2016 Grammy eligibility has officially closed as of Sept 30 – so that makes for an even fresher new start for all songs listed here. We’re got multiple appearances by Avicii with his new album Stories out the week, a spirited one from Panic! At The Disco, and holy smokes, Will Smith storming in with a Latin flavored Fiesta, though with no assistance from R.Kelly.
Time is always of the essence when it comes to tapping into the latest and greatest music; head over to New Music Friday for the complete list of 50 new songs; New Music Friday All-Stars for a super user friendly format to listen to all of this week’s songs, plus the best songs from weeks past.
10. Guts And Glamour by Trick Swayze
Proving that the greatest tracks in ambient/electro/in easy speak “songs-that-have-no-words” don’t need the universal name recognition, just the ability to create a pleasing sound, is number 10’s spot, Trick Swayze. With so little to his (her?) name besides the music, you can imagine what a search engine result will pull up (and may he rest in peace). Guts and Glamour has the vibe of a spaced out background ambient track, but also hits peaks and valleys to keep your interest. A great track for enhanced productivity while studying.
9. Northern Boy by The Academic
These Ireland all-stars kick off the track with Killer’s like guitar riffs, but their vocal presence makes for a distinction all their own. The lyrics themselves aren’t about a boy from the North country, but rather highlights a girl who snuck out the back “with some Northern boy, and now she’s in the forest trying to find some joy.” Alright then. It’s a rousing number, one that you’ll want to singalong to as the song kicks into the chorus “Don’t be afraid to love, and this ain’t a game of love.” It’s a sound that has “my favorite things about Fall” written all over it.
8. Get Loose by Lil Jon
Third downs in football were forever changed with the introduction of last year’s superhit Turn Down For What. Carrying on in the spirit of Lil Jon’s post crunk world is a quick and dizzying two minute rager of a track. Unfortunately the few lyrics the song has are Not Safe For National Television, so don’t expect to be hearing it watching your favorite team any time soon. It’s also probably not the best song to play while preparing to get loose in yoga class – but perfect for timed reps while you’re working out.
7. I Wanna Get Better by Bleachers, Tinashe
Just in time for cold and flu season, Bleachers recruited R&B princess Tinashe for a super smooth makeover to their hit I Wanna Get Better. It’s part of superstar aided flip side of Bleacher’s 2014 album Strange Desire, complete with a minute change of a different person on the same album cover. There’s appearances by the likes of Sia, Sara Bareilles, Charli XCX, and more. Tinashe’s appearance is a sizable standout, as she turns the popular track into easygoing, effervescent experience with a chill factor reminiscent of 2 On.
6. Corinne by Black Honey
A raucous good indie pop time, the first notes of Corrine drawl on on “Corrrrrrinne, come back to me, cos it’s 6 in the morning and we’re only playing make believe” in a such a way that it’s only a matter of time before you’re having it sung by those stumbling home from the bar searching for their missing friend Corrine. Speaking of drunk girls, the band showcased the meaning behind the song lovingly written in what appears to be different shades of lipstick or lipliner via Instagram. Having been touring their brains for the majority the year, the Brighton crew have just embarked on another leg of the tour around the UK.
5. Like An Animal by RÜFÜS DU SOL
Serving up their signature brand of trip hop, the Aussie team declares their love on the the track by comparing their love like an animal, though it’s hard to envision that animal being anything bigger than a fluffy bunny rabbit. The track is sticky sweet stylistic, missing any animalistic tendencies they might be eluding them here. A song made for weekend living, this is one you can take from day to night in a super easy transition.
4. Hands of Love by Miley Cyrus
Most people would point to Cyrus’s shocking 2013 & 2015 performances at the VMAs as her career defining moments, but often overlooked in comparison to the antics is her acceptance speech for Wrecking Ball’s 2014 Video of the Year, which was entirely dedicated to helping homeless youth in America. Likewise, here Miley shines playing advocate rather than devil’s advocate, as the feature track on the new firm Freeheld, which shines light on LBGT rights and lack-thereof. 100% serious and passionate, the song also shows off her incredible vocal range. A must for those who say Cyrus is a one trick unicorn pony.
3. Poetic by Seinabo Sey
Sweden’s latest superstar is out with another stellar track, a total 180 from her super groovetastic release this summer Pretend; Poetic is all piano and I’ll Be There For You with ultra rich expression. Having only released a handful of songs via EPs, Seinabo and music fans everywhere can finally look forward to a full album, Pretend, out October 23rd.
2. She Used To Be Mine by Sara Bareilles
There’s many things that artists do on breaks between albums, most opting for a creative experience that will change their sound ever so slightly in a pleasing way to receive both positive acclaim and record sales. Sara Bareilles opted for a slightly atypical appearance, choosing rather to write songs for a musical, Waitress, that will open next year with Jessie Mueller as the star. She Used to Be Mine is full of striking melancholy that you can easily envision enrapturing an entire auditorium.
1. The Dreamer by Anna Of The North
Ticking off on three aspects of music that are so so difficult to get just right, newcomer Anna Of The North – by way of Norway- hits on successfully creating a dreamy and light voice, a song with an ethereal and dreamy vibe, and dreamy ‘you’re fading away’ lyrics. All three make for a solid building of an alterna pop princess, and to gauge just how difficult that status is to attain all of you have to do is take a look around of who stands out in that category. Primed and ready to be set to On Repeat.
Leave a Reply