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. The best of the best receive a trophy, and the worst of the worst are tossed in the bin. First, Batchu tackles the latest singles. Then, the team comments on the most recent albums.
SINGLES…
Good
🏆 DESTIN CONRAD, Teezo Touchdown – “THE LAST TIME,” but not the last time that I’ll be listening to Conrad’s work. This new track showcases the beauty and power in a well-done duet. Bonus points to Touchdown for the deftly interwoven vocals throughout the song.
Miley Cyrus – “End of the World” is one of Cyrus’s best works. The instrumentation and production styles are finally suited to her vocal style and lyricism. Backed by an electronic sound, Cyrus’s emotional vocals deliver a gorgeous performance.
The Marias – “Back To Me” is a beautiful take on the theme of returning love. The Marias’ breathy vocals are laid over a melodramatic synth and well-produced percussive elements.
Laufey – “Silver Lining” is a Laufey ballade masterclass. As she croons over an orchestral instrumental, she remarks on the beauty despite poor timing. The song delivers a truly pleasant sonic experience for an otherwise sad topic.
Lil Yachty, Veeze – “Can’t Be Crete Boy” features a fast-paced, vocal-infused, and effortlessy evolving beat that matches Yachty’s and Veeze’s styles well.
Mid
Ed Sheeran – “Azizam” is the classic Sheeran pop song kicking off his promotion of his upcoming album. While a sonically pleasant song, it feels generally the same as the rest of his work with a basic and repetitive chorus with a catchy instrumental.
Sexyy Red – “Hoochie Coochie” is a carbon copy Sexyy Red song. However, the little piano “ad-libs” offer enough intrigue to save this song from a worse rating.
BigXthaPlug, Bailey Zimmerman – “All The Way” is a fitting collaboration for BigX, given the folksier beats he tends to rap over. This song takes this tendency one step further and becomes a full-fledged country and rap fusion.
GELO – “Law N Order” retains GELO’s signature with its percussive piano chords. However, this feature also makes it hard to take the song seriously. While an improvement from his initial claim to fame, the song is intensely basic overall.
PinkPantheress – “Tonight” is excessively busy. The UK garage and pop influences build up throughout the song, making for an overproduced pre-chorus.
Rudimental, Khalid – “All I Know” is an intriguing blend of Khalid’s raw, soulful voice and Rudimental’s electronic, house-style production. However, the generic lyrics fall short.
Anyma, Yeat – “Work,” and work Yeat put into this. The track forces him to pick up his pace with a high-energy, technological sound. While not a lyrical masterpiece, it is certainly an enjoyable, energetic song.
Bad
Rod Wave – “Sinners” features the typical pianist-underscored beat that Wave has become associated with. Unfortunately, it does so without novelty of lyricism, theme, or sonic elements.
🚮BossMan Dlow – “Money Talks,” but Dlow is not listening. The song incorporates endless boring elements alongside a beat unsuited to Dlow’s vocal style.
ALBUMS…
Good
🏆 West 22nd – Nowhere To Be encapsulates the April showers atmosphere immaculately, with its mix of equal-parts upbeat and subdued melodies. Somehow, it is reminiscent of a gone past and openly hopeful for a coming light.
Mid
🚮Malcolm Todd – Malcolm Todd’s self-titled second album is a letdown for fans of Todd’s original works. On the 2025 release, Todd explores a new style with intermediate success. “Florence” is a standout track, yet others fail to come to the fore.
