
Although January felt a little dry in new music content, there were a few hidden tracks that stood out in the small pond of songs. Here is a roundup of new tracks released in January that deserve your attention.
“Sports car” by Tate McRae
Pop music faced a bit of a drought in January, but in promotion of her upcoming third studio album, “So Close to What,” rising star Tate McRae dropped perhaps the most intriguing promotional track from the project yet with “Sports Car.” It is a feel-good anthem with a fascinating, squeaky production that insists on its listener dancing in their sports car (or whatever vehicle they drive).
“Those Kind of Women” by Lauren Alaina
It feels like standard protocol to call your mom after listening to the new single from country music’s inspirational, down-home diva Lauren Alaina. “Those Kind of Women” is reminiscent of Miranda Lambert’s “Automatic,” as it details how things were for the narrator growing up. In the case of this new string-infused track, Alaina reflects on the women that made her the woman that she has become.
“Casseroles” by Hailey Whitters
Traditional country is present and alive more than ever — just listen to “Casseroles,” the heartbreaking new ballad by the lyrical genius Hailey Whitters. The song tells of a friend that voices concern for someone who has lost a loved one. It is real, raw and ponders how to be a good friend when something so dark, yet certain, happens to those that we love.
“Same Old Song” by The Lumineers
In what feels like an inner monologue of The Lumineers’ thoughts, “Same Old Song” provides bold music accompaniment to a vulnerable series of lyrics. If it sets the tone for what is to come from their upcoming fifth studio record, “Automatic,” there is a lot of vulnerability and vintage sounds on the way.
“Rushmere” by Mumford & Sons
“Rushmere” is a callback to where Mumford & Sons formed — a small pond in Wimbledon Common in Southwest London. The track is haunting with its abundance of string-picking and delicate wording. This will likely become a classic with the band’s fans and newcomers to the crew, alike.
“Scissors” by Julia Michaels and Maren Morris
“Scissors” is a sassy new track by pop darlings Julia Michaels and Maren Morris that snips an annoying but romantic away. The lyrics are cheeky, the instrumentation is danceable and the vibes are immaculate.