After a two-week break, it’s back to life, back to reality on Popservations. During the blog’s post-New Year’s pause, four musical entities who’d been away from the scene for quite some time all returned with new tunes in tow.

Suede – “Barriers” (Free Download)

Suede was the first to quell the quiet with “Barriers,” a song taken from the London band’s new studio album, Bloodsports, due in March. While Suede made no secret that they were working on new material for the first time in ten years (still sans original member Bernard Butler), the swooning, soaring “Barriers” reminds me why I loved the band so much in the early ’90s, portending very good things ahead for Bloodsports.

David Bowie – “Where Are We Now?”(iTunes)

Less than 24 hours later, David Bowie debuted a new song, “Where Are We Now?,” and also announced a new album, The Next Day, coming in March. With zero advance warning, I remain amazed that such a high-profile project, Bowie’s first since 2003’s Reality, was successfully kept under wraps in the digital age.

At first, I didn’t know what to make of the languidly paced, contemplative “Where Are We Now?,” a reaction I attribute to the song premiering via a distractingly odd music video — but the last 1:30 is utterly transcendent.

Bowie’s longtime producer Tony Visconti tells Billboard, “That is the only song like it on the album. Most of the album is uptempo rock songs, with some very innovative new styles as well.” The Next Day dawns in the U.S. on March 12.

Destiny’s Child – “Nuclear” (iTunes)

As soon as Beyoncé announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl Halftime Show, rumors of a Destiny’s Child reunion went into overdrive. While that re-teaming was a sure bet, I don’t know that anyone expected Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams to release a new song.

“Nuclear” is produced by Pharrell Williams, who paired up with co-writers Michelle Williams, James Fauntleroy, and Lonny Bereal, with Beyoncé and Bereal tackling the vocal production. Driven by a ’90s drum loop (shades of Soul II Soul), the breezy “Nuclear” is the first production from Destiny’s Child since 2005, and is the sole new track on Love Songs, a new compilation coming out on January 29. A new Beyoncé solo single is widely anticipated to debut shortly as well.

Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z – “Suit & Tie” (iTunes)

Like Bowie, Justin Timberlake‘s return to recording was like a bolt from the blue. But when his big reveal was a YouTube video that didn’t feature any actual music but only Timberlake talking about being ready to make some, I couldn’t help but tweet “EGO MUSIC.” I wasn’t the only one who was annoyed by being subjected to such self-importance.

Three days later, just after the Golden Globes on Sunday night, Timberlake responded to the criticism in an open letter saying how much he enjoyed teasing everyone and premiered his new single, “Suit & Tie.” Produced with Timbaland and Jerome “J-ROC” Harmon and featuring Jay-Z, “Suit & Tie” will appear on Timberlake’s new album, The 20/20 Experience, his first since 2006’s mega-selling FutureSex/LoveSounds.

The first 45 seconds should have been lopped off and Jay-Z’s contribution is superfluous, but there are some good moments in the Marvin Gaye-conjuring “Suit & Tie,” particularly the last 30 seconds.

Also scheduled to return to music in 2020 after taking breaks of varying lengths include Robyn (2010), Depeche Mode (2009), Mariah Carey (2009), Lisa Stansfield (2004), Cher (2001), and maybe just maybe, Janet Jackson (2008).