Pigeons & Planes' Best Songs of the Month

With so much good music steadily coming through, it's easy to miss some of the best. To help prevent this, we've rounded up the best songs from the past month. Here are the songs you can't afford to skip, in no particular order.

It's been an eventful 24 hours for Tyler, the Creator. First, he shared a trailer for his upcoming TV show, Nuts + Bolts, which is set to premiere on VICELAND in August. A few hours later, he released a ferocious, ASAP Rocky-assisted track called "Who Dat Boy" and an accompanying music video. He teased the release all week by sharing cryptic countdown photos across his social media accounts, revealing nothing about what the mystery drop would be. After "Who Dat Boy" hit the internet, most fans thought he was done for the day. As it turns out, he had another surprise in store.

Tyler's second musical offering of the day, "911 / Mr. Lonely," shows him in top form, tackling introspective subject matter with a variety of flows. He's joined by Frank Ocean, Steve Lacy, and Anna of the North, who all lend their vocals to the song. The various sonic textures of the track move like tectonic plates, shifting seamlessly between mellow R&B soundscapes, boom-bap percussion, and a frantic electronic section at the end. On "911 / Mr. Lonely," Tyler ruminates on feelings of isolation and anxiety, his delivery growing more urgent as the song progresses. The song differs dramatically in tone and theme from "Who Dat Boy," which drips confidence and triumph.—Charlotte Freitag

​Watch the "Who Dat Boy" video below and listen to "911 / Mr. Lonely" via Apple Music here.

St. Vincent is no stranger to love ballads, but "New York" is different. She sings of love and loss—concepts which are not new to her—except this doesn't hold the same sort of grit as heard on her 2014 self-titled album, nor is this the doe-eyed St. Vincent from her Strange Mercy era. Instead, "New York" carries a beautifully bold and grandiose backdrop that swells and pulsates in unison with her voice. Paying attention to every diminuendo, every breath on this piano ballad, St. Vincent shows, once again, that she's capable of drawing from and breathing new life into old sounds.—Joyce

"Only people that truly know me is my mama and my maker​," Aminé raps on his new song, "Blinds." He makes a good point. A little over a year since breaking through with his hit single "Caroline," we still don't know a lot about the Portland rapper.

We know he has a sense of humor and an ear for fun, catchy rap songs, but it's tough to tell what direction this album will take. One thing that "Blinds" reaffirms is that the guy can craft complete songs. Despite its short runtime, Aminé manages to flip between clever rap verses and silky melodies with ease. With each new song, he's proving he's more than a funny personality with a catchy viral song and goofy album cover. There's a talented, multi-dimensional musician hiding under those layers.—Eric Skelton

Vince Staples lives in the future. Big Fish Theory, his hotly anticipated new album, has finally arrived, and is unlike anything the Long Beach rapper (or anyone else, for that matter) has ever put out before. The album’s lead singles signaled a step away from the bleak, icy sonics of his old work and towards more vibrant, post-industrial soundscapes that draw upon techno for inspiration, and the rest of the album continues this trend.

In one of Big Fish Theory’s most unexpected twists, Staples enlists Kendrick Lamar to tear a SOPHIE beat to shreds with him. Over a metallic clash of drums and a mean, snarling subbass, Staples and Lamar trade audacious, confrontational verses questioning the integrity of their competition. Staples’ nonchalant delivery offsets the frantic production of the track. In one verse alone, Lamar manages to cycle through five different flows, attesting to his unmatched dexterity. Australian singer KUČKA lends her delicate vocals to the song’s breakdown, adding another layer of otherworldliness. “Yeah Right” showcases two of hip-hop’s boldest voices decimating an incredibly unconventional instrumental with finesse.—Charlotte Freitag

I think I'm finally at the point where I can admit I like new music from Cousin Stizz before I even press play. He's consistent and has a sharp ability to make songs that are subtle but incredibly catchy. As he prepares for the release of his forthcoming project One Night Only, Stizz returned with yet another irresistible single.

"All Star" begins with an immediate bounce. Stizz is usually rather relaxed and low-key with his delivery, for his latest release he manages bring a bit more energy to the track while never losing sight of his naturally cool essence. His past projects, Suffolk County and Monda established his star quality, and his new project is sure to be another favorite to add to the rotation.—Adrienne Black

On paper, there isn't a whole lot going on in Moses Sumney's new single, "Doomed." And that's exactly what makes it so special. Over subtle ambient synths, his voice is left bare. It sits alone and painfully guides a heart-wrenching ballad, capturing the essence of loneliness and longing. Basically, this is the exact opposite of the "summer anthems" that are so popular this time of year. But it's an undeniable work of art that'll stop you in your tracks if you slow down enough to fall into its hypnotic energy.—Eric Skelton

Calvin Harris' new album Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 (Wait, does that mean Vol. 2 is on the way?) is full of superstar features from artists like Frank Ocean, Pharrell, and Young Thug, but the Jessie Reyez feature was one I was especially excited to hear. Of course "Slide" is an undefeated summer anthem and "Rollin" pairs unlikely artists with impressive results, but of the album's remaining songs, "Hard To Love" stands out as a highlight. It's another love song from Jessie, more positive than "Shutter Island" but still packed with reflective lines like "Of course you love me, you don't know me." Jessie is blossoming into a star, and this is just another stop on that journey.—Alex Gardner

Denzel Curry's new EP 13 is what I've been waiting for all year. There's been a lot of chatter about the recent intersection of punk rock and rap, but it's always verged too close to screamo for my personal tastes. Then Denzel comes along with this, a handful of gritty, ragged songs with apocalyptic, Yeezus-era production. But instead of Kanye's manic ruminations on fame, Denzel sounds like he's been possessed by an eons-old demon. He's spouting scripture with a guttural growl, channeling high-energy raps into something darker and deeper. This is the heavy metal fix that rap's been flirting with—Denzel just nailed it first.—Graham Corrigan

It's been four years since Reflektor, but Arcade Fire hasn't lost a step. That's been the case since 2004's Funeral—with each passing release, the band cements their place in the modern musical canon.

They're finding ways to breathe new life into a classic sound once again on "Everything Now"—the band turned to Daft Punk's Thomas Bangalter to help produce the track, and the result is a resistance anthem of the highest quality. A glitchy, morose intro gives way to piano melodies and sweeping strings that would make ABBA beam—but the lyrics tell another story, one where we've become inundated with instant gratification, and where "every inch of space in your head is filled up with the things that you read."

"Everything Now" is the title track from Arcade Fire's fifth studio album, arriving in July. They're supporting the album with the Infinite Content tour, which will run through the summer.—Graham Corrigan

After sharing the cover and release date for his new album ISSA, out July 7, we got new music from 21 Savage, but this one is a collaboration with Montell2099 for Red Bull Sound Select. Montell, a producer from New Zealand, delivers a perfectly menacing beat for 21 Savage, and the rapper goes in. If you're still discounting 21 as a rapper because he has a forehead tattoo and is the subject of a million memes, you're playing yourself.—Alex Gardner

Charlotte Dos Santos is truly in a lane of her own. The Norwegian singer makes music that feels like it could never age—her new Cleo EP is a clear example of that. Each track sounds a bit nostalgic, yet incredibly refreshing. The EP's title track "Cleo" is a breezy track that simply feels good. Charlotte's airy vocals are complemented by soulful production—it's hard not to instantly become a fan after one listen.—Adrienne Black

I had to draft this slide three times. I landed on a few other songs from Lorde's sophomore album Melodrama, and kept thinking to myself, "There's no way I'll like a song more than this one." Eventually, I decided that "Hard Feelings / Loveless" is my favorite off the album. But what do I know? I had to draft this slide three times.

I was worried that Lorde would have a hard time following up an album as beautiful as Pure Heroine. I thought this the other day as I gave that album another spin. But rest assured, Lorde fans who've yet to dive into Melodrama: she's done it again. The album is supposed to be a celebration of growing up, and that's a great way to handle growing up, but I get the sense that there were some growing pains that may have taken her a little while to get over before she could fully embrace it.

"Hard Feelings / Loveless" encompasses that idea well, with the former, a gut-wrenching breakup song as she comes to terms with a crumbling relationship, and the latter an upbeat offering that dares a lover to "rip [her] heart out." The two parts provide an interesting juxtaposition, melodramatic sadness with a cool, calm angst. Lorde paints an oddly familiar picture, and it's because these intense feelings are what growing up is all about.—Joyce

After releasing the poppiest song of his career so far with the excellent "Doppelgänger" late last year, it seemed hard to predict where Ro Ransom was headed next. "Prettiest" is really the only direction that makes sense in hindsight, but that doesn't make it any less fantastic of a follow-up. Building upon Ro's newfound pop sensibilities and combining it with his ability to craft a bombastic rap track, "Prettiest" is the best of of Ro Ransom in one song. It helps that Jazz Cartier fits perfectly on the colorful production too, injecting even more energy into the already lively song.—Joe Price

When it comes to writing love songs, there are countless angles to take. While many take the usual route of romance or heartbreak, it takes a lot of courage to write about your own romantic faults. SZA does this throughout CTRL and especially on "The Weekend."

SZA boldly admits she's just someone's "weekend girl"—something most people would fear to admit. It's a messy situation some can relate to, but don't have the courage to speak about. Though it starts off wrong, and probably won't end any better, SZA continues to entertain this rendezvous and hopes for something more. By revealing her own dark secrets, she becomes relatable on a much more personal level and creates something that feels like therapy more than just music.—Adrienne Black

When I originally saw that DJ Khaled was shooting a video for a new single with Rihanna and Bryson Tiller, the fan in me already knew I liked this song before even having a chance to actually hear it. Less than 30 seconds after pressing play, I realized I was right.

The sample of Carlos Santana and The Product G&B's 1999 hit single "Maria Maria" will instantly pull everyone in with feelings of nostalgia, but this new collaboration "Wild Thoughts" brings a fresh perspective to the rhythm. Tiller and Rihanna compliment each other well, and Rihanna can't help but make a chorus you immediately want to sing along to. This is a collaboration I didn't know I needed, thanks Khaled.—Adrienne Black

The first words on Young Thug's new Beautiful Thugger Girls album are: "What up? I'm tryin' to put my dick inside your panties." Before the drums kick in, Thug yells "yee haw." And right when you think the song is about to end, an unfamiliar British female voice sings a bridge about purple dreams and human-shaped clouds of smoke. And just like that, the tone is set for the strange and wonderful BTG.—Jacob Moore

I have nothing but respect for Chaz Bundick's wanderlust—Toro y Moi is just one of the many musical masks he wears, from PLUM and Sides of Chaz to his work with The Mattson 2.

But let's be honest. The Anything in Return/Under the Pine Toro is the Chaz we love best. The wonky synths, the shy, romantic lyrics, the irresistible hook—Toro is at his indie electronic finest on "Girl Like You," and while it's only the first single, I say with absolute confidence that the accompanying album Boo Boo is going to be incredible.—Graham Corrigan

2 Chainz' new album has its fair share of turned up tracks ("Riverdale Rd," "Sleep When You Die") but it's the slower moments when he gets to fully flex his incredible rapping skills that are the most impressive. "Good Drank" is one of those moments and "Poor Fool" is too, but Chainz might have saved the best song on Pretty Girls Like Trap Music until last.

"Burglar Bars" has a warm, soulful beat (Mike Dean was one of the producers) and lyrics about 2 Chainz' past, his come up, and his successes. It has that real classic album outro feel, and if you thought 2 Chainz only sounded good over trap beats...well, you're wrong.—Alex Gardner

Action Bronson's two Blue Chips mixtapes were flames, and now we're getting a third installment, Blue Chips 7000. Action announced that it will be out in July or August and told Zane Lowe that he's been sitting on new music "like a little chickadee" for months now. "Let Me Breathe" is vintage Bronson, with on-point flows, outlandish boasts, and bars that never take themselves to seriously. Bronson back.—Alex Gardner

Post Malone's "Congratulations" with Quavo seems custom made to be drunkenly yelled with friends, with its lyrics toasting to success and putting lighters in the sky. For the remix, Future adds a little more depth with another brilliant verse dripping in melody and ending perfectly with, "They said I'd always sell drugs, but now they say congratulations." Flex on 'em Future.—Alex Gardner

A.CHAL's debut studio album WELCOME TO GAZI still gets regular rotation, but last night he dropped a brand new mixtape called ON GAZ. Once again, we expect A.CHAL to deliver a no-skips type of project, but the Zane Lowe-premiered, FKi 1st​-produced "Love N Hennessy" is an early standout. The Latin influence and late night vibes are going to be perfect for summer nights. Check it out below, and listen to the full ON GAZ project here.—Jacob Moore

At first, Jxsh seems like a strange fit for Weirdclvn. The collective has been putting out some very challenging music, and Jxsh's "Lipstick" is decidedly anything but challenging. But after repeat listens, it makes a whole lot of sense. Just like Syringe and Eric North, Jxsh is an outsider looking to connect with people like him. Even though his music is a lot easier on the ear than Weirdclvn's more extreme material, it's just as unique, and every bit as exciting.—Joe Price

The debut album from Brockhampton feels like it's been a long time coming, but the impression they've given is that it all came together quite fast. Improving on last year's All-American Trash mixtape in a big way, Saturation feels less a collection of songs and more a cohesive statement on who and what Brockhampton is. To put it simply, Brockhampton is one of the most exciting, diverse groups around, with their chemistry shining through on every single track. "Milk" is a brilliant showcase of this, providing the best pop moment of the entire record.—Joe Price

Any worries of a slump following 6LACK's excellent debut album should be eased with the release of his new single, "That Far." Over intoxicating production from Singawd (who had his fingerprints all over the woozy sound of FREE 6LACK), the Atlanta artist confidently claims that he's "busy focused on the next plan" without letting distractions derail his path. This is exactly the kind of song you want to hear from an artist who recently found success.—Eric Skelton

Philadelphia's NAH returned this month with Aged, one of his weirdest releases so far. Sounding like it comes from a battered tape that someone has attempted to restore, NAH's vocals are shrouded by noise. "Gave Shrill" is definitely the most abrasive track from the release, but it's also the prettiest, against all odds. With an extreme intro juxtaposing a serene outro, "Gave Shrill" is a brilliant indicator of NAH's exhilarating unpredictability.—Joe Price

British artist Jelani Blackman has a new EP, titled 5-8, on the way via Quality Time Recordings, and lead off single "Not You" is mesmerizing. Jelani uses his gravelly baritone to stunning effect, weaving personal stories over moody production from Kwesi Darko, Staf, and FRED. Jelani Blackman leveled up with this one and we can't wait to hear what's next.—Alex Gardner

LuckyMe legend Lunice is one of the most consistently creative producers of electronic music out. He never settles for less, never settles for making cookie cutter dance music that would surely do well but doesn't bring anything new to the table. This week Lunice returned with "Mazerati" and some exciting news: He will be announcing a new project soon and he's been working with "local Quebec MCs and a team of creatives to produce a uniquely dramatic, operatic live show and debut album."

And now we wait.—Alex Gardner

Late last night, Partynextdoor gifted his fans with a surprise as he released Colours 2, the follow-up to his Colours single series in 2014. Though only four tracks long, PND takes full advantage of his time with 17 minutes of seductive R&B tracks. The EP ends with a stand out track titled "Rendezvous," which finds the singer/songwriter in his familiar lane of balancing alluring melodies with easily memorable lyrics to sing along to.

Tackling a relatable topic, PND sings to the special woman he's trying to win over and all the confusion her mixed signals are causing him. However, rather than turning away he seems to be fine with entertaining this little rendezvous in the meantime.—Adrienne Black

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