New Music Friday, Playlists

New Music You May Have Missed from March 2021

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Best New Music from March 2021 blog post
Every New Music Friday, I’m reminded of how much new music is out there — especially from artists I’ve yet to discover! Join me as I broaden my horizons and my music library with monthly playlists capturing new releases from every genre.

Step aside, sports fans: Us music aficionados have our own version of March Madness (and it’s arguably way more entertaining!). Thanks to the arrival of spring, this is the time of year when our favourite artists’ new releases become the soundtrack to warmer temperatures and beaming sunshine. I couldn’t ask for anything better!

Check out more than five (!) hours of the best new music you may have missed this March via the Spotify playlist below, then scroll down to hear a selection of tracks you’ll soon have on repeat. There are no excuses to have a boring playlist, especially at the start of a new season.

* Leave The Door Open by Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic *

What do you get when you bring together the impeccable vocal talents and smooth groove of R&B superstars Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak? Meet the new super-duo Silk Sonic. Bruno and Anderson kicked off March with “Leave the Door Open,” a repeat-worthy, retro-tinged jam and the first taste of their upcoming ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’ album. Make no mistake — you need to “Leave the Door Open” on your playlist for this hit!

A bonus video for your viewing pleasure: Bruno and Anderson’s GRAMMYs performance — their only performance of “Leave the Door Open” to date — was beyond dreamy. Watch and you’ll understand why!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMdCZ7sHK8f/

* Sacrifice by Bebe Rexha *

How far would you go for love? On her new single “Sacrifice,” Bebe Rexha makes it clear she’s looking for an all-in or nothing type of romance. “Say goodbye to every other girl in the night behind you / Now you’re mine / Tell me what you’re willin’ to sacrifice,” she sings. It’s an undeniable dance-pop bop and I can’t wait to hear what’s next in this new Bebe era.

* Cowboys by Charlotte Lawrence *

If you’re a follower of this blog, you’ve seen me shout out Californian singer-songwriter Charlotte Lawrence countless times. She put out her first single in 2017, but it was 2018’s viral hits “Just The Same” and “Stole Your Car” that gave her global momentum. Charlotte continues to carve her own lane with her new statement-making sophomore EP, ‘Charlotte.’ My personal favourite track, “Cowboys,” describes the feeling of being lost and wondering where you stand with someone — and if you want to stand with them at all. Hear these songs and more performed live on Charlotte’s Moment House livestream shows April 15 and 16.

* Peaches by Justin Bieber feat. Daniel Caesar and Giveon *

Every spring, there’s at least one early contender for the year’s song of the summer. “Peaches,” the latest single off Justin Bieber’s new album ‘Justice,’ is quickly checking all the boxes, featuring an irresistibly catchy chorus and guest verses from trending R&B artists Daniel Caesar (a fellow Canadian 🇨🇦) and Giveon. Another surefire sign of success? The #PeachesMakeupChallenge is quickly blowing up on TikTok and Instagram, courtesy of its creator Hailey Bieber.

* You All Over Me (From the Vault) by Taylor Swift feat. Maren Morris *

As the April 9 release of ‘Fearless (Taylor’s Version)’ quickly approaches, Taylor Swift has revisited “the vault” of her sophomore album to share a never-before-heard song. “You All Over Me,” a track that sounds equal parts new and nostalgic and is especially reminiscent of the fan-favourite ‘1989’ song “Clean,” was reimagined with background vocals from Tay’s friend and country chart-topper Maren Morris. Look forward to five more unreleased songs from the vault on the final 26-track album!

* Dancing with the Devil by Demi Lovato *

Demi Lovato has never been one to shy away from vulnerability and her new single “Dancing with the Devil” is no exception. The title track for Demi’s new YouTube Originals documentary, and the second track off her forthcoming album ‘Dancing with the Devil… The Art of Starting Over,’ chronicles the realities of a rollercoaster relapse — lying to yourself about your limits, giving in when you shouldn’t, and fighting for your life knowing this shouldn’t be the end. It’s gut-wrenching to hear, but Demi has said it was cathartic putting the experience into words. “I wrote it in November 2018 and I’ve just been waiting for the world to hear it,” she told Zane Lowe on his Apple Music show. Look out for the full album dropping April 2!

Album of the Month: Spaceman by Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas’ third solo album is a testament to both connection and isolation; songs like “Heights” and “If I Fall” chronicle the beautiful moments of starting a relationship and committing to something special, while “Spaceman” and “Don’t Give Up On Us” speak to lockdown and long-distance life (Nick’s wife Priyanka Chopra-Jonas has been working on various film projects overseas). The creative and clever song transitions are reason enough to listen to ‘Spaceman’ from start to finish, but I also had the chance to ask Nick about how this album can be best enjoyed during a recent Twitter Spaces interview. In short, grab a drink, get your headphones and “go on the journey.”

Must-listen songs: “Don’t Give Up On Us” (the most catchy opening track you’ve heard from a Jonas), “This Is Heaven” (a fan favourite that Nick debuted while doing double-duty as host and guest performer on SNL), “Nervous” (a solid closer about feeling forever giddy around your favourite person)

New Artist of the Month: PJ Harding

Critically-acclaimed Australian songwriter and producer PJ Harding can proudly call Noah Cyrus one of his biggest fans and, as of this year, a trusted creative partner. After meeting at a writing camp in Bali in 2018, the pair joined forces to write music for Noah’s 2020 EP ‘The End of Everything’ — but there was something even more special to be explored. PJ and Noah’s latest release, “You Belong to Somebody Else,” takes us one step (or song) closer to their forthcoming collaborative EP, ‘People Don’t Change.’

“The first day we started together … Noah said to me that day that we should start a band. I thought she was kidding, but two years and many songs later we’ve actually done just that!” PJ shared on Instagram.

“He’s the most talented dude I’ve ever partnered with,” Noah recently said of PJ following the release of their first joint single, “Dear August.” “I genuinely admire him as a writer, singer, musician, and artist. Writing songs before, I honestly felt a little lost. It felt special to go back to my roots and make something with guitar and piano like what my dad made me listen to as a kid.”

Though there is no release date set for the EP, PJ has shared there are at least four more songs to come. I’ll be looking out for them to share on future playlists!

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New Music Friday, Playlists

New Music You May Have Missed from February 2021

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Best New Music from January 2021 blog post
Every New Music Friday, I’m reminded of how much new music is out there — especially from artists I’ve yet to discover! Join me as I broaden my horizons and my music library with monthly playlists capturing new releases from every genre.

February is the month of love… and there’s no denying that I’m in love with the fab new singles recently released by the likes of Jessie Ware, Martin Garrix and Tove Lo, Dua Lipa and Nick Jonas. Check out more than four hours of the best new music you might have missed on the Spotify playlist below, then scroll down to hear a selection of my most played faves.

* Remember Where You Are (Single Edit) by Jessie Ware *

Why release a music video when you can release a short film for your new single? The closing track off her career-changing album ‘What’s Your Pleasure?,’ Jessie Ware’s “Remember Where You Are” is a gorgeous tribute to finding comfort in the little things and hanging on to hope despite living in some of the most hopeless times. It’s a warm hug in the form of a song.

* Pressure by Martin Garrix feat. Tove Lo *

If clubs were open, this edgy new Martin Garrix x Tove Lo collaboration would be an absolute smash. You should know it by now, but wear your mask(s), wash your hands and social distance… PLEASE!!!

* Happy Hour by Felix Cartal feat. Kiiara *

Vancouver-born DJ/producer Felix Cartal recruited longtime fan and friend Kiiara for his latest star collab, a “melodramatic emo anthem” (Kiiara’s words!) about feeling a little (or a lot) out of control and treating every hour just like it’s happy hour. Honestly, we can toast to that—it’s been a hard year, but just know that we’ll all get through this. Think of the many actual Happy Hours we’ll soon be able to enjoy!

https://twitter.com/felixcartal/status/1365087200937869313

* We’re Good by Dua Lipa *

The newest addition to your ~thank u, next~ playlist, Dua Lipa’s latest single is full of clever references (“We not meant to be like sleeping and cocaine,” for one) all making it clear that the relationship is over, so it’s time to end things amicably. If not? Boy, bye!

* Caution by KAYTRANADA *

Haitian-Canadian DJ/producer KAYTRANADA surprise released an upbeat new single (“just a beat,” he humbly writes), and it’s our first sampling of fresh, original music since the star’s mega-successful 2019 sophomore LP ‘BUBBA.’ KAYTRANADA is heading into the month of March at an all-time career high—he’s up for Best New Artist at the GRAMMY Awards, airing Mar. 14, and I’m rooting for a local victory!

* Spaceman by Nick Jonas *

Everything we’ve experienced in the past year since the start of the pandemic has certainly felt otherworldly. Nick Jonas captures that sensation perfectly in his new solo single, “Spaceman,” the title track off his upcoming album due out Mar. 12. You can’t help but agree when Nick sings, “Mask off minute I get home / All safe now that I’m alone / Almost like a spaceman.” I definitely never thought of our reality that way! 👨‍🚀

P.S. If you’re a fellow Jonas Brothers superfan, don’t fret — the guys have reassured us they “all have a ton of exciting stuff coming (together and apart 😉).” Well, boys, don’t hold back… tell us everything!

* Last Love by Sinéad Harnett *

I shouted out Sinéad Harnett as an Artist to Watch in 2021 back in January around the time she was finishing work on her eagerly-awaited sophomore album. I’m happy to report back that we officially have a date for when we can expect so many new jams! ‘Ready is Always Too Late’ is set to drop May 21, and we have our first taste of the new record now thanks to lead single “Last Love.” In her own words, “Last Love” is about the “1 step forward, 2 steps back” emotional rollercoaster of feeling single and liberated yet still being hung up on the memory of your ex. We’ve all been there (even if you didn’t actually date them!).

ICYMI: Check out four other artists to watch in 2021!

Album of the Month: Life Support by Madison Beer

Madison Beer’s debut album has been years in the making. Her first and only EP, ‘As She Pleases,’ dropped in 2018, following her debut single in 2013. But ‘Life Support,’ the end result of that extended tease, is a meticulously well-crafted and generous 17-track pop album showcasing the L.A-based artist’s confidence in her sound and story. Highlights include “Effortlessly,” which highlights Madison’s breathy, and well, effortless, vocals, as well as hit single “BOYSHIT.”

New Artist of the Month: Sam Fischer

Days before his new collaboration with Demi Lovato was announced, Australian artist Sam Fischer was still relatively unknown to the mainstream masses. His 2019 single “This City” is what initially catapulted him to TikTok fame (plus remixes with Nico Santos, Anne-Marie and Kane Brown, among others), and landed the singer, who says at the time he felt “defeated” by L.A., a sweet contract with RCA Records. Defeated no more!

Sam and Demi have since joined forces to take Sam’s sound and their new single “What Other People Say” to the next level, most recently appearing together on The Ellen Show. The beautifully-written song describes the downfalls of losing yourself due to societal pressures and the desire to “fit in” and “be liked.” Sam puts it beautifully in this Genius annotation:

if I could talk to kid Sam Fischer i’d tell him to keep being his beautiful, flamboyant, talented, confident self and not listen when he was shamed and bullied for just being himself. I felt like it was my fault that I was the way I was, like the way I was living wasn’t right and I was a really angry and sad kid behind closed doors. i’m in therapy now and i’m so grateful for that because i’m able to unravel so much of the pain and embarrassment I felt for just being myself. working on my happiness and loving myself every day now!

Sam is evidently here to stay and I can’t wait to hear what’s next!

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New Music Friday, Playlists

New Music You May Have Missed from January 2021

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Best New Music You May Have Missed from January 2021 blog cover
Every New Music Friday, I’m reminded of how much new music is out there — especially from artists I’ve yet to discover! Join me as I broaden my horizons and my music library with monthly playlists capturing new releases from every genre.

We’re starting off the new year right with new releases from the likes of Justin Bieber, ZAYN, Ariana Grande, Vance Joy and JoJo. Check out more than four hours of the best new music you may have missed from January in the Spotify playlist below, then scroll down to listen to a few highlights.

* Anyone by Justin Bieber *

Justin Bieber gave his fans a sweet holiday treat dropping a new single, “Anyone,” on Jan. 1. What a way to ring in the New Year!

Wondering what’s ahead for JB in 2021? This is Justin’s fourth song release since last year’s uber-successful ‘Changes’ album and it’s already confirmed these new tracks are part of the path to JB6. ‘Changes’ was released on Valentine’s Day 2020 and, looking at the calendar, it definitely seems like we may need to keep our eyes peeled to Justin’s socials throughout February. 👀

* Vibez by ZAYN *

ZAYN released his long-awaited new album ‘Nobody Is Listening’ this month and its lead single “Vibez” is 100% the vibe. If you’re just checking out the album, the album’s two collaborations, “When Love’s Around” featuring Syd and “Windowsill” featuring Devlin, are real standouts. That said, it’s truly an album to be enjoyed and experienced from start to finish, so go listen and thank me later. 😊

* Talk You Down by Charlotte Lawrence *

If there’s anything more impressive than Charlotte Lawrence’s never-ending string of infectious singles (“Slow Motion” was everything), it’s her beautifully choreographed music videos — and her latest for “Talk You Down” was filmed after just one rehearsal.

Like this song? You won’t have to wait much longer for more. ‘Charlotte’ the EP is set for release March 5.

* Lento (Brabo Remix) by Lauren Jauregui feat. Pabllo Vittar *

If you thought you loved former Fifth Harmony member Lauren Jauregui’s Latin bop “Lento,” wait until you hear this new remix with Brazilian star Pabllo Vittar. It’s still a smoking hot dance moment but with new flavour for the new year. Yes, yes, yes. 🔥

* New Love by Silk City feat. Ellie Goulding *

Megastar producers Diplo and Mark Ronson have *finally* reunited to reignite the flame on their joint project Silk City and I guarantee you will have new love for the new track. As the follow-up single to 2018’s smash hit “Electricity” with Dua Lipa, “New Love” featuring Ellie Goulding is the must-have song on your playlist if you love fun, shimmery pop tunes, a catchy chorus, and a beat that makes you want to dance around your kitchen like no one’s watching (guilty!).

Speaking of comebacks, I’m super excited to see what other musicians will make a big return to the charts in 2021. Fingers crossed Adele and Lorde are on that list. 😉

* Don’t Judge Me by FKA twigs, Headie One and Fred again.. *

FKA twigs’ new single is a beautiful song with a powerful reflection on our very politically-charged 2020. British rapper Headie One has several particularly impactful lines in his verse: “There’s been a million speeches / No justice, no peace, ’cause we in pieces / Officer, am I allowed to breathe here?” (The latter is unfortunately still too common a question.)

* Could This Be Love by Elliphant *

On her new single “Could This Be Love,” Swedish alt-pop singer Elliphant questions a dying love, navigating an internal debate on whether tension, sadness and hours of watching “every YouTube clip I find on cute puppies” are normal in a real romance. While I don’t have the answer for Elliphant, there’s certainly no questioning my love for this song. (See what I did there?)

Album of the Month: #7DJ (7 Días En Jamaica) by Maluma

When it’s cold and dark outside, I love listening to upbeat, tropical music to bring back memories of summer and warmth. Colombian artist Maluma must agree because his new album (and first release of 2021) is inspired by a week-long trip to Jamaica pre-pandemic. This is the perfect easy, cohesive listen to satisfy your dancehall/reggaeton-pop craving!

New Artist of the Month: Arlo Parks

British retro-soul artist Arlo Parks built up a following in 2020 thanks to incredible singles like “Eugene” and “Tangerine,” a collaboration with Glass Animals. But it was ultimately Arlo’s gentle yet intriguing voice combined with introspective, diaristic lyrics that earned her critical acclaim and several “one to watch” honours.

Arlo’s newly-released debut album ‘Collapsed In Sunbeams’ supersedes the hype, presenting an artist who, at age 20, is just starting to face the rollercoaster of life but remains confident in herself, her sound and her intentions. It’s a beautiful thing to hear and a light in these dark times. I’m already looking forward to more!

ICYMI: Check out five other artists to watch in 2021!
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Music Monday, New Music Friday

5 Artists to Watch in 2021

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Zoe Wees, Sinead Harnett, Tate McRae, Iann Dior and Olivia Rodrigo - Artists to Watch

There is one mantra I can always get behind: New year, new music!

Music has been a saviour throughout this pandemic, hyping us up and bringing us comfort during the seemingly endless days of isolation. Thankfully, we are only three New Music Fridays into the year and my January playlist is already giving me everything I need. But to sweeten the deal, I am beyond ready to keep absorbing every new single, album and artist discovery 2021 has in store (and I’ll bring the hottest new releases to you every Friday at 12AM EST on my Instagram!).

Check out five artists who are already showing great potential for making it big in the year ahead.

Zoe Wees

German singer-songwriter Zoe Wees lost all “Control” of her debut single’s promo circuit when much of the world went into lockdown just days after its March 2020 release. But such a beautiful song couldn’t go unnoticed and “Control” has since made quite the impact, garnering over 110 million Spotify streams. No big deal!

Zoe can now count Jessie J (her childhood music idol) and Sam Smith among her biggest fans; in fact, Zoe was tapped to open Sam’s Love Goes album release livestream concert filmed at the historic Abbey Road Studios in October. Best of all, Zoe just kicked off 2021 with her debut U.S. television performance on The Late Late Show with James Corden. She is one artist I’d love to see live as soon as concerts resume!

Watch the music video for her empowering new single “Girls Like Us” now and look out for much more music dropping soon!

Sinéad Harnett

You know you’ve made it once you have your own billboard. Sinéad Harnett checked off that major milestone just days into the new year while promoting her Amazon Original single, a cover of ’70s hit “At Your Best (You Are Love).”

there’s a little girl crying inside of me! she didn’t think she deserved anything like this. she didn’t think she was worthy of love. but you know what. she fucking is. and so are you!

The London-born songstress built an early following in 2013 through collaborations with big-name producers like Disclosure (“Boiling“) and Rudimental and MNEK (“Baby“). But it was her 2016 release “If You Let Me” that truly amplified her global profile, racking up 70 million Spotify streams and counting. Inspired to create in isolation, Sinéad recently found a new audience through Instagram, posting covers, comedy skits and even a special track aptly titled “Quarantine Queen.”

Heading into 2021, Sinéad has been putting the finishing touches on an eagerly-awaited new album. If she had a billboard in January, I can only imagine what she can accomplish by December. It’s only up from here.

Tate McRae

Canadian-born Tate McRae paved her path to success in 2020 with the release of her debut EP ‘all the things i never said’ and its self-mocking lead “stupid.” After a string of one-off singles, including collaborations with Lil Mosey (“vicious“) and Ali Gatie (“lie to me“), her heartbreaking song “you broke me first” suddenly picked up global steam. It helped Tate secure a spot in the Top 5 on Billboard’s Emerging Artist Chart and Top 20 on the Canadian Hot 100 Chart, as well as performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the MTV Video Music Awards Pre-show. Released in December, Tate’s sassy new single “r u ok” is already keeping the momentum alive.

Tate is definitely one to watch this year, but don’t just take my word for it. The 17-year-old triple threat (singer, songwriter, and dancer first) was ranked among the top 50 most streamed female artists on Spotify globally at the end of 2020 and was the youngest musician named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 List for 2021. She also just scored her first platinum certification with “you broke me first.”

Once you’re caught up on her catchy discography, get excited for Tate’s first new project of the year, slated for release Jan. 20.

iann dior

When the world slowed down, Puerto Rican rapper iann dior went full speed ahead—and the industry took notice. In what was nothing short of a massive year for the rising star, iann dior landed a major feature on 24kGoldn’s viral summer hit “Mood,” collaborated with Machine Gun Kelly, Travis Barker and Lil Baby, and surpassed 36 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Setting the stage for what’s ahead in 2021, the 21 year old just dropped a new music video and has started teasing a new album on Instagram. Make sure to hit that follow button and keep iann dior on your radar!

Olivia Rodrigo

Olivia Rodrigo’s official debut single “drivers license” has landed the High School Musical: The Series actress in the fast lane to young pop royalty — and it could easily (and already) be one of the biggest releases of 2021. It went viral on TikTok (today’s top hit maker), has A-list endorsement from the likes of the Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift and Niall Horan and has smashed all sorts of records, including breaking its own record for the biggest single day streams for a non-holiday song in global Spotify chart history (#1 with over 13.628 million). The song’s unprecedented success prompted the streaming platform itself to respond, with a representative telling Billboard, “I truly do think this is just a lightning-in-a-bottle moment that sort of brought together a number of factors in a way that they haven’t really been brought together recently. But I can’t say that the pop audience wasn’t hungry for a big pop song as well.” So… no pressure for that sophomore single, right?!

The real test of Rodrigo’s reign will depend on her new fans (all 4.3 million of them on Instagram alone) and TikTok stans rallying behind her future projects. But if the success of “drivers license” and her contributions to the High School Musical: The Series soundtrack are to be trusted, this is just the beginning of Olivia’s story.

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Music Monday, New Music Friday, Playlists

15 New Christmas Songs for Your 2020 Holiday Playlist

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Christmas Playlist 2020 Cover

Regardless of the date on the calendar, the Christmas season isn’t officially underway until your local radio station first plays Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Thanks to the power of music, while many of our holiday traditions will understandably look very different this year, Christmas carols will continue to bring us together.

As much as I love the signature songs of the season, I also love discovering original tracks and fresh takes on holiday classics to add to my annual playlist. Check out new Christmas songs from the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Sam Smith, Tori Kelly and yes, the Queen of Christmas music herself, Mariah Carey, below!

* Christmas 2020 Playlist *

“Merry Christmas to Your Face” by Jordin Sparks

Off her new holiday album Cider & Hennessy (her first full-length release since 2015!), American Idol winner Jordin Sparks sets the mood with a cute and catchy track about wanting to spend Christmas with your favourite person while opening presents, laughing and playing all day. Nothing sounds better!

“I Need You Christmas” by Jonas Brothers

Whether it’s because we’re growing up or just dealing with a drastically different “pandemic holiday,” it’s easy to miss the sweet innocence of Christmases’ past. The holidays spent “waiting for Santa to show [and] caroling late night” can sound like a distant dream sometimes. With this follow-up single to 2019’s “Like It’s Christmas,” Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas deliver another heartwarming Christmas track about holding on to hope and that festive feeling.

“Under The Mistletoe” by Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge

Kelly Clarkson is at the top of her Christmas music game! I still have her beautiful 2013 album ‘Wrapped In Red’ on repeat, and I’m so excited to add this merry new collaboration with country singer Brett Eldredge to the mix.

“Last Christmas” by Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor gives the Christmas classic “Last Christmas” new life on her recently-released holiday album, aptly titled ‘A Very Trainor Christmas.’ Meghan’s voice perfectly fits the vibe of the song, which will forever be one of my fave Christmas carols!

“Christmas Blues” by Sabrina Claudio and The Weeknd

Get ready to grab your special someone, turn up your speakers and slow dance by the Christmas tree! Sabrina Claudio and The Weeknd sound enchanting on this beautiful holiday song off of Sabrina’s new Christmas album of the same name.

“The Lighthouse Keeper” by Sam Smith

Every holiday playlist needs at least one mellow melody. Sam Smith, who had a massive year with the release of their third studio album, just delivered the tearjerker of the holiday season with this breathtaking new single, produced by ‘Love Goes’ collaborator Labrinth. “If any year could make me look forward to the sounds of Christmas, it would be 2020 as more than ever before we are yearning to be around our friends and family once again,” Sam said ahead of the track’s release. Amen to that.

“Joy to the World / Joyful, Joyful” by Tori Kelly

I challenge you to find a more fun rendition of “Joy to the World” — it’s an impossible task! Tori Kelly’s voice is simply incredible and will ignite an irresistible glow inside of you. I highly recommend checking out the rest of her new Christmas album, ‘A Tori Kelly Christmas,’ for 41 minutes of pure holiday vibes!

“Oh Santa!” by Mariah Carey feat. Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson

A long-awaited highlight of Mariah Carey’s new Apple TV+ holiday special, this Mariah x Ariana x Jennifer collab is undeniably the star-studded spectacle of the season!

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