Best Songs of the Week

Denai Moore may not be as well known as some of the other features (Sampha, A$AP Ferg, Jessie Ware, Ezra Koenig) on SBTRKT’s upcoming Wonder Where We Land album, but she definitely stands out as a highlight from the project. She complements the production on "The Light" so well that her vocals and that hypnotizing beat come together and move as one.—Confusion

I'm currently away from home, and I'm longing to get back. Writing about Ryan Hemsworth's latest without the track in front of me makes a lot of sense. His melancholic, beautifully sentimental sound evokes longing, and there's no denying the feeling of loss when away from his latest, "Snow in Newark." Like a romantic text message sent to a significant other that's far away, this is a love letter to one of Hemsworth's most gorgeously composed tracks yet. Every moment not listening to the track is another second wasted.

Hemsworth just captured my heart, and there aren't enough emojis in the world to express the extent to which this song has taken over my subconscious.—Joe Price

We discovered on TALA's debut EP that she had a great voice, even though she used her vocals as just another building block in the creation of her unique electronic sound. On "Alchemy," however, she puts those vocals front and center, pairing hushed verses with an absolutely gigantic chorus, one that surely challenged her vocal chords as much as it will give you chills. TALA exists outside boxes and between genres, she's making music that reflects all her influences and life experiences so far, and we love it.

The Alchemy EP will be out in a couple of months, listen to title track below.—Constant Gardner

Pop music today can be so overproduced. The other day I was listening to the radio and there was some song on that had percussion, vocals, guitars, laser-sounding synths, a mid-song bass drop and I think a banjo. I honestly don't know. But there was so much going on, the song got completely lost within itself. It was like adding every Instagram filter until the picture becomes unrecognizable.

Sales are an exception to this and remind us why less truly is more. They make music that's honest and straightforward, devoid of the clutter that ruins so many songs. "Getting It On" is their latest, and much like their previous songs, it's another subtle pop gem.—Katie K.

Oceaán impressed with his debut EP, but he's taken things to the next level with "Grip." Originally from Manchester, the electronic whiz kid has taken all the right cues from countrymen James Blake and Jamie xx in creating a slow burner of a song, inserting ear-catching snippets and samples to draw in the listener before bringing it on home with a big, bold, beautiful synth line.

Oceaán accompanied "Grip" with a memo to his fans: "This is the beginning of more new music, and I can't wait for you all to hear what's to come."

We, too, cannot wait.—Graham

Elliphant and MØ both have the ability to write huge, fun pop songs. For "One More," they keep things restrained for a more moody vibe. It's still catchy, it's still fun, but it's one of the smoothest songs we've heard from either of these young artists. That moody-but-still-catchy vibe should be no surprise—production on this one was handled by Lorde collaborator Joel Little.—Confusion

Sylas came out of nowhere with a debut single that has touches of the James Blake about it in terms of the vocals and unconventional production, but is definitely different and unique enough to stand alone as a truly engrossing track. Repeat listens reveal new elements—strange percussion here, a sudden moment of silence that catches you off guard there—so much so that this track might not have its full impact on you until you've listened to it on loop for half an hour.

With this being only their first song, we can't wait to hear more.—Constant Gardner

Whenever a song begins with the melody being whistled it’s hard to not already be in a better mood. “Heartbreaker” by Daniel Wilson is the epitome of a pick-me-up song. The lyrics describe memories of hardship but Wilson is clearly moving past it, and the upbeat rhythm encourages you to do the same. Regardless of the weather outside or how terrible your day may be going, as soon as this song starts you are immediately transported to a better place.

It would be the perfect soundtrack for a peaceful stroll through the park on a sunny afternoon. But, if you’re stuck in the office, this might just help lighten your mood and make the day go by faster. It’s truly a feel good song from start to finish.—Adrienne Black