Welcome to “Cut Through the Noise,” a new column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering new music releases. Every week, a different Echo staffer will take on the role as writer, reviewing recent releases aiming for success.

BØRNS- Sweet Dreams: ★★★★★
My first experience with BØRNS’ music had me hooked. I missed his signature soprano vocals, and was very excited to hear new song when it

dropped this past week. At first I thought his new song “Sweet Dreams” sounded a little weird, but ultimately I ended up liking it. I enjoyed its outerspace-like soundscape and his smoother-than-silk voice, which has a calming, moody effect that gets me swaying side to side. Unlike BØRNS’ hit-song “Electric Love,” I had to listen to “Sweet Dreams” a couple of times to fully appreciate it, as the lyrics are slightly cliche, but the originality of the music keeps it unique enough to earn a favorable review. The versatility of this song goes from listening to it when the top is off of the car and your hands are waving in the warm summer air to hammocking on a sultry evening at sundown.

Camila Cabello- Havana (feat. Young Thug):★★★★

Camila Cabello’s departure from Fifth Harmony made this song possible, and I don’t know whether to be resentful or thankful. I’m irritated

that “Havana” is so catchy that I subconsciously find myself humming to it, unable to get it out of my head, but I’m ultimately happy, because Camila Cabello has graced us with more infectious latin music. Close your eyes, and you can almost see the colors of Cuban pastels radiating through the music. Additionally, featured rapper Young Thug represents a more modern aspect of the music industry, combining popular music with emerging hip-hop. This demographically diverse song has a fun quality that contributes to its instant likeability, similar to that of Sweet Caroline or other classic fan favorites.

Post Malone- Rockstar (feat. 21 Savage): ★★★★

Most known for his multi-platinum hit, “Congratulations,” Austin Richard Post, also known as  Post Malone, released “Rockstar,” and in doing so, made me his #1 fan. The second you press play, there’s an enticing quality that immediately draws the

listener in and makes you crave more of this unfamiliar sound. The song balances two battling tempos, creating a contrast that seems like it’s leading to a crescendo, piquing your interest throughout. With this fast yet, slow paced music Post creates a song that listeners can run to and get amped or listen to at school to calm down. On his verse, featured rapper 21 Savage employs his monotonous voice that sounds like he’s hallucinating or on a drug induced trip. The haunting quality at the end of the song leaves listeners with a sense that it is unfinished, but don’t fear, as Post Malone has several other albums that fully satisfy.