As the dazzle of the recent Grammy Awards fades, musicians across the industry have gotten right back to work, dropping hit songs that range from empowering electronica to breakup anthems. Here are three songs that deserve a spot on your playlist.
“Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga
The latest single from Lady Gaga’s upcoming album “Mayhem” is reminiscent of the dance-pop sounds that characterized her earlier songs in albums “The Fame Monster” and “Born This Way.” Although the track represents a return to her earlier style, Gaga still provides listeners with a fresh, invigorating tune in “Abracadabra.”
In “Abracadabra,” Gaga details the journey of finding magic and expressing one’s uniqueness while facing the world’s challenges. Through biblical allusions and references to folklore, she urges listeners to pursue their personal goals and ignore those who undermine their efforts.
The highlight of the song is its catchy and addictive chorus. “‘Abracadabra, amor-oo-na-na / Abracadabra, morta-oo-ga-ga / Abracadabra, abra-oo-na-na’ / In her tongue she said, ‘Death or love tonight,’” Gaga sings over electronic instrumentals. The incantations are voiced by the “lady in red,” a character featured heavily in the music video who symbolizes the internal struggles Gaga seeks to overcome.
The music video — teased in a MasterCard commercial during last Sunday’s Grammy Awards — merely adds to the energetic nature of the single, featuring the electrifying, high-energy choreography Gaga is known for. The video is a visual representation of the fight between the darkness and light within and without oneself, with Gaga alternating between equally campy red and white outfits.
The track has quickly become a hit across streaming platforms, peaking at No. 2 on Saturday’s Spotify global charts behind her own collaboration “Die With A Smile” with Bruno Mars. With “Mayhem” set to be released in less than a month, “Abracadabra” is the perfect song for Gaga to fuel the anticipation surrounding her seventh solo studio album.
“Born Again” by LISA featuring Doja Cat and RAYE
Late Thursday evening, LISA — a member of the K-pop girl group BLACKPINK — released her new single “Born Again,” featuring Doja Cat and RAYE, with an accompanying music video.
The song revolves around the feelings of the three women as they move on from relationships with their respective ex-lovers. In the song’s chorus, LISA and RAYE sing “Would’ve showed you what it’s like (like) / Every single night / To be born again,” explaining what their exes lost by not putting effort into their relationships.
Doja Cat is the highlight of the song, starting her part with Michael Jackson-esque singing before rapping in her characteristic voice. Doja Cat’s lyrics emphasize her desire to fully detach from a previous relationship and move on as she sings, “I can’t be your sugar mom, get a job for me, shit / (Ah, so) Boy, let go / Or let me live happily forever after more.”
The single marks Doja Cat’s return to music after the release of “Scarlet 2 CLAUDE” in April 2024. This collaboration marks a notable shift away from the trap beats and rap of the Scarlet era, instead moving back towards her previous pop work in her albums “Hot Pink” and “Planet Her.”
The music video expands upon the song’s lyrics with its clever use of Easter eggs and symbolism. Attentive viewers may notice sets of coordinates and years — written in Roman numerals — briefly flashing on the screen before the title cards in the music video.
Further investigation of these numbers reveals that each part references historical women. For example, “Part II” of the video shows Doja Cat as an alleged witch being burned at the stake during the Salem Witch Trials, while the outfits in “Part V” reference Joan of Arc.
Regrettably, RAYE is not allotted adequate time to flaunt her strong vocals in the track. Although she is featured heavily in the chorus and background vocals, her only solo part is the song’s bridge — which failed to live up to RAYE’s original demo of the song that was leaked in 2021.
“Nosebleeds” by Doechii
On Sunday, shortly after she won the Grammy for best rap album for “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” Doechii unexpectedly dropped her celebratory track “Nosebleeds.”
Throughout the song, Doechii makes numerous references to Kanye West to address her critics. “‘Will she ever lose?’ Man, I guess we’ll never know / ‘Will she lose hеr cool?’ I guess we’ll nevеr—,” she repeats in the chorus, echoing West’s acceptance speech when he won the same award at the Grammys for “The College Dropout” in 2005.
Near the end of the song, the instrumentals of the song switch into a more fun, pop-like beat similar to those used by PinkPantheress.
The beat switch — although brief — exemplifies Doechii’s versatility in music. From her fun flows in the first half of “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” to her R&B singing in “Persuasive” and her old-school rapping in her latest album, Doechii has repeatedly proven that she is one of the most promising rising stars. “Nosebleeds” only cements her place in the industry.
Manav is a junior from Indiana, concentrating in International and Public Affairs. In his free time, he likes attempting the daily Connections puzzle or falling down Wikipedia rabbit holes.
