Singles Roundup: Week of Mar. 2

Story posted March 4, 2020 in Arts & Entertainment by CommRadio Arts & Entertainment Staff.

Lady Gaga – “Stupid Love”

Lady Gaga has returned with eccentric style and upbeat sound for her newest single, “Stupid Love.” Since “Joanne” and “A Star Is Born,” fans have watched the singer take a deep dive into a completely new place. After years of critical acclaim, Lady Gaga is bringing back her “Poker Face” roots, and she seems to be back for good.

“Stupid Love” premiered alongside a music video complete with Gaga’s acclaimed dance moves and a colorful storyline of tribal feuds. The lyrics are more complex than a classic Lady Gaga song though, exploring the anxiety of one stepping into a new relationship. Nonetheless, it’s certainly a comeback for what most may describe as Lady Gaga’s peak in music.

The singer’s callback to her roots is not the first to happen in recent years. After Kesha found a new role in music with her 2017 album “Rainbow,” her latest album “High Road” offers a blend of nostalgia and newness to the singer’s repertoire. Likewise, “Stupid Love” represents a high-energy, blossomed version of Gaga’s 2009 self.

Fans are speculating that the upcoming album will be called “Chromatica” due to hints in the music video, though all that can be certain right now is that Lady Gaga is truly back.  —Jade Campos

Lil Uzi Vert – “That Way”

Lil Uzi Vert has dropped a brand-new single called “That Way,” based on the popular song “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys, which is sampled constantly throughout the track. This is Uzi’s first single since his December release “Futsal Shuffle 202o” as well as the fourth single to appear on his upcoming second album, “Eternal Atake.”

“That Way” continues Lil Uzi Vert’s trend of taking samples and crafting them into his own style. The sample itself seamlessly fits in with the rest of the bars that he drops. It’s a classic Uzi track to play when you’re with friends or in the car, and it’s a great taste of where we might end up seeing his album go.

As mentioned, this is the fourth single from the album, so the release of the full product should not be much farther away. Hopefully it comes soon, so we can see what Uzi has been up to, and if he has made more tracks like this one.  —Jack Grossman

Andy Grammer and Cash Cash – “I Found You”

Famous DJ Cash Cash and Andy Grammer have released a feel-good summer song that will be a hit for the electronic world titled “I Found You.” This unusual duo came together to sing about the trials and tribulations of life, but the end result is finding that special someone to make it all worth it.

Cash Cash, who was also the special guest performer at THON, has worked on many successful songs, including “Take Me Home,” featuring Bebe Rexha, and “Finest Hour,” featuring Abir. On the other hand, Andy Grammer is a pop performer known for his biggest hits “Honey, I’m Good,” and “Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah).”

This was a shocking duo to see come together, but the collaboration was successful in both sound and energy. With Cash Cash’s momentum, there is no doubt that he will be at the top of his career soon. With the help of Grammer, this song will go a long way.  —Emily Mugno

Gorillaz ft. Fatoumata Diawara –“Désolé”

In the second track for Gorillaz’ “Song Machine” project, the group from London recruited Malian singer Fatoumata Diawara for a track that is incredibly bright and catchy with hints of indie rock and afrobeat. This is not the first time that Gorillaz frontman Damon Albarn has worked with musicians in afrobeat and desert blues, having previously collaborated with Malian duo Amadou & Mariam for “Sabali” in 2008.

“Désolé,” which translates to “sorry” in English, is another example of how well Albarn and his group have been able to adjust to the styles of the artists that they have brought in. Whereas previous single “Momentary Bliss,” is a bit faster paced and lo-fi, befitting of featured artist Slowthai, “Désolé” is brighter, slower and more focused on the drums and unique chords that define West African music.

Additionally, Albarn and Diawara sing very well in tandem, and Diawara’s powerful singing is let loose by the end of the track. Overall, the “Song Machine” project has been very successful so far. Gorillaz have gotten the help of two very distinct and different artists and have created two great tracks that both compliment their respective styles while still sounding very much like a classic Gorillaz song at the same time.  —Jim Krueger

 

Jack Grossman is a senior majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jackdgrossman@gmail.com.

Emily Mugno is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email esm6@psu.edu.

Jade Campos is a sophomore majoring in print/digital journalism. To contact her, email jmc7727@psu.edu.

Jim Krueger is a senior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email kruegerjim19@gmail.com.

About the Contributors

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Jade Campos

Junior / Print/Digital Journalism

Jade Campos is a junior from Caroline, Virginia. She is a director of the arts and entertainment department of CommRadio and a co-host on the talk show The Nittany Record Club alongside Colton Pleslusky and David Fortunato. Along with CommRadio, Jade is currently the assistant lifestyle editor for the Daily Collegian. In the past, she has interned with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. To contact her, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

jackgrossman's photo

jackgrossman

Senior / Telecommunications

Jack Grossman is a student, audio producer, writer, photographer, and schmoozer. Growing up alongside all different forms of media, it was clear to him that his calling was to produce and create content. Whether his own original work or a reinterpretation or review of another, Jack is able to produce and create content that speaks to the current generation, while maintaining a sense of classic professionalism.