Best Songs of the Month

Pigeons

Updated 27 October 2017 at 11:47 am

With so much good music steadily coming through, it's easy to miss some of the best. To help prevent this, we've rounded up the best new songs of the month. Here are the songs you can't afford to skip, in no particular order.

Young Thug - "Killed Before"
Young Thug at his best is undoubtedly one of the most incredible artists in music today. Thugger is fearless with his approach to melody and experimenting with the sound of his voice and "Killed Before" is the latest example of him delivering a record that only he could create. This song has a variety of flows, pitches, and melodies but they all mesh together and form one of the better feel good songs of the year. Super Slimey is a solid project and Thug and Future displayed great chemistry throughout the 13 tracks, but one of the highlights of the mixtape is the latter of the two solo Thugger songs.—Eric Isom
Yaeji - "Drink I'm Sippin On"
Seoul and NYC-based producer Yaeji is going the extra mile with her upcoming second EP. With the first single from the forthcoming release, "Drink I'm Sippin On," she flaunts her her ability to sound effortless rapping and singing atop her gorgeous production. It's somewhere between house music and hip-hop in a way that's thankfully far removed from the blog-friendly resurfacing of hip-house around five years back. If "Drink I'm Sippin On" is any indication, we're in for a huge treat when EP2 arrives next month.—Joe Price
Ty Dolla Sign - "Famous"
If you only know Ty Dolla $ign from features on pop radio hits or hooks on raunchy rap songs, you're missing out on the best of his music. He's deeply knowledgeable about this history of R&B, soul, and funk music, and he's able to incorporate this into his songs in interesting ways, whether that's sampling Mint Condition and putting it beside a Skrillex sample on "My Cabana" or featuring Babyface and Jagged Edge on the Free TC album.
Ty's latest project is Beach House 3, and while there are certainly some anthems ("Don't Judge Me" sounds like a hit), they're balanced out by slower songs like "Famous," which also features John Mayer on backing vocals.—Alex Gardner
Rex Orange County - "Loving Is Easy"
Another week, another hit from Rex Orange County. The English songster seems untouchable at this point—after landing multiple features on Tyler, the Creator's Flower Boy, he's released the silky "Edition" and "Loving Is Easy," a grin-inducing collaboration with Benny Sings. Both songs finish up well before the three-minute mark, but they're complete songs that leave never waste a second.
"However much I may have spoken negatively about love and relationships [in the past], at this point in my life it's positive and loving is easy to me," Rex told Annie Mac this week. From the sound of it, things will only continue to go up from here.—Graham Corrigan
Migos ft. Cardi B & Nicki Minaj - "Motor Spot"
This track is a lot. Cardi B talks about selling a porn video with Offset, Nicki Minaj flexes about six flows in her verse, and generally Migos seem to cede the spotlight to the two feature artists. If you're a close follower of gossip about what Nicki and Cardi think of each other or Offest and Cardi's relationship your takeaways from this song might be different, but I'm just happy to hear a bunch of 2017's biggest rap artists on a track together.—Alex Gardner
Everything is Recorded ft. Syd & Sampha - "Show Love"
XL Recordings has had a not-so-secret weapon behind the scenes for more than 25 years. His name is Richard Russell, and he owns the place. He's also releasing an album this year, under his Everything is Recorded alias. We've already heard what Russell and Sampha (and Curtis Mayfield) can do together on the stunning "Close But Not Quite." They're operating in different territory for "Show Love," adding Syd and some synthy drums to the mix for a much sultrier vibe. Hearing these two voices on a track together is nothing short of a dream come true, and they outdo one another every time the melody is passed back and forth. Russell's album is shaping up to be something special.—Graham Corrigan
Yung Lean - "Skimask"
After whetting our appetite with the gorgeous "Red Bottom Sky" and the catchy "Hunting My Own Skin," Yung Lean caught us off-guard with "Skimask." As the third taste of his upcoming album Stranger, it's the hardest hitting of the three singles so far. This is Leandoer back on his ignorant shit.
The difference between this and his older material, however, is that he sounds far more confident on "Skimask." He's got every reason to, though—it's sounding great.—Joe Price
namesake. ft. pinkcaravan! and Sam Stan - "Vroom Vroom"
St. Louis rapper pinkcaravan! told us she wanted herself and namesake. to become the new Missy Elliot and Timbaland, and if they continue to develop with this level of chemistry, anything's possible. The two developed a signature sound and released a very sad happy birthday, an addictive three-track EP filled with colorful melodies and bubbly beats.
"Vroom Vroom" is the latest release from the two Midwest acts, and they're joined by Sam Stan, who came through with a witty, impressive verse of his own. It's still very early for pinkcaravan! and Namesake., but something about this already feels like watching the beginning of a very special moment.—Eric Isom
Little Simz - “Good For What”
Sometimes I listen to Little Simz and wonder who got on her wrong side this time around. I'm not sure which poor soul crossed Simz to inspire "Good For What," but I'm thankful to be honest. At this point in her career, Little Simz is established enough to not need to answer to anyone or try to prove them wrong because she's doing what she wants, when she wants. But every once in a while there comes a time where you have to remind people who's really boss. "Good For What" is the theme song for this exact mood.
Maybe you're not at the boss level yet, but a few spins of this track will surely inject you with the fighter's energy needed to kick down any barriers people may try to put in your way. The title isn't formed as a question but delivers an attitude that says, "Good for what? I'll show you exactly what I'm good for!" And that's the kind of motivational morning music I didn't know I needed, but I did.—Adrienne Black
Jessie Reyez - "Phone Calls"
Since introducing herself with "Figures" last year, Jessie Reyez has impressed us with her ability to mix raw, unfiltered emotion with addictive melodies. When she's at her best, she's able to funnel wild human energy into the accessible framework of pop music—and that's exactly what she does on her new song "Phone Calls."
Telling Annie Mac that the track was written as a response to people who have "switched up" and acted differently around her since she's seen success, she explained that it's also about "respecting people that were down with me from the beginning. People that didn't really have anything to gain or people that just had faith to have faith. People that were riders just to be riders."—Eric Skelton
IDK - "Birds & The Bees"
DMV rapper IDK has reinvented himself. Since dropping the "Jay," he's leveled up with IWASVERYBAD, a six-track EP released in collaboration with Adult Swim. The project features some heavy-hitters—DOOM, Chief Keef, Swizz Beats, and Yung Gleesh all make appearances, but it's IDK's shining brightest on most tracks. It's his biggest, best work yet.
IWASVERYBAD was released in parts, each track representing a different aspect of IDK's life. "Birds and Bees" is a standout, as IDK takes a mellow turn. But the whole thing is worth a listen—look out for IDK. He's sounding inspired.—Eric Isom
Hear the rest of the project here.
John Keek - "If + When"
It's been a few moons since we fell for John Keek's "Come Give It Up," but the songwriter/saxophonist returned with a vengeance this week on "If +When." The off-kilter time signatures, layered croons, and jazzy solos make for a roller coaster of a listen—Keek has never been afraid to take chances with his music, and he's making something truly unique in the process. An EP is coming at the end of the month, and with a King Krule tour in his rearview, we can't wait to hear how Keek's been spending the time away.—Graham Corrigan
OverDoz. - "House Party"
Los Angeles rap group OverDoz. has been working on their official debut album 2008 for quite some time. So long that it almost feels like the initial album announcement may have really come in the year 2008. But thankfully, after years of setbacks and what feels like an emotional rollercoaster for fans, the group has finally released their album this week, and it doesn't disappoint.
Aside from the strong Pharrell-produced and A$AP Ferg-featured singles that they dropped now over two years ago, another instant standout from the album is clearly "House Party." OverDoz. is made up of a collection of varying personalities between Kent Jamz, P, Joon, and Cream, but together they're always able to find the perfect balance. Setting the higher energy aside for a moment, "House Party" is a smooth track that seems fitting for the last leg of a party—matching the mellow, 3AM vibe that occurs right before everyone decides where to end their nights. —Adrienne Black
Omar Apollo - "Algo" ft. Drayco McCoy
We were first introduced to Omar Apollo with his soulful, guitar-driven jam "Brakelights" back in August. Now, the 20-year-old Indiana artist shows his range by switching things up with a plunge into a more upbeat, funk-soul direction than his previously R&B-leaning singles. Linking up with rapper Drayco Mccoy, Apollo delivers an intoxicating groove that begs for the dance floor. This is a fun one.—Eric Skelton
Night Lovell - "Jamie's Sin"
It's starting to feel like Night Lovell is ready to take over, especially with how well he's done for himself following the release of Red Teenage Melody. Millions of plays aside, it helps that his music is captivating, and there's no other rapper out right now that sounds quite like he does. "Jamie's Sin" is Lovell at his most solemn, too, exemplifying how far a unique cadence and voice can carry you as a rapper. The rumbling production from Cian P compliments his deep voice remarkably well, especially when Lovell dives into the fractured romance slowly decaying in his mind.—Joe Price
SAINt JHN - "Hermes Freestyle"
Brooklyn's SAINt JHN has been remarkably consistent with a string of well-written, melody-driven, chorus-centric anthems like "3 Below," "Roses," "Reflex," and most recently "Some Nights." He switches up the formula on his latest "Hermes Freestyle." This time around it's less about a big hook and more focused on no-frills rapping and a tone somewhere between sinister and celebratory. As with all SAINt JHN music, it's meticulously crafted with highs and lows that turn a pretty straightforward song into an entertaining ride with a gang of memorable moments packed into under four minutes.—Jacob Moore
Beck - "Colors"
Every few years, Beck drops by and reminds everyone why he's such a storied figure. His ability to effortlessly switch between musical styles is well documented, and while not every style is as great as the next, he remains fascinating regardless. His new album is a brilliant example of this, considerably messier but a lot more fun than 2014's Morning Phase.
Poppier, and generally more indicative of Beck as a whole, Colors is prime Beck even when things go a little off-track. The title track of the album kicks things off with a highly concentrated burst of energy, sounding a little something like a cross between Odelay and Midnite Vultures. In other words, this is the Beck we know and love.—Joe Price
Porches - "Find Me"
With the release of this track I can definitively say that I'm a fan of Porches. The band's latest single is a dreary dance tune that's somewhat reminiscent of George Michael as frontman Aaron Maine sings about fighting the itch to escape to solitude. Maine practically teases his demons in the verses as he repeats the line "I can't let it find me" behind menacing synth pop beats and indistinguishable auto-tuned voices that float in the background.
Porches' forthcoming record The House also features other notable artists like Okay Kaya, (Sandy) Alex G, Maya Laner (True Blue) and Cameron Wisch (Cende) so it's certainly something to look forward to fully consuming in the new year. The full-length album is officially out on January 19, 2018 via Domino.—Sydney Gore
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross - "John Carpenter's Halloween"
It's not easy to cover something iconic. Usually when an artist covers something deeply embedded in the minds of so many, however, they aren't tackling one of the most legendary movie themes of all time. Covering John Carpenter's timeless Halloween theme is like attempting to cover John Williams' Jaws theme, in that there's no way anyone can ever really top the original. These two themes are synonymous with dread, and thankfully Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are more than familiar with dread.
Throughout their career as a movie scoring duo, and even in Reznor's own Nine Inch Nails work, they've both mastered the art of unsettling viewers and listeners. With their inventive, atmospheric, and drawn-out cover of the Halloween theme and its motifs, they show a full understanding of what made the original Halloween so goddamn haunting. What a perfectly timed treat this is, considering the month and all that.—Joe Price
Lou The Human - “Born”
Lou The Human can rap his ass off. But in the mold of an early-era Eminem, he’d rather use his razor-sharp lyricism to paint bizarre, fucked up worlds around himself than prove how smart he is. Lou's debut project, Humaniac, is a wild conceptual ride through a drug and psychosis-riddled mind, taking full advantage of Lou’s witty imagination and vivid wordplay. “Born” is an early favorite, dizzying the listener with bar after bar after bar of some of the most creative, deranged lyrics I’ve heard all year.—Eric Skelton
Avelino ft. Dave - "U Can't Stand Up / Royal"
To be honest, I haven't had the chance to listen to Avelino's new project No Bullshit yet, but there's one thing we can be sure of with anything he puts out, and it's that the rapping will be top level. Avelino is one of the best lyricists in England, and seeing he got an assist from rising star Dave had me clicking play with the quickness. The two-part track doesn't disappoint, now time to listen to the rest of the album.—Alex Gardner
joji - "will he"
I've been familiar with the work of George Miller for years now, and he's definitely earned his status as a YouTube hero. But his output as the provocative character Filthy Frank always put me off. I understand that's partially the point of the often satirical and absurd material, but it's probably the same reason South Park has never really appealed to me, either. Point is, it took a while for me to come around to his musical output as Joji.
The gorgeous "Will He" is far removed from everything he's done as a comedian and YouTuber, and most importantly, it's genuine. There's always something fascinating about getting a glimpse of the real person behind a persona, something comedians like Andy Kaufman never really gave us, and "Will He" feels like getting an intimate look at the real George Miller. The guy has always come across as incredibly talented, but this feels like something everyone can enjoy, and that's meant as nothing but the highest compliment.—Joe Price
St. Vincent - "Happy Birthday, Johnny"
When I first saw the tracklist for St. Vincent's new album Masseduction, my eyes were immediately drawn to "Happy Birthday, Johnny." Her previous "John" songs—the title track from Marry Me and "Prince Johnny" from her self-titled record—were always highlights from their respective albums for me. "Happy Birthday, Johnny" is no different, and it's clear based on the lyrics that it's another very personal song to the singer. If you were hoping for dirty guitar licks, you'll get them on Masseduction, but with this down-tempo piano ballad, Annie Clark is still a master of writing beautiful and evocative pieces of music.—Joyce
Smino - "Sorbet"
Every time Smino and Sango link up, magic happens. Their latest collaboration, "Sorbet," is further proof. The song was released as a celebration of both artists' birthdays—Sango was born October 1, 1991, and Smino followed him into the world the next day.
"Sorbet" opens with a "happy birthday" voicemail from Chicago singer Akenya, and then erupts into a joyous, high-energy affair. Atop Sango's colorful synths and punchy percussion, Smino shows off his sharp wordplay and brilliant ear for melodies. The duo's natural chemistry shines through the entire track, Sango's bouncy production matching Smino's exuberant delivery.—Charlotte Freitag
King Krule - "Half Man Half Shark"
Archy Marshall picked the guitar back up for his new album—which wasn't necessarily a given, after the decidedly ambient, sample-heavy vibes of 2015's A New Place 2 Drown.
But after the moody nonchalance of "Czech One," King Krule has dropped two rock masterpieces in a row. "Dum Surfer" is a post-apocalyptic, Pixies-styled anthem for the mashed, and this week's "Half Man Half Shark" is its yang, a frenzied, anxious flurry of snares and rhymes that recall 6 Feet Beneath the Moon standout "A Lizard State." He's three for three on singles for The Ooz, which dropped October 13.—Graham Corrigan
Read our interview with King Krule here.
Cautious Clay - "Joshua Tree"
Last month newcomer Cautious Clay made a great first impression and grabbed our attention with his debut single "Cold War." A few weeks later, he followed up with yet another strong single, "Joshua Tree." Though he's relatively new in the game, it's clear that he already knows what he's doing and exactly the path he wants to go down. There's a coolness to his voice on "Joshua Tree" that seems laid-back, but layered on top of the building production, the end results feel full and much bigger. Cautious Clay is already flexing his songwriting ability and that he'll be someone to look out for. —Adrienne Black
Get more familiar with Cautious Clay here.
Brent Faiyaz - "Talk 2 U"
Although many of us were only introduced to Brent Faiyaz within the last year or two, his debut album Sonder Son is a body of work that's been years in the making, and it's finally here. Over the last couple of years, Faiyaz has built up experiences worth telling while releasing a project of his own as well as an EP with newly-formed trio Sonder—both have helped shaped what is now his official debut.
A first listen to Sonder Son is enough to tell Faiyaz has a special approach to R&B as well as songwriting. Immediately, the album's eighth track "Talk 2 U" feels like the most apparent standout. Before it's over, the catchy chorus and melody will already infiltrate your mind and have you singing along. The subject matter is intimate, sounding like a love letter through your ears, and yet there's still enough bounce underneath it all that has the power to make you move.—Adrienne Black
Learn more about Brent Faiyaz and the making of his album here.
Gucci Mane - "Back On"
Gucci Mane's new album Mr. Davis is 17 tracks long and packed with features from heavy hitters like The Weeknd, A$AP Rocky, Ty Dolla $ign, Nicki Minaj and Migos. The album's already spawned a genuine hit in Billboard Top 10 charting "I Get The Bag" and other highlights include ScHoolboy Q-featuring "Lil Story" and the reflective outro "Made It."
Maybe most fun of the new songs, on first listen at least, is "Back On." We already know Zaytoven and Wop are a dream team, and the producer provides a sparkling, buoyant beat that Gucci dances all over. I don't even know how many songs Gucci's released since he came home, but the work rate is definitely inspiring.—Alex Gardner
Aminé - "Squeeze"
Fresh from releasing his fantastic debut album, Good For You, Portland rapper Aminé is determined to keep busy. Currently touring the country, he's seen fit to surprise fans with a new drop flaunting his success. It's been a great year for Aminé, and he knows it. The brief, bass-heavy "Squeeze" is a little less summery than the bulk of Good For You, but it's got all the character we've come to expect. "What should I be for Halloween? I know: Me, I'm the best."—Joe Price
AJ Tracey - "Blacked Out"
There's a calm, laid-back demeanor to London MC AJ Tracey that makes him incredibly appealing. His approach allows his rhymes to float effortless over rhythms in nearly any setting. On his latest project Secure The Bag! AJ offers up hard-hitting tracks as well mid-tempo collaborations with JME and Denzel Curry, and even a smoother track accompanied by Craig David.
Secure The Bag! kicks off with purpose—"Blacked Out" sets the high-octane tone. The Sir Spyro production creates a menacing mood that fits perfectly for AJ's delivery. AJ completes the package with his quick wordplay and effortless flow—he's making it look easy.—Adrienne Black
SOPHIE - "It's Okay To Cry"
At last, a producer has finally recognized the power of crying in the club! With this single, the mysterious and elusive SOPHIE has finally revealed herself in full form to the universe. This track sees her experimenting with the traditional formula for club bangers while simultaneously tinkering with the complexities of emotional pop music.
For once, there also appears to be an absence of auto-tune on her vocals as well. "I hope you don't take this the wrong way/ But I think your inside is your best side," she sings softly. This is the real SOPHIE, take her or leave her. May the teardrops run free on the dance floor.—Sydney Gore
Mabel - "Begging"
We've been enchanted by Mabel since day one, and her latest mixtape, Ivy & Rose is a testament to her growth as an artist. (It's all happening so fast!) Her latest single is another dancehall cut that sees Mabel taking control as she asserts her demands to an unworthy lover. On Twitter, she explained that the EP is about "making mistakes, growing, blossoming and having fun along the way." Take your time, girl—we'll wait forever for that full-length album if we have to.—Sydney Gore
Read our interview with Mabel here.
Kelela - "Onanon"
Kelela's debut album Take Me Apart has been in the works for quite some time, and it's finally here. Over 14 tracks, Kelela offers a body of work that encourages listeners to dance through their emotions. One of the standouts, "Onanon" features Kelela's signature balance—a subtle dance rhythm layered under her breathy, mesmerizing vocals.
Even when Kelela sings about the ups and downs of love and relationships, she makes the hardest parts sound sweet. "Onanon" is moody, but there's an energy to it that feels like motivation, a call to push through the sulk and on to better things.—Adrienne Black
Trippie Redd - "Hellboy"
Trippie Redd's rise into the spotlight happened fast. In what seemed like a matter of months, he went from a loyal online following to hanging with Lil Wayne and performing to packed crowds. His biggest hit "Love Scars" has tens of millions of plays across platforms, but Trippie isn't looking to capitalize off the formula. He's proud of his abilities as a versatile artist, as he explained when we met him in Miami, and his new project A Love Letter To You 2 showcases his range. From early listens, one standout is "Hellboy," a song that's probably least similar to "Love Scars" and has Trippie balancing a more traditional rapping style with a signature Trippie melody as the hook.—Jacob Moore