Martin Garrix and Troye Sivan
“There for You” single
(STMPD/Epic/Sony Music Netherlands B.V.)
Martin Garrix and Troye Sivan’s new single has summer hit written all over it. It’s not too flashy, but it has a good beat in the bass and the chorus. Sivan’s smooth voice is perfect for Garrix’s electronic style. Sivan, who is from Australia and turns 22 this month, is one of the few YouTubers who has managed to create a successful music career outside YouTube. He seems to have solely concentrated on music since the 2016 release of his first full-length album, Blue Neighborhood. Garrix, 21, who is Dutch, isn’t as new to the music industry. He’s been releasing radio hits for several years. It’s impossible to know for sure going in whether two artists will fit together, but this pair connected almost too well. We’ll be lucky if they collaborate again.
Bria
With a Twist (Sony)
Uh-oh! I might be in love with this album. At the first track, I wanted to know everything about Bria. I haven’t been this excited about an artist since Amy Winehouse. Bria sounds nothing like Winehouse and she is nowhere near as dark, but the classic jazz style she employs is a rarity in new music these days. It also has a heavy ’60s vibe thrown in. She plays the trumpet, which is a breath of fresh air. I’ve been saying for years that music these days needs more brass instruments, and Bria grants my wishes with this album. Lovers of musicals will adore her candid style on the track “It’s Oh So Quiet.” Bria is the real deal. I hope more artists come out with jazz-styled music soon. My favorite songs off the album are, “My Baby Just Cares for Me,” “Cocktails for Two,” and “Back in Your Own Backyard.”
Wrabel
(Epic)
I had never heard the name Wrabel until recently, but after listening to this E.P., I won’t be forgetting him anytime soon. I didn’t realize I had already heard him with Afrojack on the song “Ten Feet Tall.” I have a particular respect for singer-songwriters, and with Wrabel it is no different. Not only is he a pianist and an incredible songwriter, but his voice is amazing. It’s almost unfair. He sounds a little bit like Sam Smith, but Wrabel is more on the pop and dance side of the spectrum. Wrabel is openly gay, and the song “11 Blocks” is about a relationship he once had where his lover moved 11 blocks away. When I listened to the E.P. for a second time, I was already singing along without realizing it. Wrabel is one to definitely keep on the radar. Besides “11 Blocks,” my favorite songs off the E.P. are “Bloodstain” and “Ritual.”
Kirstin
“Break a Little” single
(RCA)
I almost passed this one from Kirstin Maldonado of the Pentatonix. That would have been a mistake because it’s a great pop and R&B song that shouldn’t be ignored. It’s so easy to pass on tracks that seem like they are just going to be some boring old pop song. But this pop song is catchier than most and it has a solid beat. It’s similar to Rihanna or Ariana Grande, but it has a completely different voice, Kirstin’s voice, and it’s her solo debut. I can already hear this song at the gay clubs. At least I hope I hear it, because it’s very danceable. Do not miss this if you love all things pop.