Lana Del Rey, Skrillex & More: This Week's Best New Music

Listen To The Hit List Playlist!

Skrillex – RATATA

If you haven't tuned into what Skillex has been up to in the past ten years, you might be in for a rude awakening. Gone are the days of the screechy synths and cut-up vocals; Skrillex has found another groove with his 2023 album Quest For Fire, which still leans into chaos but with more edge and maturity. The newest single released, RATATA, featuring the incredible Missy Elliot and Mr Oizi, is filled with fast synths, vocals and beats. Missy Elliot drives the track home with her catchy hook, "This the kinda beat that go RA-TA-TA", and creative verses, with deep and wobbly bass that guides throughout. The more you listen, the more you can imagine yourself on the floor of an underground club. Quite the change from the tender beginning of Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites. 

Lana Del Rey - A&W

Lana Del Rey is gearing up to release her 9th album, Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, and has shared the second single, A&W, ahead of its release. At 7 minutes long, the song is definitely a commitment but worth it for the dynamic changes that happen throughout. It's no secret that Del Rey has given up on the 4-minute easy hit makers and is opting for more of a long experimental story in her new music, akin to the new-age experimentation in the 70s. However, in A&W, the 4-minute mark shows a deep shift and turns away from the airy light-hearted acoustic guitar, into a dark, eerie synth-laden soundscape with Del Rey trying her hand at a short-lived rap. If compared to anything, it's similar to the turn Taylor Swift took with her Reputation era, but with a more alternative edge.

DZ Deathrays - King B

DZ Deathrays have released their first single of 2023, King B, a melodic and catchy follow-up to their '22 release, Paranoid. Where Paranoid was erring on the heavy side of things, King B brings more of the dance-anthem feeling back into their music. Starting with a solo rhythmic guitar and a solid raw vocal take, the band slams into the pre-chorus with a sophisticated jumble of distorted electric guitar and sharp drums, bringing your back from the 90s feel that was so apparent in the first verse. Arguably, this is one of DZ's best songs they've released in a while, and it has the potential to reach an audience way outside the confines of punk while still feeding their die-hard fans.

P!nk - When I Get There

Preparing for a massive 2023, P!nk has gifted us the next song, When I Get There, from her soon-to-be-released album Trustfall. When I Get There is a heartfelt ballad that takes us on personal journey of the loss of her father. While P!nk's voice is - as always - awe-inspiring, the lyrics are what really make this song. Anyone who has lost a loved one can relate to the stream-of-consciousness questions that  P!nk pulls out in this track. Whether thats reminiscing about her dad’s playful personality or worring about the different things he might be doing in 'heaven', the song's main message rings true as P!nk sings about the day the pair will be reunited. With a soft piano backing and P!nks powerful but somewhat tender vocals to carry you through, this will definitely be a fan favourite for years to come. 

Niall Horan - Heaven

Niall Horan has announced his comeback with new track Heaven, the first single from his hotly anticipated album The Show. The new track is bubbly and bright and hammers in a massively catchy chorus that will have us singing along for weeks. Staying true to his songwriter roots, the megastar gushes about a lady he's in love with over top of big drums and a rhythmic electric guitar. More than just a simple love song, Heaven gives a larger-than-life feeling of hope that reminds us that while life is hard, we still have love.

You can listen to the Hit List playlist featuring all the above songs and more on Apple Music or Spotify. We also have our Underground playlists that showcase the best of Australia's emerging artists. Find them here.