New Music Friday: Niall Horan, Jessie J, R5, Alex Aiono, And More

Summer’s almost over, but the great, new music it seems to bring with it is showing no signs of slowing down. A mixed bag of tracks dropped on Friday and we’ve gone through and picked out some of the ones that should be added to the top of your must-listen list.

Keep reading to find out what’s on this week’s New Music Friday list AKA the songs that deserve your attention and ears.

Niall Horan – “Too Much To Ask”

Is it too much to ask that Horan gives us all a little more time to prepare before dropping a song that will be replayed over and over, both on our playlists and just in our heads. Because that’s what this song does. His already released songs have been an interesting mix of styles and this tune only adds to that assortment, and it’s wonderful. Pretty and soft, folky and intriguing, this song is another win for Horan. We can only imagine how amazing his full debut solo album, “Flicker,” will be.

Jessie J – “Think About That”

Breathless and emotional – the two words to describe how her voice sounds while she’s singing on this song and how everyone will feel while listening to the song. Jessie J is an amazing vocalist and can belt and run with the best of them, but she can also reign it all in and just release a song that’s a bit slowed down, but still has her classic vocal angst. In other words, she can do no wrong.

R5 – “Hurts Good”

Somehow this band managed to drop this new track, written by members Ross Lynch, Rocky Lynch and Ellington Ratliff, while on their New Addictions Tour and everyone should be so glad that they’re such great multitaskers because the song might not hurt, but it is definitely good. So good. It’s here just in time for the weekend, which is perfect since the song is funky and groovy and smooth and just what your weekend needed.

Alex Aiono feat. Trinidad Cardona - “Does It Feel Like Falling”

If you feel like falling in love with a new song, add this tune to your must-listen list. Aiono brings his usual pop-R&B stylings and cool-boy vibes over consistent beats that make the upper body involuntarily move about from side to side.

Jessie James Decker – “All Filled Up”

Decker released two new songs on Friday, which are pre-order tracks from her upcoming album “Southern Girl City Lights” and both are great, but it’s “All Filled Up” that will truly fill up your soul and should be filling up your playlist and your ears. Decker shows off her easy, smooth vocals and really belts at points without making it seem all too much. Her transitions are beautiful and sweet and will have you rewinding just to hear them over and over again. But, you might as well just replay the whole song while you’re at it.

Grace VanderWaal – “So Much More Than This”

She’s always wanted people to stop comparing her to other artists, like Taylor Swift and Melanie Martinez, and her new music proves that she’s so much more than “the next” anyone else. If people even need any convincing at this point. VanderWaal is talented and interesting and has always shown that. This track only confirms it and gives people something to listen to until her album “Just The Beginning” comes out in November.

Logan Henderson – “Bite My Tongue”

The former Big Time Rush member is working on make a name for himself as a solo artist and this track stands to bring him very far in that quest. The song has that catchy sound that fans will be used to from his Nickelodeon singing days, but then Henderson goes and adds his own spin on things, since this is his solo music, after all. The song is simple in the best possible way. The lyrics are incredibly relatable and the melody and music make it easy to quickly learn the words and starting singing along. Just what we all want from a new favorite song.

Canaan Smith – “This Night Back”

A little country-rock can go a long way, especially if it’s this new song from Smith. Listen to it, have a little fun, take a break from taking life too seriously and enjoy yourself. You deserve it and Smith knows that. This song is evidence of that.

Tove Styrke – “Mistakes”

If you want a little “me time” and need some music to add to a playlist for it, this song is not a mistake. Styrke’s calm-pop tune is entertaining and pleasing as both an upbeat jump-around song, and a sit-down-and-really-listen song – that’s a great combination.

Noah Kahan – “Hurt Somebody”

Beautiful. Kahan’s voice is beautiful. This song not only doesn’t hurt anyone, but it has the power to heal. Just let the words, the attractive vocals and humble melody put you at ease.