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.

 

“Gorgeous” – Taylor Swift: ★★★★

Building anticipation for her upcoming album, Taylor Swift released “Gorgeous,” the second promotional single from her sixth-album, “Reputation.” Upon first listen, I disregarded the track entirely. From its baby-voice intro, Microsoft-sounding synths and interspersed bell ringings, the song’s sonic-pallet instantly put me off. However, upon listening again, I’ve decided that Taylor Swift strikes again with another pop hit, even if it’s not as instant as her previous work.

Overlaying a midtempo beat reminiscent of Swift’s “Blank Space,” listeners are transported into Swift’s mind as she grapples with having a new crush she’s nervous to talk to. While the lyrics are trite, especially considering Swift’s proven strength at lyricism,  “Gorgeous’” chorus is undeniably catchy – plaguing my brain in the hours after initially disregarding the track. At that point, I decided it was time to give the song another shot.

“Gorgeous” shows off a new side of Swift’s upcoming album, one which is more reminiscent of her previous work, but equally as strong as “Reputation’s” other singles. Ultimately, “Gorgeous” succeeds at building the hype.

 

“Bedroom Floor” – Liam Payne: ★★★

If you couldn’t get enough of Swift’s Microsoft-sounding synths in “Gorgeous,” you’re in luck – it appears this may be a growing trend. Payne’s “Bedroom Floor” initially recalls a similar sonic-pallet, but quickly transforms into faster paced song more in line with Payne’s break-out hit, “Strip That Down” (which remains one of my favorite songs of the summer).

Payne syncopates his lyrics over an electro-pop beat on the verses, eventually bursting into a familiar tropical-pop sound. While lacking originality, it’s hard to deny “Bedroom Floor’s” fun energy.

“Bedroom Floor” continues to demonstrate Payne’s individuality as an artist separate from One Direction, but within the context of today’s mainstream music, “Bedroom Floor” will not stand out. I don’t expect “Bedroom Floor” to outpeak “Strip That Down’s” success, but it’s a nice addition to Payne’s catalogue.

 

“Wolves” – Selena Gomez & Marshmello: ★★

When Selena Gomez and Kygo released their early-2017 hit “It Ain’t Me,” I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Layering Gomez’s whisper-like vocals over Kygo’s tropical-house beat produced a decent hit and a fresh start for Gomez following the success of her “Revival” album. “It Ain’t Me” charted at #10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Upon pressing play on “Wolves,” Gomez’s newest single with DJ Marshmello, I was disappointed to discover that Gomez’s “fresh start” has turned terribly sour. It seems Gomez’s team knew she struck gold with “It Ain’t Me” and tried to further mine its empty cavern.

Unfortunately, “Wolves” is an utter embarrassment. Its verses are empty, its chorus derivative, and its drop isn’t just boring – it’s hard to listen to. If Gomez wants to stay afloat in today’s constantly evolving music scene, she needs to stop relying on her old tricks.