As much as we love a Winonan Wednesday when Winona State University’s weekly newspaper is released across campus and online, the new music releases published on Friday is quite an important day of the week. This past Friday, Jan. 30, presented us with a wide range of music to bless our ears. From the new Noah Kahan track to Don Toliver, I’ve got you covered with five new releases to check out.
“The Great Divide” was probably one of the most appreciated tracks released. As the lead single and title track of Kahan’s anticipated fourth album to be released in late April, Kahan teases his listeners with what to expect as he enters this new era in his music career. Opening with playful banjo melody and transitioning into a blend of a high energy folk-rock sound, the instrumental quality in “The Great Divide” stands just as high as the authentic and vulnerable lyrics Kahan sings.
“Body”, the second song on Don Toliver’s album, “OCTANE”, that was released on Friday, is a high-energy and infectious track. Sampling Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body”, Toliver puts his own spin on the past to craft the perfect song to be added to your pregame playlist.
Terrace Martin’s R&B/Soul “Once I Say” off his newest album “PASSION” is a great tune for all occasions. Going on a run: “Once I Say” is playing in your earbuds. Homework in the library: “Once I Say” will be your study buddy. This groovy tune will get your foot tapping as the song initially begins, and you won’t stop till the last beat.
Gabriela Bee’s latest single as of Friday, “your time,” is on a whole different playing field compared to the past three. Written about an old friend who Bee had a falling out, the lyrics portray honesty within in music. As a new up incomer in the music industry, Bee’s sound reflects many of the artists that have paved the way for her, including Beabadoobee and TV Girl. With a playful guitar and Bee’s soft voice, your time is a calming song to play anytime of the year.
As we are now heading into the second month of 2026, we can tell that this new year is going to be filled with crucial songs that are going to alter our music tastes, our playlists, and our music industry as a whole.
