Here are our top 5 songs to stream this week.
Miguel – …goingtohell
Miguel can do no wrong at the moment. The 29-year-old R&B star doesn’t have a red mark on his record yet, netting a Grammy with his debut release, and going gold on his sophomore effort. Back in December of 2014, he graced the world with a three-song EP that launched him back onto the charts, and he’s been nearly unavoidable on the radio. He pops in with guest appearances on everything — not that anyone is complaining.
With the release of his latest album Wildheart imminent, Miguel is giving fans a taste of what’s to come with a 5-song EP that includes songs set to be on the full album’s track listing. Included in the mix is …goingtohell, which starts with the sound of a motorcycle revving and the engine keeps on churning from there. “I’m going to hell with you,” he sings, and the entire world is just fine with that idea, as long as he’s taking us there.
Foals – What Went Down
Foals has evolved over the course of its first three albums, developing a recognizable arena rock sound and an even more identifiable live act. On their upcoming album What Went Down, they aim to capture the essence of their live show with a gruffer, grittier sound in the studio. The title track from the album, which shares its name, is the perfect encapsulation of what they’re after. The Foals sound is still present, but with a layer of dirt layered atop it. Sometimes dirty just works.
Craig Finn – Newmyer’s Roof
Brooklyn rockers the Hold Steady are a staple of the indie scene, a decade into their run. The group’s front man Craig Finn is currently on a solo kick, where he stretches his storytelling capabilities. His newly released track Newmyer’s Roof is Finn at his finest. He relives an extremely personal experience, as he sings about September 11, watching the events from the roof of a friend’s house, and meeting his wife who was in one of the towers that day.
Bilal – Pleasure Toy ft. Big K.R.I.T. and Adrian Younge
Songwriter and neo soul singer Bilal might not be the biggest name in pop music, but he’s collaborated with those who are. Everyone from Jay-Z and Beyonce, to Erykah Badu and the Roots have been partners in music with the talented artist and producer. On his latest single Pleasure Toy, the Philadelphia native recruits rapper Big K.R.I.T. and producer Adrian Younge to give the slick, funk-filled cut a laid back sound made for easy listening in the summer sun.
Class Actress – GFE
Brooklyn’s Elizabeth Harper is better known as Class Actress when she takes to the stage, a name derived from her earlier career as an actress in Los Angeles. Now the synthpop singer is too busy making music to be in films, and as long as she keeps making songs like GFE, we’re totally fine with that. Short for “Girlfriend Experience,” GFE has an ’80s vibe with a bouncy synth beat and a sultry sound throughout that benefits from the production efforts of Neon Indian’s Alan Palomo.
