The second music release Friday of July has more to offer than last week, with new projects arriving courtesy of French Montana, Coldplay, and others. 

July 2017 began relatively quiet in the way of new releases.  While the Tidal-only Jay-Z exclusive expired and 4:44 arrived almost everywhere, its official release date was June 30, 2017.  New efforts arrived from Haim and 21 Savage, but July 7, 2017 was hardly a blockbuster week.  This new music Friday, July 14, 2017, is a step up, with new projects courtesy of French Montana (Jungle Rules), Coldplay (Kaleidoscope EP), and Pentatonix member Kirstin (L O V E EP) among others.

1. French Montana, Jungle Rules

Epic

After a four-year hiatus, French Montana finally returns with his sophomore album, Jungle Rules.  Montana was originally supposed to release a sophomore album in 2016, entitled MC4, but he scrapped it. Jungle Rules serves as the follow up to his 2013 debut, Excuse My French, which featured the banger, “Pop That.” Comprised of 18 songs, three singles arrived ahead of Jungle Rules: “Unforgettable” featuring Swae Lee, “Bring Dem Things” featuring Pharrell, and “No Pressure,” featuring Future.

2. Coldplay, Kaleidoscope EP

Parlophone

Coldplay returns with an EP, Kaleidoscope.  There’s no new full-length album as of yet from the British alternative band, who dropped A Head Full of Dreams in December 2015. Comprised of five songs, single “All I Can Think About Is You” was issued ahead of the EP.  Interestingly, early single “Hypnotised” appears, but in EP Mix form.

3. Kirstin, L O V E – EP

RCA

The sole female member of Pentatonix, Kirstin Maldonado – known simply as Kirstin – drops her debut solo EP, L O V E.  L O V E is comprised of just five songs, with singles “Break a Little” and “All Night” being issued prior to the EP.  There are no guest features. 

4. Wizkid, Sounds From the Other Side

RCA

Nigerian artist Wizkid drops his major label debut album, Sounds From the Other Side.  Notably, Wizkid has appeared on songs by Drake (“One Dance”) and Wale (“My Love”).   Comprised of 12 tracks, four songs were issued prior to the album: “Sweet Love,” “Come Closer” featuring Drake, “African Bad Gyal” featuring Chris Brown, and “Daddy Yo.”

5. Punk Goes Pop, Vol. 7

Fearless

On July 14, 2017, Punk Goes Pop – for the second time.  The compilation features numerous punk artists covering pop tunes including The Amity Affliction, Andy Black, and Dance Gavin Dance.  Speaking of Dance Gavin Dance, they were lucky enough to land the promo single, “That’s What I Like.”  All said and done, Punk Goes Pop is comprised of 13 tracks.

6. The Vamps, Night & Day

Virgin 

The Vamps have yet to break through stateside. Could their third studio album, Night & Day provide their ascent to superstardom? Night and Day arrives nearly two years after Wake Up, which was released in November 2015.  Comprised of just 10 songs, “Middle of the Night” (with Martin Jensen) and “All Night” (with Matoma) were released far in advance of the album.

7. Daley, The Spectrum

BMG Rights Management

British R&B singer Daley returns with his sophomore album, The Spectrum.  The Spectrum arrives three years after Days & Nights (February 2014). Comprised of 13 tracks, singles “Until the Pain is Gone” (featuring Jill Scott) and “Sympathy” (featuring Swindle) were issued in advance of the album.

Other New Releases

Kidz Bop 35; Silverstein, Dead Reflection; Oh Wonder, Ultralife; Lauren Sanderson, Spaces; Breathe Carolina, Coma (EP); Mura Masa, Mura Masa; Chaz French, True Colors; Dayseeker, Dreaming is Singing /// Waking is Rising

Photo Credits: Epic, Parlophone, RCA, Fearless, Virgin, BMG Rights Management