Top 5 Songs of the Week
Every seven days, the Stereogum team handpicks the top five new tracks of the week. The selection window opens and closes right before midnight on Thursdays. These picks are accessible below and on Stereogum’s Favorite New Music Spotify playlist, which receives weekly updates. For members, a broader playlist of the team’s new music favorites is available on Spotify and Apple Music, with continuous updates throughout the week.
“The Lit Effect” by The Scythe featuring Denzel Curry, Bktherula, and Lazer Dim 700, takes us on a musical journey reminiscent of a past era. Denzel Curry, once a rebellious youth with SpaceGhostPurrp’s Raider Klan crew, has evolved into a prominent figure at various music festivals. In “Lit Effect,” the edgy vibe and use of the term “lit” transport listeners back in time. Curry’s energetic, rapid-fire rap style still exudes passion and purpose, while his collaborators add to the party atmosphere. This track feels like a throwback to the era of “old-school SoundCloud rap.”
“Ch’uwanchaña ~El Golpe Final~” by Joshua Chuquimia Crampton showcases the innovative fusion of traditional Aymara sounds with modern influences. Hailing from the US and Bolivia, this sibling duo continues to push boundaries by blending their cultural heritage with elements of pop and avant-garde music. Tracks like “Ch’uwanchaña ~El Golpe Final~” combine experimental guitar riffs with a unique sonic experience that transcends traditional genres. These distinct offerings find their way to diverse audiences, reshaping perceptions of recorded music.
Winston Hightower’s “Lay Low” employs a lo-fi approach, reminiscent of artists like Daniel Johnston and Moldy Peaches, to convey a profound message. The haunting melody, coupled with poignant lyrics like “When it goes you’ll know cause we won’t be here anymore,” creates a sense of inevitability that is strangely comforting. Despite themes of loss and absence, the track’s melodic guitar work propels the narrative forward, hinting at the possibility of adaptation and resilience. Hightower’s prophetic delivery and captivating murkiness draw listeners into a realm of introspection and contemplation.
Avalon Emerson and The Charm’s “Jupiter And Mars” delves into the complexities of healing and moving on. Co-written and co-produced with Rostam Batmanglij, the track beautifully blends jangly instrumentals with reflective lyrics, capturing the essence of unfulfilled relationships. Emerson’s ethereal vocals resonate as she bids farewell to an ephemeral connection, highlighting the inevitability of letting go. Through poignant verses like “I reckon it was written in the stars/ So you can take it up with Jupiter and Mars,” Emerson encourages listeners to embrace the uncertainties of lost opportunities and find solace in new beginnings.
“I Like You” by Cardinals draws inspiration from jazz classics to create a heartfelt folk-rock ballad. The track’s sweeping arrangement, reminiscent of Bright Eyes, coupled with Euan Manning’s sincere vocals, captures the essence of emotional vulnerability and longing. With a simple yet powerful chorus, Cardinals masterfully craft a narrative that resonates with authenticity, showcasing their ability to evoke profound emotions through music. “I Like You” stands out for its simplicity, emotive delivery, and inherent beauty.
In conclusion, each of these tracks represents a distinct musical journey, inviting listeners to explore diverse genres and emotions. From nostalgic rap influences to avant-garde experiments and heartfelt ballads, these songs offer a glimpse into the boundless creativity and emotional depth of contemporary music.