Last week, The xx‘s Romy dropped her euphoric new single ‘Strong’, her first solo single since 2020 debut ‘Lifetime’. The energetic dance anthem sees her collaborate with in-demand producer Fred Again.., and speaking about the team-up, Romy said: “our friendship helps me feel safe to be honest and vulnerable lyrically and we definitely connect over our love of songwriting and emotions in dance music”.
This second solo single is an exciting glimpse of what we could expect from further Romy material, and leads the charge in this week’s NME Radio additions, alongside other fresh drops including Stormzy’s latest preview of his upcoming third album, The Blessed Madonna’s new club banger, and more.
Check out the newest additions to NME Radio 1 and 2 below:
On the A List:
Romy & Fred Again..
‘Strong’
On ‘Strong’, Romy and Fred Again.. toe the line between euphoria and pathos for a stellar dance anthem. Fred Again.. turns up the heat with a boomy kick drum and arpeggiated synthesisers, setting the foundations for a trance banger guaranteed to receive heavy rotation in the club circuit. But with a minor chord introduced midway through accompanied by Romy’s direct, compassionate lyrics (“You don’t have to be so strong / I’m right here”), the track transcends to become an anthem of solidarity and empathy. – Eli Ordonez
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
On the B List:
Stormzy
‘Firebabe’
On ‘Firebabe’, offers a sincere tribute to an old flame. Over a subtle accompaniment, the icon offers honest lyrics, singing: A song that Stormzy explained to i-D is about: , it musically echos this, with the slow burner fully evoking the way time stands still in those early moments of a relationship. – EO
