This week's new music seems to be overly headlined with new rap releases, as Kanye West, Mac Miller, and J Cole release new albums and new singles by Wale and Waka Flocka Flame show up. Post-hardcore group Falling In Reverse officially released their new album on the 14th, which did not get reviewed by my last article. Alternative band One Republic returns with their new album "Native," and pop icon Britney Spears released a new single "Ooh La La" for the new Smurfs movie. Power pop/rap/alternative/dance group 3OH!3 released a new album, and British electronic artist M.I.A. breaks it down hard once again with the new single, "Bring the Noize." Electronic duo Empire of the Sun made a comeback album after a five year hiatus, and the final single of note is a new release from longtime artist Cher.
Best Single of the Week: Best I Ever Had by Gavin DeGraw
Pop artist Gavin DeGraw is known as a one-hit wonder because everyone knows one song by him and no others, but his new single, "Best I Ever Had" could certainly break that one. It is a fact, however, that DeGraw is in no way a one hit wonder; he is best known for singing three different songs: "Not Over You," "In Love With This Girl," and "I Don't Wanna Be." Sadly, most people only know one of the three. "Best I Ever Had" certainly fits in with the rest of his hits, as they are all extremely catchy and very well sung. Gavin DeGraw had a decade to prove to everyone his unbelievable talents, and "Best I Ever Had" is yet another pop song to add to his already distinguished song list. It certainly has similarities to some of alternative rock band Train's newest songs.
Best of the Rest
Pop artist Britney Spear's "Ooh La La" is generic but catchy enough to dance to. It has a very high chance of getting radio play. Country artist Dierks Bentley's newest single "Bourbon in Kentucky" is a refreshing song for any country fans out there. New singles by electronic rappers M.I.A. and Wallpaper. were unfortunately some of the best new songs of the week. It was generally a disappointing week for singles.