Pigeons & Planes' Best Songs of the Month

It's been a great month for music.

With so much good music steadily coming through, it's easy to miss some of the best. To help prevent this, we've rounded up the best songs from the past month. Here are the songs you can't afford to skip, in no particular order.

Bryson Tiller ft. Young Thug - "Get Mine"

It's been over a year since Bryson Tiller released his Trapsoul album in 2015, but thankfully the singer finally returned this week with three new tracks and an announcement for his sophomore album. Ahead of True To Self's June 23 release date, Tiller previewed the variety fans can expect to hear on this new album. 

Of the three, "Get Mine" featuring Young Thug is an instant standout. While the Kentucky native often releases smooth, enticing R&B singles, every once in a while he switches things up and finds himself over hard-hitting production. The latter happens on "Get Mine" as the two trade verses over a heavy bassline.

Tiller exchanges his usual romantic side for a grittier sound as he rhymes about working towards making a better life for his daughter. Young Thug completes "Get Mine" with a fast-paced verse including so many notable lines that running the track back from the top almost feels mandatory.— Adrienne Black

XXXTENTACION - "garette's REVENGE"

XXXTENTACION Rolling Loud

Since he got out of jail, Florida artist XXXTENTACION has stayed in headlines. First it was the whole Drake situation, then he dropped a handful of songs, then it was Rolling Loud, and finally he released a Diplo collaboration. But last night, he finally shared the acoustic song that he previewed on Twitter earlier this month and out of everything he's done post-prison so far, this feels like the most significant moment. It might catch some new fans off-guard, but for those listening to XXX before "Look At Me!" blew up, it's just a glimpse of his expansive range.

"Garette's REVENGE" is an acoustic, rap-free, Modest Mouse-like song that showcases X's introspective nature and natural songwriting ability. XXXTENTACION is almost certainly going to remain one of the most polarizing figures in music—hero to some, villain to others—but if he keeps releasing music this good, he'll be impossible to ignore, even if you think he's a demon.—Jacob Moore

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LCD Soundsystem - "Call The Police"

LCD Soundsystem

So, it really seemed like the legendary run of LCD Soundsystem was coming to an end in 2016, but in 2016 they reunited, signed to Columbia Records, and now we've got two new songs, "Call The Police" and "American Dream." In true LCD Soundsystem, they're both epic, 6-minute-plus songs that expand in a series of controlled explosions and end up bright enough to light up the sky. It's good to have LCD Soundsystem back. Album coming soon, but no release date on that yet. Check out "Call The Police" below, and listen to "American Dream" here.—Jacob Moore

Aminé ft. Missy Elliott & AJ Tracey - "REDMERCEDES (Remix)"

The "REDMERCEDES" beat bumps. Coming after breakout single "Caroline" and follow-up "Baba," Aminé showed us a different side of his sound with "REDMERCEDES," eschewing melodic flows for straight rapping. If the original was fun, the remix is wild, featuring the legendary Missy Elliott and London MC AJ Tracey. ​

Aminé​ just keeps winning.—Alex Gardner 

Washed Out - "Get Lost"

washed out get lost

There's something about a dizzying dance track that always feels great. Regardless of the season, time of day, weather, or anythig else, these tracks—when done right—have the power to transport listeners to a mini rave. This week Ernest Greene, aka Washed Out, returned with a brand new single titled "Get Lost" that falls right into this description.

"Get Lost" is a four minute-long dance party with production that continues to build throughout. Additional sound effects of people chatting and laughing help to create the commotion that often adds to the atmosphere of any good party. Washed Out's latest single is a great send-off for the weekend and the entire summer. Put this on repeat and dance your way into a magnificent mood.—Adrienne Black

Vince Staples - "Big Fish"

Vince Staples

Vince Staples season approaching. The Long Beach rapper's new album Big Fish Theory is on the way, and "Big Fish" is the second single after "Bagbak." It came with a memorable video and an uncredited Juicy J hook, but the star, as always, is Vince's talent as an MC. He dominates the Christian Rich beat, layering syllables on top of syllables and lines on top of lines in his clipped, precise rapping style.

"Compensation conversations what I'm all about

Took the smart route, never been marked out

Shoulda been dead broke, shoulda been chalked out

But it didn't happen, now it's time to get it cracking"

Vince Staples' The Big Fish Theory is out June 23.—Alex Gardner

Gucci Mane ft. Offset - Met Gala

This is a photo of Gucci Mane.

To celebrate one year since being released from prison, Gucci Mane dropped Droptopwop, a collab mixtape with Metro Boomin. The mixtape is both impressive and a testament to Guwop's grind as very few have been able to lock in and complete a full project with arguably the hottest producer in hip-hop today. 

The highlight of this tape is easily "Met Gala." Gucci Mane impressed on this one, but Offset came with the hardest verse of the whole project. The Migos have been on fire all year, but it seems Offset has really come into his own after the success of "Bad & Boujee." He's destroying verses with and without his fellow Migos and "Met Gala" is more reason to believe that he has no intentions of letting up.—Eric Isom

James Vincent McMorrow - "True Care"

JVM

In my experience, the best music comes after an artist finally rips up the rule book and forgets everything they've ever been taught. Tired of album cycles and the expectation to wait a certain amount of time between records, James Vincent McMorrow jumped right back into the studio after dropping his last album in September 2016. Completing the project in record time, he found spontaneous magic that wouldn't have been possible in his usual meticulous, detail-oriented setting.

Less than nine months after We Move, he's back a 15-track project, and it's gorgeous. An early standout, the album's self-titled "True Care," feels like a spontaneous, human moment in its own right—starting out quiet as a whisper before breaking out into a shimmering, celebratory finish.—Eric Skelton

Lil Yachty ft. Stefflon Don - "Better"

Lil Yachty

At 21 tracks long, Lil Yachty's Teenage Emotions is a sprawling album that will take some time to really get a hold of. On first listen, the melodic tracks connected with me much more than the rap tracks, and "Better" is a sweetly heartfelt song with earworm melodies. The beat has somewhat of a reggae bounce and twinkling steel drums, and Yachty and British artist Stefflon Don don't go much above a murmur as they sing this gentle love song.

Pop song Yachty might be my favorite Yachty. Teenage Emotions is out now.—Alex Gardner

Yung Bans ft. Yung Lean - "No Mercy"

Yung Lean and Yung Bans

To coincide with a reissue of some of his best merch over the years, Yung Lean dropped off a new single with Atlanta rapper Yung Bans. The two make for an exciting duo on "No Mercy," with Lean delivering one of his best verses since Warlord and Bans providing a catchy hook that holds the song together. It's always great to hear Leandoer working alongside rising rappers from the States, and "No Mercy" is no exception.—Joe Price

De'Wayne Jackson - "Do What We Want To"

dewayne jackson

De'Wayne Jackson was born in Houston and moved to L.A. to follow his music dreams. Today, his Don't Be Afraid EP is released, and it paints a picture of an artist refusing to be constrained by genre boundaries or other's expectations. The EP incorporates influences from rock, R&B, and soul, and De'Wayne can sing just as well as he can rap. This is on full display on the uplifting "Do What We Want To," which hits hard with bold choruses, urgent guitar, and pounding percussion.

Watch the video for De'Wayne Jackson's "Watchin" here.—Alex Gardner

Kali Uchis ft. Jorja Smith - "Tyrant"

On the lead single from her forthcoming debut album, Colombian songstress Kali Uchis links up with British singer Jorja Smith to create "a post-apocalyptic love song" about "wanting to stay in the haze of puppy love forever and never face the power struggles." The track, titled "Tyrant," arrives after a string of excellent guest appearances on tracks by Daniel Caesar, Juanes, and, most notably, Gorillaz. "Tyrant" is Uchis's first solo release since 2016's "Only Girl," and it finds Uchis exploring vocal techniques and production elements she hasn't previously experimented with.

Uchis and Smith sing atop a hazy, dreamlike soundscape punctuated by reggaeton drums, reinforcing the otherworldly vibe of the song. Uchis performs with an airiness to her voice, contrasting Smith's rich, velvety tone beautifully. The song explores similar thematic territory to Uchis's earlier work, and is delivered with the same effortless sass. We can't wait to see how the rest of her album shapes up.—Charlotte Freitag

Wafia - "83 Days"

Wafia

Wafia first caught our attention back in 2015 with her lovely single "Heartburn." Last year, she paired up with fellow Australian-based artist Ta-ku for their collaborative (m)edian) EP. In the last two years, the Dutch-Iraqi singer spent time touring, writing, and perfecting her sound. Now she's back with another beautiful single titled "83 Days" from her forthcoming EP.

The young singer has a sharp ability to write about vulnerabilities in a way that feels relatable but not somber. As she sings about heartbreak and the struggle to get an ex off her mind, the airy production by Toro allows her words to sound like someone trying to heal from the past rather than dwell on it.—Adrienne Black

Mac DeMarco - "Baby You're Out"

mac demarco press coley brown

Mac DeMarco's new album is full of the most relaxing, mellow moments of his career, but "Baby You're Alright" is his chance to kick up the energy on a joyful acoustic jam that would have fit perfectly on his BBQ soundtrack. If This Old Dog is a sleepy golden retriever slowly making his way though a long afternoon, this is one moment where he jumped up and wagged his tail a little. Or something like that. Woof.—Eric Skelton

Villain Park - "Regretz"

Villain Park

Back in 2015, Los Angeles rap crew Villain Park impressed me immediately. Their Same Ol Shit EP felt simultaneously nostalgic and refreshing. Thankfully, Villain Park made their return this week as a duo—Bunge and Smoke—and shared their latest single "Regretz."

As expected, the new track features the same factors that won me over in the first place. The production provided by Smoke Dawg is gritty but simplistic. The punchlines are quick, witty, and are delivered with a sharp confidence. If "Regretz" is a preview of what's to come, Villain Park has my attention.—Adrienne Black

Grizzly Bear - "Three Rings"

grizzly bear press

After a number of teasers, Brooklyn's Grizzly Bear have returned with their first new song since 2012. Just as hinted at, "Three Rings" is a sonically ambitious return. Those familiar elements remain, but there's a lot more urgency than one might expect from their usual sound. As an exciting indication of what's to come from their next full-length, "Three Rings" is very promising indeed.—Joe Price

Lapalux ft. JFDR - "Flickering"

Lapalux

Lapalux is a great producer, but when he channels the lurching quality of a John Carpenter soundtrack, he's essentially untouchable. Taken from his upcoming album Ruinism,​ "Flickering" sounds as if it's taken right out of a body horror. It's beautiful thanks to JFDR's vocals, but there's a menacing undertone that bubbles like a constantly shifting organic mass. It's delightfully creepy, providing just enough of the pretty stuff to keep us coming back for more.—Joe Price

J Hus - "Common Sense"

j hus common sense

British rapper and singer J Hus is the next to blow from the U.K. He's releasing his debut album this month, and if you're not familiar with his many styles—or expect all British rap to sound the same—prepare to be surprised. J Hus has grown up hearing Afrobeats, dancehall, grime, rap, R&B, and more, and he blends this multitude of styles into his own unique sound.

Part polished contemporary pop music and part rap, album opener "Common Sense" includes buoyant live instrumentation and personality packed verses from J Hus. The Common Sense album is out May 12. Don't sleep.—Alex Gardner

Brockhampton - "Face"

Brockhampton in their "Face" video.

With their second mixtape on the horizon, Brockhampton give us another taste of what they've been up to with the gorgeous "Face." The minimal and hypnotic instrumental provides a lot of space for the vocalists, specifically Joba, who really shines here. It's incredibly exciting to hear each contributor do their thing, even if every member doesn't make an appearance. It's a reserved piece of music that suggests that their next release will throw some surprises our way, toying with sounds and proving once again why they're one of the most promising groups of collective talent going.—Joe Price

Cousin Stizz - "Jo Bros"

Cousin Stizz

Cousin Stizz is pushing his One Night Only project back a little from it's original May 12 release date, but he's keeping fans happy with a new track in the meantime. "Jo Bros" is produced by Wondagurl and Frank Dukes and it's a strong follow-up to the Boston rapper's biggest song to date, "Headlock" with Offset.—Alex Gardner

Rejjie Snow - "Sunny California"

Rejjie Snow

When we first got familiar with Rejjie Snow, it was his Earl Sweatshirt-esque moody and multi-syllabic rapping that caught our attention. Since then, however, he's explored numerous sounds and styles, singing as well as rapping over lush production or minimal beats. Rejjie's new project The Moon & You captures his multi-dimensional talents, and "Sunny California" is just one impressive song on a project that is best listened to as a whole.—Alex Gardner

Kacy Hill - “Like A Woman”

kacy hill press 17

Not everyone has the luxury of turning to Kanye West when they need career advice, but that’s exactly what Kacy Hill did when she hit a crossroads in late 2015. As images from old photo shoots with American Apparel surfaced online, she felt her personal narrative slipping out of her hands and went to her G.O.O.D. Music label mentor for input.

Hill left the conversation with a stronger melody-driven songwriting style and began working on a bold, sexually-charged new project. Her website describes the singer's forthcoming debut album, Like A Woman, as an “experiment in sexuality, an immersive sex positive experience,” and the title track follows through on this promise. Hill's vocals sound more confident than ever as she belts out intimate lyrics over bare-bones production from DJ Mustard, Terrace Martin, and DJDS.—Eric Skelton

Johnny Jewel - "The Flame"

Johnny Jewel

Merging the sounds of Angelo Badalamenti's legendary Twin Peaks score with his own work as part of Chromatics, Johnny Jewel's latest album is one of the moodiest and most atmospheric releases of the year so far. One of the immediate highlights on the release is "The Flame," mimicking a moment of bliss following a dark period. In other words, it reflects Twin Peaks itself perfectly. Just like Donna Hayward says in the first season of the show; "It's like I'm having the most beautiful dream and the most terrible nightmare, all at once."—Joe Price

Calvin Harris ft. Future and Khalid - “Rollin”

Calvin Harris

Khalid’s unbelievable year continues. After dropping his debut album American Teen in March, the Texas singer-songwriter had his hit single remixed by Lil Wayne and contributed vocals to Kendrick Lamar’s “The Heart Part 4.” Now, he joins Future on the latest single from Calvin Harris (who's on a bit of a hot streak of his own).

The latest chapter in Harris’ quest to take over the summer, “Rollin” pairs bouncy, sun-drenched production with Khalid’s smooth vocals and another excellent guest verse from the ever-consistent Future. Harris is three for three and Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 is shaping up to be every bit of the summer anthem-loaded smash we were hoping for.—Eric Skelton

Ella Vos - "You Don't Know About Me"

Ella Vos

On first listen, I assumed this was a breezy pop song. Although the song may feel rather light and bouncy, Ella Vos' lyrics hold a great amount of weight. When she sings on "You Don't Know About Me," she's not just brushing off someone trying to pursue her. Instead, her aim is at government officials (mostly men) who feel they have the authority to decide what women can and cannot do with their bodies.

In a rather sweet voice, Ella Vos makes a strong statement in just about three minutes. "It's all lies that come out your mouth / Cause I wake up. This my body, this is my war." Placing these powerful lyrics over a rhythm that will make people want to listen over and over, gives her words the ability to not only be heard but really understood.—Adrienne Black

Mura Masa ft. Desiigner - "All Around The World"

Mura Masa

Since "Panda," Desiigner has kept us on our toes. He followed up that viral single with the objectively disappointing New English mixtape, shot back onto the blogosphere with "Timmy Turner," and has spent 2017 dropping a variety of melodic loosies. Some have been exciting ("Holy Ghost," "Outlet"), others not so much. Linking up with Mura Masa may have been his best move thus far.

The English producer's songs have been an instant click for me since 2015's Someday Somewhere EP—his production is on the cutting edge of electronic music with every release. "All Around The World" is no exception—Masa's muted vibraphone pairs with sirens and flutes for one of his most compelling beats, and the producer told Complex Desiigner's vocals were worth the wait.

"I like to think I pulled a very good song out of him," Masa said. "Originally we sent him the beat and he kind of sent it back. I think he thought it was an EDM thing and he sort of had to do ad-libs over it...It was just him (mimics Desiigner ad-libs). I kind of had to dialogue with him, just carefully kind of persuade him in a traditional structure that he doesn’t really do."

The Life of Desiigner is out soon, and "All Around The World" is the third single off Mura Masa's upcoming release. These two are ready for another huge year.—Graham Corrigan

Everything Is Recorded ft. Sampha – "Close But Not Quite"

everything is recorded

Only someone like XL Recordings head Richard Russell could put as diverse artists as Sampha, Giggs, Gil-Scott Heron, and Obongjayar on one EP, and still have it make total sense. But Russell is a veteran and a visionary, and his new artist project, under the name Everything Is Recorded, has multiple releases planned for this year.

Close But Not Quite is the first EP, and the title track is spectacular, pairing Sampha's vocals with samples from Curtis Mayfield's iconic "The Makings of You." Listen to the full EP here.—Alex Gardner

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