Best Songs of the Week

Damn, Frank. I don't know where you get these ideas, but feel free to keep going back to this particular well. "Supertramp USA" is a nightmare I never want to leave, half Death Grips, half rapocalypse. The clean division at the song's center (broken up by horrifying gunshots) gives the song an unreal size and scope, and Leone closes things out with some hellish gospel: "Oh Lord, My God, think I think that the reaper's gon' get me."—Graham Corrigan

Kevin Abstract has evolved a considerable amount since the release of his debut album, MTV1987. His only problem is that he's not ready to grow up just yet, even if the future is capable of bringing more joy than the past ever could. As Kevin sits on the brink of accepting adulthood, he's started to reflect on his life so far, however short it may be. "Echo" is all about the melancholic feelings that reflection is capable of evoking, positioning itself as something like The Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" for today's own disenfranchised youth.

"Echo" speaks of uncertainty, longing for past and future times in equal measure. Sometimes the scariest thing about the world is not knowing what's next, and that's something that Kevin understands. "Echo" even starts with a stark realization, "Staring at the sky ain't gone fix my problems." That line alone to speaks volumes about Kevin's desire for furthering himself, let alone his career. He's no longer content just going through the motions, and "Echo" is more than indicative of that.—Joe Price

The sheer force of many of many of Hudson Mohawke's productions make it surprising that he pairs so well with sweet-voiced vocalists, but as he proved on Lantern, which features Miguel, Jhene Aiko, Irfane, and Antony, he excels at those types of collaborations. His work with Antony, now going by the name Anohni, is far from over. In fact, we're in for a whole lot more, as HudMo and Oneohtrix Point Never co-produced Anohni's entire upcoming album.

The beat is appropriately bombastic and portentous (just listen to those clattering drums!) for a song released "in solidarity with the climate conference in Paris," but as with all her music, Anohni's voice takes center stage, fragile yet unbreakable. And there's a whole album of this on the way! What a time.—Constant Gardner

On first listen, I thought RWDL's "LA'HEAT" was a little corny. He's got a youthful, confident approach that sometimes feels a little disingenuous, but that beat kept me coming back. Soon enough, "LA'HEAT" was one of my most listened to songs of the week. RWDL's songwriting is simple but addictive, and like Post Malone or A.Chal, he's got a knack for finding that sweet spot between rapping and singing.—Confusion

The wait is finally, finally over. Jeremih's Late Night hit iTunes last night, a day before its scheduled release date, the perfect wink to fans who have suffered through endless delays, watching one of our generation's most creative crooners flounder in label purgatory.

One of the last tracks he shared before the full release was "Pass Dat," an irresistibly smooth cut produced by O.C. and written exclusively by Jeremih. The singer plays a couple of different characters here, pitching his voice up for the chorus and turning the delay all the way up. The result is a futuristic R&B track of the highest caliber, and more evidence that Late Nights was worth the wait.—Graham Corrigan

Ever since Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge joined forces as NxWorries and released their incredibly infectious first single “Suede” earlier this year, I have been (im)patiently waiting to hear more. Thankfully that wait is coming to an end this week. The duo announced that their joint EP Link Up & Suede is dropping on December 4 via Stones Throw. NxWorries followed up their announcement with the other song featured in the EP title, “Link Up.”

Similar to their previous single, “Link Up” is instantly lovable. Knxwledge provides yet another smooth beat with a subtly infectious groove. In the past year alone, Anderson .Paak has proven that his voice fits perfectly over just about any beat, but there’s something about this pairing that feels so right. With these two strong singles, there’s no doubt that the EP will be special.—Adrienne Black