Welcome to the third volume of Freddie’s Finds! Each week I will spotlight 3-4 of my favorite new tracks of the week, ranging from a variety of genres and artists. This week includes Them Fantasies, Frawley, and Jazmine Sullivan.

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How Modest by Them Fantasies

Behind a collection of singles, Them Fantasies released their first lengthier release since 2019 with How Modest. It shows maturation and refining from the alt-pop funk trio, along with a stronger message than ever. Speaking on the release, they said, "We’re really proud of this body of work. We gave much more focus to the lyrics and songwriting than we did with last releases, and we think it shows a whole new side to our artistry. While each song is its own, the album as a whole is very introspective, and really involved us looking deeper into ourselves, as well as our surroundings."

My personal favorite was lead single “Spoiled af.,” a groovy track that’s almost too difficult not to get fully focused on the use of the wah pedal on the instrumental. They take on a perspective of an incredibly “spoiled little brat” while also being able to acknowledge the flaws with this character. At just under 20 minutes in total length, this project is well worth checking out.

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“Kiss and Tell” by Frawley

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This week we were given another stupendous pop song thanks to the amazing voice of Frawley. “Kiss And Tell” sees the New Jersey singer speak out to a lover while playing on a double meaning. The classic “don't kiss and tell” phrase is repeated on the chorus, before she goes on to sing, “Don’t kiss and tell me you love me / You’re lying.” Throughout the track, she struggles with this manipulation brought onto her through these lies, concluding by singing, “Don’t tell me no lies / Because I won’t lie to you.”

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“Hurt Me So Good" by Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Sullivan has just proven to everyone how to properly pull off a deluxe album. Heaux Tales, Mo’ Tales: The Deluxe is one of – if not the best deluxe albums I have ever heard, adding the cherry on top to an already terrific project. It follows on the same theme the initial album contained, as it includes five new tracks, each of which broken up by an interlude featuring someone talking about an experience they have had – progressing directly into the theme of the succeeding song.

For me, “Hurt Me So Good” is the standout of these five new tracks. It sees Jazmine struggle to leave a toxic relationship, because as explained in the prior “Jazzy’s Tale,”
“The content that the validation brought me / Was worth the actual pain that the relationship eventually brought.” Behind a powerful chorus, Jazmine beautifully expands on this theme, delivering breathtaking vocals over a percussion and piano instrumental. Every track on the deluxe is just incredible, and the original album is no different. If you haven’t been listening to Jazmine Sullivan, then you have certainly been missing out.

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You can find all my past finds in the playlist below:

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