As we close off the second week of March, we’re hit with another set of stellar new releases that you shouldn’t miss out on.
From the echoes of dreamy, 90s-esque soundscapes, atypical sound of lo-fi beats, to upbeat pop hits-in-the-making, this week’s picks from artists like Beabadoobee, The Marías, VVINK, and several more are sure to brighten your playlists and keep you hitting repeat.
For this week’s edition of New Music Fridays, here are 7 must-listen songs — specially curated by the Billboard Philippines team — that are surely worthy of being added to your new playlist rotations.
“All I Did Was Dream Of You” – Beabadoobee and The Marías
As one of the collaborations that many alternative-pop fans have only dreamed of, Beabadoobee and The Marías’ collaboration, “All I Did Was Dream Of You” is an excellent display of what makes both their music so beloved. Pairing the hazy intimacy of Bea’s music with the lush, if dreamy atmosphere of The Marías, it makes this tune drift into a soft, floating reverie. With their voices gliding alongside one another by the track’s second chorus, it makes this track feel like a late-night daydream you wouldn’t want to snap out of. – Gabriel Saulog, Lead Writer
“baka bukas” – Angela Ken
Angela Ken’s “baka bukas” speaks about holding on to hope and reminding oneself that things not meant for today may still arrive tomorrow, or someday. Fittingly, the track carries a whole lot of warmth despite tomorrow’s uncertainties, with hope still within our reach. Additionally, the song’s stripped-back acoustic arrangement sounds reminiscent of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac or of the style of Ebe Dancel, with Angela Ken’s tender vocals front and center. – Ralph Regis, Lifestyle & Culture Writer
“There, There” – OZO
OZO have been on a stellar streak of releases following the underrated (and overlooked) “Sweater,” but their latest release, “There, There” surely warrants your attention. Fusing the alternative indie, R&B, and neo-soul genres together, it results in a track that perfectly conveys the reassuring nature of its lyricism, easing one in with sweet melodies, lush vocals, and a gorgeous set of tunes. If you’re a fan of Dijon’s sudden dynamic shifts and lo-fi sonic wizardry, then you can easily find a similar tune from OZO and their work on here. – Gabriel Saulog
“Club Song” – Pussycat Dolls
Marking their first release in over six years, The Pussycat Dolls come back with a bang with “Club Song,” a modern dance anthem brimming with 2000s club music nostalgia in the vein of their hit “Don’t Cha.” It is also their first release as a trio, featuring vocals from Nicole Scherzinger, Ashley Roberts, and Kimberly Wyatt. Made by the girls, for the girls, the track leans into feminist themes of confidence and independence. – Ralph Regis
“Kailan Ka Aamin” – VVINK
Over the course of VVINK’s four singles thus far, this fast-rising P-pop group has showcased their versatility as performers and artists even without the release of a full record (as of yet). Yet on “Kailan Ka Aamin,” we’re seeing a newly revealed side of the musical quintet, one that’s earnest, yet still capable of delivering the bubblegum sweet tunes that we’ve come to already love them for. But especially on here, their vocal prowess undeniably shines through, allowing us to fully bask in the yearning nature of a track such as this. – Gabriel Saulog
“Deja Vu” – Timmy Albert
“If time was a friend, do it over again / I keep going back to the start.” Timmy Albert’s brand new single, “deja vu” is about finding a soulmate who eventually becomes more than just a friend, but a companion. The track gives all the feels and the perfect dedication to that one person we never expected to meet at the right place and right time. Timmy reflects on replaying the moments when that love first arrived, complete with all the butterflies, as well as the roses and sunflowers (pun intended). It’s the kind of song that makes you feel giddy, like slow dancing and spending time with that special person. – Ralph Regis
“Daga” – Sexy Jay
Lo-fi beats and old-school synth warbles are all over “Daga,” the latest single from skateboarding barber-turned-post-punk prankster Sexy Jay, who continues to sharpen his campy, minimalist, and dancefloor-friendly brand of post-punk with a ditty about everyone’s most hated rodent. Lyrically, it may not consist of much more than Sexy Jay chanting both syllables of the titular word, but make no mistake, this is art, and it deserves to be heard in clubs everywhere. – Jason Caballa, Managing Editor