This week's Best New Music Friday is full of must-listens, including new Chloe x Halle, Wonho, Noname, and so many more. Dive into our favorite songs of the week, below:
Chloe x Halle, “80/20”
Sister duo Chloe x Halle are back with a Chrome Edition of their critically-acclaimed record Ungodly Hour, which includes two new tracks, “Hazy” and “80/20.” Both are excellent additions to their no-skip discography, but “80/20” is just… so good. Across a haunting guitar melody and an inventive beat, the pair are more creative with their voices than ever — soaring falsettos, breathy propeller verses, and an almost indie rock kind of droning bridge complete a dynamic hit.
Wonho, “WENEED”
With Love Synonym #2 : Right for Us, Wonho continues the solo ascent he set in motion after his post-Monsta X debut last year. It's a delightful, concise EP, especially on tracks like “WENEED,” a pretty soft-pop hit with a power-pop chorus that highlights his smooth vocals. And for a more dancey, club-ready number, try the perfect, thudding “Lose.”
Becky G and Burna Boy, “Rotate”
The power collab of the week goes to Becky G and Burna Boy, who team up here for the imminently dancefloor-ready jam “Rotate.” “'Rotate' to me is a celebration,” Becky G said in a statement to Rolling Stone. That vibe definitely comes through — the delicious, boppy beat will stick in your brain permanently.
Anthony de la Torre and Lana Condor, “Anyone Else But You”
Extremely Cute Real-Life Couple Lana Condor and Anthony de la Torre continue their musical partnership with the sweet duet, “Anyone Else But You.” Against an ambient club-pop beat, the two trade romantic couplets about their love story — it's third-wheeling, but in the most fun way possible.
CL, “Wish You Were Here”
Korean pop artist CL has released a wrenching ode to her late mother, who passed away in January. The moving song is overtop a music video montage of CL as a child, seen through the eyes of a camera held by her mom, seen through her mother's eyes. She slowly comes of age, taking to rehearsal rooms and concert stages as her mom looks on — present day footage is also included “as a nod to CL wishing her mom were here for what she and her sister, Harin are now doing with their lives," according to a press statement. Meanwhile, the lyrics turn pleading: “What does your life look like,” CL asks, “without me there?”
Noname, “Rainforest”
The light, airy bossanova jazz backdrop to “Rainforest” somewhat belies Noname's always lyrical, precise wordplay. The song, one of the few she's released since her 2018 album, cuts deep into complex issues with a sharp sword. Across 2 minutes and 41 seconds, the rapper paints a vivid picture: “When rainforest cries, everybody dies a little,” she puts into motion. “And I just wanna dance tonight.” The lyrics are worth an extremely close read, and moments like “I'm the emptiest hallelujah, open my chest up” will knock you out.
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