I’ve been waiting for this moment my entire music writing career, which, to my own surprise, has only been a few months.
Anyone who knows me understands that I live and breathe the Jonas Brothers, and have done so since I was 12 years old. Now, at the old age of 24, I finally have the chance to review one of their songs in something other than my personal journal.
The brothers, Nick, Joe and Kevin, teamed up with the DJ/producer on “Lonely,” which is the first release from Diplo’s country-themed album “Thomas Wesley.” Not only is the song a smash, but the downplayed, social media marketing used to promote it was nothing short of brilliant.
It all started when Diplo hacked the Jonas Brothers’ Instagram account Wednesday. At first, fans thought it was real and Diplo was bored. But, the smarter fans quickly caught on (yes, I’m talking about myself). The embarrassing photos, memes, and videos posted on the Jonas page by Diplo had me howling with laughter.
The marketing prank then led up to the music video, which debuted at midnight along with the song. Throughout the video, Diplo, sporting a cowboy hat, tries apologizing to the brothers for live-streaming Joe’s Las Vegas wedding to Sophie Turner back in May (if you don’t know this actually happened, you’ve been living under a rock.
The video ends with a reconciliation. And fans all over the world ended up with a song that could easily remain on repeat for an entire week.
Also this week, we got a funky, psychedelic EP from Adam Lambert, a female power anthem from Kehlani and Zedd, a spooky tune from Christina Aguilera, and a heart-wrenching ballad from Noah Cyrus. Oh, and Jimmy Eat World came out of their cave and blessed us with some new music.
The theme in new music this week appears to be “lonely,” so do me a favor and put a smile on your face before you dig into this breakdown.
THE BREAKDOWN
“VELVET: Side A” an EP by Adam Lambert
- Three weeks after blessing us with the edgy track “Superpower,” Lambert drops an EP. I’d say he finally found himself musically, because the man doesn’t miss a beat in any of the six tracks. “Loverboy” starts off with a cowbell, introduces a dark guitar strum, and provides us with seductive Lambert vocals. What’s one word to describe the song? Fun. In “Stranger You Are,” the former American Idol runner-up gives all us weirdos an anthem. He samples nearly every decade of music throughout the track and makes me want to dance. Where are my go-go boots? We have our necessary ballad with “Closer to You,” where Lambert gets vulnerable and nearly brings me to tears with his emotionally powerful vocals. “Overglow” is so 80s-synthetic pop that it hurts. It needs to be on the soundtrack for the next season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” Halfway through, Lambert picks it up and brings back the edge he does so well. “Ready to Run” has soul, funk, flawlessly high-pitched vocals and sets the tone for more new music, which I would bet all my money is coming soon.
“Lonely” by Diplo & Jonas Brothers
- First of all, Joe Jonas’s intro vocals on this nearly brought me to my knees. The boys really are back and better than ever. Every new release is better than the last. “Lonely” is a simple song, which is surprising for Diplo, but there is no denying its future NO. 1, chart-topping status. Not only does the vibe work well for Joe, it works even better for Nick Jonas who, per usual, is flawless. The subtle country vibe after the chorus was the right touch by Diplo. While it may happen to him a lot, I can’t forget Kevin Jonas. His guitar skills were made for this track. All in all, this song is a bop. Catch me blasting it and singing along in my car for the next week.
“Writing on the Wall” by French Montana featuring Post Malone, Cardi B & Rvssian
- What do you get when you get three hitmakers on one song? You get an absolute smash. There are few songs with French Montana’s name on it that don’t spend at least one week at No. 1 on the charts. The same goes for Post Malone. Oh, and the same goes for Cardi B. “Writing on the Wall” has Spanish flavor, catchy verses, and a beat that’s impossible not to dance to.
“Good Thing” by Zedd & Kehlani
- This song was written by an artist who has finally reached the pinnacle of success. R&B/Hip-hop artist Kehlani has been in the game for almost a decade, but it wasn’t until recently that everything started to come together for her. The woman deserves the world, and according to this song, it sounds like she has it. Who needs a good thing with a significant other when you have a good thing with yourself? Not Kehlani.
“Lonely” by Noah Cyrus
- Miley Cyrus’ little sister blew me away this week. I might be slightly overdramatic, which is typical for me, but this song is better than anything Miley has ever released on her own. Listening to Noah’s lyrics and being mesmerized by vocals I didn’t know she was capable of, my jaw dropped halfway through and stayed there until the two minutes and 24 seconds was up.
“Good Luck” by Broken Bells
- I only know about this LA-based, indie rock group because my mother is obsessed with them. The only way to describe the band is, this is what would happen if The Beatles and the Arctic Monkeys had a baby. They’re brooding and edgy, but subtle enough where once they grab your attention, it doesn’t veer away. “Good Luck” is filled with live instruments, produced and soul-filled beats, and seductively rock and roll vocals.
“RACECAR” by Deaton Chris Anthony featuring Clairo, Coco & Clair Clair
- This track is weird, but I don’t hate it. I’m a huge Clairo fan, which is why I gave it a listen. I’ve never actually heard anything like it before, with it’s slow-talk verses, odd beats, and Internet metaphors. Police sirens take over the track toward the end and when I first listened to it in my car, I panicked and pulled over because I thought a cop was behind me.
“Haunted Heart” by Christina Aguilera
- Halloween is easily my favorite time of year so when I saw vocal legend Aguilera released a spooky-themed song, I screamed. It’s old-school, seductive, raspy, and a perfect addition to the soundtrack for the upcoming “The Addams Family” animated movie. Listening to it makes me want to grab a microphone stand and sing in an old, vintage lounge, only to be visible in black and white.
“All the Way (Stay) by Jimmy Eat World
- The 90s-formed rock band is back, baby, and the nostalgia is real. Before I even hit play, I had to take a trip down memory lane and listen to “The Middle,” which was one of their biggest hits. I’m ecstatic at the release of a new song, but I’m even happier to share that the band hasn’t lost their sound. “All the Way (Stay)” is the first track released from their upcoming album “Surviving,” which was announced two days ago. I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again, I love a good comeback.
“Lonely Generation” by Echosmith
- We live in a world where communication is easier than ever, with the likes of social media and the Internet, yet no one knows how to talk to each other. We are indeed a “Lonely Generation,” which is exactly what the American indie pop band is laying out on their newest track. With lyrics like “looking through a screen makes you feel alright,” the song’s meaning is self-explanatory. It doesn’t hurt that the beat is too-cool and the lyrics are undeniably catchy.
“Finally Feel Good” by James Arthur
- I would like to bottle Arthur’s voice and keep it with me forever because I have never heard anything more beautiful. The English singer rose to fame when he won the 2012 season of “The X Factor,” but he didn’t reach success until he released his biggest hit (and my future wedding song) “Say You Won’t Let Go” in 2016. His voice is mesmerizing and his lyrics always hit you right in the face with a bigger meaning. “Finally Feel Good,” with it’s gospel-vibes and flawless falsettos, is hauntingly beautiful.
