Boston University

04/29/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/29/2024 13:47

What’s Hot in Music This Month: New Albums, Local Concerts

What's Hot in Music This Month: New Albums, Local Concerts

Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish drop new records; live performances from Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Neil Young

Billie Eilish, AP Photo/Sipa USA (from left); Rainbow Kitten Surprise, AP Photo/Sipa USA; Dua Lipa, AP Photo/zz/KGC-03/STAR MAX/IPx

Music

What's Hot in Music This Month: New Albums, Local Concerts

Dua Lipa and Billie Eilish drop new records; live performances from Rainbow Kitten Surprise and Neil Young

April 29, 2024
0
TwitterFacebook

Welcome back, Terriers, to our monthly column, What's Hot in Music This Month.

Final exams are just around the corner. You're almost there, Terriers. Looking to celebrate the end of the semester or take a break from final projects with some great music? You're in luck. May is packed with new albums, from Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, and others, and exciting local concerts, among them one by Anitta, who takes the stage at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.

New releases

Album cover courtesy of Warner Records

Radical Optimism, Dua Lipa

Dua Lipa is the definition of modern pop royalty. Her international smash Future Nostalgia, released right at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, skyrocketed her to "legend" status-Grammy awards, collaborations with icons like Elton John and Madonna, a global tour, and more. With Radical Optimism, Lipa shows that she's a force to be reckoned with. The singles-"Houdini," "Training Season," and "Illusion"-show a mature Lipa embracing self-love over an energetic, psychedelic sound. Get ready for the summer of Radical Optimism, out May 3.

Album cover courtesy of Interscope Records

Hit Me Hard and Soft, Billie Eilish

Grammy- and Oscar-winning superstar Billie Eilish surprised fans last month with word that she would be releasing her third studio album just weeks later. In Hit Me Hard and Soft. the singer-songwriter has once again teamed up with her brother and longtime collaborator Finneas O'Connell, which drops May 17. Eilish had a big year last year, becoming the youngest two-time Oscar winner in history after "What Was I Made For?" from Barbie nabbed the trophy for Best Original Song (the first was for "No Time to Die" in 2022). Fans will have to wait to hear what Hit Me Hard and Soft has in store, as Eilish has said she won't be releasing any singles in advance.

Album cover courtesy of NKOTB Music, LLC

Still Kids, New Kids on the Block

It's been 11 long years, but New Kids on the Block is finally back with new music. One of the original boy band sensations, the band enjoyed massive success in the '80s and '90s, even performing at the Super Bowl XXV halftime show in 1991, before disbanding in 1994 (they reunited in 2007 and have released a few projects since). Band member Donnie Wahlberg says Still Kids is the most mature, fun, and comfortable album the band has made to date. It feels impossible to keep yourself from dancing to the lead single, "Kids." The wait for new music is almost over, and we'll be counting down the days until the Dorchester natives' latest project is released May 17.

Album cover courtesy of Mercury; Republic

Room Under the Stairs, Zayn

Although he was a member of One Direction, which was once one of the most famous bands in the world, Zayn has since stepped back from the spotlight, opting for a more reclusive type of stardom. But that's all changing on May 17 with the release of his fourth studio album, Room Under the Stairs. Zayn says the album is sonically unexpected and extremely personal, allowing fans a rare glimpse into his ambitions and fears. On the single "Alienated," he grapples with loneliness; "What I Am" sees him revealing a vulnerable side, asking a lover to accept him. It's been three years since his last album, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how much further Zayn pulls back the curtain.

Album cover courtesy of Legacy Recordings

The Border, Willie Nelson

The epitome of longevity, 91-year-old country music icon Willie Nelson is releasing his 75th solo album of new material May 31. The legendary singer shows no signs of slowing down. Just last month, he was featured on Beyoncé's chart-topping smash COWBOY CARTER. As both an artist and an activist, Nelson has redefined what it means to be a country star. His new album's title is actually a track by songwriters Rodney Crowell and Allen Shamblin, who write from the perspective of a tormented border worker. Nelson infuses the song with a tired yet powerful strength. The Border serves as one more reminder that the nonagenarian is truly a one-in-a-generation talent.

Upcoming concerts

Madison Beer

Madison Beer will perform at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St., Boston, Saturday, May 11, at 7:30 pm. Purchase tickets, starting at $43, here.

After becoming popular singing covers on Youtube, Madison Beer has cultivated an international following drawn to her infectious pop sound and stunning voice. She's hitting the road now in support of her 2023 album Silence Between Songs. Beer has been praised for her growth as an artist since she released her first album, 2021's Life Support.Silence Between Songs is inspired by Beer's idols Lana Del Rey, Tame Impala, and the Beach Boys. Don't miss your chance to see her on May 11.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Rainbow Kitten Surprise will perform at Roadrunner, 89 Guest St., Boston, Tuesday, May 14, and Wednesday, May 15, at 8 pm. Purchase tickets, starting at $82, here for Tuesday and here for Wednesday.

Be one of the first to see rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise (RKS, to their devoted fans) just days after the release of their brand-new album, Love Hate Music Box, which drops May 10 and features a whopping 22 tracks. It's their first album in six years. RKS brings their "high energy, good vibes" performance style to the stage at Roadrunner for two nights. It's a great month to be an RKS fan.

Neil Young

Neil Young will perform at the Xfinity Center, 885 S. Main St., Mansfield, Friday, May 17, at 7:30 pm. Purchase tickets, starting at $69.35, here.

Neil Young has the rare honor of being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (once as a solo artist and once with folk-rock group Buffalo Springfield). Named one of the 100 greatest artists of all time by Rolling Stone, Young, now 78, has been praised for his deep lyricism and exceptional guitar skills. He's bringing over 50 years of musical hits to the stage at the Xfinity Center on May 17.

Anitta

Anitta will perform at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, 2 Lansdowne St., Boston, Tuesday, May 28, at 8 pm. Purchase tickets, starting at $55, here.

Although she was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2023 Grammy Awards, Anitta has been in the game since 2010. The Brazilian singer-songwriter is one of the most popular Latin artists in the world, racking up numerous awards and accolades for her genre-bending music. Her recent album, Funk Generation, was released in April and she'll be embarking on her first-ever North American tour, which, fortunately, includes a stop in Boston on May 28.

21 Savage

21 Savage will perform at the Xfinity Center, 885 S. Main St., Mansfield, Friday, May 31, at 7 pm. Purchase tickets, starting at $54.35, here.

Rapper 21 Savage has been riding a high of late. Last year, Her Loss, his collaboration with industry legend Drake. peaked at number one on the Billboard chart. In January, he released American Dream, his chart-topping third solo album. Now's your chance to see the high-energy artist perform live when he hits the stage at the Xfinity Center. His shows are known for their fiery and fun energy, so plan on a memorable evening.

Explore Related Topics:

  • Share this story
  • 0CommentsAdd

Share

What's Hot in Music This Month: New Albums, Local Concerts

Copy URL:Copy

  • Sam Thomas (COM'24)

    Sam Thomas (COM'24) Profile

Comments & Discussion

Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Moderators are staffed during regular business hours (EST) and can only accept comments written in English. Statistics or facts must include a citation or a link to the citation.

Post a comment. Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *

Comment*view guidelines
Name *
Email *
Submit Comment

Latest from BU Today