Lately May 25
Recap of May 18-22
Hello!
Thanks so much for reading Lately. I’m working away each week combing the internet to find new music releases that speak to me, as well as sharing the music that I’ve been into lately.
New Releases
Charli xcx - SS26
Another new Charli xcx single a few weeks after she released the divisive "Rock Music," and while this one is definitely less of a statement, I’m not totally sure that’s a great thing. It’s pretty subdued and stays on the same level for its entirety, the guitar tone is nice but the drums are quite boring and Charli’s vocals are clean and sort of unconvincing. Really not sure where she’s headed with these new singles, supposedly these are in anticipation of her new album but I feel like she’s always been a bit more intentional with her releases while these seem a bit unthoughtful and dare I say unfinished?
Olivia Rodrigo - the cure
I’m not the target audience for Olivia Rodrigo, but I think she’s a good songwriter and artist, I’ve just never really gotten into her music much. This new single is great though! I love the direction she takes here, a five minute song in big 2026 is a big move for a mainstream popstar and it feels worth it. The acoustic guitar riff is very 90’s grunge/alt rock, the strings that come in bring this huge dramatic weight to the track, and her vocals sound great. Honestly a great track and has me intrigued for the album!
Vince Staples - White Flag
Vince Staples’ last single "Blackberry Marmalade" felt like he was back in a big way, after a few albums that went a bit under the radar. The production on this track sounds a lot like a Joy Crookes song, with the light guitar stabs and funky bassline, everything is very smooth. Lyrically Vince is expressing his exhaustion, how tiring it can be continually advocating for systemic change, resulting in him symbolically surrendering in the chorus. While this one is a bit more subdued than his last, really looking forward to this album.
Dua Lipa - Live From Mexico
I think Dua Lipa is the best pop star working today; she’s an incredible vocalist that always delivers bangers, works with great producers, is a thoughtful but uncomplicated songwriter, and puts on a hell of a show. I was at the tour that this live album was recorded from and it was fantastic, it’s amazing just how many hits she has and just how good her vocals sound. No new content here but just purely appreciating how good she is!
What I’m Listening To
I recently started season 2 of Beef and I’ve really been enjoying it, and hats off to Finneas O’Connell (of Billie Eilish brother fame) for his work on the soundtrack. It’s really dynamic and effective, he has a lot of great themes that he reworks well throughout the show. It’s entirely made on synths and so at times it has a bit of an 80’s feel almost akin to Stranger Things, I love how much he relies on arpeggiators throughout, as well as these slow moving filters on tracks like “Vicious Thoughts (Reprise).” Just a really solid soundtrack that I’ve been throwing on while working lately and it gets the job done.