Best Songs of the Week (Dec 22nd, 2016)

With so much good music, it's easy to miss out on some great tracks. So we've rounded up the best songs from the past week. Here are the songs you can't afford to skip, in no particular order.

I didn't know I needed a Christmas mixtape from Jeremih and Chance The Rapper until they surprised the world with Merry Christmas Lil' Mama yesterday, December 22. Instead of being a goofy, celebratory project, Merry Christmas is a thoughtful, reflective album perfect for sitting inside and looking out the window at the snow. The whole thing is worth a listen, but "Stranger At The Table," which features Jeremih's mellow take on Jackson 5's "I Want You Back" melody is going to be my Christmas jam this year.—Jacob Moore

Childish Gambino - "Terrified (Zikomo Remix)"

Childish Gambino's latest album "Awaken, My Love!" has been in heavy rotation for me since it dropped at the beginning of the month. Immediately, "Terrified" became a personal favorite as it worked to perfectly balance menacing vocals over a sensual rhythm. 

Initially I thought this track couldn't get any better. I found out just how wrong I was when I stumbled upon Zikomo's remix. The Long Beach-based producer amped up the energy on "Terrified" to reshape the track into something listeners would want to hit a quick two-step to. The original was already lovable but this new remix takes it to new heights, and simply, it feels great.

Please don't invite me to your New Year's Eve festivities if you don't plan to play this twice. Thanks in advance.—Adrienne Black

Big Sean ft. Chance The Rapper and Jeremih - "Living Single"

Big Sean hasn't always been a favorite rapper of mine. But over the last couple of years or so, he's clearly been putting in the work, taking his lyricism and flow to a whole new level. We saw this most recently on his singles "Bounce Back" and "No More Interviews" earlier this fall, and now he shows us this again on his latest, "Living Single," which features both Chance The Rapper and Jeremih.

Unlike his earlier tracks, "Living Single" is much more laid back, with smooth, melodic production. It's the perfect beat for Chance and Sean to trade thoughtful verses over, while Jeremih provides the soulful hook. 

The track is the latest off Sean's upcoming fourth studio album, and from just these three tracks alone, this may be his strongest output yet.—Katie K.

Miami rapper Denzel Curry had a big 2016, with his Ultimate album one of our favorites of the year. AJ Tracey killed it to, and the British MC follows the release of his Lil Tracey EP with this UK remix of "Knotty Head." Tracey comes through with yet another hard verse, his smooth rapping style an interesting contrast with Denzel hoarse, in-your-face delivery.

With the video shot in London showing that the two artists connected in person, we hope that there's more music from them on the way from them too. —Alex Gardner

With each consecutive song, Brockhampton's Matt Champion continues to improve and surprise. Refining his sound and building upon what came before, "Mansions" sees Matt Champion at his best. Ever since the release of the fantastic "Burn" he's been releasing stellar music, but the progressive he's shown in finding his voice is remarkably encouraging considering he's gearing up to release his debut album next year.—Joe Price