Here’s my top picks for the week:
Cameron Avery – “Watch Me Take It Away”
- The Tame Impala sideman just released a new album recently and it is definitely worth a listen or two. Pulling influences from artists like Elvis Presley and Father John Misty, Avery’s music has a classic coolness to it. This track is for when you are in a rocking mood or just looking to take it easy.
Frank Ocean – “Nights”
- Frank Ocean has been on heavy rotation recently. There aren’t many artists out there that are as visionary or as honest as Ocean. This cut from his latest album, Blonde, tells a story about Ocean struggling with drug addiction and poverty in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. You can certainly feel the emotion being shed here.
Alex Turner – “Hiding Tonight”
- Alex Turner of the band Arctic Monkeys goes solo on this number equipped only with an acoustic guitar and a set of really well-crafted lyrics. Turner is easily one of the best songwriters of his generation and this track is proof of that.
Earl Sweatshirt – “Chum”
- Earl Sweatshirt may be one of the most underrated artists in hip-hop right now. His beats are solid and his flow is tight. This song sets a serious and contemplative mood. However, the outro instrumental is upbeat and a bit haunting. Perfect for those solo night walks around campus.
Daniel Caesar – “Get You (feat. Kali Uchis)”
- I don’t need to say much about this track. This song is sexy. The bass line is driving and funky. It reminds me of “Prototype” by OutKast. It’s beyond cool. And it doesn’t hurt that both Daniel Caeser and Kali Uchis have stellar soothing voices.
Arctic Monkeys – “Piledriver Waltz”
- This is one of my favorite Arctic Monkeys tracks. The guitar work sounds like something Johnny Marr would have played on a Smiths albums. However, I’d pass on this track if you just got out of a breakup. This song is all about heartbreak and you can hear it in Turner’s voice.
Miguel – “Sure Thing (Live)”
- While there is a full band version, it is my belief that the acoustic version hits harder. It’s a love song about being what the other person needs and putting someone else first. It is not just the lyrics that make this song pop though. Miguel’s voice is smoother than silk.
Electric Eye – “Heavy Steps on Desert Floor”
- My friend Megan introduced me to this band, describing them as “great music to drive to.” She’s not lying either. Electric Eye are easily one of my new favorite bands. Everything they do is dope.
Childish Gambino – “What Kind of Love”
- This is the track that got me into Gambino in the first place. Originally a song that was never meant to be released, this intimate acoustic track shows off Gambino’s beautiful voice. Consisting of beautiful but simple lyrics about love and it’s complications, this song is sure to firmly tug at your heartstrings.
Gary Clark Jr. – “Travis County (Live)”
- Here is a rocking track to round off the list. Gary Clark Jr. is the new guitar master. Originally from Austin, Texas, Clark plays everything from rhythm and blues to alternative rock. This track is somewhere in the middle, giving off some major Chuck Berry vibes.