The first new music Friday of November sees a K-pop star stepping firmly into the spotlight, one of the biggest rock bands of all time using tech to make something old new again, and a recent Billboard chart-topper lending her chops to a blockbuster movie series, with new releases from Jung Kook, The Beatles and Olivia Rodrigo.
Jung Kook’s solo album, Golden, arrived on Friday, making him the final member of BTS to release his own LP. The project is well worth the wait, as the vocalist’s range shines through in his use of poppy hooks and infectious melodies, as seen on lead singles “Seven” and “3D,” but the deeper cuts is where Jung Kook shows his ability to create more intimate moments, like the declarations and breaths on “Closer to You” (created with Major Lazer) and the clear yearning on “Somebody.” With 1 billion Spotify streams for “Seven” already, the BTS star is firmly stepping into solo stardom outside the group.
When news of a “new” song by The Beatles surfaced — featuring all four members and being revived through use of modern technology — fans young and old were tuned in, and it’s no surprise as to why. “Now and Then” reminds listeners of the Fab Four’s innate ability to tug at one’s heartstrings through delicate guitar playing and sentimental lyricism.
Olivia Rodrigo is following in the footsteps of her musical heroes, contributing to The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes original motion picture soundtrack. “Can’t Catch Me Now” taps into the pop star’s acoustic capabilities, telling the story of the film while managing to tie a thread between the stylings of her sophomore album, GUTS.
Megan Thee Stallion and Marshmello also released new material this week, but which release was your favorite? Vote in our poll below.
