Another week, another installment of our recently launched feature New(ish) Music Tuesdays, in which our staff shares their favorite new tracks that they can’t get enough of. This week we recommend new cuts from Moon Taxi, James Vincent McMorrow, Carly Rae Jepsen, and more!
Camille Espiritu’s picks
Moon Taxi – “All Day All Night”
As summer is drawing to a close, it does not mean that the tunes have to. ‘’All Day All Night” by Moon Taxi has an indie sound with a summer vibe. When I found the song via Spotify, I immediately fell in love with the track. It has a light, melodic beat accompanied with guitars. The track is perfect for your next road trip or if you need an additional track to that summer playlist you have on
Grouplove – “No Drama Queen”
I have been a fan of Grouplove for a long time now and as I was (yet again) surfing through Spotify, I noticed they had a track on the Paper Towns movie soundtrack. Though the beat is enjoyable, the lyrics is probably my favorite part of the track.
And I’m leaving for tomorrow
I don’t wanna come back home and feel the same
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My heart, it’s all crazy
I think it’s time to run away
I just love when songs hit you at the right part in your life when you need it the most. There is something so refreshing about this track. The act of just leaving is invigorating and the lyrics say it all. No plan. No return. This track captures that feeling of freedom and letting go.
Allyson Johnson’s picks
James Vincent McMorrow – “How to Waste a Moment”
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I am an avid McMorrow fan. One part Bon Iver, one part James Blake, his vocals are sinewy and gorgeous. From his debut album, which was big on singer songwriter stylings, to his sophomore effort, which saw more of a production-heavy outcome, his music is always interesting, and always passionate. His newest song “How to Waste a Moment” strikes the same emotional chord and has left me eagerly awaiting his newest album.
Zella Day “Ace of Hearts”
I’m going to concentrate my efforts on Zella Day this week. Soulful, easy to listen to and accompanied by some strong vocals, Zella Day’s “Ace of Hearts” is instantly catchy. She’s a new find for me and has the effortless vocal talents that make me a fan instantaneously. It’s an infectious tune and one that inspires you listen again, and again…and again.
Luciana Villalba’s pick
Karen Harding – “Say Something”
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I had never heard of Karen Harding up until “Say Something” showed up on my Soundcloud stream. Little did I know, she was a contestant on The X Factor UK and that one of my favorite producers/singers/songwriters MNEK produced her debut single, “Say Something.” Karen brings an 80s-90s R&B vibe to house music accompanied by her amazing vocals, and I just wonder why this song isn’t a banger here in the US, with over 8 million views on YouTube. I hope this song makes you dance, because I’m dancing as I type this. Enjoy!
Ryan Gibbs’ pick
Carly Rae Jepsen – “Run Away With Me”
Apart from “I Really Like You,” which is perfectly fine but just doesn’t do much for me, every track that has been released from CRJ’s upcoming album Emotion has been incredible. “Run Away With Me” in particular is a powerful blast of electropop with one of the most undeniable choruses of the year. In a perfect world, it would be battling with “Can’t Feel My Face” for the number one spot right now, but it sadly hasn’t gone anywhere. Even without the chart success or radio play, this is a world-dominating scorcher of a song from what is shaping up to be the pop album of the year.
Gabrielle Bondi’s pick
Lianne La Havas – “What You Don’t Do”
Lianne La Havas has a new album out, and if you aren’t listening to Blood yet, what are you waiting for? One of my favorite tracks is the second single, “What You Don’t Do,” a jazzy pop song about a relationship that is so strong and familiar it doesn’t need the fluffy, affectionate words of reassurance. The delightful way that La Havas performs the song shows off her plush vocals. She sings the lyrics so affirmatively that it makes you smile and truly believe her when she says how she has “forgotten how to be blue.” There is also something reminiscent of the late Whitney Houston in the performance of the song, which is something I’ve truly missed.
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