Dua Lipa, Matchbox Twenty & More: This Week's Best New Music

Dua Lipa - Dance The Night

Dua Lipa has released the first track from Greta Gerwig's upcoming Barbie movie, the bright and pop-heavy Dance The Night. Produced by Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt, and the Picard Brothers, the new track follows particularly in Mark Ronson's classic style, with whirlwind strings, sparkling synths and a capable beat. Interestingly the song continues on in the same sonic realm as Dua Lipa’s last album, Future Nostalgia, with a lot of references to the 80s in both releases. Barbie hits theatres on Friday, July 21, and the soundtrack is out the same day. Additional contributors to the soundtrack include Tame Impala, Ice Spice, and Haim.

Matchbox Twenty - Queen Of New York City

Alt-pop rockers Matchbox Twenty are back on the scene after a ten-year break, and today, they release their fifth studio album, Where The Light Goes, alongside new single Queen Of New York City. Starting out, it’s a track that you’d totally expect from the band, with piano-driven instrumentation and Robert Kelly Thomas’ strong vocals leading the way. However, as the song carries on, we see Matchbox Twenty delve into more of an Americana sound, stretching beyond their usual parameters. It’s a refreshing change and definitely something you’d want to see after ten years of creative rest.

BAGELS - BENEE

Alt-pop muso BENEE has teamed up with an unlikely collaborator for her newest single, BAGELS. Always an advocate for mental health awareness in music, the Glitter singer joined forces with New Zealand mental health charity Youthline and leading neuroscientists to make a song that is designed to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. BAGELS uses musical elements identified by Auckland University of Technology (AUT) neuroscientists to relax the nervous system, modify brain activity and ease feelings of anxiousness. Listening to the song, you can easily hear the calming notes and dream-like sonic choices that promote a relaxing environment. Another win for BENEE!

Adrian Dzvuke - ENJOY

WA artist Adrian Dzvuke has been on a winning streak for years now, and his new release ENJOY further proves his talents and status as the Afrobeat king of Australia. As the last single before the release of his hotly anticipated album DON'T WORRY BOUT IT SWEETHEART, on June 23, Dzvuke has brought out all the stops and has held nothing back. Funky beats, a joyful bass line and Dzvukes warm vocals instantly place you in a great mood and involuntarily get you moving along to the groove. If it represents what's to come on the upcoming album, we’re counting down to release day. 

BLESSED, Bella Amor - Cut Too Deep

Western-Sydney-raised, London-based rapper and multi-instrumentalist BLESSED has teamed up with rising artist bella amor for a soulful, indie-pop-leaning new track, Cut Too Deep. Produced and co-written by Matt Corby, it’s easy to guess going in that this track is gonna be a groove station, and it definitely does not disappoint. BLESSED’s sassy and classic vocals work seamlessly alongside up-and-commer bella amor’s stunning verse. Lyrically, Cut Too Deep has fun, going in and out of juxtaposing themes but is always brought back to its central idea alongside the joyful instrumentation. Cut Too Deep is BLESSED’s final release as part of YouTube’s Black Voices Class ’23, following on from the meditative Inhale Exhale and ode to spiritual homecoming Heya. 

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.