We're covering the latest releases from Selena Gomez, Blake Shelton, Lana del Rey, and more!

It's our weekly song review where we review five new songs released this past week, January 10–17. Check out our list to see if your favorite artist is on the list!

"Minimum Wage" by Blake Shelton

"Minimum Wage" serves as Blake Shelton's first entry in 2021. Despite it accumulating some negative press and criticism due to the title, it's already proving to be a popular hit as it racks up views on Youtube.

Although many consider the title "tone-deaf" in today's circumstances, Shelton claims the lyrics really compare a woman's love to riches, such as through "You can make a one-bedroom apartment / Feel like a house up on the hill." Shelton says that 2020 was good to him, especially after his proposal to Gwen Stefani, an event that seems to carry through the words. 

"Minimum Wage" begins dramatically, with a resounding piano interweaving with a guitar's country twangs. Shelton's vocals are clear and upbeat, prominent over the pleasant, simple musical composition. There is a sense of contained energy throughout the verses, breaking only during the chorus with Shelton's triumphant lyrics. "Minimum Wage" already sounds like it will be another Shelton classic.

"De Una Vez" by Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez brings in 2021 with a single called "De Una Vez," set to premiere on her upcoming album. The track is heavily influenced by Latin music and is a preview of what Gomez hopes for the new year.

Boasting a vibrant video, "De Una Vez" is an electric, teasing power ballad beset by sultry, Latin beats. The steady bass sounds like a small heartbeat throughout the verses, before giving way to an uplifting chorus. Gomez's vocals are soothing and welcoming, mirroring the slower pace and sense of warmth.

Gomez explains how this track reveals her personal growth and self-worth that she's accomplished over the years. The lyrics and video also illuminate her path towards healing and evolution, with emphasis on self-love. As a listener, I could feel these feelings gush through what she was singing. As always, Gomez proves what an inspiration she is to her fans with "De Una Vez."

"Chemtrails over the Country Club" by Lana del Rey

With her album set to debut on March 19, del Rey has been pleasing fans with the release of various singles. Her newest one is named after her album, Chemtrails Over the Country Club.

Like previous del Rey tracks, "Chemtrails Over the Country Club" portrays her signature haunting, breathy vocals. Here, they glide softly against the piano notes and tilting, atmospheric rhythm, building tense anticipation towards the song's climax. They seem to sway in harmony with the musical composition's gentle piano and later drums.

"Chemtrails Over the Country Club" is infused with the album's themes of love and escape, following off her previous track, "Love Me Like a Woman." The lyrics reflect vivid imagery of summer at the pool, affirming that sense of escapism.

"Champagne Butterflies" by Wild Youth

The Irish pop boyband is back with their new single, "Champagne Butterflies." Fans of them can rejoice—for this track carries all the hints of another classic!

"Champagne Butterflies" is both fun but dramatic, with crystal-clear vocals and an enthralling groove that will make you want to get up and dance. Sensuous, heavy synths cast this track in an electric glow, making it seem like it came out of the 80s. The chorus pops to where you want to sing along.

"Champagne Butterflies" is another Wild Youth's love song. It features ideas of escape and traveling, through lyrics like, "We can fly to Japan tonight / And get champagne butterflies." 

"Hate Myself" by Dodie

Pop-rock singer Dodie has just released her new track, "Hate Myself," in anticipation of her debut album, Build a Problem, which will come out on March 5.

The creativity is definitely mind-blowing with how Dodie has composed this track. Minimal beats and quick-sang words make this a standout track in today's pop industry. The underlying bass, soft yet steady, adds a layer of heaviness against the more ethereal elements. A quiet escalation of drums and vocals gives a sense of tension and climax.

Dodie says "Hate Myself" discusses being with someone else in a relationship who internalizes feelings rather than share them, leading to the sense that something is wrong with them. The lyrics are awash with feelings of regret and hope, adding to these themes.

Are you excited about these new tracks? Let us know in the comments!