Kendrick Lamar – “HUMBLE”
- Let’s start this list off right! King Kendrick’s first cut from new album “DAMN.” is a heavy hitter, meaning it will punch you and everyone around you right in the ear drums. Allegedly hitting out at Drake and Big Sean, Lamar is commanding both listeners and fellow rappers alike to be humbled and pay attention to his music and lyrical prowess.
D’Angelo & The Vanguard – “1000 Deaths”
- Looking for some funk? D’Angelo has you covered with this air tight cut from his 2014 album, “Black Messiah.” This one is very reminiscent of something Prince would have done, with it’s fat, obnoxious bass line and it’s sensitive and sexy, distortion-covered vocals. This song is in your face and you won’t be able to get away from it.
The Beatles – “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”
- The Beatles spanned many different genres throughout their career. One genre you wouldn’t typically equate with them however is “doom metal.” On this cut from the band’s penultimate album, “Abbey Road,” The Beatles get heavy with a dark, looming riff that will cut your face off. Get ready to rock with this eight minute masterpiece.
Funkadelic – “Hit It and Quit It”
- I’m not sure I have a better description for this song other than “the one that will make you feel like a badass.” On this cut from 1970s classic “Maggot Brain,” George Clinton and the gang break it down with no remorse. Not only that, but we get a killer guitar solo from axeman Eddie Hazel, who, some would say, is better than the legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Thundercat – “Friend Zone”
- Stephen “Thundercat” Bruner delivers another groovy slice of off-the-wall pop that is sure to get listeners up and moving. Bruner’s bass playing is on point and drenched in effects. Our boy Thundercat seems to be airing out his grievances in these lyrics about a lover who is stringing him along and how he’d rather play video games like “Mortal Kombat” and “Diablo” anyway.
Minus The Bear – “Tame Beasts”
- Here’s one for the rockers out there. I saw these guys live recently. It was an amazing show, with all of the members of the band being an expert in their craft. This track is heavy and driving, but quite danceable at the same time. The squealing guitars and a robotic drum beat of this track will have you pumping your fist.
Flying Lotus – “Zodiac Shit”
- I’m just going to put it out on front street: Flying Lotus makes weird music. However, it is the strangeness of the electronic beats from this one man band that makes it so appealing. This track has an old school cool about it, incorporating violins and other sounds that sound like they came from the deepest parts of outer space. Trust me, you’ve never heard anything like this before.
Beach House – “Sparks”
- Are you feeling stressed? Here’s one to calm your nerves and ease your mind. Dream pop duo Beach House provides a mellow mood with their simple instrumentation and otherworldly vocals. Incorporating vintage synthesizers and guitars with heavy distortion, this track is perfect for lovers of indie rock and good vibes all around.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – “I Put A Spell On You”
- Maybe you’re looking for something a little more swampy and sinister. Rock legends’ Creedence Clearwater Revival take on this Nina Simone classic on their self-titled debut, but with a dark twist. Frontman John Fogerty shreds with reckless abandon while the rest of the band provides a rock solid, bluesy beat.
Frank Ocean – “Self Control”
- Here’s a smooth and sexy track for you and that special someone. Ocean delivers one of the best vocal performances of his career, singing about a former lover and how they “weren’t really on the same wavelength.” The instrumentation throughout this song is superb, and the reverberating outro is guaranteed to bring you to tears. I could talk for days about how much I love this song.