Rhea Patil
Girl (feat. KAYTRANADA) – The Internet
22 November 2020
No matter how many times I listen to this track, it never ceases to amaze me. Not only is “Girl” incredibly smooth, but it’s meaningful, uncomplicated, and hard hitting. Off of The Internet’s album Ego Death, “Girl” is a sultry, trippy love song that works out of a carefully crafted outer-space soundscape.
Easily – Bruno Major
12 November 2020
British r&b and pop artist Bruno Major completely wooed listeners with his 2017 track “Easily” off of the album A Song for Every Moon. Not just your typical love song, the track is very real, one line even being “might not have always been a fairytale.” In “Easily”, Major calls out to his lover, telling them that although the relationship may not be perfect, that “doesn’t mean [they] shouldn’t try.” He gives hope to the romantics and appeals to the realists, so whatever your cup of tea is, be sure to check out this track.
Remember Me – UMI
12 November 2020
Neo-soul singer songwriter UMI is by far, one of my favorite rising artists right now. Only 21 years old, Tierra Umi Wilson, who releases music under her stage name UMI, is slowly gaining more popularity with her addictive vocals and lyricism. Her biggest hit thus far is “Remember Me”, a song that effectively encapsulates both the nostalgia and heartbreak that comes with a breakup.
Blessed – Daniel Caesar
12 November 2020
Canadian singer-songwriter Daniel Caesar released his debut studio album Freudian in 2017 as an exploration of the importance of sexuality in human behavior, as it relates to Freud. The term ‘Freudian’ itself refers to a follower of neurologist Sigmund Freud and his methods. The album contains several hits like “Get You” and “Best Part” as well as eight other stunning tracks, including the ballad “Blessed.”
Electric (with Khalid) – Alina Baraz
2 November 2020
R&B singer-songwriter Alina Baraz and R&B pop icon Khalid teamed up in 2017 to make “Electric”, one of the most blissful songs I’ve ever heard. In the track, both artists speak of a rare, new love that’s “deeper than the sea” and as far-reaching as “outer space”. What’s most impressive, though, is the intimacy the two artists are able to create within a mere 3 minutes. Not only does the lyricism frame this love story of dreams in a beautifully detailed way but their voices fall and soar with the track to make it practically love-inducing.
talk is overrated (with blackbear) – Jeremy Zucker
2 November 2020
New Jersey native singer-songwriter and producer Jeremy Zucker wowed listeners with the release of his hit track “talk is overrated” featuring blackbear in the summer of 2017. Mostly making music in the indie/alternative genre, Zucker ventured a little out of his box in his collaboration with blackbear. Now verging more on the side of indie electro-pop, this track draws out a situation where two people, both unsure of what they want out of a relationship, overcomplicate it with feelings and decide to go for a no-strings attached, no feelings relationship instead.
Warm on a Cold Night – HONNE
15 October 2020
Imagine yourself sitting by a fireplace, the room glowing a warm red, wrapped in the arms of a lover, with absolutely no end to the night in sight. Now the perfect soundtrack to that scenario, that’s “Warm on a Cold Night.”
SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK – Joji
15 October 2020
There are very few songs that have the ability to completely pull listeners from their environment, get them out of their heads, and fully immerse them in the artist’s soundscape. “SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK” is one of those songs.
Truth Is – Sabrina Claudio
15 October 2020
Arguably one of the most talented songwriters of our time, r&b artist Sabrina Claudio stuns listeners with her recent song “Truth Is.” Part of the 2019 album by the same, this track touches on the array of emotions we all feel but are often too afraid to voice. With lyricism as deep and resonating as hers, it seems as if Claudio reaches into the depths of her soul and writes from a place of pure feeling. Even more, the short title serves as a call to action, encouraging listeners to open up and take the risk of being honest and vulnerable.
While We’re Young – Jhené Aiko
15 October 2020
First released as a single along with a must-watch music video, Jhené Aiko’s “While We’re Young” perfectly captures the giddy, blissful, and carefree feeling of when you first fall in love. With a fusion of traditional soul and pop-oriented R&B, the singer-songwriter draws out a love-story fit for a teenage rom-com with an excitement that can only be described as contagious.
Throwaway (with Clairo) – SG Lewis
25 September 2020
Last year, producer, songwriter, and DJ SG Lewis teamed up with bedroom pop sensation Clairo to create your new favorite electro-pop track: “Throwaway”. Unlike the name suggests, this phenomenal song is most definitely a keeper and the perfect follow up to the duo’s first collaboration in 2018.
Ivy – Frank Ocean
22 September 2020
In Frank Ocean’s “Ivy”, he explores the pain of heartbreak but admits that “the feeling still deep down is good” and he’s learned from the experience. The song starts out with a dreamy but very present guitar that mirrors the lyrics’ introspective tone. Frank Ocean comes in with his signature voice and already, listeners feel like they’re floating.