New Music by Michigander, Freedom Fry, & Youth Sector

Optimism rules!

Here’s the latest collection of songs making some noise on my weekly Top Ten list. Somehow, again, I’ve managed to find a link between all of them.

I’ll Be OK – Michigander

From the great state of Michigan, Jason Singer is the lead singer and songwriter of Michigander. He created the project that is this band back in 2014. They’ve toured around the country but only just released a full length self-titled album in February. I’ll Be OK is a pretty infectious, emotional, and relatable pop/rock single. Michigander sings about “the heart attack inside my head” and that it “eats me up but still, I’ve got a heart that’s hungry.” The optimistic and catchy chorus line, “I’ll be okay, but I’m not okay right now” recognizes that old saying, “this too shall pass.” It’s something I know I have to remind myself whenever I get down about something. No feeling lasts forever. Keep feeling hungry!

Lost and Found – Freedom Fry

I first became acquainted with the music of Freedom Fry in 2016 and a song called Tropicana that ended up in my Top Ten that year. The married couple that form the band have been steadily releasing singles and albums since then, including a French album called L’Invitation in 2021. Lost and Found is their latest single which recognizes that “we will get lost before we get found” so leave the shadows of night, come into the new light, and embrace the day together. Like in Michigander’s song, they present a realistic sense of how life works and how important having some optimism is necessary to keep moving forward.

Gods Work – Youth Sector

Youth Sector is a band from the U.K. that has been together since 2018. Their energetic pop/rock first got my attention in 2023 with a song called The Ball which made my Top Ten that year. They’ve got a new album, Pop Couture, coming out this fall which will include that song as well as their latest single, Gods Work. The song explores the feeling of being close to some salvation after a ton of work. “Halle-fucking-lujah lujah!” Are they recognizing they are on the verge of major stardom? Youth Work’s Bandcamp profile suggests that in addition to their “unpredictable energy” they offer “a sense of catharsis for the confusion of modern adult life.”

In all, these three songs optimistically look at the future after experiencing some rough times. I think we can all get something out of that, right?!

What do you think? Which of these songs hits you the most? What are you optimistic about??

For my 2025 playlist click here.

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