New Friday Music
It’s only mid-November and there’s already so many new releases we can handle. From Ed Sheeran’s latest album, news of Adele’s up-coming album, the rerelease of Taylor Swift’s RED, and more than enough singles to sing, shout, yell, and cry to, there’s just so much. And that’s okay. And I curated a playlist if you’re feeling lost in it all. But. Be warned. If you’re not a Taylor Swift fan (or Jake Gyllenhaal), this playlist might not be for you. But. If you enjoy Taylor and other folk-country songs, I hope you enjoy what I’ve come up.
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It’s only mid-November and there’s already so many new releases we can handle. From Ed Sheeran’s latest album, news of Adele’s up-coming album, the rerelease of Taylor Swift’s RED, and more than enough singles to sing, shout, yell, and cry to, there’s just so much. And that’s okay. And I curated a playlist if you’re feeling lost in it all. But. Be warned. If you’re not a Taylor Swift fan (or Jake Gyllenhaal), this playlist might not be for you. But. If you enjoy Taylor and other folk-country songs, I hope you enjoy what I’ve come up.
1.) “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).” – Taylor Swift
You can’t not have a new music post without mentioning Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version).” While yes, the original song is one that is known and sung by millions, her rerecording of what was supposed to be the original song was released with her newly SELF-OWNED album, RED. And although the whole world knew about the song’s 10 minute version’s release, needless to say, the world was not ready. Also, RIP Jake Gyllenhaal.
While it’s in the title—“(10 Minute Version)”—her extended-yet-original version of the song contains more intimate verses that are to leave you crying from either excitement or relatable sadness, (or both), this version of “All Too Well” will leave you breathless.
2.) “Doin’ This” – Luke Combs
The next song in the list is “Doin’ This” by North Carolina singer, Luke Combs. While Combs is no doubly one of America’s favorite country singers who likes to sing about good times with good friends, memories, and occasionally longneck ice cold beers, his ability to bring a freshness to the country music scene never ceases as his easy-going yet big heart is felt through every song.
In short, while his new song “Doin’ This,” is about when he was asked during an interview what he would be doing if he wasn’t a singer, and like the title suggests, he replies, “Doin’ this,” it is Comb’s self-knowledge and confidence in who he is that makes this song so emotional.
3.) “Narcisisst” – Avery Anna
If you keep up with TikTok singers, you’d already know that Avery Anna, AKA @Avery.anna.music released her new song, “Narcissist,” if not, I’d like to introduce you to this gem-of-a-song. The ballad, filled with atmospheric sounds accompanied by an acoustic guitar sings of a toxic relationship that unfortunately too many can relate to. Anna brings forth experiences being gaslit as she sings:
You say that I’m crazy
You say that you’re sorry
Won’t happen again
You say I’m dramatic
I’m overreacting
And Maybe I am
No doubt that this song can be almost too relatable for some listeners. But it’s also the commonality of the pain felt in these types of relationships that bring listeners together in assurance that they aren’t alone.
4.) “Run (Feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” – Taylor Swift
As if Ed’s recent album release and Taylor’s rerelease of RED wasn’t enough to break the world, the two who sung “Everything Has Changed (Feat. Ed Sheeran)” from Taylor’s original RED album came together to create yet another song. This song, which has more than likely has caused or is causing many-a-tear, is titled, “Run (Feat. Ed Sheeran) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault).”
In this duet, the two singers sing of escapism—wanting to run away with just themselves where judgement is nonexistent and each other is all they need.
5.) “Thumbs Again” – Lucy Dacus
The last list in the “Thumbs Again” by Lucy Dacus. While the artist, who is also know as one of the members of the trio band, Boy Genius, alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker, has a strong solo presence. In her new song, the Indie artist sings about going with her partner to meet her partner’s father. The song evokes strong emotions of wanting to protect loved ones as she sings:
I would kill him
If you let me
I would kill him
Quick and Easy
Your nails are digging
Into my knee
I don’t know how you keep smiling
While the lyrics are violent, cold, and harsh, her soft voice and slowness of the song bring forth the song’s intensity.
Rebecca is world-traveler whose experience has allowed her to understand cross-cultural communications and diversity first hand. Skilled in Photography, Editing, and Creative Writing with a Bachelor of Arts focused in English Language and Literature from Rowan University, she is currently a contributor to First Icon Agency's blog.