December 8th was a massive day for the music industry. I’m not quite sure why that date was so important, but artist announcements came thick and fast with news of singles, music videos, and albums. With the sheer amount of content being released, some of these songs may have fallen under your radar. Here’s a rundown of all the new music you may have missed:
1. “Eras of Us” by FLETCHER
Inspired by running into ex Shannon Beveridge at Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Fletcher crafted a song reflecting on the painful nostalgia of long-lost love. “I didn’t mean it when I said I was numb/ ‘Cause I’m feelin’ every feelin’ cuttin’ straight to my guts,” she laments, “I’ve been tryna kill the memory of you in my mind/ It’s a cross I’m gonna bear until the day that I die.” The song’s slow build is so delicious, especially when it lets loose during its electrifying bridge. The music video isn’t earth-shattering, but it does pack an emotional punch by having Fletcher wander the streets of the City of Love alone.
2. Think Later by Tate McRae
Originally a dancer, McRae has been making a huge splash in the pop music scene. Think Later is her second studio album, jam-packed with energy, attitude, and rapid-fire lyrics. Singles “greedy” and “exes” have been particularly embraced by social media and the dance community for their catchy tunes and hard-hitting beats. McRae mainly sticks to the pop basics of love and friendship drama, but she presents it in a pretty package that refuses to disappoint anyone looking for a fun time.
3. “girl in new york” by Nessa Barrett
Nessa Barrett’s been blowing up the music scene with slick slow burns, and “girl in new york” is no exception. Confronting her lover about cheating on her with a girl on the opposite coast, she bids good riddance. “Sweet little me told you ‘Go and have a good time’/ I didn’t mean forget about me,” she sings, “You’re not as smart as you think you are/ I know about the girl in New York.” Whether it’s pure paranoia or a warranted accusation is up for interpretation, but Barrett’s hurt comes through as clear as day. It’s a song that feels as though it would be playing at a club in a film noir, and I guarantee it will echo in your brain long after the music fades.
4. “I Sent My Therapist to Therapy” by Alec Benjamin
Alec Benjamin is one of my favorite songwriters, with a gift for detailed storytelling that stands in direct contrast to current critiques of bland pop music. The song utilizes absurdity in a way that feels strangely raw, mirroring many people who struggle with the idea that they are too broken to be fixed, singing, “‘A case as bad as yours, I don’t think I have a remedy’/ Think he needs help now, oh, the irony/ I’m so messed up, I sent my therapist to therapy.”
I highly suggest watching the music video, as it adds a significant amount of depth to the song. Benjamin plays both patient and doctor, reflecting the inability to help oneself when struggling with mental health. He’s unwilling to reach out to anyone else for help, something which causes him to spiral deeper and deeper. There’s so much packed into its three-minute runtime, and it serves as an extremely useful supplement to the song.
5. SUCKERPUNCH (Deluxe Version) by Maggie Lindemann
Between her music, her record label, and her clothing brand, Lindemann keeps herself busy. She just released a deluxe version of her debut album, SUCKERPUNCH, featuring five live songs from her show at Irving Plaza in New York City. Some bonus songs include fan favorites “you’re not special,” “she knows it,” and “casualty of your dreams. Additionally, she released a 25-minute concert film of her world tour on YouTube, a tour that sold out within four minutes of release. If you love pop punk, then I highly suggest checking out all that Lindemann has to offer.