The War on Drugs – Thinking of a Place
This is the first new song we’ve heard from The War on Drugs since the 2014 album Lost in the Dream, but boy was it worth the wait. With the ambition of Springsteen and the sedating sounds of Petty, “Thinking of the Place” is an 11-minute rock epic that brings to mind lazy rivers, road trips, landscapes, and rainy days. And there’s a great harmonica solo, too.
Gorillaz – The Apprentice
Gorillaz have been spoiling us with new music lately, and “The Apprentice” is the latest gift. Slow and heavy with synths, make the best soundtrack for those nighttime drives. The track features Mavis Staples' powerful and soulful voice and Pusha T's catchy rhymes. Gorillaz have pushed boundaries with their newest album Humanz (due out Apr 28) and The Apprentice is just another example of that.
ACES – Stranger
An exercise in sedation, this slow burner is what you would get if Lana del Rey ever decided to get synthier with her music. Stranger has a seductive beat played down by Alex Stewart's dreamy vocals.
Frank Ocean – Lens
Heavy on the auto-tune and nostalgia, “Lens” drifts along in a haze, but never loses its weight. The lyrics are striking as Ocean sings about being under a lens and never being true to yourself. The version on our list is the remix featuring Travis Scott.
Sam Coffey & the Iron Lungs – Judy
A raucous powerpop number, “Judy” will perk you up if our first few songs have you sufficiently relaxed. An anthem boasting heavy guitar, mosh pit-creating energy, there’s more than a little 80’s influences here as well. “If the whole album is a reflection on suburban blight and teenage isolation then 'Judy' is the thesis statement,” Coffey says.
Sam Coffey & the Iron Lungs premiere “Judy”, The War on Drugs will have you “Thinking of a Place” by Chart Attack | Chart Attack.
