Latest news with #QueerJamsoftheWeek
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Reneé Rapp, St. Vincent, Christine and the Queens & More
Before you head off on your three day weekend, take a moment to add some new tracks to your playlista from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists. From Renee Rapp's cheeky return to St. Vincent's Spanish-language reimagination, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below: More from Billboard Here's How to Shop Hailey Bieber's Favorite Beauty Products on Amazon Snoop Dogg Dropped These Crocs-Style Sandals With Skechers - and They're Surprisingly Cool Shamir Ends His Musical Journey the Same Way He Started It - On His Own Terms For every fan of Reneé Rapp's that's been asking, ad nauseum, 'where's the single,' the singer has a definitive answer — 'leave me alone, b—h, I wanna have fun.' On this rollicking, tongue-in-cheek meta-commentary, Rapp gives her fans everything they could have asked for with her return. The lyrics are just as unhinged and provocative as the singer herself, the production adds some rock vibes to her established pop'n'b sound, and the vibes are simply, immaculate. We don't predict anyone will be leaving While St. Vincent has already shared a Spanish-language version of her standout track 'Violent Times' from All Born Screaming, the singer-songwriter certainly hasn't done so with rising singer-songwriter Mon Laferte. Now, 'Tiempos Violentos' is given a new edge, as the pair trade lines in English and Spanish, while expanding the jazzy, dark track to a new, broader world of sound that fits both artists like a glove. It turns out when you take disco legend Cerrone and pace him with avant-pop chameleon Christine and the Queens, you get one of the most immediately enjoyable tracks of the year. On 'Catching Feelings,' the pair lean into their strengths and create a guitar & drum-driven disco-pop track that will have you grooving along within moments. Goldfrapp fans, wake up! We got a new banger from Allison herself! 'Reverberotic,' the latest off the singer's forthcoming new album Flux, sees Goldfrapp embracing synth-pop, trance and a touch of soul to make for one of her most unique-sounding tracks to date. 'Reverberotic, wanna feel that again/ Vibrating light, a supernatural ascent,' she croons on the undulating chorus. 'Reverberotic, all your dreams in the cloud/ Your sweet elixir is a part of me now.' It's been a good week for rising heavy metal rocker PINKNOISE. Not only did the fast-rising artist (known off-stage as Kacey Foxx) sign with Nettwerk Music Group, but they decided to celebrate that fact with a new track. On 'Bittersweet,' Foxx delivers the full range of their artistry, starting the song from a cool, quiet space before blowing up the premise and delivering a hard rock ballad that feels like it's being powered by jet fuel. If you haven't listened to PINKNOISE before today, let this be your official notice to go press play now. Check out all of our picks below on Billboard's Queer Jams of the Week playlist: Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Miley Cyrus, Halsey, Kali Uchis & More
In need of some new tunes from your favorite queer artists? We've got you covered — Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists. From Miley Cyrus' emotional new song to Kali Uchis' introspective new album, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below: More from Billboard Prime Video Slashes Crunchyroll Price to $1.99/Month: Here's How to Score the Deal Amazon's $12 Portable Fan Folds Down to the Size of Lipstick When Not in Use Stylish Steal: Guess Makes $35 Sandals That Totally Look Like Prada With Something Beautiful's first two offerings (the title track and 'End of the World'), Miley Cyrus gave fans two unique looks into her forthcoming new project. 'More to Lose' continues that trend, stripping back the art-rock and glam-pop artifice of the album's other singles to deliver a lofi, stripped-back ballad examining the memory of a lost love. The pop singer's smooth alto voice glides effortlessly over lush instrumentation as she bids farewell to a bygone relationship: 'I knew someday that one would have to choose,' she sings. 'I just thought we had more to lose.' Having already collaborated with Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for 2021, Halsey's ready to take another spin around the block with a goth legend. On 'Hand That Feeds,' featuring Evanescence's lead vocalist Amy Lee, Halsey expertly blends her own pop stylings with the alternative metal that made her collaborator a star in the early 2000s. Kali Uchis has never been satisfied with fitting into just one lane. Sincerely, the singer's latest album, takes yet another bold step in a new direction for the Latin star, as she explores soul, pop and even doo-wop (with a stunning bit of Amy Winehouse-esque flair on album stand out 'All I Can Say'). It certainly doesn't hurt that the unifying factor for all of Uchis' projects — her flawless voice — continues to shine on this dreamy new album. 'I was always too good for your a– anyway,' Maren Morris belts on 'Too Good,' one of the immediate standouts off her vibrant new LP Dreamsicle. It also serves as something of a tone reset for an album that refuses to take itself too seriously; all throughout Dreamsicle, Morris explores a world post-divorce, as she dives back into one night stands ('Bed No Breakfast'), occasional meltdowns ('Cry in the Car') and leaving the things behind that don't serve her ('Lemonade'). Leaning hard into her pop sound, Morris has never sounded like she's having more fun than on the sticky sweet Dreamsicle. Need something to strut down the street to? Allow Snow Wife to assist with 'Sweat,' her thrilling new Y2K pop jam. Blending together the stylings of Britney Spears with The Pussycat Dolls, the up-and-coming pop singer bounces her way through this sultry new song as she commands her listeners to dance along — and after your first listen, we'd be shocked if you managed to resist the call. There's a reason why Jake Wesley Rogers was heralded as a generational talent by none other than Sir Elton John. Take just one listen to his debut album In the Key of Love and you'll hear that familiar brand of confessional, deeply personal songwriting filtered through a pop lens so inherently catchy that you cannot help but hit the replay button. Rogers' commitment to blending pop and gospel sounds together into a harmonious new sound is a statement enough in and of itself — one that you won't be able to forget after you've heard the words he's singing on identity, spirituality and finding comfort in who you are. Check out all of our picks below on Billboard's Queer Jams of the Week playlist: Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Sam Smith, Lucy Dacus, Japanese Breakfast & More
Looking for some tunes to help you celebrate a queer-inclusive Valentine's Day? Allow us to help: Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists. From Sam Smith's lovestruck new single to Lucy Dacus' stunning new track, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below: More from Billboard Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo & More Win at 2025 Dorian Awards, Voted on by Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics Village People's Victor Willis Admits to 'Double Entendre' in 'Y.M.C.A.,' But Insists the Song Isn't About Sex Justin Tranter on the 'Misogynistic' Backlash to Chappell Roan's Grammy Speech: 'Anger Is Going to Fix This Problem' Throughout their decade-plus in the music business, Sam Smith quickly became defined as a once-in-a-generation singer turning heartbreak into gorgeous ballads. Their most recent LP took Smith in a new, more joyous direction, embracing high-camp club pop aesthetics and lighter emotional these. Now, Smith is bringing those two worlds together on 'Love Is a Stillness,' their new song marketed as a Valentine's Day gift to fans. Bringing the beautiful balladry of In the Lonely Hour and melding it with the jubilant lyricism of Gloria, 'Love Is a Stillness' sees Smith stripping themself down to their sparest elements in order to deliver a short, gorgeous ode to the simplicity of love. When you take away the admittedly excellent artifice surrounding Lucy Dacus' new single 'Best Guess' — including its star-studded music video paying homage to 'hot mascs' everywhere — you're left with a rich love song that deserves more credit for its gorgeous lyricism. Dacus has long been one of the best songwriter's currently working in the business, and that poetic streak certainly does end here. Add onto that the singer's emotionally resonant and understated alto voice, and you've got a must-hear love song for this Valentine's Day. Got any toxic men in your life that need to be checked really quick? Press play on Japanese Breakfast's new single 'Mega Circuit,' and you'll hear Michelle Zauner commiserating right along with you. Over a sometimes-spooky, always-catchy shuffle provided by legendary guitarist Jim Keltner, Zauner looks at the state of masculinity in 2025 with a rueful shake of her head: 'Plotting blood with your incel eunuchs,' she sighs. 'I could be the home you need.' It's a sentiment that you do not need a reminder for yet bears repeating all the same: the world is chaos right now. But instead of succumbing to the inherent pain of that idea, Jake Wesley Rogers wants to embrace it. On 'God Bless,' the singer invokes an original gospel-style hymn to point out all the inherent contradictions and paradoxes in our modern society, both good and bad, before settling on a mantra we all can get behind: 'God bless, it's a beautiful f–king mess.' After releasing their excellent album Love Hate Music Box in 2024, Rainbow Kitten Surprise is taking a victory lap with their new single 'Espionage.' Over some truly groovy pianos and guitars, frontperson Ela Melo lets her laid-back vocal speak for itself, as she and the rest of the band join in to deliver this 'anti-love anthem's' irresistible chorus. If you're not really feeling the love this V-Day, then let Rainbow Kitten Surprise take you somewhere else entirely. Morgan Saint's debut album Out of the Blue is an LP that might take some time to digest — the singer herself says that it took her a while to untangle all the emotions involved. But that's also what makes this album such a remarkable listen; across 11 tracks, Saint explores a series of constant themes in all of our lives, from love (on the stunning title track in particular) to trauma ('Deep'), all over a series of increasingly great indie-pop tracks. She may have appeared Out of the Blue for you, but keep an eye on Morgan Saint. Now that she's here, she's sticking around. Let's close this out with a certified club banger, shall we? Queer pop paragon Madison Rose's 'She's the One' isn't interested in being taken seriously, or being taken in any particular way for that matter — as Rose cooly declares halfway through the track, 'if you call her a bitch, but that in front of it.' A growling beat, some banging production and Rose's unparalleled confidence make for the perfect strut soundtrack. Looking for a pick-me-up this weekend? Look no further, because this song is, in fact, the one. Check out all of our picks on Billboard's Queer Jams of the Week playlist below: Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Yahoo
08-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Lady Gaga, Doechii, Anitta & More
With the 2025 Grammys in the rearview, it's time to start looking for new hits from queer artists that will nab a few nominations in 2026! Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists. From Lady Gaga's spellbinding new pop single to Doechii's well-earned victory lap, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below: More from Billboard 'Drag Race' Star Jan Sport & Andrew Barret Cox Re-Create Lady Gaga's 'Abracadabra' Video Live Milkshake Festival Removes Azealia Banks Following Public Outcry Over Her Anti-LGBTQ+ Comments Azealia Banks Backpedals on Past Anti-Trans Comments to Call Out J.K. Rowling's Rhetoric There's been a lot of talk online about Gaga reheating her nachos lately. But if 'Abracadabra' is what reheated nachos taste like today, then pop open the microwave, because we're seated for this meal. On the second single from her forthcoming album Mayhem, Gaga takes the familiar sounds of The Fame Monster, Born This Way and Artpop, chops them up and casts a spell over them to create an absolute pop killer. From her nonsense-word chorus to the immediately catchy beat breakdown to the haunting bridge, 'Abracadabra' is Lady Gaga's best song in years. Mother Monster, we're happy to have you back. Doechii haters, you might want to skip 'Nosebleeds,' because the Grammy Award-winning rapper comes for her detractors' throats on this fiery, chaotic victory lap. From the jump, Doechii quickly establishes her dominance at the 2025 Grammys and sets up her impeccable flow for a punchy set of verses. Gassing herself up and switching the beat at every given opportunity, the rapper leaves her haters with one impeccable thought: 'Everybody wanted to know what Doechii would do if she didn't win,' she declares, before shrugging and smirking at her audience. 'I guess we'll never know.' After taking a foray into Brazilian funk last year, Anitta is diving back into reggaeton headfirst with her sultry new cut 'Romeo.' The new single follows the singer on 'a night of mischief' as she calls it in the Spanish chorus, tempting her soon-to-be lover with a good time. It certainly helps that it's Anitta's voice singing these words, as her silky smooth delivery makes bars like 'Tonight, you're going to be mine, I didn't say maybe' land with the exact kind of swagger she's looking to portray. Queer pioneers Elton John and Brandi Carlile have long spoken about their mutual adoration for one another — they've even collaborated a few times on tracks like 'Simple Things' and 'Never Too Late.' So, when it came time for them to link up on their new duet 'Who Believes in Angels,' off their forthcoming duets album of the same name, fans knew what they would be getting. This 5 minute, dramatic ballad sees the pair play off one another's voices well, as they shift their sound from pianos to guitars to synths to everything all together in this symphonic new song. Since breaking out on his own from his trio Years & Years, Olly Alexander has been doubling down on the '80s-tinged pop music that helped him become a star. Now, with his latest album Polari, the singer is taking a lifetime of experience and leaving it all on one LP. Taking on different facets of queer culture like cruising ('Cupid's Bow'), gay slang ('Polari'), mythology ('Whisper in the Waves') and more, Alexander creates his own escapist universe throughout his stunning solo LP, making it a ride you'll want to be along for. Need something a little more tender to listen to this weekend? We suggest 'Wanderer,' the gorgeous, love-stricken new single from indie darling Serpentwithfeet. The star's delicate vocal pairs beautifully with the sparse R&B production as he paints a vivid picture of desire, climbing to a beautiful declaration at the chorus: 'My heart the ocean; mostly unexplored/ Won't over-promise, but I could be yours,' Serpent croons. Sometimes even the silliest of songs can still be deeply affirming — that's a fact Corook knows first hand. Their breakout 2023 track 'If I Were a Fish' turned into an anthem for queer kids the world over. Now, the singer-songwriter is narrowing their focus to their own community with 'They,' a song that takes their own experience being non-binary and explores it through the prism of bubbly, fun pop music. Across three minutes, Corook insists that 'it's no big deal, I'm more me now,' while reminding those listening who might be struggling with their own identity to not stress too much — someone out there gets it, which is sometimes all you need to hear. It's been 35 years since George Michael released the career-defining anthem 'Freedom! '90' — and now, American Idol alum David Archuleta would like to take a moment to celebrate its legacy. With his interpretation of the track, Archuleta keeps the formula simple — not quite recreating the song note for note, but sticking as closely as possible to Michael's version as possible. Backed up by a full chorus and placing hismlarger-than-life voice front and center, Archuleta does a service to Michael's legacy with this moving cover. In a time where our political reality is being defined by a relentless sense of upheaval, alt-pop singer songwriter is Wafia is here with a message for you that her mother shared with her: 'Everything is already written.' Promised Land tracks Wafia's own experiences as an immigrant, funneling the resilence (as on the stunning 'House Down') and hope that she's crafted over the course of her life into a series of top-tier pop tracks. Let this be your sign to stop sleeping of Wafia — let her lead you to the Promised Land with this excellent LP. Check out all of our picks below on Billboard's Queer Jams of the Week playlist: Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Sasami, Clairo, Julien Baker, Torres & More
The 2025 Grammys are nearly here! With a record number of LGBTQ+ nominees at Sunday's show, take some time to get ahead of next year's ceremony with these new tracks from your favorite queer artists. Billboard Pride is proud to present the latest edition of Queer Jams of the Week, our roundup of some of the best new music releases from LGBTQ+ artists. From Sasami's excellent collaboration with Clairo to Julien Baker and Torres' new ballad, check out just a few of our favorite releases from this week below: More from Billboard Here's the 2025 Winner of the Harry Belafonte Best Song for Social Change Award Chappell Roan Thanks Fans for Making Her 'Feel Like a Rockstar' Ahead of the Grammys Queer Jams of the Week: New Music From Shygirl, Kesha & More The best collaborations are the ones that put two artists together and push both of them to create a new sound within the context of a single song. That's exactly what Sasami and Clairo accomplish on 'In Love With a Memory,' the gorgeous new track off the former's forthcoming album Blood on the Silver Screen. From the jump, the vibe of 'Memory' is immediately pared down from the moody electropop Sasami has become known for, while also providing a jolt of energy to Clairo's softer offerings. The result is a reflective mid-tempo pop track that sees both artists expertly blending their vocals to make a cinematic portrait of a relationship at its end. Speaking of successful collaborations, Julien Baker and Torres are back with yet another excellent example of their combined power. Where 'Sugar in the Tank' felt like something of a thesis statement for their forthcoming country album, 'Sylvia' leans into the pair's respective singer-songwriter roots, as they sing an ode to Torres' canine companion. Still sticking to their folksy, rooted sound, Baker and Torres manage to create something both nostalgic and fresh with this beautiful ballad. Sometimes, you just have to say exactly what it is you're singing about in the title of a song. UK pop artist Cat Burns has already made plenty of waves for her frank songwriting and buttery vocals, but 'Girls!' adds even more dimensions to the singer's artistry. This bubbly new track sees Burns sharing her admiration for all things female — including 'different energies,' the spectrum of 'masc and femininity' — all while letting her sound explode into a burst of funky guitars and cascading synths on the delirious post-chorus. For anyone looking for a pseudo-pop rap alternative to Travis Scott this week, may we humbly recommend this delectable new single from Skaiwater. 'Pop' feels like a distillation of all the facets that have make the rising artist a critical darling into one 3 minute package. Disjointed beats manage to sync up perfectly with their digitized voice, as the rapper narrates the tale of a relationship that just cannot possibly work out. Skaiwater makes 'Pop' sound like a stream-of-consciousness confession happening in real time, but just one listen tells you that their attention to every detail of their sound is what makes a record like this so deeply fascinating. Penting up emotions tends to lead to an explosion down the line. 'Fist,' the latest track off Miya Folick's upcoming album Erotica Veronica, takes that idea and translates it as literally as possible into music. Starting out with a simple acoustic guitar and soft vocals, Folick lets her partner know that all is not what it seems from the opening line: 'I've been cooking dinner/ Hoping you'll forgive me for not wanting to swallow you.' As the intesity builds, so does the instrumentation — guitars are plugged in, drums are added and eventually, there are no more words to describe how Folick is feeling. Only a guttural scream in the song's last 90 seconds can encapsulate the whirlwind of emotion from this cathartic banger. Maddie Zahm is ready to burn it all down on her latest single. A fiery bassline and small chorus of backup singers bring some weight to 'Sheets,' but no production elements can evoke as strong an image as Zahm's growling voice as she confronts her ex about how quickly they've moved on. The party is over and Zahm is ready to say it exactly how it is, bringing a 'f–k around and find out' attitude we've yet to see from her. If you ever hurt someone bad enough to get them to write the phrase 'did you tell her how you'll kiss her 'til a new b–ch has you on your knees,' maybe take a moment to reflect on your choices. Nigerian-American singer-songwriter Dreamer Isioma has always been interested in creating an aesthetic that no one has ever seen before with their performance. They've never been more successful at that feat than on their pair of new singles 'Did You Ever Care' and 'Dead End.' Swinging wildly between gothic pop and angsty rock, Isioma spends two songs painting a portrait of unrequited obsession followed by painful realization, all rendered through the prism of their otherworldly voice. If you haven't managed to board the Dreamer Isioma hype train, now is an ideal time for you to get on board. Want to get in on the groud floor with a very talented new artist? Looking for good songwriting and killer production? Need something silly to cut some of the darker parts of being alive right now? Charlie Houston checks all of those boxes and then some on her debut album Big After I Die. Over the course of 9 songs, the singer-songwriter tackles everything from love that almost makes you scared of yourself ('Lighter') to a love for organizational charts ('Slut for Excel'), Houston brings a lifetime of observations and idiosyncrasies into this winking LP, and it's well worth every single one of its 30 minutes. Check out all of our picks below on Billboard's Queer Jams of the Week playlist: Best of Billboard Kelly Clarkson, Michael Buble, Pentatonix & Train Will Bring Their Holiday Hits to iHeart Christmas Concert Fox Plans NFT Debut With $20 'Masked Singer' Collectibles 14 Things That Changed (or Didn't) at Farm Aid 2021
