From the Sultry ‘Sports Car’ to Sugary ‘Love Hangover,’ New Music Abounds 

With new music dropping every week, it’s easy to miss a gem or two. Of course, that isn’t to say all tracks are perfect from beginning to end. That’s where we come in.

This roundup highlights some of the latest releases, from undeniable bangers to pop sugar that might not satisfy your sweet tooth. Here’s what’s making noise right now: 

Tate McRae – “Sports Car”

Straight off the line, Tate McRae’s “Sports car” sounds like a retread of 2006-era Nelly Furtado, with its sparkling synths cruising over a deep groove. But give this promiscuous track some time. As McRae’s sultry falsetto concedes to a whisper chorus of I think you know what this is / I think you wanna uh, you know you’re in for a good ride.

It’s a short one at under three minutes, but this certified banger is sure to take over dance clubs and — as the lead single from her upcoming album So Close to What (due out Feb. 21) —it’s a tantalizing taste of more to come. 

Lord Huron – “Who Laughs Last”

“Who Laughs Last,” the latest single from Lord Huron, is an intriguing shift in style from the usual ethereal songs you’ve come to expect from this L.A.-based band. It opens with a driving guitar riff backed by a relentless beat. Miguel Briseño’s pulsing bass soon follows, drawing you in even further.

But wait, is that…Kristen Stewart? The actress enters with a spoken-word delivery that plays like the narration of a noir thriller, adding a cinematic twist to the band’s unraveling story about an otherworldly road trip.

When lead singer/guitarist Ben Schneider finally arrives at the midway point for the chorus and later poses the existential riddle If no one lives forever, who laughs last? the song cements itself as a haunting, transportive mood piece. 

Maya Delilah – “Squeeze”

Maya Delilah might not be on your radar yet, but this 24-year-old English singer-songwriter’s new song, “Squeeze,” will change that. Slated to appear on her forthcoming debut album The Long Way Round, this  supremely funky nugget oozes Prince influence, from the bouncing bass and synth splashes to the Vanity 6-like chorus.

It’s sexy, jazzy, and loose in all the right ways, slipping in horns here and a distorted guitar solo there. If you appreciate a hypnotic groove and tight musicianship, you’ll find yourself wrapping around this like a warm blanket.

Julia Michaels & Maren Morris – “Scissors”

“Scissors,” the unassumingly dark duet between Julia Michaels and Maren Morris, starts as a breezy acoustic jam with Michaels’ airy falsetto singing about cutting ties with her lover. It’s a catchy chorus, and she keeps your ear by dropping down to her chest voice for the first verse. When Morris’ smoky alto joins in, it brings a nice counterbalance to the song. This is even more resplendent in the chorus when the duo’s voices entwine over the strong backbeat. Breaking up in two minutes has never felt so right.

JENNIE (feat. Dominic Fike) – “Love Hangover”

Following her BLACKPINK bandmates ROSÉ and LISA, JENNIE has released her solo single: “Love Hangover” featuring Dominic Fike. Not to be mistaken as a remake of Diana Ross’ 1976 disco hit of the same name, this aural trifle has a decent start, delicious middle, and disappointing finish.

JENNIE kicks off the situationship song with her high-pitched rapid-fire rap skimming over a crisp hi-hat beat. Then comes the chorus — the kind of ear candy you almost feel guilty about liking so much. If “Love Hangover” was nothing but the chorus, it would be a near-perfect piece of pop confection.

Fike’s laid-back rap as the target of JENNIE’s affection is a worthy contribution, but it’s not enough to save this song, and the drawn out ending makes this listener want to pull the covers over his head and go back to sleep.

Donovan Roche, a San Diego-based writer and editor, has covered the music, entertainment and arts scene for more than 30 years. Send your story ideas to droche617@gmail.com.