January Track Roundup
Hear what GLR members have to say about the latest music releases from January 2024!
“24” - NIKI
Written by Vienna Chang
Indonesian singer-songwriter NIKI moves on to the next stages of adulthood with her latest single, “24”, a vulnerable and intimate piece looking back at her early 20s. She depicts the complexities of love and being unsure within it with— “You pray to God it’s forever / you think ‘why try altogether’ / but he’s endless and on my skin like sand on the shore”. NIKI also captures the most memorable and exciting adventures of her 20s while also conveying the little moments in life that matter “You travel the world, swim under a waterfall / you have everything you ever wanted / you wonder when your dad will call”. “24” perfectly encapsulates the dualities of early adulthood- the pain and the bliss, from feeling your highest highs to feeling as though you know nothing at all, to the quieter, slower moments of life where you crave to be taken care of. With “24”, NIKI blends her wisdom from her early adult years to showcase the ins and outs of life and to appreciate all that comes with it.
“Dilemma” - Green Day
Written by Willow Pannozzo
On January 19, Green Day released their newest record titled Saviors, a 15-track album featuring two singles “Dilemma” and “The American Dream is Killing Me”. Sticking with their poignant, politically progressive themes they carry throughout their entire discography, Saviors fills audiences with the motivation to overthrow the government just as American Idiot, Revolution Now, and Dookie have before. The tracks feel slightly paired down and have a more raw production value, which sets this record apart from the others. The more garage-rock tone of the album pairs nicely with the very honest lyrics Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tre Cool have written. “Dilemma”, dives into the experiences of alcoholism and addiction that the band members have faced throughout their career. Though the mood of the song is quite upbeat, the lyrics are telling of a bleaker reality. Armstrong sings “Here’s to all my problems, I just wanna drink the poison” and repeats the hook “I don’t want to be a dead man walking” throughout the chorus. “Dilemma” is a perfect example of Green Day’s ability to plate important topics as music for all demographics and audiences.
“Homesick” - Noah Kahan, Sam Fender
Written by Kayla Anderson
Continuing his string of collaborations from hit album Stick Season, Noah Kahan invites British indie-rock star Sam Fender onto his track. “Homesick” discusses conflicting feelings about your hometown; being proud of where you came from, but wanting to get as far away from it as possible at the same time. While Kahan and Fender grew up on different sides of the planet, this resentful pride is applicable to both of their experiences. Fender reinvents the second verse, revealing his childhood in Newcastle, England. He speaks about the Meadow Well riots that took place in the ‘90s, construction cranes that loomed over the city for years, and the dreams his father wished for him taunting from beyond the horizon. Beyond this impactful verse, Fender adds background vocals during the chorus, his easily recognizable voice peaking through strong instrumentals. Together they repeat, “I’m homesick,” and prove that folk-pop and British rock can merge in a beautiful manner. The fact that two artists can be so different yet come together to convey such a convincing message speaks to the success of this collaboration.
“Lego Ring” - Faye Webster, Lil Yachty
Written by Praagna Kashyap
Following five studio albums, Faye Webster has proved she’s still at the top of her game with “Lego Ring,” the lead single from her upcoming album Underdressed at the Symphony. It has all the hallmarks of a Faye Webster classic, like fuzzy, reverberating bass and sweet, whimsical lyricism. Lil Yachty may seem like an unusual choice for a collaborator, but the two have been close friends since middle school, and his punchy, uptempo verse blends in seamlessly with the rest of the song. When the two harmonize on the refrain, singing “I, I know what I like / I know what I want / But you know I kinda need,” they sound almost otherworldly, encapsulating the feeling of being truly consumed by love. If “Lego Ring” is any indication, the indie darling’s sixth album is sure to be another with widespread acclaim.
“Now and Then” - The Beatles
Written by Brendan DiTullio
Better late than never. 60 years after their debut, the four lads from Liverpool are back for one last tune. Originally recorded on a cassette tape by John Lennon, “Now and Then” and its muffled vocals were deemed unsalvagable by the remaining Beatles during the band’s reunion in the 90s. However, with a little help from acclaimed director Peter Jackson’s new demixing technology, Lennon’s voice has been separated with an astounding level of clarity, enabling the band to finish what they started. “Now and Then” is a collaboration spanning lifetimes: written and sung by Lennon in the 70s, worked on by Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr in the 90s, and now finally finished in 2023 by the two remaining Beatles. Whether it be Harrison’s subtle rhythm guitar or McCartney harmonizing with his friend Lennon once more, there are plenty of signature Beatles flourishes that are sure to tug on the heart strings. Although the tune might not be as groundbreaking as prior hits like “A Day in the Life” or “Eleanor Rigby,” “Now and Then” is a victory lap–one that serves as a poignant farewell to the world’s biggest band.
*This release was from November 2023, but the review is being included now since the November roundup did not end up getting published.
“yes, and?” - Ariana Grande
Written by Daniel Rateau
Following three full years without any solo music from Gen Z’s Pop Princess, Ariana Grande makes her grand return to the music industry with the lead single of her seventh studio album, eternal sunshine, with “yes, and?.” A primarily dance-pop track with influences of house music and produced by pop genius Max Martin, “yes, and?” follows a different sound for Grande, stemming away from her heavily R&B-influenced sixth studio album, Positions. Lyrically, the new track speaks on overcoming negativity, allowing light to shine through dark situations, and continuing on despite any rumors. Being released during a prime time in the pop icon’s life following allegations of infidelity, her divorce with Dalton Gomez, and her new relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater, “yes, and?” sees Ariana acknowledging the backlash, but confirming that truly no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. Interlopated with “Vogue” by Madonna, the dance track truly feels like a new adventure for Grande, that the rest of her fandom cannot wait to explore and witness on her upcoming project to be released on March 8th.
EDITED BY PRAAGNA KASHYAP