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Animals can be far cleverer than we give them credit for, especially creatures we don’t think of as having distinct personalities. Most of us expect cats and dogs to do show us their unique quirks, but what about a flying squirrel?

A video is making its way around the internet that has people giggling over the dramatic antics of a large pet flying squirrel. It includes no narration explaining what’s happening and no context—it just shows a flying squirrel repeatedly faking its own death by broom.

That’s right. Death by broom. And from the way it looks, the little bugger came up with the idea on its own and made multiple attempts to create a convincing crime scene.

This is one you just have to see.

Twitter user @Birrellebee wrote that the squirrel “faked his own death, and created a whole crime scene…for attention. I think I’m in love.”

Whether the squirrel really did this just for attention or for some other reason isn’t clear, but no one seems to offering a more plausible explanation for it.

Watch:

u201cThis flying squirrel faked his own death, and created a whole crime sceneu2026for attention. I think Iu2019m in love. u201d

— Sarah Beeud83dudc1d (@Sarah Beeud83dudc1d)
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While some people have expressed understandable concern over flying squirrels living indoors as pets, we don’t know what the living situation here really is. Maybe the squirrel was injured and rescued. Maybe it can’t survive in the wild. We simply don’t know.

What we do know is that this adorable rodent deserves an Oscar for its performance. The way it gracefully somersaults right into position. The placing of the broomstick on its neck and splaying itself out flat on its back. The checking to see if anyone is looking. The repositioning of the murder weapon multiple times to figure out which one seems more believable.

Was that really what it was doing? Who knows. But it was a genuinely incredible performance nonetheless.

And of course, the people of the internet didn’t disappoint in the comments.

u201c@pimlius @nycsouthpaw Well, maybe he shouldu2019ve thought of that, befor being such a wee drama queen. Nobody likes an attention whore.u201d

— Sarah Beeud83dudc1d (@Sarah Beeud83dudc1d)
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u201c@RIDICULO_pathy @BirrelleBee I love this squirrel ud83dude02ud83eudd70u201d

— Sarah Beeud83dudc1d (@Sarah Beeud83dudc1d)
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“@GreigBeck @BirrelleBee @MAllanScott It’s an insurance scam.”

u201c@GreigBeck @BirrelleBee @MAllanScott Itu2019s an insurance scam.u201d

— Sarah Beeud83dudc1d (@Sarah Beeud83dudc1d)
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u201c@Marx_Bros_Thing @BirrelleBee Sameu201d

— Sarah Beeud83dudc1d (@Sarah Beeud83dudc1d)
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This article originally appeared on 6.6.23

As a participant in the Amazon Associates affiliate program, Upworthy may earn proceeds from items purchased that are linked to this article, at no additional cost to you.

Out of all human inventions, books might just be the greatest. That may be a bold statement in the face of computers, the internet and the international space station, but none of those things would be possible without books. The written recording of human knowledge has allowed our advancements in learning to be passed on through generations, not to mention the capturing of human creativity in the form of longform storytelling.

Books have the power to change our lives on a fundamental level, shift our thinking, influence our beliefs, put us in touch with our feelings and help us understand ourselves and one another better.

That’s why we asked Upworthy’s audience to share a book that changed their life. Thousands of responses later, we have a list of inspiring reads that rose to the top.

Unsurprisingly, the most common responses were religious scriptures—the Bible, the Quran, the Book of Mormon, etc. Beyond those, here are the most common books, both fiction and non-fiction, that people considered life-changing.

1. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

“From the very first page, Coelho’s storytelling prowess weaves a tapestry of adventure, wisdom, and self-discovery that is unparalleled. The protagonist’s quest for his personal legend resonated deeply with me, prompting introspection into my own aspirations and purpose. The narrative, while seemingly a simple tale, unravels layers of universal truths and timeless wisdom that are applicable to every reader’s journey.” – Matt Brown

“Such greatness. Coelho tells the story with simplicity and elegance, and it is beautiful. The Alchemist is rhetorical kind of book that stays with you, and demands some time to unfold in your mind. Loved it!” – J. Green

Find “The Alchemist” on Amazon.

2. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

“This book literally changed my outlook on so many things. I’ve read it at least three times completely through. It helps deal with anxiety and helps you reframe and analyze your thoughts which may be troubling you. The writing style is great and I’ve already read other books by the same author. Would highly recommend purchasing this if you want to rethink your assumptions about yourself or other people.” – Freddy

“By far the best book I’ve read. The simplicity in composition and detail is amazing. Would recommend everyone have a read. This book is truly a masterpiece.” – Joshua

Find “The Four Agreements” on Amazon.

3. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

“I remember reading the book many years ago and being moved by it especially being from the North and not as familiar with racism. I wondered why some schools were banning it so decided to revisit. I had forgotten the details but it is still an important book and reminds us that the fight against all prejudice is never finished and its current resurgence is cause for concern. This book should be required reading at a pretty young age. We can’t change what we don’t understand. If you have children read it with them and teach them well.” – Maria

“I can’t imagine, for the life of me, why this book has been banned. It is the most moral and righteous book I’ve ever read. It represents a time in our history when racism was endemic to the white population except for one compassionate lawyer. Told from his children’s point of view with an unforgettable narrator, the story of a small southern town comes alive.” – Peggy

Find “To Kill a Mockingbird” on Amazon.

4. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

“This has become a true icon in the book of books on understanding how the mind works and how we become trapped in it. A must read.” – Bill C.

“This book helped me through the toughest time in my life. It was an easy read, but ultimately, it helped me open my mind to many things and see things from multiple perspectives. My life coach recommended this book, and I’m happy that she did. It truly did save my life.” – Coach J.

Find “The Power of Now” on Amazon.

5. “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig

“I did not expect to enjoy this book so much. I very much admire the writer’s prowess in creating a beautiful and inspiring story out of a depressing premise and what I admire even more is the perspective he has given me about life.” – Ashish S.

“‘The Midnight Library’ by Matt Haig is nothing short of a literary masterpiece that effortlessly weaves together the threads of life, regret, and the boundless possibilities that lie in our choices. This No.1 Sunday Times bestseller and worldwide phenomenon is a soul-stirring exploration of the human experience that lingers in the reader’s mind long after the final page.” – George L.

Find “The Midnight Library” on Amazon.

6. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear

“Atomic Habits by James Clear isn’t just a book; it’s a roadmap to personal excellence. Deserving a resounding 5 out of 5 stars, this masterpiece has profoundly impacted my approach to habit formation and personal development.” – Ahamed

“Whether you’re looking to break free from destructive habits, achieve ambitious goals, or simply lead a more fulfilling life, this book is a must-read. Clear’s insights have the power to ignite change and propel you towards the best version of yourself.” – SC

Find “Atomic Habits” on Amazon.

7. “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom

“I wish I had read this book earlier. It teaches to love those in your life with everything you have. We never know when life will take them away. Our parents will continue to age. Our friends will drift away. We will end up driving away the ones we say ‘I love you’ to. It’s not too late to tell them how much you love them. It’s not too late to show them how much you love them. If you share your love before it’s too late, you won’t live your life with regret.” – P.M.

“Mitch Albom is my favorite author. Tuesdays with Morrie did not disappoint. Please please read this book. It is heartwarming, inspirational and will make you do an introspection that will change your priorities. I promise.” – A.C.

Find “Tuesdays with Morrie” on Amazon.

8. “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle

“By page 16, I’d already sobbed, laughed, sobbed, reconsidered who I am, how I live my life, and what I’m doing next, and cried again. So much fire lit. This is a masterpiece. Thank the universe (and Glennon) it published now. Lord knows we need this now. It is already one of my top favorite books ever, and I read a lot. Like, a LOT.” – Anna S.

“”Untamed” is a powerful and empowering memoir that delves deep into themes of self-discovery, authenticity, and breaking free from societal expectations. Doyle’s writing is raw, honest, and deeply relatable. From the moment I started reading, I felt a connection to her journey and the struggles she navigates. One of the standout qualities of this book is Doyle’s ability to articulate complex emotions and thoughts in a way that resonates with readers. Her insights into the expectations placed on women, the constraints of traditional roles, and the journey to reclaiming one’s true self are both enlightening and inspiring.” – Frank C.

Find “Untamed” on Amazon.

9. “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl

“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl is a poignant exploration of resilience under the most testing conditions. As a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, Frankl intertwines his concentration camp experiences with his psychological expertise. Central to the book is the idea of logotherapy, which posits that finding meaning in life is the primary human drive. Frankl’s narrative transcends its historical context, offering timeless insights into human endurance and the quest for purpose. The book is especially impactful for those facing personal adversities, as it highlights the power of choice and perspective in shaping one’s destiny.” – Neal W.

“This little one hundred page book is perhaps the most meaningful and profound that you can ever read. Disturbing, yet full of ‘tragic optimism,’ this book will change the way you think about life, happiness, and meaning.” – Paige T.

Find “Man’s Search for Meaning” on Amazon.

10. “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer

“Michael A. Singer’s “The Untethered Soul” is a literary masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on my journey of self-discovery. I stumbled upon this gem through a TikTok video recommendation, and I am profoundly grateful that I did.” – Matt B.

“This book encapsulates every spiritual book I’ve read into a concise oneness! Everyone would benefit in some way by reading this book. Period.” – Joe S.

Find “The Untethered Soul” on Amazon.

11. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

“Brought this book since my daughter had to read it for school and I always like to know what are they are teaching her. I am going to be honest very surprise that they are giving this kind of story to a 8th grader since the story is very intense, surprising, sad but at the same time beautiful and teach the real meaning of love and sacrifice. That live in an idealistic world does not work and it’s never better than having love in your live.” – Marla

“The way Lois slowly introduces us into her idyllic and yet cruel world is simply amazing. The end of the book has left me completely moved and flabbergasted.” – Nathan S.

Find “The Giver” on Amazon.

12. “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch

“I’ve read this book twice now. Once at 18 and now again at 33! Both time it hits deep. Fantastic read!” – A.C.

“Professor Randy Pausch was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In response, Pausch wrote and delivered one last lecture–a self-help guide on living life with purpose and meaning. But his lecture wasn’t really for his students or for the world, although it’s been a massive bestseller. It was for his children.

One of my favorite books of all-time, with one of my favorite lines of all time. ‘If I could only give three words of advice, they’d be, ‘Tell the truth.’ If I got three more, they’d be, ‘All the time.’ –Randy Pausch” – Phil W.

Find “The Last Lecture” on Amazon.

Indie music has grown to include so much. It’s not just music that is released on independent labels, but speaks to an aesthetic that deviates from the norm and follows its own weirdo heart. It can come in the form of rock music, pop, or folk. In a sense, it says as much about the people that are drawn to it as it does about the people that make it.

Every week, Uproxx is rounding up the best new indie music from the past seven days. This week, we got new music from Kelly Lee Owens, Nilüfer Yanya, Cassandra Jenkins, and more.

While we’re at it, sign up for our newsletter to get the best new indie music delivered directly to your inbox, every Monday.

Sunset Rubdown – “Reappearing Rat”

For the first time since 2009’s Dragonslayer, Sunset Rubdown are back with a new album. The blog-rock outfit, led by Wolf Parade’s Spencer Krug, will return with Always Happy To Explode this fall, and, in the meantime, they’ve given us a taste of what’s to come. “Reappearing Rat,” its lead single, resuscitates the instantly memorable indie-pop of the band’s peak. “The rat has reappeared,” Krug sings in the refrain. Fortunately, so have Sunset Rubdown.

Macseal – Permanent Repeat

“It just takes some time,” a certain emo band once said. Another certain emo band, the Long Island four-piece Macseal, have recontextualized that line for their own song, “Four Legs.” A lot of emo music reflects on the halcyon days of bygone adolescence and how, while frightening, aging is a worthwhile process on its own merits. Such is the thesis of Permanent Repeat, the sophomore album from Macseal, a record that concerns itself with familial relationships, domestic bliss, the hardships of touring, and the introspection that results from it all. Helmed by producer Billy Mannino, Macseal mines the past to better appreciate the present.

Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn – “Breath Out”

Many people know R&B star Dawn Richard for forming the girl group Danity Kane, but the New Orleans artist has taken a turn to the underground with an incredible run of music both solo and collaborative. The latter, with composer and multi-instrumentalist Spencer Zahn, came in the form of Pigments, released in late 2022. As a collection of ambient pieces built on synth pads, clarinets, upright bass, and Richard’s powerful, commanding voice, it was an unlikely match made in heaven. Such is the case with its follow-up, Quiet In A World Full Of Noise. Lead single “Breath Out” fortunately proves that Pigments was not a one-off, isolated experience, as atmospheric as it may have been. Richard and Zahn’s latest work grounds the two musicians as complementary collaborators, each bringing out the strengths of the other.

Floating Points – “Key103”

Sam Shepherd has had a dizzying past few years. From his 2021 collaborative album with Pharoah Sanders and the London Symphony Orchestra to composing scores for the San Francisco Ballet, it has been a while since Shepherd released a full-blown dance album. First and foremost, Floating Points is a dance project, and, despite a handful of one-off singles, the Manchester producer hasn’t made a proper electronic album since 2019’s Crush. That changes with the forthcoming Cascade, which pays homage to his upbringing in Manchester and how he became engrossed in its musical history. Lead single “Key103,” with its rigorous drums and deep bass, makes it clear that Shepherd wants to get the dance floor moving again.

Magdalena Bay – “Image”

Magdalena Bay, the indie-pop duo composed of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin, are about to return with a new album, Imaginal Disk, next month. It’s a concept record with the scope of a full-fledged sci-fi film, tracing the adventures of a character named True, whose body has rejected an alien-created “disk upgrade” meant to explore the missing connection between apes and humans. If this all sounds gimmicky on paper, then that contradicts its execution. On “Image,” the two musicians craft an infectious synth-pop banger rife with arpeggiated synths, a groovy dance beat, and enveloping sonic details.

Cassandra Jenkins – My Light, My Destroyer

Cassandra Jenkins’ 2021 breakthrough album, An Overview On Phenomenal Nature, was phenomenal. So it’s no surprise that her new record, My Light, My Destroyer, is also phenomenal. Cosmic horns and strings adorn the record like sparkly, breathtaking holiday ornaments, and the New York songwriter expands her aural purview on tracks like the strutting “Clams Casino” and the crunchy “Petco.” Originally, Phenomenal Nature was intended to be her final record. As gorgeous as it is, let’s be thankful that it wasn’t.

Kelly Lee Owens – “Love You Got”

Kelly Lee Owens is here in color. It may seem trite to draw from the album art for a tidy metaphor about the album’s actual music, but it’s impossible to ignore. The black-and-white covers of 2017’s self-titled record and 2020’s Inner Song hinted at the dark, clubby ambiances within. Though Owens’ music remains as danceable and gauzy as ever on “Love You Got,” its individual elements ring through with disarming clarity on this preview of her next record, Dreamstate. Propulsive house beats support Owens’ most upfront vocal performance yet. Like filmmaker Akira Kurosawa’s shift to colorful palettes on his late-career masterpiece, 1990’s Dreams, the Welsh electronic producer reinvigorates and refines her already-strong style.

Font – Strange Burden

The dance-punk quintet Font have had a meteoric rise, opening for artists like Water From Your Eyes and Yard Act plus performing on Austin City Limits’ main stage while having just a couple of tracks on DSPs. The Austin band is following up on all the buzz with their debut album, Strange Burden, a lean, muscular, and immediate record that clocks in at 28 minutes with seven songs. Shifting from LCD Soundsystem-esque synth-punk on “It” to The Bends-era Radiohead guitars on closer “Natalie’s Song,” Font prove they’re worth the hype.

Nilüfer Yanya – “Call It Love”

Nilüfer Yanya has officially pulled off a hat track for singles from her forthcoming third album, My Method Actor. Capping off this musical hat trick is “Call It Love,” an ode to trusting your instincts and letting your innate sense of self guide you through whatever challenges lie ahead. “Caught by a different tide and I’m thrown / Nothing for certain / Caught in the distance / Guide me alone,” she sings. On her latest song, Yanya conquers volatility through steadfast self-assurance.

Julie – “Clairbourne Practice”

Much like how Sonic Youth considered themselves artists first and musicians second, Julie is a band that consists of multimedia artists who also make music. From the serrated edges of their grungy, ’90s-esque punk sound alone, it’s apparent that vocalist-guitarist Keyan Zand, vocalist-bassist Alexandria Elizabeth, and drummer Dillon Lee have confidently staked their claim as an exciting new band. Following their 2021 EP is their full-length debut, My Anti-Aircraft Friend, scheduled for release this September, and its lead single, “Clairbourne Practice.” Here, Julie presents an unwavering vision of their art with a veteran’s conviction. Soon, they’ll be everywhere. They’re so Julie.

Missy Elliott is currently on her Out Of This World tour, but her futuristic hip-hop is leaving Earth in more ways than one.

NASA — y’know, the ones who are actually good at spaceships — announced on Monday (July 15) that it had transmitted Missy Elliott’s 1997 breakout hit “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” to Venus through its Deep Space Network from the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Deep Space Station 13 in California on Friday, July 12. According to NASA, the distance the song traveled is about 158 million miles, taking nearly 14 minutes to reach Venus at the speed of light.

This marks the first-ever time NASA has broadcast a hip-hop song into space — and they sure picked an appropriate one. NASA’s Deep Space Network system has transmitted only one other song into space: The Beatles’ “Across The Universe.” The Digital and Technology Division director of NASA’s Office of Communications, Brittany Brown, explained why Missy was chosen to be just the second musical act and the first hip-hop one transmitted to space.

“Both space exploration and Missy Elliott’s art have been about pushing boundaries,” Brown said. “Missy has a track record of infusing space-centric storytelling and futuristic visuals in her music videos, so the opportunity to collaborate on something out of this world is truly fitting.”

Missy continues to make history; last year, she was the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame.

Unpredictable king Sebastian Stan remains a fan fave as Bucky Barnes, but he has arguably had the most interesting outside-of-the-MCU career of his contemporaries. Of course, his striking range was obvious once he donned the Jeff Gilooly mustache for I, Tonya, but Stan has kept the unexpected choices coming, from playing a fine young cannibal in Fresh to transforming into a certain hair rocker (and talking to his own crotch) in Pam & Tommy.

Stan’s upcoming A24 film, A Different Man, however, takes him not only into physical transformation territory but on a journey that might turn his soul inside out. The Covenant star (and fortunately, he is a good sport when that film arises in conversation) portrays an aspiring actor with neurofibromatosis who takes the plunge in a medical procedure, which he quickly regrets:

Aspiring actor Edward undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance. But his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare, as he loses out on the role he was born to play and becomes obsessed with reclaiming what was lost.

Stan (as Edward) soon finds himself competing against Adam Pearson’s Oswald for that coveted role, which puts him on a darkly comic path that will surely lead no where predictable. After all, A24 does not miss, and Stan won the best actor award for this performance at the Berlin Film Festival.

Adam Pearson spoke with Entertainment Weekly about how he found a common thread with Stan while making the film: “[Y]ou don’t know what it’s like to have a disfigurement, but you do know what it’s like to not have privacy and to have your life constantly invaded. You become public property.’”

Directed by Aaron Schimberg, A Different Man arrives in theaters on Sept. 20.

When Chance The Rapper released his debut album, The Big Day, his inspirations — faith, fatherhood, newlywed bliss — were clear. Equally clear, however, was the fact that however happy with his life the Chicagoan had become, his fans were unhappy with the musical results.

To be fair, although many of the jokes about the album ran toward clowning Chance for his “wife guy” persona, five years later, the critiques have become more cohesive, focusing on the beat selection, unbalanced, overlong track listing, preponderance of ill-fitting guest stars (DaBaby appearing on “Hot Shower” feels especially egregious in hindsight), but mostly on the bars.

Because whether Chance is rapping about God or guns, acid or alimony, the one thing you could always depend on from his was top-notch lyrical constructions. Through his initial three-mixtape run (10 Day, the star-making Acid Rap, and the earth-shifting mainstream arrival Coloring Book), what defined Chance was his care and commitment to the craft of writing; for about a week or two in 2016, Chance was arguably poised to enter the same “top of the pyramid” rapper conversations as Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar — the so-called (recently disputed) Big Three.

In recent months, The Rapper has taken to releasing new singles again, ostensibly from the long-awaited follow-up to The Big Day, a concept project called Star Line Gallery. The singles — “Buried Alive,” “Together,” “Stars Out” — are notable in that while they’re conceptually not all that far off from the concerns of songs from The Big Day like “Eternal,” “5 Year Plan,” and “Zanies And Fools,” their reception from fans has been much more positive — if not reaching the commercial heights that Chance has seen in the past.

Which begs the question: Can Chance The Rapper get back in rap fans’ good graces?

The answer, like most things these days, might be more complicated than it seems. While fans seem more receptive to the mature lyrical themes that Chance has explored with his new releases, and have expressed interest in his recent production choices, it might not be as simple as dropping an album and watching the accolades roll in. Chance has gone through some major changes in both life and business since The Big Day, and they could affect the way his music is received the same way his circumstances did in 2019.

The biggest thing is, of course, that he has since divorced his wife Kirsten Corley. In a joint statement, the couple said, “We came to this decision amicably and with gratitude for the time we spent together. God has blessed us with two beautiful daughters who we will continue to raise together. We kindly ask for privacy and respect as we navigate this transition.” This leaves Chance in an interesting position; on one hand, fans who ridiculed his “wife guy” posturing may find “divorced guy” content more relatable — it worked recently for Anderson .Paak. On the other hand, there’s also a possibility that mining his personal life may leave fans wrong-footed — just look at the mixed reception to Kendrick Lamar’s 2022 album, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.

However, the change that could affect the outcome of any future rollout plans more than any other aspect is Chance’s split with former manager Pat Corcoran. Corcoran was arguably a major factor in Chance’s rise to stardom; he was also, in Chance’s view, a big reason for his downfall, although he’s never said it in such uncertain terms. The fact remains, Chance, as an independent artist, must be strategic in how he uses his resources — which are much more limited than those of rappers who’ve had a similar level of mainstream popularity. He’s also re-entering the spotlight after major changes to the recording industry landscape.

His then-unprecedented deal with Apple Music to release and promote Coloring Book — which could be credited with much of its commercial success — has become old hat these days, and Apple Music’s influence has been diffused throughout any number of alternative streaming sources. More artists than ever are releasing albums to DSPs every week, so it’s harder to cut through the noise. Social media platforms have rejiggered their algorithms to favor video content, ads, and political vitriol, making it harder to build a groundswell or mount a widespread promotional campaign. And while Chance The Rapper has shown some aptitude for using TikTok, even its power to make stars has been diluted in past months thanks to big changes made by record labels and their licensing deals with the precariously politically positioned video platform.

Ironically, though, his independence could be his greatest asset in his attempt to make his comeback. While a similarly positioned major label artist could find themselves handcuffed to the label’s agenda and timetable — or public perception — Chance has the flexibility and agility to change tack when and how he needs to. He can choose singles that he likes, but if he notices fans responding to another one, he can pivot without having to drag an entire machine in a different direction. He also isn’t chained to expectations; a win for an independent artist looks a lot different than one for a major label tentpole with the futures of the whole roster riding on their success — for example, look at the success of former Chance collaborator Megan Thee Stallion’s recent release Megan.

But more than anything else, Chance has what he’s always had: A supremely gifted imagination and the dedication to channel that talent through his pen. As his new singles have shown — bolstered by three years of “writing exercises” released periodically alongside longtime friend Vic Mensa — Chance is still one of the best rappers in the world, outright. He’s still one of the best performers in hip-hop. At the end of the day, those are still the foremost skills, and no amount of situational shenanigans can take that away. When he does drop Star Line Gallery, fans can be reasonably well assured that they’ll be getting his best this time around.

Machine Gun Kelly often makes bold aesthetic choices. MGK got a giant blackout tattoo earlier this year, he wore a suit of spikes to the AMAs in 2022, and he was rocking a very pink look earlier that year. Now, he’s got something new going on: fangs.

In a post shared yesterday (July 15), Kelly posted a video of himself, seemingly in a dental office, opening his mouth and showing off his new look. Dr. Dani B, the cosmetic dentist who did the work on MGK’s teeth, also shared the video on his own Instagram page and wrote, “I’m not sure how it happened, but @machinegunkelly finally convinced me to give him the vampire fangs he has wanted.”

Speaking of vampire-related things, Kelly and Megan Fox previously stirred up some criticism over drinking each other’s blood. Fox spoke about it earlier this year, explaining, “Everything is a matter of what you’re accustomed to or what is currently socially acceptable or normal. […] I understand people think like, ‘Hey, that’s weird.’ But guess what I think is weird? I think it’s weird that girls are out here letting guys c*m in their mouth and they don’t know these guys. F*ck you. You’re so offended that I got a drop of Machine Gun Kelly’s blood in my mouth. What is so gross about what I did with my soulmate?”

When is Adele’s next album coming? Not soon, from the looks of it.

In an interview with German outlet ZDF (as NME notes), Adele said, “I don’t have any plans for new music, at all. I want a big break after this and I think I want to do other creative things, just for a little while.”

This isn’t especially surprising coming from Adele, given that she typically goes a long time between releasing new albums: 2021’s 30 arrived six years after its predecessor, 2015’s 25, and 25 came after a near-5-year break following the release of 2011’s 21.

In an interview from late 2023, Adele was asked if she has “had time to record new music.” She responded, “I get nervous about wearing my voice out [at the residency]. It’s a lot of singing. It’s two hours. It’s all live. It’s a lot. And I f*cking motormouth and chat me ass off as well. But yeah, I have nothing to say yet. I haven’t even thought about it.”

This comes not long after Charli XCX said something similar in a recent interview: “I would like to flex my creative muscles on other areas. I don’t envisage myself making music forever. Maybe I will in some capacity, but I just feel like there are other creative areas I really want to explore.”

This week’s roundup goes out to anyone who can relate to the all-consuming, head-spinning emotions specific to being involved in an addictively toxic romance. So, in other words, this week’s roundup is for every conscious human being on Earth. Griff wondered aloud whether she’ll cry forever. Dasha rolled her eyes at herself for backsliding. Someone find Jana Diab and hug her for bravely releasing “So Stupid.”

Check that out and more in Uproxx’s Best New Pop Music below.

J Balvin & SAIKO — “Gaga”

J Balvin confirmed he will release Rayo on August 9, so everyone else may as well punt August 9 because, as the Colombian icon posted on X (formerly Twitter), it’s Balvin time now. “Gaga” is full-on electronic, and the single receives an extra charge from reggaetón/trap artist SAIKO. Balvin said in a press release that he wishes for Rayo to “feels more like a house party,” and “Gaga” sounds like a house party in full swing.

Griff — “Tears For Fun”

Griff would like to speed up the healing process, and let’s all pray she cracks the code. On the slow-building, bursting “Tears For Fun,” the surging UK singer-songwriter tackles uncertainty head-on with lines like, “Will I always be collecting my tears for fun,” or, “The deepest cuts, well, they heal so slow / I hope they do, God, but what if they don’t?”
“Tears For Fun” is just one of 14 comforting, thought-provoking songs found on Vertigo, Griff’s newly released debut full-length album.

Dasha — “Didn’t I”

First of all, a round of applause for the Hunter Moreno-directed “Didn’t I” video depicting a gossipy women’s restroom with accuracy not achieved since Amanda Bynes’ “The Girls’ Room.” Lyrically, Dasha also hit the bullseye on everyone’s inner monologue when lingering chemistry with an ex causes amnesia around the extremely valid reasons they became an ex. “‘Didn’t I’ is so nostalgic,” Dasha said of her country-pop earworm, which is a direct sequel to “Austin,” her Billboard Hot 100 top-20 charter. “There’s something about my past that intrigues me, including the men.”

Maren Morris — “I Hope I Never Fall In Love”

Maren Morris has already shared “Cut!” from her forthcoming EP Intermission, and “I Hope I Never Fall In Love” is even more vulnerable. In it, Morris sits in “the afterglow of a sh*tshow,” as she put it in a statement, and captures the emotional whiplash unique to the period between heartbreak and feeling ready to open up to someone new. Morris’ pep talk to herself is universally applicable; unfortunately for the rest of us, our self-talk doesn’t sound this good.

Remi Wolf — “Slay B*tch”

Remi Wolf released her album Big Ideas on July 12. From here on out, it will never be a bad idea to play “Slay B*tch.” Wolf makes expert use of a Céline Dion name-check (“She’s like a dairy machine / She makes a meal out of me / Like a milkshake in her hand / She’s my Dion to Céline”). What’s more, she teased a snippet of the album’s effervescent, unapologetic closer to celebrate Pride Month, and it shall forever remain a Pride Month anthem.

Nelly Furtado & Bomba Estéreo — “Corazón”

Last week, Nelly Furtado announced 7, her first album in seven years, and shared that she’d worked on 400 to 500 songs over the past four years. Only 14 of them survived, and without having seen the full 7 tracklist, I feel confident in asserting that “Corazón” holds it own. Furtado sounds equal parts refreshed and refined, fully in control of her vocal delivery when effortlessly singing, “We, we lose control (We lose control) / That’s how we are (That’s how we are) / De corazón, no puedo parar.”

Kylie Minogue, Bebe Rexha, and Tove Lo — “My Oh My”

Somehow, the playful palette of “My Oh My” isn’t the song’s best quality, which says a lot because the soundscape is quintessential pop. Instead, “My Oh My” soars on the back of Kylie Minogue, Bebe Rexha, and Tove Lo’s banter. “When you asked, ‘What’s your name? What’s your sign?’ / I’m Kylie, it’s Gemini,” the Australian legend sings in the first pre-chorus, followed by Rexha’s (“When you asked, ‘What’s your name? Let me know’ / I’m Bebe, I’m a Virgo”) and Tove Lo’s (“Hey, hello, I am To-Tove Lo / I’m a Scorpio”) versions. Suddenly, my new life’s mission is to find a way to clever incorporate Leo into my next introduction to someone, and I’m not even into astrology.

Jana Diab — “So Stupid”

Whoever made Jana Diab think for one second that she’s stupid should be indicted because Jana Diab is unequivocally brilliant. Part of the 22-year-old Cairo-born singer-songwriter’s brilliance is that willingness to be raw about feeling stupid in a one-sided relationship because who hasn’t been there? The other part is her poignant lyricism, especially when paired with this mesmerizing, Couros-produced beat.

YDE — “Free Fall”

So, addictive infatuation is officially a theme for this week’s roundup. Here, YDE’s breathy vocals convey her desperate feelings toward someone who doesn’t deserve it. “I’m scared,” she sings before diving headfirst into the melodic, poetic hook: “Cuz I love you like a free fall / Hate you like a hurricane / Need you like air.”

Salute and Disclosure — “Lift Off!”

Who needs lyrics with beats this dynamic? In an interview with Billboard, Salute recommended Disclosure’s Settle as the “best bet” to convert someone into a dance music fan, and “Lift Off!” finds Salute “making music with heroes of mine.” This song embodies the euphoria Salute must be feeling on the back of their newly released True Magic album, which also features Rina Sawayama, LEILAH, Léa Sen, and more.

On July 6, Childish Gambino (AKA Donald Glover) put on a show at New York’s The Amph At Little Island. Per setlist.fm, Gambino’s set featured a bunch of unreleased songs, presumably from the upcoming Bando Stone And The New World soundtrack. One of them was a tune called “In The Night,” and now Gambino has shared the studio version of the song.

The track runs for about four minutes and features Jorja Smith and Amaarae. The tune gradually builds on itself, starting with a backing vocal melody and simple percussion as Gambino sings over it. Some synths and additional percussion work their way into the mix as the song continues to evolve into euphoria.

Smith and Amaarae presumably won’t be the only collaborators on the album, as Steve Lacy and Fousheé joined Gambino at the aforementioned concert.

Back in April, Glover revealed his upcoming plans. One of them is a soundtrack album for the Bando Stone movie, which he called the “final” Childish Gambino album. At the time, he also announced Atavista, an album that ended up getting released in May and is a reworked version of his 2020 album 3.15.20.

Listen to “In The Night” above.

Bando Stone And The New World is out 7/19 via RCA Records. Find more information here.