New Music That Will Speak to the Powerful Woman Inside All of Us
These five powerful artists have released new music that you should definitely make some time for if you haven’t yet.
Adele, 30 (November 2021): This soulful queen’s newest album consists of 12 tracks, each of which grapple with often-universal encounters with pride, self-acceptance and definition, personal growth and love that is new, failed and forgotten. She contemplates motherhood and fame and the sacrifice that accompanies each. In true Adele form, 30 is smooth, harmonious and reflective, while still feeling more abstract and slightly less structured than previous ventures. Pulsing with both new and retro vibes, this one will be “easy on you” to take in whenever you’re ready.
Alicia Keys, KEYS (December 2021): Alicia’s new, 2-disc album set has flown slightly under the radar so far, even though it presents listeners with a unique concept. Similar to the notion of a remix album, Alicia has given us a set of “Originals” tracks and a set of “Unlocked” tracks. Each include mostly the same songs but with different instrumentation and production styles. As a collection, they’re reminiscent of her first gift to us, Songs in A Minor – these tracks are smoky and raw with a chill, daydreamy vibe. She weaves her unstoppable piano skills throughout to present a beautiful story full of love, heartbreak, regret and hope.
Christina Aguilera, La Fuerza (January 2022): Translating to “the strength” or “the force,” Christina reminds us once again that she absolutely is. Her first full Spanish-language project since Mi Reflejo almost 22 years ago, this 6-track EP is sexy and fiery, an obvious passion project bursting with powerhouse vocals, energy and tropical musical influences such as guaracha, ranchera, reggaeton and dancehall. The best part? This is the first of three Spanish EPs from Christina to be released this year!
FKA Twigs, Caprisongs (January 2022): This 17-track release is technically a mixtape, not an album. But semantics don’t even matter, because once your ears catch the old-record style crackles, breathy and otherworldly vocals and textured, poetic lyrics, you’ll forget anything else you’re supposed to be doing. You’ll instead want to go grab a glass of your drink of choice, lay back and relax, and experience the mellow zest and chill energy while simultaneously daydreaming and letting your mind wander to the ends of everything. At once youthful and worldly, it’s impossible to not live your best vibe with this drifting through the background.
AURORA, The Gods We Can Touch (January 2022): The new, 15-track album from the Norwegian singer relies on her sheer vocal power and agility, presenting a dark tonality that hovers beneath her flighty and magical intonations. It’s romantic and primitive, dynamic and ethereal, contemplating temporary love, self-acceptance, and destruction of the world we collectively inhabit, twisting and swiveling like a vocal kaleidoscope. The wistful synth-jazz and catchy melodies will keep you intrigued to the last harmony. The kicker? You might already know her as the voice of the North Wind siren call in Frozen 2.
New music has been announced for this year from tons of fabulous ladies: Charli XCX, Tove Lo, SZA, Mary J. Blige, Camila Cabello, Avril Lavigne, Maren Morris, Nilüfer Yanya, Rosalía, Cardi B, Mitski, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Koffee, Lizzo and Normani. 2022 is going to be a great year for music and girl power!
Emily Cunningham is a freelance magazine writer with a passion for wildlife conservation, civil and societal issues, and artistic pursuits including dance, creative writing, and handmade art.
