Welcome to New Music Friday for November 17th, where each release opens up a world of new experiences. From the latest beats by Drake to Dolly Parton's intrepid excursion into unfamiliar musical territories, these tracks fuse melodies and verses that strike a chord with our collective journeys. They turn into the trusted confidants on our playlists, as we await the next wave of auditory treasures with anticipation.
his New Music Friday bubbles over with a diverse array of captivating releases poised to transform our weekend soundtracks. Ozuna whisks us away on a cosmic odyssey with "Cosmo," where Latin grooves meet avant-garde rhythms. Lil Durk, with "Nightmares in the Trenches," delivers an unguarded, reflective examination of his personal narratives. For aficionados of indie-folk, Wyatt Flores' inaugural album "Life Lessons" offers a warm, introspective haven. In an impressive feat of cross-cultural artistry, BIBI and Becky G's "Amigos" blends K-pop with Latin pop, forging a tune that's as distinctive as it is infectious. Each release shines a spotlight on the artist's talents and adds a fresh dimension to the music scene we love.
Tyla, a rising star in the music industry, has collaborated with Travis Scott and Marshmello to release two new remixes of her hit single "Water". The original version of "Water" has been climbing the Billboard Hot 100 and is currently positioned at No. 18, while also ranking No. 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. It has topped both the U.S. Afrobeats Songs and World Digital Song Sales charts and received a 2024 Grammy nomination for the new best African music performance category. Travis Scott's remix of "Water" features his distinctive wavy flow, reminiscent of his work on the 2017 track "Know No Better" with Major Lazer, Camila Cabello, and Quavo. Marshmello's mix adds a new level of buoyancy to the track.
Drake's latest release, "For All the Dogs: Scary Hours Edition," is generating significant buzz, being released just five weeks after the drop of "For All the Dogs" on October 6. The "Scary Hours Edition" includes six additional songs, expanding the original album's content and offering new material for fans. Coinciding with this release, Drake and J. Cole announced their joint tour, "It’s All a Blur Tour — Big as the What.
Tate McRae, the multi-platinum singer/songwriter, has released a new single titled "Exes." This release follows her viral single "Greedy" and is part of her upcoming second album, "THINK LATER." The single was written and produced in collaboration with renowned hitmakers Ryan Tedder, known for his work with Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, and Tyler Spry, who has worked with OneRepublic and Anitta.
2 Chainz and Lil Wayne reunite for "Welcome to Collegrove," a sequel to their 2016 collaboration. This album is a celebration of their enduring chemistry, blending 2 Chainz's witty lyricism with Lil Wayne's unique flow. Tracks like "Money Maker" and "Feel a Way" highlight their synergy, offering fans a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
Alexander Stewart, the breakout pop sensation, has released his new single "he never will," a track from his forthcoming EP "if you only knew," set to be released on December 8th, 2023. "He never will" is co-written by Alexander and showcases his signature soaring vocals blended with anthemic drums. This track marks a departure from his usual style as it's the first song he's written from a third-person perspective. It tells the story of a friend in a relationship that seems doomed to fail. The song captures the moment of seizing honesty to help a friend realize their worth and not let them be taken for granted.
Ozuna, the Puerto Rican reggaeton sensation, takes listeners on an interstellar journey with "Cosmo." This album is a fusion of Latin rhythms and futuristic sounds, showcasing Ozuna's versatility. The lead single, "Vocation," in collaboration with David Guetta, is a standout track, blending reggaeton beats with EDM influences.
BIBI, the dynamic South Korean singer and actress, joins forces with American Latin pop sensation Becky G in their single "Amigos". This collaboration marks a significant cross-cultural musical fusion, bringing together BIBI's eclectic artistry, showcased in her debut album "Lowlife Princess: Noir", with Becky G's acclaimed Latin pop prowess, evidenced by her string of hits like "Sin Pijama" and "Mayores."
Dolly Parton, the legendary country music icon, has taken a bold step into the rock genre with her new album "Rockstar." This album, inspired by her 2022 induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, features a 30-song collection, including 9 original tracks and 21 iconic rock anthems. Parton collaborated with some of rock music's most legendary artists, as well as today's biggest stars, to create this diverse and dynamic album.
Warren Zeiders has released a new single "Sin So Sweet." This song is a part of his album "Pretty Little Poison." The lyrics of "Sin So Sweet" are deeply evocative and explore themes of intense passion and desire of relationship that is both addictive and possibly forbidden.. The blend of heartfelt lyrics and Zeiders' distinctive vocal style makes "Sin So Sweet" a notable addition to his growing discography.
"Sentimiento, Elegancia y Más Maldad," a 6-track album by Arcángel, features a mix of Mexican influences and Latin trap. Notable collaborations include Mexican artists Grupo Frontera on "ALV" and Peso Pluma on "LA Chamba," where Arcángel experiments with Mexican melodies in his vocals. The album also features a collaboration with Quevedo in "Los Roques," blending Latin trap with Quevedo's pop-rap melodies, and a track with Rauw Alejandro titled "FP." Arcángel reunites with his former musical duo partner, De La Ghetto, in the track "Yoshi," which also features reggaeton legends Jowell y Randy, bringing an old-school reggaeton flow.
Nicki Nicole and Bad Gyal have released a captivating reggaetón collaboration titled "Enamórate," which translates to "fall in love." This collaboration between Nicki Nicole and Bad Gyal is a vibrant addition to the reggaetón genre, blending their individual strengths and creating a song that resonates with themes of love, empowerment, and sensuality.
Red Velvet, the South Korean girl group, has released their third studio album titled "Chill Kill." This album marks a significant return to their 'Velvet' concept after a four-year hiatus. The album opens with "Knock Knock," featuring bone-chilling harmonies and a sample of Tchaikovsky’s "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy," setting a haunting tone. The song is reminiscent of an Edgar Allan Poe tale, filled with imagery of desolate playgrounds and eerie self-reflections. Other tracks like "Nightmare" and "Bulldozer" continue this theme, with vivid storytelling and orchestral arrangements that evoke scenes from a Victorian gothic horror novel.
"Tears of the Sun," a sixteen-track album by Nigerian singer-songwriter Teni, is a significant addition to her discography. The album features collaborations with artists like Tayc, Made Kuti, and Odumodublvck, and includes previously released songs such as “No Days Off,” “Malaika,” and “Lanke.” "Tears of the Sun" showcases Teni's versatility as an artist, blending various musical styles and influences.
Emlyn, the American singer-songwriter and producer, has released her sophomore studio album titled "that’s how you make a villain – chapter 1." This album is the first part of a three-part series produced by Alex Veronneau, Andrew Tufano, Matt Ferree, among others, and includes contributions from writers like Alex Nobile, Alex Veronneau, and Andrew Tufano. "That’s How You Make a Villain, Chapter 1" is a continuation of Emlyn's journey in the music industry, following her debut album "loneliest b!tch in america" released in 2022. This new project reflects her growth as an artist and her ability to craft compelling musical narratives.
Lil Durk, in collaboration with his Only The Family collective, released their sixth compilation album, "Nightmares In the Trenches." The album reflects the gritty, authentic essence of Chicago's South Side, where Durk and his crew originate. Notable for its raw energy and unfiltered narratives, "Nightmares In the Trenches" includes tracks that eplore experiences and realities of street life, offering a vivid portrayal of their struggles and triumphs. One of the standout tracks, "Smurk Carter," sees Lil Durk paying homage to Lil Wayne, with lyrical nods to Wayne's iconic "Duffle Bag Boy" and scenes reminiscent of "Hustler Muzik" in the accompanying video.
Reneé Rapp, 'Snow Angel' (Deluxe)
Madi Diaz and Kacy Masgroves, 'Don't Do Me Good'
Wyatt Flores, 'Life Lessons'
Timbaland and Vita, 'Desire'
Steve Aoki, 'HiroQuest 2: Double Helix'
Skygirl and Cosha, 'Thice'
Enhypen, 'Orange Blood'
Rowan Drake, 'The Long Breath'
Ashley Sienna, 'I am'
Oxlade, 'Katigori'
Wrabel, 'Based on True Story'
Cheat Codes, 'You Don't Even Know Me'
Absolutely, 'Cerebrum'
Knox, 'Girl on the Internet'
Nolan Taylor, 'Tear Drop'
Limoblaze, 'Over'
Emotional Oranges, 'Nowhere'
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Mustafa’s Dunya blends folk, hip-hop, and Middle Eastern influences, with collaborations from Rosalía and Aaron Dessner.
ustafa's debut album Dunya was released on September 27, 2024, and it presents a deeply personal exploration of faith, trauma, and life in his Toronto community. The album's title, which translates from Arabic to “the world in all its flaws,” reflects its thematic focus on imperfections and Mustafa's journey to reconcile with the grief and loss that have shaped his life. Known for blending folk music with influences from his Sudanese heritage, Mustafa brings traditional instruments like the oud into his compositions, creating a unique and introspective sound.
On Dunya, Mustafa collaborates with artists such as Rosalía, Aaron Dessner (of The National), Clairo, and Nicolas Jaar. Tracks like “Name of God” explore Mustafa’s relationship with his Muslim faith, while "Gaza is Calling" delves into the story of a childhood friend separated from him by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The album also touches on personal loss, particularly in the track "I’ll Go Anywhere," where Mustafa mourns his brother Mohamed, who was tragically killed in 2023.
Mustafa has a background as a poet and songwriter, having written for artists like The Weeknd, Camila Cabello, and Justin Bieber. However, Dunya stands apart from his previous work in the pop world, offering a raw and honest account of his own lived experiences. His ability to merge folk, Middle Eastern, and hip-hop elements into a cohesive narrative has drawn comparisons to artists like Joni Mitchell and Sufjan Stevens, while maintaining a unique voice that speaks to his heritage and identity.
Listen to the album:
Watch Mustafa, 'Name Of God' (Live):
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Alex Warren’s debut album blends raw emotion, viral success, and a sold-out world tour, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
lex Warren’s debut album You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) is a deeply personal release that highlights his journey of emotional growth and resilience. Released under Atlantic Records, the album gives listeners a peek into Warren’s life with its mix of heartfelt lyrics and folk-pop vibes. Warren himself described the project as something he’d show his younger self, reflecting the challenges that have shaped him along the way.
With 10 tracks, the album features fan favorites like "Burning Down," a viral sensation on TikTok, and "Carry You Home," which has racked up over 151 million streams globally. The latter has also achieved Gold certification in Australia. This song, released around the time of Warren’s wedding to Kouvr Annon, taps into a folk-rock sound and its accompanying music video, focused on a wedding scene, has resonated with fans worldwide.
One of the standout tracks, "Troubled Waters," dives into Warren’s struggles, portraying his emotional battles through the metaphor of a storm. The music video, in which Warren is rescued by his wife, adds a powerful visual layer to the song. This raw emotional expression runs throughout the album, making it a highly relatable experience for his fans.
The album’s release coincides with a completely sold-out world tour, reflecting Warren’s growing fanbase. Shows across Europe and North America, including performances in major cities like Dublin, London, and Berlin, sold out fast.
For Warren, You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1) isn’t just music—it’s an open letter to his younger self and a way to connect with listeners on a personal level. The album’s viral success, coupled with its emotional depth, sets the stage for what’s sure to be a bright future in Warren’s music career.
Listen to the album:
Alex Warren, Burning Down:
After debuting at No. 1 and staying atop the Billboard 200 for three weeks, Sabrina Carpenter's Short n' Sweet has gone Platinum.
abrina Carpenter’s career has hit a major milestone with her latest album Short n' Sweet reaching Platinum certification from the RIAA, just a month after its release. For an artist who's been steadily building her reputation, this achievement is a huge validation of her growth and determination. Hitting Platinum means the album has sold over a million units, and it’s the first time one of her full-length projects has reached this level.
Short n' Sweet, released on August 23, 2024, showcases Carpenter’s ability to balance catchy, feel-good pop with moments of introspection. It’s clear her fans have resonated with this evolution—after debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the album stayed there for three weeks, fueled by hit singles like “Please Please Please” and “Espresso,” which also grabbed their own Platinum certifications. First-week sales alone hit a jaw-dropping 362,000 units, which speaks volumes about Carpenter’s rising star power.
But it's not just about the numbers. This Platinum certification is symbolic of Carpenter stepping out of the shadow of her Disney Channel days and into a new realm of pop stardom. Her previous album, Emails I Can’t Send, which went Gold earlier in 2024, was a step toward finding her voice, but Short n' Sweet is the moment where it all comes together.
Carpenter’s ongoing Short n' Sweet tour, her first headlining arena tour, launched on September 23, 2024, and is already making waves. Fans have flocked to see her perform across 29 North American cities, and she’s bringing something special to each show. Alongside a setlist packed with fan-favorites, she’s adding a fun twist by spinning a bottle on stage each night to select a surprise cover song, which so far has included everything from ABBA’s "Mamma Mia" to Sixpence None the Richer’s "Kiss Me." It’s little touches like this that make her concerts a must-see event.
There’s also a bigger mission behind the tour: Carpenter has partnered with PLUS1 to launch the Sabrina Carpenter Fund, supporting causes like mental health, animal welfare, and LGBTQ+ rights. This shows how she’s using her platform not just for entertainment, but to give back in meaningful ways, something her fans have rallied behind.
Overall, 2024 has been a breakout year for Sabrina Carpenter. Short n' Sweet is more than just another pop album—it’s a statement of her talent and staying power. With her tour gaining momentum and fans eager for more, it’s clear Carpenter’s moment is now, and she’s fully owning it.
Tyga's 2018 summer hit "Taste," featuring Offset, has surpassed 10 million units in combined sales and streams, earning both artists their first RIAA Diamond certification.
yga’s 2018 single "Taste," featuring Offset, has officially reached Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as of September 24, 2024. This achievement signifies the track surpassing 10 million units in combined sales and streaming, marking a significant moment in both artists' careers.
Released on May 16, 2018, "Taste" quickly became a major success. It peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrating Tyga’s return to the mainstream after several years without chart success. The track’s smooth production, courtesy of D.A. Doman, combined with Offset's dynamic feature, made it a standout hit that summer. Its longevity on streaming platforms and its consistent presence on social media and playlists contributed significantly to reaching the Diamond milestone.
The RIAA Diamond certification is reserved for tracks that have moved 10 million units, which can be either digital sales or streaming equivalents. The song’s enduring popularity across streaming services like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music played a critical role in this achievement. Tyga expressed his gratitude to fans on social media, recognizing the role they played in streaming and supporting the song.
For Offset, "Taste" represents his first Diamond-certified track, adding a new accomplishment to his already successful career. As a member of Migos, Offset has had multiple hits, but this certification highlights his individual achievements as a featured artist on one of Tyga’s biggest songs.
Lady Gaga ushers in her Harlequin era with the announcement of her LG7 album, fully moving on from Chromatica.
you feel like Lady Gaga's name has been all over your feed today, you're not mistaken. The pop icon packed a lot into one day, kicking off the start of a bold new era in her career.
It all began with the release of a teaser visualizer for Harlequin, her highly anticipated companion album to Joker: Folie à Deux. The teaser, produced in collaboration with the Louvre, saw the museum temporarily changing its profile picture to a Harley Quinn-inspired Mona Lisa. If you missed it, you can check it out here.
Later in the day, Lady Gaga, accompanied by her fiancé Michael Polansky, who is also credited as an executive producer on Harlequin, hit the red carpet at the Joker London premiere. Gaga turned heads in her dramatic style, but that wasn't the only spotlight moment. Following the premiere, she hosted an exclusive listening party for Harlequin, giving fans an immersive preview of the 13-track album, which features reimagined soundtracks and original songs for the film. She playfully described it as music “for all your uncomfortable dinner parties and crazy times.”
But perhaps the most exciting news for Little Monsters came when Gaga confirmed her seventh studio album is set to release in February 2025. While details are still under wraps, Gaga promised a single would arrive in the near future, signaling a new direction for her music.
Gaga signaled her transition into the Harley Quinn era by updating her social media profiles, removing all references to her Chromatica Ball tour and her beauty brand, Haus Labs. This marks the official end of her Chromatica phase, as she moves away from the bright, futuristic visuals and sounds. Now, Gaga is fully embracing the darker, chaotic world of Harley Quinn, reflecting the more immersive and theatrical direction expected in her upcoming projects, starting with the release of Harlequin and her seventh studio album in February.
Lady Gaga confirms the release of her seventh studio album, set for February 2025, during the Joker premiere event.
September 25, 2024, Lady Gaga made a bold appearance at the Joker: Folie à Deux premiere in London, where she stars alongside Joaquin Phoenix in the highly anticipated sequel. Gaga hit the red carpet in a striking red dress with oversized balloon shoulders, accompanied by her fiancé Michael Polansky. Her look was topped off with Tiffany & Co. jewelry, including the iconic Jean Schlumberger "Bird on a Rock" brooch featuring a 20-carat spessartine, and her makeup featured teal eyeshadow with a crystal teardrop for added drama.
Following the premiere, Gaga hosted a private listening party for her new album, Harlequin, which drops on September 27, 2024. The 13-track album is released under her label Lil Monsters LLC in collaboration with Interscope Records as a special nod to her loyal fanbase, known as "Little Monsters." It features both reimagined Joker soundtracks and original compositions created specifically for the film. The album signals a significant shift in Gaga's artistic direction.
The Harlequin tracklist offers a range of moods and styles, combining classics like "Get Happy (2024)" and "That’s Life" with original tracks like "The Joker" and "Folie à Deux." The album also includes the exclusive track "Happy Mistake," which is only available on this release. With over 40 minutes of music, Harlequin delivers a dark, immersive listening experience that complements the themes of the film.
At the listening party, Gaga, in her usual cheeky style, introduced the album by saying, “This is for all your uncomfortable dinner parties, this is for all your crazy times.” True to her commitment to live in the moment, she urged guests to put away their phones, encouraging them to fully dive into the music and "have a f*ing good time," rather than worry about documenting the event.
Additionally, in an interview with AP Entertainment, Gaga dropped a major announcement: her highly anticipated seventh studio album (LG7) will be released in February 2025. Although details are still under wraps, Gaga has hinted that the album, rumored to feature a collaboration with renowned producer Cirkut (known for his work with The Weeknd and Katy Perry), will be a departure from her past work. Describing it as "completely different," she’s building anticipation for a bold new sound, with the first single expected to drop in October 2024.
With Harlequin set for release and Joker: Folie à Deux hitting theaters on October 4, 2024, Gaga is diving into new creative territory, merging her music and film work in a way that continues to push boundaries. Fans are eagerly awaiting both her new album and her portrayal of Harley Quinn.
Lady Gaga channels Harley Quinn in a bold Louvre-set teaser, drawing a Joker smile on the Mona Lisa to promote her upcoming Harlequin album.
ady Gaga has ignited widespread excitement with her latest promotional video, where she takes on the role of Harley Quinn to promote her upcoming album Harlequin, a companion to Joker: Folie à Deux. In a visually striking scene shot at the Louvre Museum, Gaga, wearing a red wig, is seen wandering through the museum’s empty galleries at night. She passes iconic works of art like Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Wedding at Cana, and Portrait d'homme, before stopping in front of the famed Mona Lisa.
In a dramatic moment, Gaga pulls out bright red lipstick and draws the Joker’s infamous grin on the protective glass covering the Mona Lisa. This scene mirrors Harley Quinn's chaotic spirit and symbolizes her deep connection to the Joker. The Louvre assured that the artwork was unharmed during filming, and additional protective measures were taken. The video also ties into the museum's upcoming exhibition Figures of the Fool, aligning with the rebellious themes explored in Joker: Folie à Deux.
As part of this collaboration, the Louvre took its marketing a step further by updating its social media profile picture to feature the Mona Lisa with the Joker-inspired red lipstick smile.
The album, set to release on September 27, 2024, includes 13 tracks such as "Good Morning," "Get Happy (2024)," and "Smile." The track "The Joker," which is previewed in the Louvre video, enhances the album's role as a companion to the film, merging Gaga's cinematic and musical worlds. Fans can also anticipate Lady Gaga’s appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on October 1, where she is expected to discuss the album and her role in Joker: Folie à Deux, which debuts in theaters on October 4.
Sabrina Carpenter’s viral hit "Nonsense" joins Spotify’s Billions Club as she kicks off her Short n' Sweet Tour, complete with surprise covers, comedic skits, and a potential farewell to her famous outro.
abrina Carpenter has officially joined one of music’s most elite clubs—Spotify’s Billions Club—with her viral hit "Nonsense." This achievement places her among an exclusive group of artists whose tracks have surpassed one billion streams on the platform. The Billions Club is a highly coveted marker of global success, signaling a song’s massive impact. With Spotify’s vast reach, joining this club signifies an artist’s transition from rising star to a major player in the pop music industry.
"Nonsense," originally released in 2022 on her album Emails I Can’t Send, became a fan favorite due to its cheeky, flirtatious lyrics and Carpenter's playful twist during live performances. The song gained immense traction on TikTok, where fans latched onto its catchy and often-modified outro, which Sabrina would famously change to reflect the city or occasion during her shows. This viral success helped "Nonsense" rack up streams across platforms, ultimately leading to its milestone achievement.
The announcement of "Nonsense" joining the Billions Club coincided with the launch of Sabrina Carpenter’s highly anticipated Short n' Sweet Tour, which kicked off in Columbus, Ohio, on September 23, 2024. The tour, supporting her sixth studio album of the same name, marks her first arena tour. Fans were treated to a setlist packed with hits like "Feather," "Fast Times," and "Because I Liked a Boy," alongside a fun interactive segment where Sabrina spun a bottle on stage to decide which surprise cover she would perform each night. For the opening night, the choice fell on ABBA's iconic "Mamma Mia."
The opening night also marked a significant shift in Carpenter’s live performances. During "Nonsense," instead of her usual improvised outro, she staged a humorous "technical glitch," where the screen behind her “cut out” and she disappeared from the stage, leading many to speculate that she may be retiring the beloved outro tradition.
Fans also enjoyed Carpenter’s comedic flair during a mock commercial break, featuring fake ads for sponsors like "The Sharpest Tool," with the tagline “trusted by Carpenters everywhere,” followed by "Oasis" ceiling fans, humorously advising to "maybe stay inside." These lighthearted skits perfectly complemented the excitement of her musical performances and reminded fans of Sabrina's ability to blend humor with artistry, making her live shows truly unique and engaging.
With her album Short n' Sweet gaining traction and her tour already off to a thrilling start, Sabrina Carpenter’s career continues its upward trajectory. The success of "Nonsense" and her inclusion in Spotify’s Billions Club further solidify her position as one of pop music’s brightest rising stars.
We'll be updating this list as new records are announced, so check back often! *Originally published on July 11, 2024.
his comprehensive calendar provides a snapshot of some of the most anticipated albums set for release in the coming months. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates as more albums are announced.
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November 15:
Several artists have confirmed they are working on albums or have completed them, but there is no official release date yet:
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Ava Max’s empowering anthem "Kings & Queens" joins Spotify's exclusive billion-stream club, standing alongside her hit "Sweet but Psycho."
va Max's "Kings & Queens" has become a significant milestone in her career, surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify. This track, which was released as the lead single from her debut album Heaven & Hell (2020), represents her second song to reach this achievement, following "Sweet but Psycho," which now has over 1.7 billion streams.
"Kings & Queens" saw immediate success upon its release, debuting on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaking at No. 13 by November 2020. It also topped the Adult Top 40 and was certified Double Platinum by the RIAA in the United States for selling over 2 million units. Globally, the song received similar success, reaching No. 19 in the UK and topping airplay charts in countries like Poland and Israel. It was certified multi-platinum in numerous territories, including quadruple platinum in Canada and platinum in the UK and Australia.
The song’s performance on radio and digital platforms helped it maintain longevity on the charts, remaining a staple on Spotify playlists, further contributing to its eventual billion-stream milestone.
Beyond its commercial success, "Kings & Queens" became a modern anthem for empowerment, particularly resonating with feminist and LGBTQ+ movements. Billboard recognized the track as a key song during the 2020 Pride season, even calling it the "unofficial anthem" of the Pride parades that year, which were largely virtual due to the pandemic. The song was also listed in Billboard's “100 Best Songs of 2020” and its “30 Best Pop Songs of 2020,” noting its 1980s-inspired sound mixed with a contemporary pop flair. The track’s themes of empowerment were universally praised, especially for its strong and declarative lyrics promoting female strength.
The song played a pivotal role in Ava Max's recognition across the music industry. Although "Kings & Queens" did not directly win major awards, it helped Ava Max secure nominations and accolades at significant industry events. At the iHeartRadio Music Awards, she was nominated for Best Female Artist, and the track contributed to her winning accolades such as the Attitude Breakthrough Award and recognition at the LOS40 Music Awards. Moreover, her debut album, anchored by "Kings & Queens," received wide attention, including nominations for prestigious European music awards like the MTV Europe Music Awards.
The music video for "Kings & Queens", directed by Isaac Rentz, gained over 410 million views on YouTube since it's release in March 2020. The visually stunning video portrays Ava Max as a regal figure in a heavenly throne room, surrounded by dancers in an Amazonian queen aesthetic, inspired by Game of Thrones. The use of electric axes and opulent settings further underscored the themes of power and celebration of women’s leadership and independence. This video played a significant role in cementing the song’s image as an empowerment anthem.
"Kings & Queens" also made waves globally, especially in Europe and parts of Latin America, where its airplay was strong. Its placement in several commercials and television spots helped broaden its cultural footprint. The song's upbeat melody, combined with its message of equality, allowed it to transcend pop and become a statement of confidence and self-worth in various social contexts.
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