February Track Roundup

GLR members discuss the latest music releases from February 2024!

“16 CARRIAGES” - Beyoncé
Written by Daniel Rateau

Surprise dropped during Super Bowl LVII along with “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM” as the co-lead singles from her upcoming Act II project, “16 CARRIAGES” sees Beyoncé entering a new genre and continuing to dominate as a music industry rule-breaker. The country ballad, which discusses the connection of parents and their children, also speaks on the idea of growing up and not fully being established as someone who could enjoy their teen years. Recalling the graft of her career that she has had since her mid-teens, Beyonce starts her crusade of reclaiming the country music genre from the black perspective. Speaking on how she learned about the “Black American cowboy,” Beyonce decides to go in the direction of celebrating and reintroducing black country into a new audience and generation, that may have only been accustomed to white modern artists. Sitting within a sub-genre of blues and gospel, “16 CARRIAGE” takes the listener on a journey of self-reflection, self-love, and acceptance as to how time can affect oneself. 

“All the Same” - The Voidz
Written by Willow Pannozzo

The first time I listened to “All The Same”, I had no idea what Julian Casablancas, the lead singer, was saying. The vocals are muffled and warped by autotune, and the accompanying instruments are amplified. That being said, the release of this single has been the highlight of my February. As a follower of anything Julian Casablancas-related, I have been waiting for new music to fangirl over. Now, finally, we have something to sink our teeth into. “All The Same” was released on February 21st, advertised as a leak from their allusive social media manager, Tron Cole. Tron Cole posted the single all over social media, thus being “fired” from the band’s management team, which is definitely one way to garner fan attention. Since the song’s traction among fans and online discourse, Tron Cole has been rehired, so thankfully we’ll be seeing more of him during future releases. The track speaks for itself; it's cool, catchy, and nostalgic of their previous albums, Virtue and Tyranny. While fans seem to be divided on the track’s success, “All The Same” is a new side of The Voidz. In usual Julian Casablancas fashion, the lyrics are melancholy. However, it has a much more upbeat rhythm than most of their previous discography. The song is slated to be featured in the new Miranda Cosgrove movie “Drugstore June” coming to theaters February 23. “All The Same” is a great addition to any alt-rock playlist, and I can’t wait to see what else Julian has prepared for 2024. 

“Are You Looking Up” - Mk.gee
Written by Praagna Kashyap

Even though we’re only two months into 2024, singer-songwriter Mk.gee’s masterful debut album Two Star & The Dream Police is already a strong contender for album of the year. “Are You Looking Up” is a standout track that originally debuted as a single last October. Though his music blends a variety of influences and is reminiscent of legends such as Prince and Fleetwood Mac in addition to Mk.gee’s close collaborator Dijon, his ethereal yet erratic production style places him in his own lane altogether. Mk.gee’s impassioned, raspy vocals take center stage behind an unconventional mix of plucky guitar, muddled drumbeats, and metallic noises, crafting a sound that oozes nostalgia, warmth, and longing. He forgoes overt storytelling in favor of ambiguity, with lyrics such as “What’s keeping you fenced off? / And who’s got the power in your mind?” allowing listeners to imagine themselves in conversation with the artist. “Are You Looking Up” exists in a transient state on the cusp of dreams and reality, testing the limits of consciousness and contemporary music.

“A Cold Sunday” - Lil Yachty
Written by Sarah Liu

Nothing is rocking the Lil Boat as he rides the smooth, soulful beat in his single “A Cold Sunday.” Lil Yachty ruminates on his life post-fame and his relationship with the wealth it brings (both in material status and in his personal relationships). For nearly two minutes, Yachty’s lyrical dexterity and prowess is on full display, dropping shout-outs to Princess Diana and the City Girls: “I ran thirty million in the ground, baby, now I'm back up//She a city girl, I'm the real reason that she act up.” Oh, and we almost forgot – he barely takes a breath for the entire minute and 47 seconds.

“Deeper Well” - Kacey Musgraves
Written by Vienna Chang

Our favorite Country-Pop girly Kacey Musgraves gets real about finding self-fulfillment and purpose within her life with the release of her lead single for her 6th studio album,  “Deeper Well”. Musgraves gets personal about saying bye to bad habits (“Hit the gravity bong that I made / It’s natural when things lose their shine”) and bye to bad people (“But you got that dark energy / Something I can’t unsee”), welcoming a new era of learning and loving within herself. As the water from wells replenishes us, the “Deeper Well” she discovers is one within herself— a source of love, light, and happiness that brings a new replenishment and fulfillment of life. No longer guided by external forces in her life, she takes the reins to her happiness. She emphasizes the beauty of having a deeper relationship with yourself- that self-love and fulfillment can only start with a better understanding of oneself, and that no one can fill that void but you. Things change in life, and Musgraves shows us the beauty of growing up through learning, losing, and expanding in our lives, guiding us to find deeper wells within ourselves. 

“Don’t Forget Me” - Maggie Rogers
Written by Kayla Anderson

The leading, titular single off Maggie Rogers’ new album, “Don’t Forget Me” is a breath of fresh air. As she recalls her (presumably hypothetical) friends Sally and Molly’s romantic experiences, Rogers speaks honestly about her own future relationship. She’s not necessarily looking for her life partner, just someone to keep her company in the meantime; “a good lover or someone who’s nice to me.” The growing expectations of marriage and a family with every passing year is catching up with Rogers. She craves a love that is simple and free, knowing full well they will eventually move on. Despite being short-term, she begs, “Don’t forget me.” The guitar and piano are composed, perfectly supporting the lyrical messaging. Like a hug from your friend or wearing your Mom’s favorite sweater, this song is nostalgic, familiar, and bittersweet. If this is telling for the rest of the album, I am more than excited to hear what Rogers has to say. 

“Thank God and Jimmy Buffett” - Pitbull
Written by Brendan DiTullio

Mr. Worldwide takes a trip down to Margaritaville with his Jimmy Buffett tribute track, “Thank God & Jimmy Buffett.” Parrotheads everywhere were shocked when Buffett passed away last September, and now 6 months later Pitbull has decided to open an old wound and make us relive the grief all over again. Is this song good? No, but its quality is made up for by its endless charm and sincerity. Pitbull’s signature feel-good beats are in full swing here, paired with endless references to Buffett’s legacy, including drinking, going with the flow, and putting your fins up. I was surprised that Pitbull of all people would drop a tribute track, but I’m happy to report that these two musical stallions had developed a beautiful and enduring friendship with one another. In fact, Mr. 305 even made his broadway debut in Escape to Margaritaville, bringing down the house during the show’s encore. Buffett and Pitbull’s friendship is immortalized in “Thank God & Jimmy Buffett.” This feel-good anthem probably won’t be the song of the summer, but much like their friendship, its beauty will endure for generations.

“Your Apartment” - Wallows
Written by Victoria Felix Eduardo

After two long years since the release of their sophomore album Tell Me That It’s Over, Wallows have finally made a comeback this year with their single, “Your Apartment.” The alternative indie band made up of lead singer Dylan Minnette, guitarist Braeden Lemasters, and drummer Cole Preston, have reunited to introduce this track as the beginning of a new, much darker, era for the band compared to their last two albums. The lyrics, co-written by the band members and Nate Mercereau, touch on the subjects of infidelity and toxic relationships. The breakup anthem starts simple with a guitar track but quickly builds on itself by adding a grand piano, drums from Cole, backing vocals by Braeden, and of course a synth track to give it that familiar pop-feel we’ve heard from Wallows in the past. They released the song on February 16th, alongside their music video. “Your Apartment” has been predicted to be the first single off their upcoming third studio album. 

EDITED BY PRAAGNA KASHYAP