There were so many bops, bangers, and ballads to choose from this week, but that's a problem we are more than happy to handle all things considered! Nobody could have predicted that Daniel Caesar would come back with an ode to a missed connection, but now that it's here there's no turning back. ZAYN also hit us with his a sultry song that drips with seduction.
We'll always be nostalgic for the past, but pop music has never been more fun than it is right now and Empress Of, Gus Dapperton, and MØ are proof that the formula isn't broken. Elsewhere, Jacques Greene is bringing trance back and our bodies are not fighting it.
We're not entirely sure how Juice WRLD and Future managed to keep their surprise mixtape a secret (no leaks must mean a strong circle of trust and some hardcore NDAs), but the whole project really goes off. Lil Yachty and Playboi Carti also make one hell of a team on their power collaboration. Oh, and Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Keed and Lil Gotit also got us deep in our feelings with the ultimate emo anthem. In the end, we're all better together.
All those gems and more make this round up of Best Tracks of the Week.
Asian Doll - "Hardest Doll"
1017's newest signee dropped a surprise mixtape on Wednesday, and we're still recovering. All 16 tracks go pretty hard, but "Hardest Doll" is the complete package for me. Showcasing a rapid, stunting-on-the-competition type flow over a Southside beat with bars like, "You dissing? I’m honored / Pussy dripping, Arnold Palmer," I can't really ask for anything else from Asian Doll. I stan. - B
Daniel Caesar - “Who Hurt You?”
One word: YOU. You hurt me, Daniel Caesar! Every. Single. Time. Please stop making my heart swell like a helium balloon, I feel like I’m going to implode and it hurts so badly. Congratulations to the missed connection that inspired this song out of him, you are clearly special! - S
Empress Of - “I Don’t Even Smoke Weed”
Sober October is almost over and the only thing that’s keeping me going at this point is music goddess Empress Of. This electro-pop bop is the latest single off her newly released album Us and it is my absolute favorite track. Regardless of anyone’s personal experiences with love, this song makes me view the act of surrendering yourself to someone who is 100% worthy of your heart (and energy) in a positive light. - S
Future & Juice WRLD - “Astronauts”
Anytime Future decides to rap about space, I'm leaning the heck in with ears wide open. I knew this track from WRLD on Drugs was off to a great start when he opened his verse with "Alien, I'm not a regular guy." As for the rest of it, the artist also known as Pluto and Juice WRLD have undeniable chemistry, and all sounds absolutely incredible over outer space trap beats provided by Wheezy. - B
Gus Dapperton - “World Class Cinema”
There’s no point trying to fit Gus Dapperton into a box because he’s simply not a square. His indie pop music has a retro feel with a modern twist that shouts from the rooftops. This groovy new single is another anthem for the dance floor as the singer-songwriter pours out a bunch of cute cinematic references on top of swirling layers of synth. Hopefully there will be more to come from him soon. - S
Jacques Greene - “Avatar Beach”
Let the simulation begin! Maybe I’m still a little loopy after binging Maniac on Netflix, but this warm and translucent track has my mind floating off to another reality. Lately, it feels like everyone is nostalgic for the past and fixated on looking backwards, but at least this trance production gently pushes you forward into the present. This is the lead single off Jacques Greene’s Fever Focus EP which is expected for release on November 16 via LuckyMe. - S
Lil Uzi Vert - "Heavy Metal" ft. Lil Gotit & Lil Keed
Lil Uzi Vert, notable heavy metal fan, finally penned an ode to one of the many music genres that inspire him. Produced by Supah Mario, it's got the requisite trunk-rattling bass, with the addition of mysterious synths and the occassional weird screech. Another notable addition is Atlanta up-and-comers Lil Gotit and Lil Keed, who come through with some amazingly screechy auto-tuned bars. - B
Lil Yachty - “Get Dripped” ft. Playboi Carti
In case you missed it, Lil Yachty dropped Nuthin' 2 Prove today, his third studio album. Unsurprisingly, it's stacked with features, but this Playboi Carti track is mega standing out to me. It's no "My Stummy Hurt" in terms of performance, but it comes close. Also, the twinkling sounds courtesy of MitchGonMad and EarlThePearll are ASMR-inducing for me. Good job, everyone! - B
MØ - “Purple Like the Summer Rain”
One of my secret, strange delights is seeing what songs artists place as the last track on their album / mixtape / "project." I am often disappointed. This time around, while listening to MØ's Forever Neverland, I was pleasantly surprised. "Purple Like the Summer Rain" is a blissfully melancholic banger (my favorite), equal parts pensive, youthful, nostalgic, and danceable. - B
ZAYN - “Fingers”
There’s no telling when ZAYN’s long-awaited sophomore album will drop, but the singles that will likely appear on it continue to get better. His latest offering is a sexy slow jam produced by Saltwives about literally having all the power in your hands and not knowing what to do with it because texts can only get you so far in the love game. As for getting physical, please don’t touch without consent! - S
Be sure to check out last week’s edition of our Best Tracks round up right here.
