Saturday, May 26, 2018

Week in Review: New Songs / Music Videos You Need to Check Out (May 20-26, 2018)


Happy Memorial Day weekend! While you’re out honoring all the men and women who serve and protect our fair country and enjoying the beautiful spring weather, why not take some time to check out some of this week’s new songs and music videos.

As always, this week brought with it a slew of new songs and music videos to delight our senses. Will Smith made his return to music after nearly 13 years away. Christina Aguilera released a powerful video for her latest single. Pop punk bands Good Charlotte and Panic! At The Disco released new singles from their respective upcoming albums. We also got new songs and videos from the likes of Liam Gallagher, John Mayer, Goldfinger, Dave MatthewsBand, Punchline, Arkells and more.

Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music outlet, loves new music. That’s why we’ve once again compiled a list of some of our favorite new songs and music videos. Here are eight that we think you need to add to your playlist this weekend.


1.       Nicky Jam feat. Will Smith and Era Istrefi, “Live It Up”: With the World Cup just weeks away, the event’s official song has been released. “Live It Up” is a reggae-influenced hip-hop jam with a thumping beat and exuberant horn section well-suited to pumping up a rowdy football crowd. Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi’s voices meld well together and Will Smith’s raps are as tight as ever. And as for this being Smith’s official return to music, it’s not a bad way to come back. (video)

2.       Arkells, “People’s Champ”: Written about frontman Max Kerman’s distaste for the U.S. President, “People’s Champ” finds that balance between politics and fun dance beats. Just like in the video, the song’s upbeat disco-tinged groove and indie-rock core warrant a massive dance party in your living room. (video)

3.       Good Charlotte, “Actual Pain”: This week, Good Charlotte announced details for their upcoming seventh album, ‘Generation Rx,’ along with the release of the album’s first single. “Actual Pain” delves into the feelings and pain generated by mental illness and opioid addiction. Its melody is appropriately heavy to support such gut-wrenching lyrics. The song reminds me a little of early single “Hold On,” except with the power and wisdom of 15 years more experience. (video)

4.       Avatar, “The King Welcomes You To Avatar Country”: “The King Welcomes You To Avatar Country” is a very strange song from a very strange band. For a band that looks like something out of your wildest nightmare, the music doesn’t seem to be. “Avatar Country” is a fairly melodic piece of metal that keeps pace and keeps your attention. (video)

5.       Panic! At The Disco, “High Hopes”: Following the radio success of single “Say Amen (Saturday Night),” Panic! At The Disco have released the second single from their upcoming album, ‘Pray For The Wicked.’ “High Hopes” doesn’t use as many samples as “Say Amen,” but it maintains the same kind of electronic-infused pop-punk direction the band seems to be going for this time around. The song’s cheery outlook comes from its inspiring lyrics, an upbeat vibe bolstered by horns and strings, and, of course, Brendon Urie’s impeccable vocals. (video)

6.       Punchline, “Friend From The Future”: “Friend From The Future” is an upbeat pop punk tune about staying in the present. Though the song keeps its message at the forefront, it doesn’t feel preachy, opting instead for the fun, positivity that the band is known for. (video)

7.       The Night Game, “American Nights”: Formerly the frontman of pop punk band Boys Like Girls, Martin Johnson is shifting gears with his new project, The Night Game. The band released the second single, “American Nights,” from their upcoming self-titled debut this week, and it is very unexpected. Taking cues from John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen, the song has an Americana rock vibe to it. Johnson’s deep voice (deeper than remembered) suits the track’s feel perfectly as he reminisces about hearing his favorite Americana songs on the radio. (video)

8.       Christina Aguilera, “Fall In Line”: I mentioned this song last week, but since then an official video has been released. The video for “Fall In Line” is almost as powerful as the song itself. It’s premise puts us in a world where ladies are locked away for being ladies, destined to do whatever their captors tell them to. Both Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato are bound away until Aguilera stands up for herself and fights her way out, saving Lovato and escaping. (video)


This week saw the release of a lot of great new songs and music videos. And with the three-day Memorial Day weekend here, now is the perfect time to catch up on them. Check out some of our favorites above and let us know what new songs you’ve been digging this week.

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Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s favorite new independent record shop. We have thousands of titles in a variety of genres to satisfy most music fans. Located off Sunnyside Boulevard in Plainview, we have a wide selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, cassettes, music DVDs and memorabilia in stock to choose from. Can’t make it to the store? Shop online at vinylbay777.com to see what’s new. With more titles being added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might discover at Vinyl Bay 777.

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