Many popular artists have released singles recently that are blowing up on the charts. The question is are they worth giving a listen? Chappell Roan released “The Giver,” The Lumineers regaled “Same Old Song” and Gracie Abrams released “Death Wish” to name a few. 

First, let’s talk about “Same Old Song” by The Lumineers. “Same Old Song” is categorized as an alternative indie folk song with an upbeat and capturing tempo and catchy lyrics. The lyrics tell a story of how the band mates struggle to cope with reality and anxieties around playing music and exploring the world outside of the box being a musician has placed them in. The beat is fast paced and almost masks the sad meaning behind the lyrics. I do enjoy how although the story line is clear it can be left up to the listener for what it means to them. Overall I would say the song and people who enjoy all genres could enjoy this.

“The Giver” by Chappell Roan follows a similar tune to the Lumineers new single, it adds more of a country twang. The song being the first of Roan’s music to ever be categorized as ‘country’ is her way of jumping head first into the genre. The song blends traditional country instrumentals with Roan’s normal line of storytelling. The upbeat tempo and pop-esk sound despite its country twang make it overall cheerful. The lyrics show themes of empowerment and Roan’s own queer storyline being told. The song charted first on the Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart despite it being Roan’s country debut. Overall the song is fun and lighthearted and if you have three and a half minutes set aside I would recommend giving it a listen.

Finally, we have “Death Wish” by Gracie Abrams. Abrams recently released her fourth studio album called “The Secret Of Us” way back in April of 2024. “Death Wish” is her first single release since the release of her last album and the deluxe version of said album. “Death Wish” is a folk-pop piano ballad that was recorded live from The O2 Arena. The ballad is definitely the slowest melody of the singles recently released. With slow and meaningful lyrics inspired by a close friend of Abrams. The song tells the story of dating someone who has a narcissistic personality. It questions how long the person involved with the narcissist can last in such an “evil” relationship that is so draining it feels like asking for a death wish would be better. In the end the ballad is a beautiful story telling of a situation that may be relatable to many. Definitely worth checking out if you’re into slower, more melodic music.

Overall all three songs despite their many differences are definitely worth listening to. No matter what musical genre you find yourself being drawn to I think anyone can find something worth checking out. And who knows you may even be surprised by something new, something different, something that’s not the same old song.