Last week Stormzy returned with the stellar ‘Mel Made Me Do It’, his first solo single since 2019 opus ‘Heavy Is The Head’. The surprise seven-minute track was accompanied by a staggering, cameo-filled music video, with everyone from sporting legends José Mourinho and Usain Bolt, to musical talents like Little Simz, Headie One and Dave, and even Louis Theroux making an appearance.
‘Mel Made Me Do It’ leads the additions to the NME Radio playlist this week, alongside the latest preview of Arctic Monkeys’ seventh record, the second single off Kid Cudi’s album and animated feature, and fresh cuts from Beck, Alvvays, Courting, and more.
Check out the latest additions to NME Radio 1 and 2 below:
On the A List:
Stormzy
‘Mel Made Me Do It’
“I been the G.O.A.T. for so long, I guess it’s not exciting when I win / Boo-hoo, someone grab the violins,” so begins Stormzy’s latest track, perfectly encapsulating the effortless charisma and confidence the artist possesses. On the stunning tune, Knox Brown’s exquisite production serves as the perfect backdrop for Stormzy’s regal return: 808 booms impart the beat with necessary power, while echoing strings support the artist’s impressive lyricism. It’s a triumphant return.
Listen: Spotify | Apple Music
Arctic Monkeys
‘Body Paint’
Arctic Monkeys return with the confrontational ‘Body Paint’, the second preview of their upcoming seventh record, ‘The Car’. The track assumes a quiet rage, the band tapping once again into their recent fondness for balladry against noticeably pointed lyricism. Alex Turner sings against downtrodden piano chords.
