Best Songs of the Week

This kid is special. At only 17 years old, Atlanta artist Adam Alexander aka Demo Taped is writing and producing some of the coolest new music I've heard in a long time. He's got a vibe that fans of Dev Hynes and Jai Paul should like, matched with gorgeous songwriting and a message we can all appreciate: "I want to be able to put a smile on someone’s face, or to make someone dance. I want to have an audience that I can spread my love to.” Read more about him here.—Confusion

Seven (or so) years ago, my mornings were spent at a crap job, with nothing but Cipha Sounds and Rosenberg's morning show on Hot 97 to keep me entertained. At that time, all I'd listen to was the earworms that got played every day. One such tune was Jim Jones amd Ron Browz's "Pop Champagne," which featured a memorable hook, a slinky beat, and some added synths and spices. The drums—or lack of them—are what stuck out to me; they were there, and distinct, but were something to shake your ass to in the club, not beat the block up. It proved that these Dipset boys could make club jams without resorting to repetitive sample loops, and is the track that I immediately looked back at when the latest Dipset single, "Do Something," dropped.

Produced by Remo The Hit Maker, do something is a different animal entirely in terms of melody. Over muted, sparse drums, Remo laced some huge droning bass blasts tied in with some 8-bit details. Sure, the crew is tough-talking and mean-mugging heads who are trying them on the other side of the venue, but the fuckboy-baiting chorus is the perfect shit to start a fight to. I might have to find someone to start some shit with, just so I can use this song properly.—khal

To be honest, for a while there I forgot about Florence + The Machine. So much has come along since Ceremonials in 2011. New stars have emerged, styles have changed, and the soundscape has morphed pretty drastically. With "What Kind of Man," Florence + The Machine establishes a fierce reemergence, and it's no less effective in 2015. "What Kind of Man" features all the dramatic musicality of the band's previous work, but it's got a little more bite to it.—Confusion

Earlier this week, we learned that GoldLink has been working with Rick Rubin. That news made all of us extremely eager to hear what that would sound like. In fact, it just made his fans excited to hear any new material from the rising star. Luckily, we didn't have to wait too long for some new material.

To keep all of his new and old onlookers on their toes, GoldLink dropped “Vroom,” a track he worked on with LA producer Falcons. The production immediately hits with some heavy, rhythmic bass. The additional sampled Missy Elliott vocals in the background help to tie the whole track together. It all showcases GoldLink’s ability to not only adapt to any beat effortlessly, but also stand out on any and every beat. It looks like 2015 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for GoldLink.—Adrienne Black

Honne's remix of "Bassically" is a featherbed—the first second you lie down into that beat is great, but it gets even better as the mattress sinks down deeper and the blankets begin to diminish the light above your head. The relaxation wraps you up in a cocoon of Tei Shi's smooth voice, tighter and tighter as she begins to crescendo. Honne has mastered the slow burn this time around, and the levels climb steadily. By the time the Tei Shi's voice fully blooms, the featherbed has swallowed you whole. In a good way.—Graham

Jack Garratt's last track, "The Love You're Given" had a couple of surprising moments, but none as likely to make you sit up and pay attention as the sudden influx of jagged bass around 50 seconds into "Chemical." This new song is less subtly beautiful and more in your face, a commanding performance from yet another talented young artist coming out of London.—Constant Gardner

Sometimes polished and in control is great, but often, wild and raw is better. Bricc Baby Shitro's (formerly MPA Shitro) track "6 Drugs" is fucking crazy, from the hook, screamed in his croaky voice, to the menacing beat. We've already talked about how excited we are for Frenchman Brodisnki's upcoming debut album, as it mixes edgy electronic production with gritty rap from the streets, but Sam Tiba (part of Brodinski's Bromance crew) is in on the act too. Smash some shit up to this track, and once you've caught your breath, start getting hyped for Shitro's upcoming mixtape.—Constant Gardner

Milk & Bone's "Pressure" is one of those perfect slices of blissful escape. All the hustle and bustle of everyday life disappear the moment you put on your headphones and play something like this—soft, delicate vocals that cushion you like a pillow and percolating production. "You're like good water pressure," it starts, which is fitting, because that's exactly what "Pressure" feels like when you listen to it. After all, what good is music if it doesn't make you feel some type of way?—Joyce