Song: “II”

Artist: Blue Sky Black Death

Album: “Glaciers” released Oct. 1

Genre: Instrumental

Anisca Says: Blue Sky Black Death is a production team of two based in Seattle. Kingston Maguire and Ian Taggart are mainly known for their hip-hop instrumental music using a unique blend of live instruments and samples. The Track “II” is technically an instrumental, but when listening to it, the track sounds like so much more. Throughout the 11-minute track there are lyrics embedded within the beat completing the piece. This is definitely a song that students would put on while studying and just let it play. It’s relaxing and easy to get lost in.

Song: “Blurred Lines”

Artist: Nylo

Album: “Indigo Summer” released July 2013

Genre: R&B-Pop

Anisca Says: Singer Nylo gives Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” a whole new meaning. Instead of sticking with the up-tempo beat of the original, Nylo slows the track down tremendously. The switch up fits her voice and tone perfectly, making the song hard not to sing along with. The change is so unexpected that the first time I heard Nylo’s track I didn’t even realize it was Thicke’s lyrics. The fact that she took such a popular song and completely made it her own with so much confidence is amazing. Nylo is a fairly new artist, but she is already getting buzz from rappers Mac Miller and Nas, so it’s undeniably worth a listen.

Song: “A World Alone”

Artist: Lorde

Album: “Pure Heroine” released Sept. 30

Genre: Indie pop

Cesar Says: Lorde, Have Mercy.

In case you haven’t heard yet, there’s a 16-year-old poet/singer/songwriter from New Zealand that just debuted her first studio album “Pure Heroine”. Ella Yelich-O’Connor, better known as Lorde, created a cohesive body of work that stays strong from beginning to end. “A World Alone” is the last song on the album and it is the perfect bookend after playing through the ten tracks.

It takes the listener through a nostalgic scene that conveys a carefree loneliness. From the eyes of youth and a melodramatic scene, she “oohs” throughout the song touching on bad habits, fake friends and the things people talk about at parties. The last words in the song linger as the album culminates on “Let ‘em talk.” And the people are definitely talking. Her voice is now officially the youngest to top the US Billboard Hot 100 since 1987.

Song: “Mystery Disease”

Artist: MGMT

Album: “MGMT” released Sept. 17th

Genre: Psychedelic Rock

Briana Says: I’ve been a longtime fan of MGMT and was elated when I heard this song from the band’s self-titled album. When this song starts it sounds like you’re being warped in a time machine and then pounding drums and soft synthesizer rhythms start up. The airy vocals give a contrast to the beat so the song doesn’t become overwhelming. It has a trance-like feel that can be really helpful when you have to do homework or study for a test. “Mystery Disease” has got me hungry to see MGMT live.

Song: “Reflektor”

Artist: Arcade Fire

Album: “Reflektor” expected release date Oct. 29th

Genre: Indie Rock

Briana Says: The newest single to be released from their upcoming album of the same name, “Reflektor” doesn’t disappoint. This is my first exposure to Arcade Fire and I love the tropical influences this dance groove offers. It sounds like a cool disco party in the jungle. I initially gravitated to this song because of the collaboration with singer David Bowie who I’ve heard is a longtime fan of Arcade Fire. This eight-minute head nodder is perfect to sing to while you drive and you’ll have bystanders staring at you in awe in no time.

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