New Music Report: Expert Picks - Week of May 1st

There has been a lot of great new music released over the last few weeks. You can find out what was released this weekend in our New Music Report, but take a look at what we've been listening to lately. Our editors Nicole, James, and Isha have shared some of their Expert Picks for the week. Check it out below:

Nicole's Picks:

Afrojack & David Guetta featuring Ester Dean - "Another Life"

Before I even get into this song, I will kick things off with one word: BANGER. Afrojack and David Guetta prove, once again, that they make a spectacular team on their new collab "Another Life." And the cherry on top? It features Ester Dean. And if you're unfamiliar with Ester, let me refresh your memory. Ester plays Cynthia-Rose Adams, one of the OG Bellas, in the Pitch Perfect movies (which I am a HUGE fan of). But aside from her role in Pitch Perfect and its sequel (and upcoming third film), she has written songs for a plethora of artists including Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, and Rihanna (she was nominated for a Grammy for Rihanna's Loud album which she wrote and produced several songs for).

Well, before I go off on an Ester Dean tangent, "Another Life" is the perfect blend of signature production from both David Guetta, who has shown us some great pop anthems, and Afrojack's anthemic EDM style. And of course, this is all tied together by Ester's power vocals. Plus, the video is pretty cool too. The future is here ... or is it another life?

The Vamps & Martin Jensen - "Middle of the Night"

As we get closer to The Vamps' third studio album Night & Day (out on July 14th!), the guys have released another new single from the record called "Middle of the Night," and it is another EDM collab, this time with Danish DJ/producer Martin Jensen. "Middle of the Night" follows the guys 2016 collab with EDM producer Matoma called "All Night"-- guess they really like the night time?

Back in February, the guys teased of their new music and new album on the way during an interview with iHeartRadio, "It's a mish-mash. There are going to be follow-ups to 'All Night,' in the similar vein. But then, for us, we wanted to stick to our roots, and go back to how the first album sounded in part, and parts of the second album, and then a new sound for us as a band. So, it's all a mix of genres."

Guess we'll find out in July!

Follow Nicole on Twitter: @NicoleMastr0

James' Picks:

Katy Perry featuring Migos - "Bon Appetit"

Katy Perry served up a delicious plate of seduction with her new single "Bon Appétit," a bouncy collaboration with Migos off her currently untitled fifth studio album. After teasing the cut with a recipe for the "World's Best Cherry Pie," Perry unleashed the full-on pop feast and it draws heavily on '90s house. Produced and co-written by Max Martin and Shellback, "Bon Appétit" is a dirty dance-ready banger with enough subliminal side dishes to have you yearning for seconds, at least more than “Chained to the Rhythm."

Charli XCX featuring Starrah and RAYE - "Dreamer"

“Dreamer” is the perfect example as to why folks shouldn’t sleep on Charli XCX. Released as the intro track on her third mixtape, Number 1 Angel, "Dreamer” is a warm self-assured cut about being badass and it works oh so well.  It also features budding females Starrah and RAYE. "This song is just like us all kind of like flexing, and being badass,” Charli said of the track. "And they do it so well and I was so happy that they said yes to do this song, cos it’s so sick!” She speaks nothing but the truth.

Follow James on Twitter: @newyorkinstinct

Isha's Picks: 

Tamar Braxton - "My Man"

Tamar Braxton is blessing us with another hit! The R&B vocal powerhouse has premiered her new single "My Man," and it's a song about heartbreak and lost love. Throughout the track, Tamar speaks from the perspective of a wife who's had her husband cheat on her. The single’s cover art shows an old photo of Tay Tay's now-divorced parents, Evelyn and Michael Braxton. In a recent episode of "Braxton Family Values," Tamar revealed that "My Man" really is inspired by her parents' divorce. The former couple parted ways when Tay Tay was a younger girl and after the singer/songwriter's father cheated on her mother.

Sean Paul featuring Migos - "Body" 

Sean Paul is back with another summer anthem, and this time the rap trio Migos assists him. We never thought of the two entities joining forces to make music, but their new “Body” single is life! Both Sean and Migos have records for making bangers separately and this new song is no different. The new fun track’s video shows all four recording artists enjoying the Miami fun at carnival. We definitely wanted an invite to the party.

Follow Isha on Twitter: @IshaThorpe