twostepcub's New Music Roundup 12/10/22...

 

 

It's time for this week's new music round-up, where I run down my picks of the latest singles on the various charts in the U.S. and in the United Kingdom. It's another "slow" week with the holiday coming on, but here's some nuggets hitting the charts that I think you should check out...

 

"Holiday Party" - Dan + Shay

from the single (2022)

Billboard Adult Contemporary Airplay debut: #24

 

 If you're looking for something for the tree-trimming playlist, this inoffensive country offering from the duo is sufficiently family-friendly and also it's a bit over-Auto-tuned it's cute enough to wash some cheer over you. But Dan Smyers' hair frightens me.

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"Lux Aeterna" - Metallica

from the album 72 Seasons (2023)

Billboard Rock & Alternative Airplay debut: #2

Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay debut: #2

Billboard Alternative Rock Airplay debut: #35

 

 

 And now for something completely different, speed metal icons Metallica are coming back after a seven-year break with this ultra-short (for them) but power-packed track previewing their upcoming album and world tour. It does seem rushed but it doesn't let up in its three minutes and change and thankfully is more about the guitar than the voice. 

"Surefire" - Wilderado

from the album Wilderado (2021)

Billboard Rock & Alternative Airplay debut: #49

 

 The Tulsa, Oklahoma indie-folk band continue to mine their 2021 for song, and this soaring midtempo sing-along is worth a listen. I can picture this even making the adult top-40 format. 

"Frenzy" - Iggy Pop

from the album Every Loser (2023)

Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay debut: #38

We've got another welcome return from punk god Iggy Pop as he gives a taste of his upcoming nineteenth solo album with a snarl loud enough for those eschewing the holidays (or at least needing a break from them). 

 

"Where Did You Go I'm Less Of A Mess These Days" - Blue October

from the album Spinning The Truth Around (2022)

Billboard Alternative Rock Airplay debut: #39

There's emo-rock bands, and then there's Blue October, who is like inpatient therapy for a month band. Taking the mantle of hilarious song-title makers, Justin Furstenfeld and the crew go for an old flame at a time of year where many of us will be running into our exes.

"Bloody Samaritan" - Ayra Starr featuring Kelly Rowland

from the album 19 & Dangerous (Deluxe Edition) (2022)

Billboard Adult R&B Airplay debut: #26

Kelly from Destiny's Child may be the ringer to get radio play, but it's Beninese-born Nigerian newcomer that's the real draw here, as her take on Afrobeat music is delightfully less laidback and more invigorating, and Rowland does hold her own in the remixed track. I highly recommend this. 

 

"The Plug" - Ronald Isley & The Isley Brothers featuring 2 Chainz

from the album Make Me Say It Again, Girl (2022)

Billboard Adult R&B Airplay debut: #28

 

 Speaking of Destiny's Child, after calling a favor in from Beyonce for a #1 hit on the urban contemporary radio chart, Ronald and Ernie Isley follow up with this smooth jam that would be a little nicer if the unnecessary and jarring 2 Chainz verse was taken out. Still, it's the damn Isleys.

"This Is What I Mean" - Stormzy

from the album This Is What I Mean (2022)

British Singles chart debut: #32

After a couple of more pop-leaning previews of his new album, British rapper Stormzy pulls out with the title track which hits hard and sounds amazing on headphones. 

"I Hate You When You're Drunk" - Olly Murs

from the album Marry Me (2022)

British Singles Airplay debut: #26

I can see this memorable ode to that woman at the bar to go viral, and it's silly enough to give me more than a chuckle. 

"Nostaglia Machine" - Soft Cell

from the album Happiness Not Included (2022)

British Singles Sales debut: #30

I'll close with another return, this time with the third single from the synthpop duo's 'comeback' album from this year. 

That's all for now, I'll be back tomorrow for my picks of the albums making the charts this week.