In a lot of ways, it feels like we’ve been stalled since the quarantine began. Cases are surging, Canada’s vaccine rollout was anti-climatic, and the lockdown feels like it’s never going to end. But regardless of how the pandemic continues to pan out, it feels like we’re taking steps towards a new normal. This could very well just be thanks to the change in seasons, but in spite of the circumstances, things still feel like they’re in bloom. And with some of the country’s top acts gearing up to return to the scene, the newness will surely be great for morale—do you hear that, Rihanna? This month, both Majid Jordan and Ruth B. shared glimpses of their first full-lengths since 2017 and at the very least, it’s giving us something to look forward to.
Read on to learn more about these tracks and get locked into some other buzzy new releases to add to your playlist.
Majid Jordan, "Waves of Blue"
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On their latest track, Majid Jordan introduced us to an ’80s-inspired dreamscape with synth-pop beats and whimsical lyrics. Having premiered the track on OVO Sound Radio, “Waves of Blue” is a return to form for the duo, who often fuse the feel of retro pop with the sounds of new-age R&B. Over an uptempo instrumental, frontman Majid Al Maskati sings about the bliss of being in love. The track is the first single off their upcoming album, which comes four years after their sophomore release, The Space Between. —Sumiko Wilson
DijahSB, "Way Too Many Ways"
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DijahSB gets playful while pondering self-doubt on their funky rap track “Way Too Many Ways.” They get a bit in their feelings about what matters in life, touching on overthinking and anxiety around death. “Know that this is deeper than rap,” they rap over a groovy bassline. It’s an anthem of resilience fueled by Dijah’s persistence to make music with meaning. Dijah’s earnest lyrics combined with their easy flow make for a soulful ’90s-tinged listen. —Natalie Harmsen
Ruth B., "Situation"
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On “Situation” Alberta songstress Ruth B. settles into the grey area of a love in bloom. She pairs her signature stripped down piano backing with subtle percussion to give a fresh sound to the traditional slow jam. The track, which she co-wrote with producer Ido Zmishlany, works up the courage to voice the frustrating feeling of not knowing where you stand in a relationship. In an interview with Apple Music, she describes it as “when you’re kind of in the space of not knowing what you’re doing with someone and what’s going on.” The track is the first taste of what’s to come on her upcoming album Moments In Between—her first since her 2017 debut. —Sumiko Wilson
Road Runner f/ Smiley "Spinladen"
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Toronto rap newcomer Road Runner and OVO-approved emcee Smiley link up on “Spinladen,” where they trade bars about the highs and lows of their respective come ups. 6ixBuzz is also listed as a feature on the track, but don’t let that deter you from listening—Smiley and Road Runner flowing over an ominous beat in a stirring minor key is perfectly suited for Toronto’s moody soundscape. —Sumiko Wilson
Chiiild f/ Mahalia, "Awake"
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On “Awake,” Montreal’s Chiiild joins forces with UK R&B star Mahalia for a simmering, soulful duet between the duo’s vocalist Yoni Ayal and the British crooner. Picking up where early aughts neo soul left off, the track leans into the sultry vibes with lyrics like, “Michelin star crib and my body’s on the menu.” Though their vocals are the focal point, strings share centre stage throughout the song, with funky bass scoring the first half and airy, ethereal strings bringing the track to a close. —Sumiko Wilson
Charlotte Cardin, "Sad Girl"
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Charlotte Cardin finally released her long-awaited full-length album Phoenix earlier this month. “Sad Girl” follows a string of powerhouse singles, and begins with a Bond-esque intro that leads into the revenge she’s searching for throughout. With a bold chorus that Cardin says is inspired by ’90s girl bands, it’s safe to say that revenge has been reaped. —Sydney Brasil
Nate Husser and Mick Jenkins, "Teriyaki"
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When “Teriyaki” opens, Montreal rapper Nate Husser flows against the beat instead of riding it—an assertion of his experimental style. By the time the beat drops, he seamlessly eases into an otherworldly flow over a mid-tempo woodwind beat produced by Dominique Sanders. On the track’s second half, Chicago emcee Mick Jenkins taps in with a punchy flow and his signature swag. —Sumiko Wilson
Justin Nozuka, "Break Me"
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Justin Nozuka’s dreamy R&B song “Break Me” is dripping in desire and tenderness. Nozuka is no stranger to waxing poetic about being lovesick and this is no exception—he wears his heart on his sleeve on the track as his vocals simmer with longing. As he begs for his lover to break him, the chorus swells with stunning harmonies. His smooth, honeyed falsetto adds an air of wistfulness as the melody soars with triumphant purpose. —Natalie Harmsen
RALPH, "Tommy"
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Ahead of her upcoming EP Gradience, Ralph has shown her disco-drenched bops aren’t going anywhere. “Tommy” is a twinkling homage to a sexy stranger at a party, infectious in its glam-inspired hooks. Its funky guitar riffs and campy, upbeat vibe lend to the track’s optimism, just like the hope that she’ll run into that mystery man once again. —Sydney Brasil
Lowell, 'Bloodthirsty"
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This sensual, grungy track emulates the vibe of the film it was written for. In writing both Bloodthirsty the film and “Bloodthirsty” the track, Lowell demonstrates how exactly she is a jack of all trades. “I grew up on Riot Grrl and Courtney Love and have always admired their willingness to be raucous and speak out, so it felt sonically suitable for a queer positive film made by a bunch of bad ass women,” she tells us. —Sydney Brasil
