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New Music Friday – June 28, 2024

Welcome to New Music Friday. Camila Cabello has shared her first new album since signing to Geffen Records, Still Woozy just delivered his sophomore album and alt-folk is alive and well through artists like Hemlock. Here’s what’s worth a listen this week.

The Best of New Music Friday:

Camila Cabello – C,XOXO

Camila Cabello’s fourth studio album C,XOXO is the latest record to push production and theatric-heavy pop music towards audiences. Through all the pomp and circumstance going on during C,XOXO, there are times where Cabello shows her artistic evolution. There’s hardly a Latina-inflected moment and less girl-pop polish. This album has a more straightforward Cabello than anyone has heard before.

The sounds accompanying Cabello’s autotuned vocals on C,XOXO are a masterclass but may be overlooked because of another recent pop album’s similar take. The lyrics Cabello sings are at their best when she’s alone, especially when she sadly and candidly talks herself off a ledge on “B.O.A.T.” “DREAM-GIRLS” is a really well-branded song practically made for the pop charts. It rips.

However, there are just as many tracks with little substance and too much starpower to let Cabello completely shine. C,XOXO feels like a mixed supergroup record fronted by Cabello instead of being her own LP. In only 32 minutes and on 7 of its 14 songs, Cabello is either joined by another superstar or left ofF the track entirely. Playboi Carti, Lil Nas X, JT, Yung Miami, BLP Kosher and even Drake stop by. Drake has his own track on the album, called “Uuugly.” Cabello isn’t even credited. It’s not an odd choice as much as it is puzzling that Cabello doesn’t get time to shine on this record. Her solo moments are the brightest spots.

Focusing back on Cabello at her very best, C,XOXO has gorgeous songs. Cabello tracks her roiling emotions in real time as her voice leaps from auto-tuned lament to piercing anger. She’s taken a leap into a new direction. Next time she deserves full range to explore that area.

New Music Friday Top Picks:

Hemlock – “Drive & Drive” & “Hyde Park”

Lee Underwood – California Sigh

Lil Yachty & James Blake – Bad Cameo

Sarah Grace White – Sinkhole

Still Woozy – Loveseat

Wilco – Hot Sun Cool Shroud

Which of these tracks from New Music Friday will you add to your favorite playlists today? Any we missed? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram!

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Ben Pagani

Music Projects Manager at Beyond The Stage Magazine

Ben is a music journalist living and working in Chicago. They joined Beyond The Stage as an intern and have stayed on the staff for several years. Now serving on the editorial board, Ben is proud to be BTS' Music Projects Manager, coordinating coverage between international record labels and our staff. Ben has interviewed, photographed and written about bands from across the world. Ben has lived all over the United States working in television and media. They are an Emmy Award-winning writer. Ben can be found spinning records as 'DJ Wearing Sunglasses' in clubs and basements across the US.