Best Songs of the Week

As a new artist, KLOE's song-by-song progression has been perfect. Each track she's released has been better than the last, impressively showing off a new aspect of her range and style. "Touch" is her third single so far, and it might be the best. The track starts off subtly, KLOE's delicate vocals leading the way, but when "Touch" reaches the one minute mark, it erupts into this infectious, cinematic chorus that's impossible to deny. If you, for some reason, had any doubts about KLOE before, this song will make you a believer.—Katie K.

Taylor Bennett doesn't want to just be known as Chance the Rapper's brother—which is understandable. Speaking from personal experience, sibling rivalries are no joke. But he's wisely decided not to block Chano out entirely.

For the lead single off Taylor's Broad Shoulders album (due out next week), the two teamed up for a smooth, piano-driven ballad that swings from self-reflection to familial stressors. Yes, they do sound alike, but there are distinct differences in flow and subject matter. There's also no denying the two are both talented musicians, and the time is right for a second Bennett to enter the music scene—with Chance's blessing: “It’s raw to watch him mature as an artist and a man," Chance told Rolling Stone. "He put everything into this one.”—Graham Corrigan

What an amazing song! If you thought Ty Dolla $ign was all ratchet club bangers (and let's be clear: dude makes the best ratchet club bangers), one listen to his new album Free TC will clear all that up. "Miracle/Whatever" provides a sprawling, poignant mid-point—eight minutes long, but engaging all the way through.

TC, Ty Dolla $ign's incarcerated brother, opens the song, singing down the prison phone, delivering a message of hope even as he is behind bars, and showing off his great voice. Powerful stuff, but just wait until the song switches up for it's second movement—who is that with the gorgeous falsetto, soaring over the strings like a white dove through a crystal blue sky? That's goddamn Ty Dolla $ign.

Our guy spent $50,000 of his own money on an orchestra, and it was money well spent. This song—and especially the second half—is 1,000 thread count, silk sheet luxury.—Constant Gardner

Norway's Gundelach comes with a sleek and seductive sound on his debut track "Spiders," with elements of Movement's woozy R&B inflections and Nicolas Jaar's thoughtful production.

It was recorded in NYC with Joel Ford (of Ford and Lopatin and Young Ejecta), with Ford and Gundelach handling production, creating a slow and sedated backdrop to complement the lush vocals. Great job—we can't wait to hear more.—Constant Gardner

Each release from Jazz Cartier proves to be both different, and often more intriguing than the last. So far this month he’s already delivered three new tracks, and his latest, “I Know,” is a personal favorite.

Cartier has a voice that feels simultaneously sinister and alluring. He's in melodic mode here, echoing the song's opening hook before launching into verses reflecting on life on the road and the sexual conquests therein. Touring is in the Toronto rapper's blood, and this one is sure to be a highlight of his live stable. The SoundCloud description advises listeners to “dance like nobody is watching” and this song makes those rules extremely easy to obey.—Adrienne Black

Alchemist's Craft Singles series just started off with a bang. Mac Miller and Migos might not seem like the most obvious track-sharers, but "Jabroni" goes off without a hitch. It's got one of the smoother hooks in recent memory ("I growed up looking up to wrestling/I found out it was fake and started hustling"), and Alchemist's de-tuned siren production is just cruel. It's sparse and hazy, but Migos and Mac bring a crazy energy that puts "Jabroni" a cut above. My only complaint is that it feels too short at just over three minutes. Oh, and those wondering what exactly a "jabroni" is, please see below.—Graham Corrigan

Smino's "Raw" (from his S!CK S!CK S!CK EP) is one of my most listened to songs of the year so far, but "Ciabatta" might catch up soon. The St. Louis rapper, who is currently recording in Chicago, raps like it's second nature. He finds pockets in Monte Booker's spacious production and as soon as you catch on to his flow, he switches it up with a touch of melody or a change of pace. Artists with such an innate talent for rapping are often one dimensional, but Smino's songwriting skills and hooks are on point too.—Confusion

At only 17 years old, Night Lovell dropped one of 2014's most unique mixtapes. There was heavier hip-hop out there, but nothing carried the same heft as Concept Vague did throughout its entire runtime. His voice is commanding, hypnotic, and dominant. Ever since the release of the mixtape he's branched out more here and there, celebrated his 18th birthday, and improved considerably. His latest, "Fraud," might not be his best track yet, but it's easily his most attention grabbing.

Produced by frequent collaborator Dylan Brady, the unrelenting track is a showcase of Lovell's massive capabilities. The minimal but monstrous production gives plenty of breathing room, but Lovell doesn't leave a second to spare. Brakes aren't even an option here, and if this is any indication of how good his next project will sound, then we're in for one hell of a treat when it finally drops. Lovell is one of Canada's most promising prospects right now, and "Fraud" is solid proof of why.—Joe Price