop sound, delving into a more introspective and mellow tone. The song’s lyrics explore the complexities of love and desire, as Timberlake admits his selfish tendencies in a relationship. With its warm organ melodies and bossa nova drum machine, “Selfish” creates an intimate and relatable atmosphere, showcasing Timberlake’s vocal prowess.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Venomous Diss Track “Hiss”
Megan Thee Stallion unleashes her fiery side with her new track, “Hiss,” a no-holds-barred diss track aimed at her haters and rivals. Over a hard-hitting beat, Megan spits venomous bars, taking aim at everyone from Drake to Nicki Minaj’s husband, Kenneth Petty. “Hiss” is a testament to Megan’s unapologetic attitude and her dominance in the hip-hop world.
Ice Spice’s Jersey Club Banger “Think U the Shit (Fart)”
Ice Spice kicks off 2024 with a left turn in her musical style, trading her usual drill beats for Jersey Club thumps and bleating synths in her new single, “Think U the Shit (Fart).” The song features a catchy chorus and clever wordplay, as Ice Spice asserts her confidence and dismisses her detractors. “Think U the Shit (Fart)” is a fun and energetic track that showcases Ice Spice’s versatility and her ability to adapt to different genres.
Lil Nas X’s Pop-Rock Ballad “Where Do We Go Now?”
Lil Nas X continues to push boundaries with his music, venturing into pop-rock territory with his new song, “Where Do We Go Now?” The track is a powerful ballad that showcases his vocal range and songwriting skills. Lil Nas X sings about his desire for change and renewal, pleading for a fresh start. Produced by his longtime collaborators, Blake Slatkin and Omer Fedi, the song features a tender guitar melody and racing drums, creating a moving and introspective anthem.
Morgan Wallen Re-Records Early Hit “Spin You Around”
Country superstar Morgan Wallen has re-recorded his early hit, “Spin You Around,” as a stripped-down acoustic ballad. The song, originally released in 2015, received a new treatment after an unauthorized re-release of his Stand Alone EP, prompting Wallen to re-record the track to maintain control over his music. The acoustic version of “Spin You Around” features Wallen’s heartfelt vocals and showcases the emotional depth of the song, offering a fresh perspective on the classic hit.
The Smile’s Sophomore Album “Wall of Eyes”
The Smile, the rock supergroup featuring Radiohead duo Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, have released their sophomore album, “Wall of Eyes.” The album is a sonic exploration that blends art-rock melodies, psychedelic instrumentals, Krautrock grooves, and alt-funk jams. The Smile’s innovative and experimental approach to music has earned them critical acclaim, with “Wall of Eyes” being hailed as a Best New Music release by Pitchfork. The album’s eight tracks showcase the band’s musical prowess and their ability to create a unique and immersive listening experience.
Additional New Releases:
- Cardi B – “Hot Shit 2.0”
- Khalid – “Last Call”
- SZA – “Garden (Say It Like Dat)”
- The Weeknd – “Is There Someone Else?”
- Ed Sheeran – “Shivers (Acoustic)”
- Dua Lipa – “Levitating (Live from Studio 2054)”
- Olivia Rodrigo – “Drivers License (Stripped)”
- Conan Gray – “Heather (Acoustic)”
- Tate McRae – “You Broke Me First (Acoustic)”
- Bad Bunny – “Yonaguni (Remix)”
With these exciting new releases, this week’s music scene promises to be filled with diverse sounds and captivating performances. Stay tuned for more updates and reviews on the latest music releases, and keep supporting your favorite artists by streaming and sharing their music.