With more music being released than ever before, Amherst Wire’s Entertainment team keeps you posted with some of their favorite tracks of the week. Check it out below:

Nasya Blackshear

“Simmer” – Hayley Williams 

Known for her Paramore fame, Hayley Williams steps away from the pop-rock trio to release her first solo project. “Simmer” is such a new sound for Williams, unlike her work with Paramore. The use of acoustics and vocals, along with production from bandmate Taylor York creates an alternative masterpiece. Williams flexes new muscles and shows off new skills to establish herself as a solo artist. Lines like, “If I had seen my reflection / As something more precious / He would’ve never” help listeners to feel Williams’ new sense of self-acceptance and love. This song reminds us of the slow simmer between “wrath and mercy.” 

Adam Buckley

“But You” – Alexandra Savior

“The most important thing about the music industry I’ve learnt is its total bulls—, and the thing you should focus on the most is just the art.”

Dreamy textures in similar veins as Lana Del Rey and Alex Turner, Savior returns with her second record, “The Archer.” A new label and a new producer can’t shake the cinematic foundations of her sound, which come together to make an even more cohesive record than her debut. Without the presence of Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner, who served as a songwriter/collaborator for her debut record, the record builds on the first forays of moving beyond influences and creating something wholly her own. Here, she succeeds.  

Astghik Dion

“NO RAP KAP” – Kodie Shane & Trippie Redd 

Currently on the road together for their “Love Me More” tour, Kodie Shane and Trippie Redd join forces again to exhibit mild flexing, and talk about a girl that wants them both but “belongs to the world.” Having previously collaborated on “Love and Drugs II” and “Negative Energy,” the duo show off their powerful, dynamic synergy within a song that’s harder than their past work, which tends to be more about heartbreak and fighting off hate. “They treatin’ me like the villain,” raps Trippie, showing no matter how much bad vibes are thrown his way, it won’t touch him as he always comes out on top, no cap.  

Jozef Zekanoski 

“Best Interest” – Tyler, The Creator 

In May of 2019, Tyler, the Creator released the album “Igor,” a project that was highly anticipated after the success of his album “Flower Boy.” “Igor” once again proved that Tyler is not only a skilled rapper, he is a multi-talented musician. Fully produced by Tyler, “Igor” bends genres and takes risks that you would not expect to work. Thankfully, Tyler did not leave his audience hungry for long. On Dec. 23, two new tracks were released on his YouTube channel, one of which is titled “Best Interest,” a rough draft that did not make the album. “Best Interest” is a melodic upbeat tune that I personally cannot get out of my head. If you have any interest in Tyler’s music, you will love this song.

Shiloh Clark 

“Hopeless” – Kassi Ashton 

Kassi Ashton has been named one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country,” but she has changed the dynamic of the genre with her new single “Hopeless.” This song is a gritty power ballad that perfectly describes the feelings of entrapment that can come with a tumultuous relationship, and evokes true sentiment from the listener (especially when blasted from a speaker). In a similar style to Amy Winehouse, Ashton’s lyrics are slow and satirical; she offers to “be a little more hopeless” in order to keep her relationship afloat. In true Winehouse style, she combines her deep, soulful vocals with bluesy power chords and hard-rock vibes that are a far cry from classic female country pieces. The song was also accompanied by a video in which Ashton is metaphorically bound in chains, and is expressing her anger and frustration while trapped in a mental institution. This song and video combination is a creative leap for the artist and is generating a lot of excitement for what’s next to come from Kassi Ashton. 

Julia Donohue

“Anyone” – Demi Lovato

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqtooBbxuaw

Shattered by the tragic death of Kobe Bryant, the Staples Center, home of Bryant’s Los Angeles Lakers, created a somber crowd at the 62nd Grammy Awards. Through the thick and bleak atmosphere, Demi Lovato delivered an anthem of hope. Lovato wrote “Anyone” merely four days before her own life was almost lost. On July 24, 2018, Lovato overdosed and nearly died after a long struggle with maintaining sobriety. After years of mental health crises, relationship break downs and unsettling life transitions, in “Anyone,” Lovato comes back to earth with a powerful plea to be heard. Initially, Lovato restarts the performance and throughout she can be seen crying. Yet, these are not markers of weakness. For Lovato, these are signifiers of honesty and catharsis. After years of struggling and hiding, she is finally free to express herself in front of her peers and the world. Her existential yearning fits the reflective environment engendered when anyone falls, especially a seemingly untouchable idol like Bryant.

Email Nasya at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @lilbbynas.

Email Adam at [email protected].

Email Astghik at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @astghikjourn.

Email Jozef at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jozefzek.

Email Shiloh at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @shilohlaclair.

Email Julia at [email protected]