Black Pumas- “I’m Ready” (ATO)
Every single track on this band’s outstanding 2019 debut is a triumphant revelation of soul magic, and the same certainly holds true for this and the other bonus tracks unveiled on last year’s deluxe edition. Sensational vocals, mint musicianship and smooth, rocking melodies. “I’m Ready” offers all of it in droves, and further solidifies Black Pumas as one of today’s true must-hear bands.
Harry Styles- “Golden” (Columbia)
More satisfying evidence that Harry Styles stands tall among the best architects of pop music contagion working today. The layered, shimmering harmonies that launch and anchor the song throughout are everything, and Styles matches their infectious appeal with a sturdy vocal performance that balances his trademark charm with a subtle rasp that recalls Marcus Mumford.
Rosanne Cash with John Levanthal- “Crawl Into the Promised Land” (Blue Note)
Like her father before her, Rosanne Cash ranks among one of America’s most treasured musical poets, possessing the grace and conviction necessary to capture both our society’s darkest moments as well as the inspiration necessary to push forward. Cash and husband Levanthal choose not to split political hairs, but rather focus on rediscovering the remarkable spirit woven within the fabric of a nation that has overcome division and strife countless times before.
The Weeknd- “Save Your Tears” (Republic)
Seriously, this dude is on such a roll in terms of concocting magnetic potions of pop, R&B and dance bad-assery. This break up tune is layered in such a spectrum of intense emotions, from bitter arrogance to utter devastation and loneliness. There’s such a somber resonance to the tone of his smooth pipes and it’s a tantalizing dichotomy when paired against the sizzling dance beats and infectious production. A thrilling and moving performance.
Eric Church- “Hell of a View” (EMI)
“You liked the thought of chasin’ life instead of dollar bills.” That fantastic line astutely sums up the passionate, spontaneous spirit of the love story inside the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year’s latest single. As is par for the course with Church, the single is a solid, anthemic slice of vintage Heartland meeting modern country-rock. No other current act is as consistently reliable in this realm as Church.
Cage the Elephant- “Skin and Bones” (RCA)
The fourth single from 2019’s Social Cues possesses the same dark and foreboding backdrop that has always defined Cage the Elephant’s music, particularly in this latest album cycle. But there’s also an alluring and exotic sense of romance that shines through in Matt Schultz’s vocal that’s unlike any other performance we’ve heard from the band before. At its core, “Skin and Bones” is built upon the steadfast strength one derives from a resilient relationship, and the dark life periods it overcomes along the way.
Kathleen Edwards- “Hard on Everyone” (Dualtone)
“Hard on Everyone” is a sparkling and emotional folk-rock gem, keeping with the tradition that Edwards has built her nearly two decade career upon. Each line progressively reveals a new layer of bubbling domestic tension before reaching the inevitable breaking point on the chorus. The rich, simple guitar licks perfectly punctuate each biting remark that flows from Edwards’ sharp and evocative vocal. Impressively soulful and intelligent from top to bottom.
24kGoldn featuring Iann Dior- “Mood” (Columbia)
A smooth, guitar-driven blend of rap bluster and pop hooks, “Mood” is one of those undeniable earworms with a durability that sneaks up on the listener. The groovy chorus is unrelenting in its ability to firmly supplant itself in your consciousness. By the time you even realize its happened, it’s too late and you’re unabashedly hooked. That’s not to mention that its hook line (“We play games of love to avoid the depression.”) is brutally resonant and on-point.
Zayn- “Vibez” (RCA)
At this point in his solo career, Zayn has proven himself both as a capable vocalist and one that can craft a deliciously infectious record. Unfortunately, “Vibez” misses the mark in both regards. He’s aiming for a hazy, dream-like outing. But there’s dreamy, and then there’s lifeless. This track is of the latter category, due to a particularly sleepy and disconnected vocal that will do nothing but send the listener into a sudden slumber. Next.
Sturgill Simpson- “I Don’t Mind” (Thirty Tigers)
A rich bluegrass recreation of a stellar track from his pre-solo days with former band Sunday Valley, “I Don’t Mind” is an illuminating listen that further illustrates that there are no sonic territories that Simpson’s voice cannot conquer. The stirring mountain hollers, stunning fiddle and superlative mandolin picking splendidly spotlight the tender side of his voice, not to mention the inspiring heart of the song itself. Truly emblematic of the treasures to be found within Simpson’s recent bluegrass sessions.
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