Billie Eilish- “Therefore I Am” (Interscope)
The first taste of music from the dark pop phenom’s sophomore album finds Eilish taking her wonderfully bizarre sound in a slightly more up-tempo direction, all the while retaining the gloomy mystery that has made her’s such a buzz-worthy breakthrough in the first place. This track is simple, snappy and sardonic. The fact that it deviates from the bulk of alternative music by clearly not taking itself too seriously makes it all the more entertaining.
Lady Gaga- “911” (Interscope)
This would not have been my first choice for the latest single off the fantastic Chromatica (that distinction would have been reserved for the power-pop perfection of “Enigma”). Nevertheless, “911” is a sizzling cut in its own right. The beats and the chorus are both ferociously infectious, and the lyrics powerfully mirror the anxious inner demons that we all succumb to from time to time. It’s a glowing merger of her iconic early moments and the thematic framework of the Artpop era.
Nathaniel Rateliff- “Redemption” (Fantasy)
A raw and beautiful performance from one of today’s most soulfully emotive vocalists. Rateliff’s rich delivery of a turbulent, impassioned cry for release from the troublesome burdens that can creep into one’s life is showcased gracefully against a bare-boned arrangement of simple guitar and chilling harmonies. This soundtrack piece more than earns its right to rub elbows with the rest of Rateliff’s stellar catalog.
Margo Price- “That’s How Rumors Get Started” (Loma Vista)
Another marvelous piece of country-rock brilliance from Price, who marries the golden honky teardrop in her voice with all the glorious Stevie Nicks vibes she can muster to craft a vintage yet unique sound all her own. Her crystalline pipes shine against the folk-tinged guitars and pure piano fills, and the lyrics of betrayal and lies are simultaneously biting and heartbreaking.
Ringo Starr & Friends- “Here’s to the Nights” (Universal)
You’ll be hard pressed to make it through this track without a smile on your face. Revisiting the communal spirit he conjured fifty-plus years ago on one of the greatest friendship songs of all time, the 80 year old Starr delivers a perfect tune for reminiscing on the high points of his time in the most famous band of all time. It’s nothing groundbreaking; it’s simply heartwarming, nostalgic and fun. Keep your ears open for a staggering list of cameos including but not limited to Paul McCartney, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Grohl, Corinne Bailey Rae, Joe Walsh, Chris Stapleton, and Yola to name a lot.
Miranda Lambert- “Settling Down” (RCA)
The quality I enjoy most about her recent run of records, besides trademarks such as her lyrical intellect and pure vocals, is most definitely how clean and precise the production and musicianship has been. So much of today’s popular music arrangements are nothing but pure noise and bombast. Here however, each guitar riff and dobro lick has both character and a purpose, and it only further elevates Lambert’s overall performance. The mainstream most definitely settles up when they spin her music.
Gus Dapperton- “Post Humorous” (AWAL)
This single has slowly but surely transformed Gus Dapperton from an underground favorite into one of alt-rock’s must-hear discoveries over the past year, and it’s more than worthy of providing such a breakthrough. The emotional arc of the song builds so splendidly, growing from an intimate bedroom pop moment into a frenetic rock battle cry by the final chorus. Dapperton is one artist to keep an eye on.
Machine Gun Kelly featuring Blackbear- “My Ex’s Best Friend” (Interscope)
As is par for the course any time an artist changes stylistic directions, much ado continues to be made about rapper Machine Guy Kelly’s pivot to a more polished pop-punk sound. Tracks like this most recent smash continue to demonstrate that it’s been a move that has only benefited both the artist and that commercially stagnant subgenre itself. This is a crisp, memorable and entertaining outing. MGK sounds perfectly natural in this element, while Blackbear’s guest turn still allows the track to nod its head to Kelly’s hip-hop roots.
Cannons- “Fire For You” (Columbia)
This killer track is the definition of an “atmospheric” record, and it’s an astonishing, moody experience to lose yourself inside of. Lust, passion, loneliness, and so many other emotions fill the air via this radiant cloud of synth-soaked splendor. Lead singer Michelle Joy’s mysterious voice is an entire vibe all to itself, and is paired perfectly with this sonic template.
Kip Moore- “Don’t Go Changing” (MCA)
This new featured track on the pending deluxe edition of last year’s stellar Wild World is chalk full of all the entertaining qualities we’ve come to expect from his electrifying brand of country-rock: the rapturous charm of his twangy rasp, anthemic guitar energy, and an overall performance dripping with rock & roll personality. Kip Moore is the real deal, folks.
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