- Words Notion Staff
On this week’s Notion Now, discover fresh cuts from SZA, Headie One, Sam Fender, SBTRKT, Bree Runway and more.
"Nobody Gets Me" by SZA
SZA’s long-awaited return is one of 2022’s major music moments. “Nobody Gets Me”, with its pop-punk infused R&B balladry, stands out thanks to SZA’s syrupy vocals.
"Little Bull Of Blithe" by Sam Fender
A “little ditty” about Sam Fender’s late, great Grandma, “Little Bull Of Blithe” comes after the artist’s landmark show at Finsbury Park. She passed away in the making of ‘Seventeen Going Under’ and clearly holds a special place in Sam’s heart, who continues to honour us with warming tales of his upbringing.
"PICK YOUR POISON" by Bree Runway, Stormzy
Provocative east London rapper Bree Runway marks the end of the year with a surprise EP, ‘WOAH, WHAT A BLUR!’, and even more surprisingly, a Stormzy feature, too. Blessing “PICK YOUR POISON” with a buttery hook, Big Mike lets Bree take centre stage, occasionally offering some polish to the harmonies.
"Skinny Ape" by Gorillaz
“Skinny Ape” is the latest single off Gorillaz’ forthcoming album ‘Cracker Island’, which is due to be released in February next year. Starting in melancholic fashion, the track soon crescendos into an electro-pop frenzy, before returning to Damon Albarn’s signature range.
"Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd" by Lana Del Rey
Tapping into an opulent poeticness, Lana Del Ray’s new single, “Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” is a grand and hazy anthem. Ready for Californian summertime, the track revels in the dreamy world Lana’s serenaded us into before. The added strings section and backing vocals heighten the noir-pop she’s developed thus far and make for an enthralling listen.
"Don't Look Up" by Knucks
Featuring on the deluxe edition of ‘Alpha Place’, “Don’t Look Up” sees Knucks flexing both his performance and production muscles. Showing no signs of strain, the track is indicative of Knucks’ highly successful 2022; the artist can do little wrong in the alternative drill bag he continues to pull from.
"50s" by Headie One
Headie One’s spraying “50s” on his highly anticipated new single. Sending social media into hysteria, the track displays the self-proclaimed “longevity rapper’s” intricate wordplay. Produced by 169 and Kyle Evans, the drill-leaning beat stomps triumphantly beneath Headie’s bravado.
"Picking Up" by Biig Piig, Deb Never
After selling out Electric Brixton last week, Biig Piig returns to our airwaves with the Deb Never featuring new single “Picking Up”. Produced by Mac Wetha, the Amen break-infused pop-punk instrumental brings out the best in both vocalists.
"Welcome To My Island" by Caroline Polachek
Alt-pop star Caroline Polacheck shares this fresh cut “Welcome To My Island” today. Reincarnating a sound pioneered by bands like CSS, the track grants us access to Caroline’s world which feels joyously haunting.
"FORWARD" by SBTRKT, LEILAH
The second collaboration between pioneering producer SBTRKT and enigmatic vocalist LEILAH, “FORWARD”, with its twinkly synths, makes for an ethereal listen. A recent slew of singles has raised the question as to whether we may see a new SBTRKT album sometime soon. We hope so.
