Best Songs of the Week

When it comes to interesting pop, Scandinavia dominates. Danish artist Kill J is one of the best doing it right now, and "You're Good But I'm Better" is her best song yet. With simple but forward-thinking production and severe lyrics ("Do I have to slit my fucking wrist / To get an answer out of you, ever?"), it's a song that is as challenging as it is gripping.—Confusion

The long-awaited followup to Neon Indian's Era Extraña is being released next week. In an alternate universe we might have gotten one sooner, but I'm all for an artist taking their time to make a labor of love (it's cool Frank, I'll wait). VEGA INTL. Night School is Alan's collection of his most danceable tunes yet, and "The Glitzy Hive" highlights is a perfect example why with its infectious groove and throwback '70s disco production. It wastes no time hooking the listener in starting off with its catchy refrain and keeps the beat going.

It's nice to see Alan's work evolve into more of a funk groove and fully incorporate his VEGA side project into one musical role. “When I finally started writing music I initially thought I was going write a VEGA record. The intent to make dance music was definitely there, but production components of Neon Indian kept spilling over and vise versa, and I realized it just wasn’t worth splitting hairs anymore," he told Spin. "The Glitzy Hive" is sure to make you want to get on the dance floor as soon as possible instead of chilling in a bedroom.—Colton Faull

In 2015, one-dimensional rappers are going nowhere. Technical skills are still impressive, but with more melody and genre-blending finding its way into hip-hop, it's all about being versatile. Smino has it all—he's a technically sound rapper, he's got an ear for melodies, hooks, and song structure, and his charisma shines through it all. He's currently working at Classick Studios in Chicago (where Chance made Acid Rap), and if his S!CK S!CK S!CK EP is any indication, he'll have his breakthrough moment soon.—Confusion

Murlo is such a great producer. There's always so much going on his songs, especially in terms of vibrant melodies, and "Cascade" is one of his most action-packed yet. With pan flutes dancing in and out of the crisp drums and a bunch of other madness going on, this is one you want to listen to again and again.

Earlier this year he dropped a two track project with vocalist Gemma Dunleavy, showing yet another side of his prodigious talent, and "Cascade" comes from an upcoming eight-track EP for Mixpak, out November 6.—Constant Gardner

Related: 15 UK Producers to Look Out For in 2015

We learned this month that GoldLink's debut album is called And After That, We Didn’t Talk. The news came courtesy of Zane Lowe, who also provided the album's lead single, "Spectrum." Add Lowe to the long list of huge names cosigning this high-tempo rapper from the DMV—GoldLink already has Rick Rubin's ear, and the album features some impressive production credits. But at the end of the day, the music still has to hit, no matter who's making it.

"Spectrum" finds GoldLink improving upon his proven formula. With a Missy Elliott sample leading the way (again) and some pizzicato synths by its side, "Spectrum" is another impossibly smooth jam that can succeed on the dance floor or a smoky bedroom in equal measure.—Graham Corrigan

So far, each of Leisure’s singles have been unique. On "Got It Bad" and "Hot Love, they’ve proven that they can deliver funky, mid-tempo songs that are too infectious to listen to standing still. This time, however, they’ve slowed things down for their latest single, “All Over You.”

Their previous songs have felt like funky pop fusions, but “All Over You” takes a deeper dive into the R&B world. Like any great R&B or funk record, Leisure’s latest single is led by a strong bass line that helps to set the sultry tone. The mood is completed by the accompanying smooth vocals—every song from Leisure has an undeniable coolness.

It comes as no surprise that a group named Leisure has perfected the art of making songs that can release tension. In short, “All Over You” is hypnotically soothing, and just so damn good.—Adrienne Black

James Blake's BBC Radio 1 show has been a continued source of great new music, both from friends and members of the 1-800-Dinosaur family and from Blake himself. Last night he debuted another new one, a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "Sounds of Silence," keeping the original's melancholy melodies intact and backing his vocals with subtlest of keys. One listen, and it makes so much sense, and I wouldn't be surprised if this becomes part of his live show in the future.

Of course, we sould have known this was going to be great—Blake's covers of "A Case of You" (Joni Mitchell) and "Limit To Your Love" (Feist) are both brilliant.—Constant Gardner

Nicolas Jaar has a way of making eight minutes pass by in the blink of an eye. "Fight" is filled with the sort of layered, heart-racing beats that make Nico a master of suspense and delivery.

"Fight" is the third entry to Jaar's single series Nymphs—the song's full title is "Fight (Nymphs IV)," as the series started back in May with the Nymphs II EP. This one stands alone, though—it's a glossy club banger that tricks you into thinking its peak happens at the five-minute mark, but stick around. As always, Nico Jaar rewards close listening.—Graham Corrigan