Singles Round Up: March 20

Story posted April 1, 2023 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by Arts & Entertainment Staff

Singles Round Up – The Arts and Entertainment Department takes a look at some of the recently released singles from the past week.

"Smoke" - Victoria Monet feat. Lucky Daye

Last Friday was surely a lucky day for R&B with a new release rising stars Victoria Monet and Lucky Daye, following her duet with Bryson Tiller on “We Might Even Be Falling In Love.”

With their new release “Smoke,” the artists proved that this track was a collaboration that the world of rising stars needed.

The track mix captures the essence of early R&B and combines it with the capabilities of advanced music technology, making for a vibe that marries old school with the new age.

The unique tones of the artists’ voices don’t compete for the spotlight, but complement each other throughout the entirety of the song.

The blend of their voices is comparable to that of Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

Legends in the making? Absolutely.

In recent years Monet has captured the ear of R&B fans, from the release of her album "Jaguar” and now “Smoke.”

Seeing that Monet has written behind the scenes of some of best friends, Ariana Grande, the destiny of her future albums are written in the stars. The world of R&B and mainstream music will fall in love with. - Abigail Chachoute

“Running Away” - Thee Sacred Souls

Coming off the release of their self-titled album in 2022 and their Audiotree EP released earlier this month, three-piece soul band Thee Sacred Souls dropped their newest single “Running Away” on Tuesday.

Quicker-paced than their usual work, “Running Away” has a catchy snare beat that drives the single alongside vocal harmonies telling the story of a man having to leave a good relationship.

Keeping a tie to their usual 70s-esque discography, “Running Away” features a horn-heavy instrumental, lead singer Josh Lane’s timeless voice and, of course, perfectly timed use of a falsetto.

Like most of the songs they release, repetition is heavy throughout the chorus and verses, but because of the pace of the lyrics against the beat, it’s hard to process every word being said.

The release of “Running Away” and the upcoming summer months hopefully points to a streak of new music from the trio, while they continue their European-American tour. - Megan Kelby

“Heart Attack (Rock Version)” - Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato re-recorded their popular 2013 hit to commemorate its 10th anniversary, this time paired with an intense rock instrumental.

This time, Lovato sings deeper and more powerfully, hitting some high notes not present in the original.

“That very last note [of the bridge] was the highest note I’d ever heard a human being hit with full voice, and she just did it. It was perfect,” said one producer, OAK.

Lovato’s mature vocals with the familiar electronic pop intro encapture listeners right away, and the vocals maintain strong and heartfelt throughout.

The rock element really changes the dynamic of the song and makes this pop hit sound like it belongs on a Paramore album.

Remakes often have the potential for disappointment, but Lovato maintained the catchiness of the original while bringing the power to make this track so special.

The long, descending outro contradicts the more abrupt ending of the original but gives the song the perfect rock ending. - Rachel Fisher

Abigail Chachoute is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email axc6070@psu.edu.

Megan Kelby is a third-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email mkk5701@psu.edu.

Rachel Fisher is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email rlf5481@psu.edu.