Start your week off right with these three lovingly curated music picks from opbmusic.
Hayley Williams - “Just a Lover”
Hayley Williams, lead singer for Paramore, has released her second solo LP in less than a year, called “Flowers for Vases/descansos.” As the final track on the LP, “Just A Lover” effectively encapsulates the vulnerability Williams spilled into her album, which sounds like a reflection of the creative process she took in recording it. She says “I wrote and performed this album in its entirety. That’s a career first for me. I recorded it at my home in Nashville, the home at which I’ve resided since Paramore released ‘After Laughter’.” Williams’ stinging lyrics are amplified by the building music and her hushed tone creating a devastatingly beautiful song worthy of embrace.
Bomba Estéreo - “Agua”
Bomba Estéreo is taking a deep look into our society and warning us about losing our connection to each other, and giving it over to our devices. “Agua” (water) is one of the four elements represented on the record, “because they’re part of the equilibrium of human beings,” according to Bomba’s lead singer Liliana “Li” Saumet. A brilliant fusion of natural sounds, tribal rhythm, and a mesmerizing lyrical flow package this message with precision and grace. Saumet says “Some heavy things are happening to the world and we have to share them. We made this album so you can dance to it at a club, but at the same time, it has a profound meaning. It’s meant for you to dance perreo with a conscience.”
Sir Sly with Gary Clark, Jr. - “Citizen”
Sir Sly, an Indie rock band out of Orange County, California, has joined with talented Austin, Texas artist Gary Clark, Jr. to make their voices heard during this tumultuous time in our country’s history, with the new track “Citizen.” The group’s frontman Landon Jacobs says “‘Citizen’ is a song aimed at shutting down this notion of keeping quiet. ... I’m inspired by the people protesting in the streets, the POC leading the charge to dismantle white supremacy, and the other voices speaking out about the myriad of issues we are faced with in 2021.” Sir Sly fearlessly dives head first into the conflict, utilizing biting lyrics behind an ominous beat, with Gary Clark, Jr. delivering the final and most powerful statement through his guitar in an explosive last minute.