by RDP DJs
Spring is finally here! In celebration of some of the first warm days of the year, Radio DePaul DJ’s put together a list of the top music releases from April 2021, ranging from pop to R&B to indie, best accompanied by temperatures above 60 degrees.
Children Record (Re:boot) by Jin
This song is part of a multimedia series that tells the story of a group of kids gifted with “eye powers” who are locked in a tragic time loop. This one is a remaster of “Children Record,” which was originally released in 2012 and serves as the opener to the music series. The rearrangement features a new singer (the digital voice of Hatsune Miku), new animation and enhanced instrumentals.
Celebrating his ten years of active work, composer Jin commented on the release of this song: “I feel like I just got to see a friend that I hadn’t seen in a while. I made this with unchanged, passionate feelings,” he said.
The Re:boot series marks a new era for Kagerou Project and I’m eagerly awaiting to see where it’s heading. I know it’s not for everyone, and it doesn’t hit as hard if you don’t know the meaning behind the lyrics and the story, but I think it’s a great arrangement nonetheless. – Justyna Lepa
Civilization II EP by Kero Kero Bonito
Kero Kero Bonito’s new EP Civilization II was a great release. It is a great blend of their older sound with newer lyrics. They aren’t singing about flamingos and trampolines anymore and have really matured as a band, but they have kept the same fun pop sound. – Charlie Carey
The Melting of the Sun by St. Vincent
One of my favorite releases this month was St. Vincent’s “The Melting of the Sun.” I love the vocal layering, haunting melody and chilled-out instrumentals. My favorite thing about it is its versatility. It’s great for playing in the background while studying, but also great for blasting in your ears and getting lost into! –Anjolie Towle
You Don’t Do Laundry by Dev Lemons ft. Stevie Powers
My favorite new song of the month is called “You Don’t Do Laundry” by Dev Lemons ft. Stevie Powers. I think it is a great spring and summer song, so it’s been fitting great with the warm days in April. The song is upbeat and catchy, it just instantly puts me in a good mood. -Hallie Long
MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) by Lil Nas X
MONTERO is my favorite song released in the past month because it is not only very catchy and fun to sing and dance to, but it set off a huge reaction from so many people that shook the internet. People from different religious, cultural and racial backgrounds came out of the woodwork to speak out against or for the song, and I think that if your song is causing that much discussion while also being a huge success, you’re doing something right. -Natalie Hoste
Editor’s note: While not technically released in April, the uproar surrounding this song lasted long into the month.
Deja Vu by Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo’s Deja Vu was a poppy and powerful follow-up to “drivers license,” ensuring she’s not a one-hit wonder and has more to say. -Charlie Carey
industry love / a protection spell by Yaya Bey
This is the last song off “The Things I Can’t Take With Me,” Yaya Bey’s new album. Her vocals are smooth, soothing and stripped down, and this song showcases her free-flowing storytelling abilities. It starts with a livelier R&B rhythm before paring down. With lyrics like “All that big **** and won’t bet on yourself/Your moral compass collapsed on itself,” this song poetically tears apart an ex. I recommended sitting down with this whole album on a relaxed afternoon. -Josephine Stratman
Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift’s rerecording of Fearless was the ultimate nostalgic throwback. Read Charlie Carey’s full review here.