Get cozy with the best new music of the week
Having a hard time keeping up with all the new music that drops every week? Us too — which is why we’re rounding up the best new music of the week every Saturday evening.
Sad13 & Lizzo — “Basement Queens”
Two of our favorite artists (Sadie Dupuis of Speedy Ortiz and rising MC Lizzo) teamed up together to create an ode to hard-working women. The real kicker though: The two collaborated on the song using nothing but Google Docs to connect. How’s that for #synergy?!
Chairlift — Moth
If you still only recognize the band from their 2008 breakout hit “Bruises” (“I tried to do handstands for you”), you’ve been missing out on one of the most effervescent electronica acts of the millennium. Moth is the band’s third album, and it continues building out Patrick Wimberly and Caroline Polachek’s fantastic, future-forward sound.
AlunaGeorge — “I’m In Control” ft. Popcaan
AlunaGeorge has been a staple in the electro scene since their 2013 debut Body Music slinked into being, and their latest single is no exception. Featuring Jamaican dancehall stalwart Popcaan (whose turn on Jamie xx’s “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)” helped make it the jam), “I’m In Control” will have you dancing like a capital-B Boss.
Savages — Adore Life
It’s no secret that we’re fans of this UK four-piece, but for a good reason. Adore Life is a pitch-perfect sophomore album: Deeper, stronger, but no less enervating than their electrifying debut. “Surrender” is already on our shortlist for best songs of the year.
M. Ward — “Confession”
We know and love M. Ward (the Him in She & Him) on this site, and for his first new solo material in four years, he’s still got it. “Confession” is a rolling jaunt with playful lyrical scenarios; it’s the perfect song for blasting as you drive or ride through a small-town. Don’t be surprised if you hear this in Wes Anderson’s next film.
Låpsley — “Love Is Blind”
Though most beginner artists rush to capitalize on an early hit, Låpsley has been slowly unveiling new music, letting tracks collect. Now, she’s finally ready to release her debut album, Long Way Home, on March 4; if new single “Love Is Blind” suggests anything, it’s going to be a soaring, spectacular entrance.
KYYN — “Walk On Water”
Trained as a classical pianist, KYYN grasp of song composition is clear on her first self-released song, “Walk on Water.” A brooding, ever-expanding gem of a song, it’s a pretty good indicator that we’ll be hearing a lot more of her before the year is done.
Shirlette Ammons — “Aviator” ft. Amelia Meath
You might know Meath from her work with Sylvan Esso, and her beautiful warm vocals help infuse this lush, grooving tune with texture. Ammons, who’s also a poet and a writer, more than holds her own in the songs cinematic harmonies. Extra props for her incredible production depth
L.A. Witch — “Drive Your Car”
Based on the song title, I subconsciously expected some sort of swinging retort to The Beatles’ “Drive My Car,” but this is much better. Soaked in reverb and punctuated with vocalist Sade Sanchez’s half-intoned, sly asides (“I promise I won’t go far,” and you can practically hear her crossing her fingers behind her back), “Drive Your Car” is pure, head-banging fun.
Japanese Breakfast — “In Heaven”
We can’t lie, half of the reason we’re featuring this song is because Japanese breakfasts are delicious. But Michelle Zauner’s glittering pop project would, by any other name, still be worthy of a highlight. “In Heaven” both mourns and celebrates the life of one gone too soon, and its shining sadness has found a spot in my heavy rotation.
Listen to more Playlist Power Hour here.
(Image courtesy of Interscope Records)
