Scanning through the list of this week’s batch of new releases, there’s many a familiar name from recent weeks; ZAYN with sHe, which marks his 34th consecutive released single (slight exaggeration). Meghan Trainor gives her follow up of NO in the form of Watch Me Do. There’s also the surprises you love to see, this time from The Goo Goo Dolls, who will show you they know how to do a throwback but all the while keeping it tight and fresh.
You’re bound to find more gems just by perusing through the list yourself; head over to Spotify before it resets itself next week. And just to show you we like to cherish a good thing, check out New Music All Stars for some potential favorites you may have overlooked in recent weeks.
9. Wolves of Winter by Biffy Clyro
Always in the manner of giving fans something new, on their latest Simon Neil tries out some vocoders, making his normal melodic voice come through in screeching manner, making the sound pair well with the heavy guitars the Scottish band is known for. The band wanted to make sure that in 2016 they’d be fresh as daisies, taking most of 2015 off so people “don’t get sick of the lovely Biffy.” Sounds like they’ve made the right choice; place your bets on seeing much more of the band in coming months, and headlining festivals throughout Europe this summer.
8. Kill Me Baby by SunDrones
Described as a band made of up of simply Joshua, Darren, Greg & Justin in their social media presence, the foursome from Brooklyn has made the impression via their first release for Spotify users, Kill Me Baby. It’s the classic tale of ‘hurting so good’ from a love affair, being treated SOAH CAWLD, and asking to be put out of their misery. The band really breaks it down after the 2 minute mark, taking a song already packed with plenty of panache to the next level. A great one to sing scream along with in the car.
7. Aftergold by Big Wild, Tove Styrke
Sometimes you can be completely blown away by a great EDM track, but without the comfort of lyrics, there can be something a little….lacking. Big Wild might have had this same line of thinking, after Aftergold came out last year they’re back again with the exact same instrumentals, but this time spiced up with Swedish indie pop princess Tove Styrke. Lyrics like “you want some of that green rain” and “24 karat gold ball n chain” makes the beat pop and pack an extra punch. And it totally freshens up the song, making it certifiable to blast with all the windows rolled down.
6. Dapper by Domo Genesis, Anderson Paak
“It just needs that, uh….” so says Anderson Paak upon the opening of the track, making it tempting to say ‘je’ ne sais quoi,’ and from there the phrase becomes the thesis of the song. It’s a groovyalicious number that tussles between tight softly spoken fast raps and harmony on the keyboard from Paak, begging you to hold.that.light, and smoke, that, fiiiiyah-uh. Whether the intention of the song was to be truly dapper is not found, and not to matter; it’s just a great song to groove around to.
5. Weatherman by Justin Jay
The manner in which Justin Jay conducts their business on Weatherman is so low-key it’s easy to overlook their stake in the world of deep house. The first notes sound like it could double as an indie track, then morphing into a rare gem that you could jam all the way out to, or just use the song to relax. Not to mention paired with the artwork and lyrics you’ll be ready to head out on the open sea, even if you’ve never set foot on a sailboat in your life. JJ & Friends are taking the act on tour, currently in Australia; check out their Facebook page to see what the weather will be like when they swing into your town.
4. HandClap by Fitz & the Tantrums
What would music be without the help of hand claps? No We Will Rock You, no Boom Boom Clap, not even If You’re Happy and You Know It. Thankfully the expression is widely recognized and Fitz & the Tantrums keeps the tradition going on their latest. Keeping their typical fast pace, the lyrics state ‘I can make your hands clap” and then reference saving souls in the chorus, begging the question “What is all this clapping for?” Fortunately, to enjoy the song knowing the answer to the question in not a perquisite.
3. Untitled 07 | Levitate by Kendrick Lamar
In today’s world of 24/7 entertainment keeping one’s intention for longer than three minutes is quite the challenge. It’s this sentiment that shortened the original release of this track, clocking in at 8 minutes and 16 seconds and scrapping 6 minutes of it. The shortened version keeps the nitty gritty of the song, and keeping that signature line “levitate levitate levitate levitate” its main focus. Listen to the original while zoning out, keep this shortened version in the midst of a playlist.
2. Intention by Kiiara
There’s no doubt that Kiiara’s made her impression on the world with her first singles, having landed an Apple commercial, and serving as music for countless modern dancers auditions. On Intention it may or may not be this exposure she references, singing “it was never my intention, no, never my intention.” Intention comes blazing out the gates, much in the way Gold did, with enough pops and drums all in the right places, making it another great track to dance or simply vibe to.
1. Long Time by Ty Dolla $ign, Quavo
When it comes to Ty Dolla $ign’s very first album, Free TC, it’s been a very very long time (in new music terms) since we’ve heard the first single (May 2015). On Long Time he, like most of the other tracks on Free TC, he collaborates with Quavo of Migos for the guest on this particular song. Ty gives all the references — it’s his grind that he has been on for a very long time, it’s his women who love him for a long long time. When Quavo hits he speeds it up with a smash, smash, smash, smash. It’s that classic hip hop juxtaposition that make all of the parts an enjoyable listening experience.
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