The Current

Great Music Lives Here ®
Listener-Supported Music
Donate Now
Discover Music

Listen to new music from M.I.A., COIN, Hyooman, Foo Fighters, Mattiel, and Yaya Bey

The Current: Music You Should Know
The Current: Music You Should KnowMPR graphic

by Jade

November 18, 2021

Each Thursday, we have a fresh batch of music for you, and this week’s offering includes new tracks from M.I.A., Foo Fighters and Mattiel, plus new sounds from emerging artists COIN, Hyooman and Yaya Bey.

M.I.A., “Babylon”

Always a fiercely independent artist, M.I.A. has decided to release her next single as an auctioned NFT, with the funds going to The Courage Foundation, which supports journalists and whistleblowers. In "Babylon," the club beats and joyful hollers circle around the idea of being happy and feeling complete as the world seems to be falling apart. A perfect dance-while-the-world-burns sort of jam.

COIN, “Chapstick”

The Nashville trio balance cool-guy, flat-tone vocals with fluttery falsettos. Purposely distorted and hypnotic, bringing in sharp high-hat hits, the jangle of tambourine and constantly changing focus to keep the song moving along, "Chapstick" is a flirty and fun song from a band getting more and more attention.

Hyooman, “Kid”

If there's a silver lining to the pandemic quarantine, it's that many Minnesotans started new bands. One of those that recently popped up is Hyooman. The five friends in Minneapolis only have a few singles, but their dreamy ‘90s sound is sweet and endearingly sincere, especially in their song "Kid."

Foo Fighters, “Love Dies Young”

Recent additions to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Foo Fighters are touring and releasing a comedy-horror movie, and have a new video for their song, "Love Dies Young." Yet another tune from Medicine at Midnight, which came out in January 2021.

Mattiel, “Jeff Goldblum”

In the list of universally beloved people, there's Betty White, Dolly Parton, Danny DeVito … and I'm guessing that Jeff Goldblum also makes that list for many — including the Atlanta band Mattiel. They announced their new album, Georgia Gothic, out March 18, and shared a new song called (what else) "Jeff Goldblum." The band said, "Well, my crush on Jeff Goldblum is very real, he inspired the words — but this is more of a dream where a Jeff lookalike meets me in a bathroom."

Yaya Bey, “Made This on the Spot”

Yaya Bey isn't afraid to get personal. On her last EP, Things I Can't Take With Me, the Brooklyn artist shared raw heartbreak. That relationship confusion and hurt seems to still be around with the emotional "Made This on the Spot." Featuring the violinist and composer V.C.R., this is a more polished sound that still manages to feel, as the song title indicates, a spur-of-the-moment flow of feelings.

Playlist