Best New Music of the Week: Justin Bieber, Sam Smith, YUNGBLUD and more

Every week, Buro. selects the best new music of the week so you don't have to deal with the white noise.

18 September

Holy by Justin Bieber (feat. Chance the Rapper)

Beliebers, it's time to party. Justin Bieber has joined forces with Chance the Rapper to drop a new track, Holy. This follows a single earlier in the year with Ariana Grande and his fifth album drop, Changes. The track seems to serve as the start of new beginnings for Bieber, with the singer promoting it as a 'new era'. In the groovy new single, Bieber sings about a lover's touch, with Chance the Rapper jumping in for a catchy rap verse. The new single is accompanied by a short film directed by Colin Tilley (director of WAP by Cardi B and Megan thee Stallion).

Diamonds by Sam Smith

Sam Smith is sparkling in his latest song, Diamonds. The latest track from the singer-songwriter opens with a whimsical verse before transitioning into an addictive dance anthem. Along with the new single is the announcement of their highly-anticipated album, Love Goes, which is set on 30 October. Originally slated to be released earlier in the year under a different name, the album had its release date delayed due to the ongoing pandemic. "I'm extremely happy and overjoyed to announce my third album (I can't believe I'm saying that) 'Love Goes'. This album marks a time of experimentation and self discovery in my life," Smith stated in an Instagram post. The forthcoming album is said to include changes to the track list, with the addition of newly recorded tracks.

Love Looks Better by Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys is back with a new single, Love Looks Better. The track is released in anticipation of her seventh studio album, ALICIA, which had its release date postponed due to COVID-19. Co-written and co-produced with OneRepublic's frontman and lead vocalist Ryan Tedder, the soulful R&B song is accompanied by the vocal queen's signature piano technique and emotive delivery. The lyrics speak of the desire to slow down and indulge in a romantic relationship with someone. As with the rest of the tracks in her upcoming self-titled album, the Grammy-winning singer revisits her earlier musical styles in this single.

feel away by slowthai (feat. James Blake and Mount Kimbie)

slowthai is melancholic and introspective in his latest single, feel away. Dedicated as an emotional tribute to his younger brother, the British rapper takes on a subsided tone in comparison to his other gritty tracks. The track also sees slowthai teaming up with British singer James Blake for a soulful chorus and electronic music duo Mount Kimbie for production. "Today is the anniversary of my baby brothers passing," the rapper wrote in a social media post. "This is one of the biggest days of the year for me and my family, and with my whole I can say I've never missed anyone as much as I miss him, I know you're looking down on us every day with your smile. I'm doing everything in my power to live for him and also make him proud."

God Save Me, But Don't Drown Me Out by YUNGBLUD

Get a taste of YUNGBLUD's upcoming album, Weird!, with his newest single, God Save Me, But Don't Drown Me Out. The Doncaster star revealed the track along with a release date for his much-awaited album: 13 November. The latest single is the third track dropped from the 12-track album, and is inspired by present-day world events and challenges. The song features a vulnerable side of the singer and is intended to be a source of hope and support for those facing ongoing pressures.