“The Roster” is a series created by Aneesh Batchu. Each week, a tier list of the best, most average, and worst new releases is published alongside blistering hot takes. First, Batchu tackles the latest singles, and then he and Phie Mihm comment on the most recent albums.
Singles
Good
Coldplay, LittleSimz, Burna Boy, Elyanna, TINI – “WE PRAY” …for more songs like this, because Burna’s accent layered over Coldplay production is just *chef’s kiss.* I am surprised it took so long to curate this collaboration — I am glad it has now been done.
Jessie Reyez, Lil Wayne – “RIDIN” …the highway back from the beach is the vibe on this beachy banger. Controversially, I have never been much of a Wayne fan, but his voice finally clicked with Jessie on this laid-back beachy beat.
Omah Lay – “Moving” …is defined by its afrobeat influence and melodious lyricism, which are masterful. The track is a signal to check out such an underrated artist.
Mid
Doechii – “BOOM BAP” …might be the beginning of her fall off. Though Doechii had one summer hit when exploring new ideas, this is just a boring release.
Diplo, Mau P, Gunna – “Receipts” …did not quite convince me of the new wave of artists entering the EDM space, although my roommate is ecstatic about it.
Chase Atlantic – “DIE FOR ME” …is another one of his cookie-cutter songs, and while he has made his hits, he sounds even more nasally and annoying on this song.
Jaylen Brown, A$AP Ferg – “Just Do It” …is a fitting name for this debut track from an NBA star. This would be a great song to have in the background of a conversation. Though the track has a strong beat, it’s comical to listen to Jaylen Brown on it.
Central Cee, JRK 19 – “Bolide Noir” …is French for black meteor, a special event… but the only special part of this song is the French rap collaboration. If only the strength of the chorus had carried throughout the enter song, then this could have been perfect.
Ariana Grande – “Cadillac Song” …does sound like it would have done well for itself in 2014, but as a tenth-anniversary track, it does not add much to the album.
Ariana Grande – “Too Close” …yet so far from perfection. I enjoyed the production beneath the vocals on this more than I did on “Cadillac Song,” but this still felt like a half-assed Ariana song. It just does not give its all like her other bangers.
Bad
Trippie Redd, LAZER DIM 700, VonOff1700 – “Murderman” …is not the rage we missed. Trippie has his moments, but this overproduced mess is not one of them.
Emei – “RABBITHOLE” …attempts a deep dive into ‘meta’ music, which I would appreciate if it had been done well. This attempt at ‘meta’ music is not only unenjoyable but also pointless.
Central Cee – “Billion Streams Freestyle” …will not be receiving anywhere near a billion streams. How can he unironically use an Ice Spice-reminiscent beat in the background, now, after cheating on his ex with her??
blink-182 – “ALL IN MY HEAD / NO FUN” …are the two phrases running through my head while listening to these songs. This feels like a parody of a generic rock band talking about anxiety over heavy guitars and drums. Please try something new. Anything.
Albums
Good
Travis Scott – “Days Before Rodeo” …is a title that defines the album as a well-made prequel for Travis’s discography, and one that sets the stage for Rodeo’s style. This is a beautiful representation of both Travis Scott’s psychedelic trap sound and the foundational nature of his work in the music of today. While most albums today (lookin’ at you Pink Tape) fail to meet the hype placed on them, this one did so well, while preserving the essence of Travis’s existing catalog, even as a decade-later re-release. – A. Batchu
Dhruv – “Private Blizzard” …is a calm, collected ode to… coffee? Numerous references to coffee aside, this record successfully captures the highs and lows of Summer — it’s nothing like a brutal winter storm. With warm instrumentals, laidback vocals, and a tangible adoration for jazz, RnB, and cinematic music, Dhruv sweeps up listeners in the all-encompassing, dazzling atmosphere of his “Private Blizzard.” – P. Mihm
Mid
Charlieonnafriday – “Wild Child” …is an ironic title considering how tame the songs are. While nearly half of this album was previously teased as TikTok singles, the remaining tracks ended up as a somewhat lackluster collection. Unfortunately, “Wild Child” falls victim to the ‘over-promising, under-delivering’ trope that most ‘TikTok artists’ succumb to. However, for fans of country-pop and songs designed for viral segments, this album might be your best bet for now. – A. Batchu
Bad
Sabrina Carpenter – “Short n’ Sweet” …has a sour taste. Unfortunately, Carpenter desperately relies on relatability with repetitive references to SMS, cell phones, and socials. The often cheesy combination of angst and flirtation is overdone and derivative: it’s everything Rodrigo, Mars, Roan, Swift, SZA, and Bridgers have already done and done better — only those first two teaser singles were Carpenter’s ‘sound.’ – P. Mihm
Cash Cobain – “Play Cash Cobain” …actually could you pause it? The record can best be described by Cobain’s own line: “She said all I rap about is sex.” Lyrically, it’s pornography with moments of out-of-place romanticism and an easy-listening yet repetitive flow. Cobain fits his niche like a glove, but nothing more; the catchy yet fanfic-esque record isn’t particularly remarkable or memorable. – P. Mihm
