New Music Monday: From Gritty Blues to Meditative Folk, Five New Tracks Worth a Spin

New releases from Joe Bonamassa, Jamie Oppenheimer & Gina Horswood, Hinder, AMH, & Great Lake Swimmers

A fresh batch of songs were released last week, and while they cross genres, they all share a sense of urgency—some political, some personal. From a seasoned bluesman turning up the fuzz, to a Canadian folk outfit meditating on mortality, here's a look at five new releases you might’ve missed but probably shouldn’t.

Joe Bonamassa – "Drive by the Exit Sign"

Joe Bonamassa has spent the better part of three decades doing his own thing: loud guitars, no apologies. But his new single, "Drive by the Exit Sign," feels a little different. It’s darker, more claustrophobic, and drenched in reverb. The song leans heavily on a fuzzy riff and a pulsing low end, while Bonamassa's voice sounds more road-weary than usual. Lyrically, it’s about self-sabotage—being close to an out, but choosing not to take it. It’s a tight, focused track that still gives his guitar room to growl. Fans of his heavier, moodier work (think Black Rock or Redemption) will find a lot to like here.

Jamie Oppenheimer ft. Gina Horswood – "Dying to Be Heard"

Written in 2021, inspired by the onstage death of Memphis songwriter David Olney, Jamie Oppenheimer’s Dying to Be Heard is a tribute to the artists who go largely unnoticed, even as they give everything to their craft. Featuring vocals from Gina Horswood, the track explores what it means to feel invisible in a world full of noise. The final verse nods to Leonard Cohen, another master of the understated. With Oppenheimer and Brian Hawley on instruments, this quietly powerful song builds slowly, letting the emotion settle in. It’s one of Oppenheimer and Horswood’s most moving collaborations yet.

Hinder – "Bring Me Back to Life"

Remember Hinder? The Oklahoma band best known for 2000s post-grunge hits like “Lips of an Angel” is still at it, and their new single shows they haven’t lost their knack for big, bombastic hooks. "Bring Me Back to Life" is classic Hinder: brooding verses, anthemic chorus, and lyrics about hitting rock bottom and clawing your way back. There’s some modern polish on the production, but the core sound is as familiar as ever. It’s not subtle, but that’s the point. This is stadium rock for anyone who’s ever screamed lyrics into a dashboard on a late-night drive.

AMH – "Please Be Okay"

AMH is a lesser-known name, but their latest track, “Please Be Okay,” deserves attention. It’s a raw, aching song written in the wake of a personal loss. Sparse piano, ambient textures, and a fragile vocal performance make this one of the more intimate songs released this week. The lyrics are simple but honest, a kind of whispered plea to someone who might not be listening anymore. The track avoids melodrama by keeping the arrangement minimal and the emotions grounded. It's the kind of song you don’t realize you needed until it's halfway through.

Great Lake Swimmers – "One More Dance Around the Sun"

Tony Dekker and his band have always made music that feels like it’s made to be played by a lake at dusk, and “One More Dance Around the Sun” is no exception. It’s meditative, gently melodic, and quietly hopeful. The title might suggest something celebratory, but the song is more about finding peace in passing time—another year gone, another orbit complete. The instrumentation is light, with soft strings and fingerpicked guitar, and Dekker’s voice floats on top like a leaf on water. It’s a slow burn, but worth the time.

Whether you're in the mood for raucous blues, a thoughtful folk ballad, or a slice of alt-rock nostalgia, this week’s new releases offer something for every playlist. And if nothing else, they all remind us that sometimes the most powerful songs are the ones that tell us something we were already feeling but didn’t have the words for.

Sources:

• The Countdown on The Bay 88.7