First up, who is Dua Lipa’s new stylist? Because the Marine Serre look she’s wearing in the artwork for new single “Physical” is the best thing we’ve ever seen her in. Taken from her forthcoming record, FUTURE NOSTALGIA, it’s out today — as is the video — and you’re gonna love it. Fully embracing the titular theme with eighties synths and drums, it screams out for gym playlist inclusion and is without a doubt the feel-good banger we deserve on this gloomy Brexit day. Bring on 3 April, when we’ll hear the full album, across which Dua was inspired by everyone from “Gwen Stefani to Madonna to Moloko to Blondie and Outkast”. Very promising indeed.
Earlier this week, Bieber followed up “Yummy” with the much better “Get Me” featuring Kehlani. His fifth studio album, Changes, is due on Valentine’s Day… so if things aren’t looking hopeful on the flowers front, perhaps this will suffice. Until then, you’ve got Ryan Beatty’s beautiful sophomore record Dreaming of David, from which we’ve selected “Evergreen” for this week’s playlist. He and friend, collaborator and fellow dreamboat Austin Anderson discussed the project and more for us the other week.
Elsewhere, Paramore’s Hayley Williams has put out her second solo song and it’s beautiful, moody and sounds kind of Portishead to us. Wdyt? She’s got a whole album of the stuff coming this May, in the form of PETALS FOR AMOR. Lovely. Also on this week’s playlist are new releases from James Blake-alike Harry Edwards, Irish hip-hop collective Hare Squead, Lil Nas X x big Nas with “Rodeo”, our new obsession Raissa, Sevdaliza, Amaroun, Half Waif and lots more.