In a world where whole albums get dropped in a moment’s notice, single tracks rarely feel as surprising as they used to. But then you’ll get the first new single from a legend in six years, and you have to pick your jaw up off the floor. Other times you’ll be surprised by the absolute joy of the first song you’ve heard by a new artist. This week’s list has both types of surprise, including new tracks from the one and only Janet Jackson and the up-and-coming Babe Simpson.
10. Flying Saucer Attack – “Instrumental 4”
“Instrumental 4” was probably made with a guitar, but it could have easily been put together with a set of synths or the fog horn of a cruise liner. That’s not a dig; the latest cut from Flying Saucer Attack’s comeback album, Instrumentals 2015, shifts in and out of focus, its drone centered on a single note. David Pearce substitutes textural progression for melodic progression, though toward the end of the track you can hear him pick out a few distinct notes on the fretboard as the feedback ebbs away. More than composing music, he seems to be trying to emulate what the ocean does all on its own. —Sasha Geffen
09. Little Simz – “Lane Switch”
Some performers might choose a video diary or social stream to update fans on new adventures; London’s Little Simz prefers to drop the random loosie. On the RASCAL-produced “Lane Switch”, she takes a truly raw approach. In contrast to the manipulated, overproduced vocals of many hip-hop contemporaries, Simz confidently showcases her natural flow and tone. The occasional flaw, then, only develops an intimacy between listeners and the burgeoning artist, her lyricism often placed above the mix and arriving like a familiar whisper. After focused and versatile work like this, anticipate some more heat from Simz shortly. –Derek Staples
08. The Game feat. Drake – “100”
The story has been told countless times before: With fame and money comes a swarm of unanticipated problems. Coming from Compton and growing up in and out of foster care, few understand the struggle quite like The Game. “100”, off his long-awaited The Documentary 2, is about keeping it real on the rise — and the fall. While The Game reminisces about the beefs that have continued to plague LA hip-hop, Drake turns the mirror on himself: “I would have so many friends if I didn’t have money, respect, and accomplishments/ I would have so many friends if I held back the truth and I just gave out compliments.” No matter one’s background, the grind will take its toll on family, friends, and profession. Amid this grind, one must find a place of serenity, and the production here offers a few moments to take a breath. –Derek Staples
07. Low – “No Comprende”
Low’s music captures the slow, dramatic, important feeling of individual everyday moments. “No Compendre”, the first sample of the band’s upcoming Ones and Sixes, begins with a dark march and vocalist/guitarist Alan Sparhawk unraveling a moment of frustrated confusion, the weight of that problem sinking into its own center with each extra clause. “No, you didn’t understand me/ I didn’t say it was a problem,” he begins, the quicksand of plodding bass rising closer to his neck with each second. Ones and Sixes drops September 11th via Sub Pop. –Adam Kivel
