Welcome to “Cut Through the Noise” an entertainment column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering new music releases. Every week, a different Echo staffer takes on the role of writer, reviewing recent single releases from various artists.
“Priceless” – Maroon 5 ft. LISA ★★★★☆
This fresh collaborative song between Maroon 5 and Lisa of “BLACKPINK” was released May 2, and it’s safe to say I’m impressed. This pop-rock track is the lead single from Maroon 5’s upcoming eighth studio album. The song features a romantic and nostalgic tone, preaching about the unmatched value of true love. The lyrics revolve around admiration and cherishing someone who brings extraordinary worth into your life. The line, “Baby, you’re priceless, I never had anything like this,” highlights a tone that praises a love that money can’t buy. The song is vibrant and polished, with an upbeat and catchy rhythm. The standout feature, LISA, adds a sleek K-pop flavor to the track. Her charismatic presence and smooth delivery balance out Adam Levine’s vocals. Their collaboration shown in the song is natural but so powerful. Fans of pop, K-pop and romantic ballads will enjoy “Priceless.” It’s ideal for people who appreciate Maroon 5’s earlier work and songs that bring a catchy vibe. The song feels like a blend of Maroon 5’s earlier hits, such as “Sugar,” because the tempo and flow of the song are very similar, but LISA’s vocals add an extra spice to the song to make it stand out compared to his other work. Overall, it’s a strong pop single with great chemistry between the artists, and it has a memorable message. I’m giving it four stars because I think it’s something I wouldn’t listen to again, but it’s still a song everyone should try to listen to.
“French Girls” – Dove Cameron ★★★☆☆
A fresh new single from Dove Cameron, “French Girls,” was released May 2, alongside another song, “Too Much.” I haven’t been much of a fan of Cameron’s music, but I decided to give it a shot. This song was a celebration of femininity, which brought an empowering vibe to the piece. The song felt like it was embracing desire, confidence and the power of being seen. Although the lyrics aim to convey confidence and strength, some lines come across as repetitive and basic. The lyric “you’ve never met a girl like me before” was repeated several times, and it took away from the song’s overall impact. Cameron’s vocals were sultry and controlled, which fit the song’s mood. Yet, the lack of difference in dynamic range made it feel like I was listening to the same verse over and over. I would have liked to see some more variety with her vocals, but she still sounded great. The tempo was quick, with a stylish, modern pop beat. I would say the style reminded me of Charli XCX, as the song had an alto vocal range and it incorporated electronic music and pop. I would recommend this song to fans of pop, indie pop or those who like Charli XCX’s style of music. Additionally, those who have followed her Disney Channel days may appreciate this more mature version of her music.
“Old Phone” – Ed Sheeran ★★★★☆
This new gem is the second single from Ed Sheeran’s forthcoming album, “Play,” set to debut Sept. 12. This song is deeply personal and introspective. Inspired by Sheeran turning on a phone he hadn’t used since 2015, the track is about rediscovering lost friends, old love and a former self. It’s comforting, as it also encourages listeners to reflect on their pasts. The song is slow to mid-tempo, as it’s more on the emotional side of his songs. It’s gentle, and the instrumentation aspect of the song really shines through. The simplicity of the piece makes the message feel more raw and honest. I loved the way the lyrics explore how technology stores fragments of our memories, often forgotten until suddenly brought back into focus. It’s a meditation on time, grief, growth and the bittersweet nature of looking backward. The lyric, “I found my old phone today, so full of love, yet so full of hate” is touching because it shows how memories can bring so much joy but also pain. I don’t usually enjoy Ed Sheeran’s work now as much as I used to, but this is one of his most emotionally resonant songs I’ve heard from him in a while.
