the drop – N.E.R.D, Beyoncé, Martin Garrix, and Miguel
The Drop is us cutting through the massive jungle of new music that’s been released over the last seven days. We sharpen our proverbial machetes and cut through the shit to get you to the content that you need to be listening to.
This is The Drop.
-Control Forever
- Miguel – War and Leisure
I love Miguel, and a new album from him has me squirming from the inside out. His R&B psychedelia is so apparent on this album from the opening track “Criminal” to the rockesque ballad of “Wolf.” His enate delivery of sultry vocals with the backing of crisp guitar riffs give this album so much flare the entire track list should be on constant repeat. His nod to a more eccentric era of music makes for a rich and vivacious energy across the 12 track album. It is a silky rendition of everything that I love about Miguel.
- Mura Masa – “U Never Call Me” feat. Jadu Heart
The young producer has just come off of his first debut album, Grammy nominations, and is already releasing new music. This single is a slow jam in true Mura Masa fashion. A groovy sequence mixed with a jazzy and tropical house beat makes for some easy listening with this track.
- Vanic – “Wonderwall” feat. Zella Day
Oasis gets a complete makeover on this remix. Vanic and Zella Day meet again to create absolute music magic on this new track. A sultry and grimy vibe encompasses over the original lyric with the vocals from Zella Day, giving it her indie flair. All the while Vanic captures an enticing drop into the chorus taking the song to an entirely different realm that hasn’t been heard.
- Yellow Claw – “Both of Us” feat. Stori
Yellow Claw is known for their heavy hitting and trappy bass drops, but on their new release, we get to see their softer side. A breakup love song with a trumpet filled chorus and airy lyrics from Stori create the emotional and pop essence of Yellow Claw. A nice addition to the normal head banging repertoire the duo releases.
- Aly & AJ – Ten Years EP
This is the first release from Aly & AJ in ten years. The four track EP is compiled with ’80s infused beats and electropop tones that bring back the vocals and songwriting styles of the well-known sister duo. Pre-released singles “Take Me” and “I Know” establish their new sound. “The Distance” and “Promises” bring a more indie contemporary side to the EP.
- Dillon Francis & NGHTMRE – “Another Dimension”
I just can’t stay away from these two. Two of my favorite DJs making music together always makes for one of my new favorite tracks. My prediction is this song will be making its way into plenty of DJ sets in the near future. For all the headbangers out there, this one is for you.
- N.E.R.D – “1000” feat. Future
I’m so stoked on N.E.R.D releasing music again. Anything with Pharell’s name attached to it I am all about. This upbeat hip-hop track is another released song off of N.E.R.D’s fifth studio album being released on Dec. 15th. A splash of funk and rock with the help of some verses from Future make for a new side of the group.
- First Aid Kit – “Fireworks”
The Swedish duo released their newest single from their upcoming album Ruins. Their folk sound is bursting through the seams with their intricate vocals and simplistic acoustics. The chorus creates an even larger symphony with a big instrumental line and finished harmonies to match. The song takes us back a few eras of music, but is able to have such a timeless feel. One of my favorite new artists I’ve found.
- Martin Garrix & David Guetta – “So Far Away” feat. Jamie Scott & Romy Dy
Putting all Twitter beef aside between Ellie Goulding, who originally was the female vocal on this song, and Garrix the song is still flawless. Guetta and Garrix team up on this production and it is the perfect fusion of the two DJ’s taste. A future bass synth and pop influences make for dance music gold on this new track accompanied by the vocals of Jamie Scott and Romy Dy.
- Ed Sheeran – “Perfect” feat. Beyoncé
Ending on a love note, this song is exactly what the title is; perfect. I am such a sucker for a good love song, and who better to release one than Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé. It is so effortless with these two singing alongside each other. Beautiful and light, this song probably will be played at every wedding from now on. Listen to this with your loved one and get plenty of feels.
-Morgan B.