Happy Friday, Olivia Rodrigo is back for her first song in years — and it's as bloodthirsty and sharp as a set of vampire fangs. (Oh, and there's also a Petra Collins-directed music video.) But that's not all this week; Charli XCX releases her Barbie soundtrack contribution, a new Tainy album is in the atmosphere, and there's even a new track from girl group XG.
Prepare your playlists accordingly, and check out this week's best new songs.
Olivia Rodrigo, “Vampire”
We're finally in Olivia Rodrigo's GUTS era, and the first single from her forthcoming album is the excellent “Vampire,” a rock ballad-turned-dance hit about an exploitative ex. “This album was much more about focusing on the craft of songwriting, which sometimes meant not taking myself so seriously and getting a little more tongue-in-cheek with my lyrics,” Rodrigo said in a press statement. You can hear that evolution in “Vampire,” which uses a variety of wrenching symbols — “The way you sold me for parts/As you sunk your teeth into me," for one — to tell a story of an older man who lied, manipulated, and sucked the blood out of her (metaphorically).
Related: Olivia Rodrigo at the Crossroads
The music video, meanwhile, places the song in the context of fame and public performance. In a white dress, performing at an award show, Rodrigo is injured by a falling light and emerges covered in blood. Instead of helping, crew and security corner her as if they're going to capture her while a rapt audience looks on, more interested in the show of it all.
EXO, “Hear Me Out”
EXO are keeping the pre-releases going ahead of their upcoming album, Exist, out July. Following the unveiling of “Let Me In,” their first joint release in years, earlier this month, the South Korean group has now put out “Hear Me Out.” Both offerings share the same R&B core but provide very different vibes. Instead of taking the ballad route, “Hear Me Out” features a slightly more upbeat cadence that makes for a smooth, groovy track with a snappy R&B base perfect for soundtracking any chill summer moment.
Charli XCX, “Speed Drive”
Another day, another Barbie movie song to obsess over. Previously, we had gotten tracks from Dua Lipa, Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice, Karol G, and PinkPantheress. Now, it’s Charli XCX’s turn. The British star officially joins the star-studded soundtrack with “Speed Drive,” which interpolates Toni Basil’s instantly catchy "Mickey" from 1981 — with a Barbie twist, of course. “Ah, Barbie, you’re so fine / You’re so fine you blow my mind / Jump into the driver's seat / And put it into speed drive,” the chorus goes. The result? A rather simple but pure fun technicolor track, as expected from hyper-pop royalty.
Sampha, “Spirit 2.0”
“Spirit 2.0” is the first solo song Sampha has released in six years, and there's so much to unpack. Over a vibey atmospheric sound, Sampha explores love and vulnerability: “Two bodies on this mattress/Save me as it sinks/Automatic self-protection/Like airbags in my limbs.” Pure poetry for self-discovery, for letting yourself breathe amidst all that troubles you. A simple-seeming refrain ("waves will catch you, light will catch you, time will catch you") builds into something really poignant about being alive.
Tainy, DATA
Reggaeton lovers, your playlists need a revamp. After weeks of teasers, famed industry producer Tainy has officially put out his long-anticipated studio album, DATA, featuring collaborations from some of the buzziest names in the game as well as reggaeton royalty. Bad Bunny? Check. Rauw Alejandro? Check. Arcángel? Triple check. Jayco? Yes. Wisin & Yandel? Sure thing. Daddy Yankee? Yup, got him as well. Spanning almost exactly an hour, DATA has something for everyone — whether you’re a reggaeton purist or a fan of more experimental productions.
XG, “GRL GVNG”
Global girl group XG returns this with week for a new single called “GRL GVNG,” a trap beat-laden anthem for girls doing whatever the f*ck they want. It's the first song off XG's forthcoming mini album, their first body of work since debuting in early 2022. “GRL GVNG” is a short one, clocking in at just under two minutes, but it packs a serious punch.
