It’s Monday, so you already know we got you covered with some new music that’s sure to keep you jamming through the week.
It’s hard to believe that 20 years have passed since the release of Back to Black by Amy Winehouse. Although her second, and what would tragically end up being her last, the album is widely considered to be her breakout on a global scale after selling 20 million copies worldwide, nearly sweeping at the 2008 GRAMMYs and establishing the Brit-soul queen as one of the most unique and promising voices in music at the time. The unfortunate circumstances of her death only five years later would put an end to the potential, but Amy’s music continues to live on.
The 20th anniversary release of Back to Black is highlighted by four unreleased demos, a handful of rare B-sides, bonus tracks, demos and live recordings taken from her Back To Black Tour show from Paradiso, Amsterdam on February 8th 2007.
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John Legend put his trust in Pharrell Williams to produce the entirety of his new album, Muse. The fact a collaboration on this scale hasn’t already happened between these two is surprising in itself, but to actually hear their signature sounds intertwined is pleasing beyond expectations. John’s jazz-centric nature doesn’t sound off in the least bit next to the bouncy beats that Pharrell has become accustomed to delivering. Together, they create something that’s elevating for both parties involved.
The album as a whole is an enjoyable listen, but standout tracks worth spinning back include “Daylight,” “Get Back” and “Bodies On The Floor” featuring Clipse.
Yung Miami channeled the past few years of high and lows into her debut album, Watch Dis, and the vulnerability paid off quite well in the end. Aggressive cuts like the previously heard “F You” and “2008,” signature hit “Spend Dat,” Chanel-inspired “TMTC” with Quavo and G Herbo, plus the “Dade County” posse cut alongside local legends Rick Ross, Trick Daddy and Trina each add to the energy Yung Miami curates on her first solo effort.
However, it will be the deeply personal “Dear JT” that gets the people talking the most. As the title suggests, the song is an eulogy of sorts to her days alongside former City Girls member, JT, who she parted ways with following a highly-publicized feud on social media back in 2024. The lyrics speak for itself.
Also bumping through our speakers is a throwback-inspired collab from YG & Ty Dolla $ign, a collaborative album by Cordae & Anderson .Paak, new age Brit-soul baddie Mahalia with a breakdown on heartbreak, the debut album by Laila! — you might know her dad as Mos Def or Yasiin Bey — new single by Westside Gunn, Toosii with a sequel to his fan-favorite project and a new New York anthem from Erick the Architect with help from Harlem’s Fergie Baby and Wu-Tang Clan legend Ghostface Killah.
Scroll along as we put together a mix of new albums and singles in this week’s “New Music Mondays” roundup:
ALBUM: Amy Winehouse — (20th Anniversary Edition)