A new song is a fresh musical composition. It may be a traditional folk song, an updated hymn, or even an original piece of popular music. A new song is often a reaffirmation of culture or a way to support a social movement. It is also a form of praise to God for his redemptive Acts, especially the death of Jesus Christ.
The Bible says that a new song is in the lips of those who are redeemed (Revelation 5:9-10). The song is sung by 144, 000 people—a number that has been debated over, but it does not change the fact that the new song focuses on the work of redemption. It also encapsulates the central theology of the book of Revelation: that the redemptive acts of Jesus Christ are for all people, in every tribe, language, and nation.
Lil Yachty and Faye Webster are two of the biggest tricksters in their respective genres, but they can still help each other kick back. The “Lego Ring” singer lays down a catchy, breezy hook over Yachty’s warbling harmonies and some simple, piercing lyrics (“It’s just a Lego ring/ It’ll pick for you if it’s the right one”). Seriousness is overrated. –J.C.
Normani has been a long time coming, and the first single from her debut album, Dopamine, is a smooth bop that is sure to hit the charts. Its slap-heavy bass line, sharp Starrah ad-libs, and eff-the-haters lyrics (“Small change, turn them small boys into big girls”) set the tone for an album that is funkier, sexier, and sleeker than anything we’ve heard from the singer before.
After conquering amapiano and Nigerian fuji, multi-instrumentalist Asake is searching for something new on his latest project. On “Active,” he blends his restless spirit with New Orleans bounce and Travis Scott’s Houston trap. The result is a pop-ish/rock-ish anthem with late-aughts Santigold energy that sounds like the soundtrack to your next tropical vacation. –J.C.