Best New Music of July: Billie Eilish, Beyoncé, Jessi and More
From “my future” to ‘Black Is King,’ these are the best releases of the month.
While most music festivals are either canceled, postponed or going virtual this summer, in the midst of a global pandemic, the industry’s favorite artists are still delighting fans with new songs and stunning music videos. The month of July saw numerous hotly anticipated releases, including Billie Eilish‘s “my future,” a song that the artist wrote with her brother Finneas during quarantine, as well as Beyoncé’s Black Is King visual album. Others like Korean hip hop artist Jessi and R&B singer Snoh Aalegra have also returned with new material.
Continue reading to explore some of the best new tracks released in the past month. For more music recommendations, check out Liv.e and Gaidaa, both featured in our BAEwatch interview series.
Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, Major Lazer – “ALREADY”
A celebration of African culture, Beyoncé’s visual album Black Is King premiered on Disney+ on Friday following much anticipation. Part of the epic musical film filled with memorable fashion moments, the “ALREADY” music video sees Bey donning matching Marine Serre catsuits with her dancers, and wearing a cow-print ensemble by Burberry in another scene. The song also features Major Lazer and Ghanaian musician Shatta Wale.
Billie Eilish – “my future”
Billie Eilish has unveiled her latest single “my future” with a beautifully animated music video created by artist Andrew Onorato. In an email penned by the 18-year-old pop superstar, she explains to her fans that the song reflects her recent “self-growth.”
Jessi – “눈누난나 (NUNU NANA)”
Lifted from Korean rapper and P NATION signee Jessi’s recently dropped third mini album, NUNA, opening track “NUNU NANA” arrives with a high-energy music video featuring multiple wardrobe changes, dance sequences and even a special appearance from singer Lee Hyori.
Snoh Aalegra – “DYING 4 YOUR LOVE”
Following a remix of “Whoa” featuring Pharrell Williams, Snoh Aalegra has returned to deliver new music. A sultry and melancholic ballad, “DYING 4 YOUR LOVE” is another track that perfectly showcases the songstress’ signature emotive sound.
Sinéad Harnett – “Stickin’” ft. Masego & VanJess
R&B-soul singer Sinéad Harnett has tapped Masego and sister duo VanJess for “Stickin,” a groovy track made for easy summer listening. The song serves as the lead single for the North London artist’s forthcoming sophomore album.
Baby Rose – “Marmot”
“Marmot,” the latest from Atlanta-based singer Baby Rose, follows the artist’s critically acclaimed debut album To Myself released last year. The hypnotizing track, with its soulful and warm vocals, marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the emerging talent.
Tayla Parx – “Dance Alone”
Ahead of the launch of her second studio album Coping Mechanisms, Tayla Parx has dropped a mood-boosting summer bop. Titled “Dance Alone,” the upbeat track was released with a ’70s-inspired visual featuring a pajama-clad Parx dancing around the house.
Charlotte Lawrence – “Slow Motion”
Los Angeles-bred rising star Charlotte Lawrence has unveiled her latest single “Slow Motion” with a dreamy music video directed by Tyler Shields. This new release comes after “Joke’s On You,” which was included on the soundtrack of the movie Birds of Prey.
NIKI – “Selene”
Another new artist to watch in 2020, Indonesian singer-songwriter NIKI has recently released the dance-inducing “Selene,” the second single off her upcoming album Moonchild. For the song, the vocalist has enlisted help from Montréal producer, Pomo.
MAAD – Eventually PT. 1
A multi-hyphenated creative based in LA, MAAD has dropped her six-track Eventually PT. 1, described as a project of “feel-good music with a disco vibe.” The breezy title track, “Eventually,” sets the mood for the R&B-meets-pop record.
Leaf – Fashion Bitch
On the title track of her latest EP, Fashion Bitch, NYC rapper and singer Leaf raps about staying fierce and confident, with bars that reference luxury houses like Fendi and Hermès. The accompanying music video serves up numerous head-turning looks, of course.
