Billboard's first stream serves as a handy guide to Friday's biggest releases—the mainstream music that got everyone talking today and that will dominate the charts this weekend and beyond.
This week, Miley Cyrus grew up on "Flowers," Shakira didn't hold back on a weird rap, and Sam Smith got two friends to keep growing up. Below you can get acquainted with the best selections of this week.
Miley Cyrus, "Flowers"
Throughout her career, Miley Cyrus has reinvented her image and sound as a new album era begins, from the complex synth of Can't Be Tamed to the bold hip-hop of Bangerz and the soulful country pop of Young Now , a guitar rock from Plastic : Hearts that respect. The mellow, disco-tinged mid-tempo pop anthem "Flowers," the first teaser from her album " Endless Summer Vacation ," doesn't uplift or showcase a radical sonic breakthrough for Cyrus, but the lack of transformation actually works in the Superstar's favor. though., sings about the process and fulfillment of change after a breakup. Cyrus sings with wisdom and a steady sense of space on "Flowers," showing that she can still create pop magic while feeling good.
Bizarrap & Shakira, "Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53"
"This is for you to get wasted, confused, stunned and confused," says Shakira on Volume 53 of the popular Bizarrap Music Sessions, and indeed, this collaboration should be a multi-buzz. On Shakira's house. Former soccer star Gerard Pique, who is already playing on social media. Don't let the tabloids steer you toward Shakira's buzziest single in years, though; "Shakira! Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” is rich with hooks, rhythm changes and refreshing vocals, as if its earlier immersion revealed the brightest version. about an all-time superstar.
Sam Smith feat. Coffee & Jesse Reyes, "Give Me"
Sam Smith's renaissance continues with 'Gimme', a gorgeous dance riff that sees the songwriters, who recently took their mics to the hyperpop smasher 'Unholy', looking for a smoother, more sensual performance for the grand finale. effect. Instead of sacrificing the intimacy of a sex-filled song like "Gimme," guest stars Kofi and Jessie Reyes change the song's chemistry, making every second of the song, from the chorus to the sultry second verse, just as impressive. .
Moneybagg Yo & GloRilla, "On Wat U On"
Give heavy bass with menacing piano beats to Moneybagg Yo and GloRilla, two skilled Memphis rappers who are becoming staples in mainstream hip-hop, and the results are likely to be fantastic. Still, On Wat U On is more than a trusty hat from label mates CMG; as the pair justify their kiss during a volatile relationship, they form a symbiotic relationship between singles who know what they want and the library. proper publicity… for showing as much as possible (GloRilla gets extra points for saying "Hate your ass" to read lines).
Price Margot, Wanderer
In the summer of 2020, during the pandemic, Margot Price and her husband/collaborator Jeremy Ivey spent six days in South Carolina gathering tons of hallucinogenic mushrooms and surprisingly recording the album that would eventually become Strays . That background explains the unpredictable songwriting at the heart of the country-folk-led fourth album, but also underscores how the album feels between its liberating moments. Songs like the haunting "Been to the Mountain" are balanced by "County Road," a poignant message from a young car accident victim, and "Lydia," a powerful abortion ballad that ranks among Price's best.
PartyNextDoor, "His Old Friend"
About 95 seconds into new single "Her Old Friends," PartyNextDoor launches into a groove that reminds casual fans why he's still so relevant in popular R&B; I can't decide whether to support or not. The new track follows singles 'Sex in the Porsche' and 'No Fuss' and marks PND's first full-length album since 2020… but regardless of when it drops, 'Her Old Friends' moments like worth enjoying. .
