Justin Bieber recruits Tems for I Think You’re Special

There’s loads of music out there, and sometimes it’s hard to keep up.

Rather than letting the algorithm dictate your music taste, you can listen to Rated by THE FACE – a playlist that’s lovingly curated and updated by our (human) editorial team every week.

james k – On God

A highlight from james k’s excellent new album Friend is On God, a swirling and dreamy track that loops the New York artist’s semi-intelligible lyrics in and out. Anchored by shoegaze‑y guitars and live drums, On God is also one of the poppier tracks on the album. TL

Fine – Portal

We’re still listening to Fine Glindvad Jensen’s 2024 debut solo album Rocky Top Ballads, and we’ve been loving all the singles she’s released since (the Danish musician is also in the Dean Blunt-affiliated band The Crying Nudes). With breathy vocals, melancholy synths and faraway-sounding guitar riffs, Portal is classic Fine: pleading, beautiful, addictive. JW

Justin Bieber – I Think You’re Special ft. Tems

Less than two months ago, amidst a bunch of drama and controversy, Justin Bieber took a musical left turn and dropped his free-spirited 21 track album SWAG. There was a lot to like about the record, but there was also a lot to process. And so, to be frank, it was actually quite alarming to be warned last week that a sequel was dropping imminently. Mk.gee and Dijon are on SWAG II​’s tracklist, but overall there’s a brighter sound across these 24(!) tracks, as exemplified I Think You’re Special, which features breezy synths and warm backing vocals from former FACE cover star Tems. Let’s have at least a few more months before you drop another album please Justin. DR

Veeze – L.O.A.T.

In this day and age, most hot artists feel compelled to flood the internet, presumably to squeeze the penny factions from streaming services and to constantly remind social media of their existence. But Detroit rapper Veeze, who broke through with his acclaimed 2023 album Ganger, took a 14 month break from dropping music. Judging by new single L.O.A.T., his Notes app is now stuffed with one-liners. Veeze’s delivery is a slurred croak as per usual, but if you lean in, you’ll hear his textbook off-the-wall humour: ​“My stash keep havin’ these growth spurts, it’s startin’ to make me feel old.” DR