Unveiling the New Sound: Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and a Dozen Fresh Tracks

Miley Cyrus Asserts Her Right to Grow in New Ballad, ‘Used to Be Young’

Miley Cyrus, known for her controversial past in the music industry, releases a new ballad titled “Used to Be Young” that reflects on her past but does not express regret. The timing of the single’s release coincides with the ten-year anniversary of her infamous MTV Video Music Awards performance. In the song, Cyrus asserts her right to grow and change, acknowledging that while she may have been wild and crazy in her younger years, she cherishes the memories and embraces her evolution. The track starts off quietly but gradually builds in intensity, demonstrating the full power of Cyrus’ unique voice.

Al Green Delivers a Romantic Remake of Lou Reed’s ‘Perfect Day’

The soul singer Al Green surprises listeners with a rendition of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day,” originally released in 1972. While Reed’s version had a disquieting undertone, Green’s remake, backed by musicians from his 1970s Hi Rhythm Section, transforms the song into a promise of mutual romantic bliss. The lyrics, accompanied by Green’s signature soulful delivery, trade misgivings for a celebration of love.

Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves Collaborate on Heartfelt Country Ballad

Zach Bryan captivates audiences with the emotional ballad “I Remember Everything” featuring Kacey Musgraves. The song tells the story of a failed, whiskey-soaked romance from both perspectives, as Bryan’s gravelly vocals depict the pain and Musgraves’ pointed question highlights the need for emotional support. The raw and honest lyrics paired with a forlorn chord progression create a wrenching experience for listeners.

L’Rain Explores Turbulent Emotions in ‘Pet Rock’

L’Rain, the songwriter and musician Taja Cheek, delivers a turbulent and introspective track titled “Pet Rock.” The song explores the feeling of unwanted solitude, with cascading guitars and shifty-meter drumbeats supporting Cheek’s haunting vocals. The music’s unpredictable and tidal motion perfectly complements the unanswered questions posed by the lyrics.

Selena Gomez Celebrates Independence in Upbeat Anthem, ‘Single Soon’

Selena Gomez empowers herself with the upbeat anthem “Single Soon,” where she declares her intention to break free from a relationship. The song exults in the freedom and prerogatives that come with moving on, and Gomez’s playful delivery suggests a sense of triumph and excitement for the future.

Prince Teases Sensual Funk Groove in ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’

Prince gives a taste of his forthcoming reissue with the falsetto funk tune “Alice Through the Looking Glass.” The song’s lyrics remain ambiguous, focusing on a woman with a mysterious and alluring occupation. Prince’s groovy and sensual instrumentation, characterized by a skulking synth-bass line, sets the stage for a captivating musical experience.

Margo Price’s ‘Strays’ Reflects on Youth and Love

Margo Price releases the title track from her album “Strays II,” a sequel to her original album released earlier this year. “Strays” reminisces about being young, broke, and deeply in love in January 2003. The galloping beat and pounding piano chords evoke the spirit of the E Street Band visiting Nashville, creating a triumphant sound that celebrates youthful memories.

Mon Laferte Empathizes with Women Facing Shame in ‘Tenochtitlán’

Chilean songwriter Mon Laferte addresses the issue of women being shamed for their pregnancies in her powerful track “Tenochtitlán.” Drawing comparisons to the Virgin Mary, Laferte combines retro and futuristic elements to create a captivating musical experience. The song’s lush strings, flamenco-tinged guitar solo, and pitch-shifted vocals further emphasize the message of empowerment and the beauty of resilience.

Luciana Souza & Trio Corrente Celebrate Brazil’s Classic Songbook

Luciana Souza and Trio Corrente pay homage to Brazil’s classic songbook in their new album “Cometa.” The album features covers of songs by Dorival Caymmi and Antonio Carlos Jobim, as well as lively originals written in the spirit of tradition. Souza’s composition, “Bem Que Te Avisei” (“Well, I Warned You”), is an up-tempo samba that playfully admonishes a suitor not to pursue someone unless they are genuinely interested in committing. The album showcases the synergy between Souza’s vocals and the instrumental talents of her collaborators.

Titanic Confronts Troubling Thoughts in ‘Anónima’

The collaboration between Guatemalan songwriter Mabe Fratti and Venezuelan composer Hector Tosta, known as Titanic, unleashes the haunting and atmospheric track “Anónima” (“Anonymous”). Fratti’s cello grunts rhythmic double-stops as she explores persistent and troubling thoughts. The song’s piano notes and increasingly brutal percussion amplify the emotional intensity, while Fratti’s voice maintains its equanimity, resulting in a captivating musical experience.

A New Album Celebrates the Poetry of Sun Ra, featuring Abiodun Oyewole

Music and poetry collide in “My Words Are Music: A Celebration of Sun Ra’s Poetry,” an album that features various artists reciting Sun Ra’s poems interspersed with spacey synthesizer interludes from Marshall Allen of the Arkestra. On the track “Somebody Else’s Idea,” poet-activist Abiodun Oyewole delivers verses originally recorded by Sun Ra himself in the early 1970s. The poem challenges conventional thinking and invites listeners to envision alternative futures.

About the Pop Critics

Jon Pareles has been The New York Times’ chief pop music critic since 1988. He is not only a journalist but also a musician who has played in rock bands, jazz groups, and classical ensembles. Pareles majored in music at Yale University.

Giovanni Russonello is a pop music critic for The New York Times. He covers various genres and contributes insightful commentary on the music industry.

Lindsay Zoladz is a pop critic for The New York Times. With her expertise in contemporary pop music, she provides valuable insights and thoughtful analysis.

Conclusion

This week’s selection of new songs showcases a diverse range of musical styles and themes. From Miley Cyrus asserting her right to grow and change to Al Green delivering a romantic remake of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day,” each track offers its own unique perspective. The artists featured in this playlist demonstrate the power of music in reflecting personal experiences and emotions, providing both introspection and entertainment to listeners. Whether it’s embracing empowerment, reminiscing about youth, or challenging societal norms, these songs contribute to the rich tapestry of contemporary pop music.