This week’s list experienced a tidal wave of emotion and interest with Adele dropping in to issue a long awaited ‘Hello.’ Also making a statement is Justin Bieber, coyly asking you if it’s too late to say ‘Sorry,’ which, entirely depends on what you’re saying sorry for JB. Another standout is Gwen Stefani’s intensely personal ‘Used To Love You.’
All you’ve been yearning for this week can be found in the form of a bright new song to make your day; head over to New Music Friday to find your fit. Don’t forget about New Music All-Stars for all your new music favorites gathered on one easy access playlist.
9. C.U.R.E. by BOOTS
Starting with a pulse that feels like the perfect tempo for a seedy underground rave, or at least a seedy underground dance-off, BOOTS has released C.U.R.E. in much anticipation for his own full length studio album, out November 13th. Much has been made of his work and collaborations, particularly the key role he played on Beyonce’s self titled album in 2013 and with Run The Jewels, that it’s hard to believe that just two years ago BOOTS was nearly anonymous on the music scene. With songs like C.U.R.E. the artist is off to an enthusiastic beginning for making a further name for himself.
8. Air by Basenji
As the track begins there’s the sound of a toy being wound up, ushering in an urge to get immersed into the music itself. The effect works, and as the track takes off around the 1 minute 10 second mark, it gives way to serve as the ideal track for relaxing while flying, even conducive for a pacifying snooze. It’s one of several high notes on the Aussie’s latest EP, Trackpad.
7. Dancing on Glass by St. Lucia
One for those who can find away to dance even in/on top the harshest of conditions, St. Lucia’s spirited new track will have you declaring “never gonna stop ’til it’s broken.” It’s the first single since last year’s smash When The Night, which included the monster hit, Elevate. St. Lucia has kept his signature poppy flair, even with a little more trop house warpiness, that can easily trick you into thinking this talented South African is from the island St. Lucia itself. Dance at your own risk.
6. Sun Leads Me On by Half Moon Run
The band’s latest track off the same titled second album is full of sunshine, albeit it feels as though the sun is streaming in through the cracks at the end of a chilling day, not a blatant burst of Summer sunshine. It’s a perfect metaphor for hopefulness and comfort, of which the song has in droves as its mission statement. Perfect for your end of day chill playlist.
5. All My Friends by Snakehips, Tinashe, Chance The Rapper
Call it the perfect track to sum up maturing from your rambunctious twenties to your more responsibility laden thirties, ‘Snakehips’s latest isn’t a track dedicated to all the good times with all their friends, but rather lamenting about “all my friends are wasted and I hate this club, man I drink too much/Another Friday night I’ve wasted.” Sounds like a prescription for Netflix and lights out by 10:30. As disavowing as the track is, Snakehips, with large part to the song’s contributors, manages to keep the it light with a good groove to move to, no matter how much you’d rather be staying in bed.
4. Death Row by Jimi Charles Moody
Taking it to as uplifting as the blues is legally allowed to go, Jimi Charles Moody shines here in creating a vibe of perfect morose sulkiness, first pleading “If you love me just let me go!” in the song’s chorus, and then quickly changing his mind asking to NOT let him go, because “right now I languish on death row.” It’s a quicksilver leap from cold to hot, perfect for fans of blues or just being an emotional wreck in a really cool way.
3. Hollow by Tori Kelly
If there was an award for Show-stopping Performance at this year’s VMA that didn’t involve hype or an announcement of candidacy for President, it most definitely would go to Tori Kelly for her riveting performance of Should’ve Been Us. The songstress is back with a ballad that hits all the high notes and shows off her impressive vocal range with some easy scales. Wise beyond her 22 years, (especially compared to many of those who are famous in her peer group), Kelly has been singing, wowing audiences, and winning competitions to boot from a very young age. Hollow is the first single released from the new edition of Unbreakable Smile, originally released this past June.
2. Begin Again (HEALTH remix) by Purity Ring
Already grabbing the listener’s attention with it’s pounding beats and driving pulse, Purity Ring created a beautiful juxtaposition with gentle whimsy chants of “begin again, begin again” in the original. Like all great remixes of time and man, HEALTH infuses its own heavy distorted sounds, only enhancing and never losing the song’s original beauty. With all its subtle distortions it feels as though the track was created as the soundtrack for a haunted house that is intended only to mildly thrill, not horrify. A must listen for fans of both bands.
1. Hello by Adele
Leave it to Adele to stop the internet in it’s tracks with a simple “Hello.” Oh Adele, it has been too long and how we’ve missed you. A most fitting song to reacquaint ourselves with the empress of power ballads, both gentle and wildly dramatic in equally flaring value. For the visual there’s the sepia drenched video, that will 1) make you want to stand in front of a fan and belt your heart out, and 2) have you speculating who is on the other side of that flip phone for days.
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