"Break the Law" by Mac Miller
Released Aug. 17 — A hazy soul-sampled instrumental follows Miller as he delves into vulgar yet charismatic arrogance. Compound rhyme schemes combine with an eccentric choice of words to yield something both refreshing and raunchy: Miller’s most impassioned song in years. "Break the Law" and the recently released "100 Grandkids" can be found on Miller’s forthcoming album, "GO:OD AM," due out Sept. 18.
"Gibraltar" by Beirut
Released Aug. 18 — Beirut is a band from Arizona, but the music sounds like it hails straight from Lebanese folklore. "Gibraltar" revolves around an infectious piano pattern and tender vocals. A lone conga drum opens up the track before a rolling snare and some jerky keys fill in the wavering gaps. From start to end, lead singer Zach Condon fluctuates between solemn stalemates and cathartic release, siding eventually with the latter.
"Levels" by Nick Jonas
Released Aug. 21 — Fans of suits and ties and dance-pop rejoice. Nick Jonas reincarnates the sound Justin Timberlake wooed us with years ago in his latest offering, "Levels." Soulful falsettos and a lively rhythm propel the track, which climaxes in a wobbly drop. Jonas has come a long way since he sang alongside his brothers, launching a successful solo career and venturing onto TV screens and magazine spreads.
"PPP" by Beach House
Released Aug. 21 — A woozy slow-dance ballad fit for a dimly lit ball, "PPP" revolves around ascending and descending guitar arpeggios and a harrowing voice belonging to lead singer Victoria Legrand. Beach House, a pop duo from Maryland, lives up to its name on this track. The dual repetition of the strings and the vocals contrast impeccably, conjuring seaside thoughts. A faint but steady hi-hat keeps time as the song oozes along methodically. "PPP" will live on the band’s upcoming "Depression Cherry" album, slated for release Friday.
"Smile" by The Royal Concept
Released Aug. 21 — A folky chant starts off "Smile" before an electric guitar and vocalist David Larson’s falsetto take the reins. Larson’s singing is lively, seeming to float overtop the forceful power chords and slamming drums. During the chorus, the earthy chants make a return, this time with layered lyrics sung above the melody. Although the song sounds like it sprouted from middle-American shrubs, the band actually hails from Stockholm, Sweden, oddly enough. "Smile" can be found on The Royal Concept’s latest EP, which goes by the same name.
"Drive" by Halsey
Released Aug. 21 — A glitchy synthesizer acts as the backbone for "Drive," but by no means does it stop there. The production on this track is thoroughly laced with layers of distortion and instrumental switch-ups. Halsey croons along about losing control of her car on the interstate and attempting to kindle a romance, doing so pretty nonchalantly. Halfway through the song, a male voice belonging to her actual ex-boyfriend (producer and rapper Lido) adds back-up vocals and a touch of tension. Halsey’s approach to pop music is dark, messy and uncompromising. Her debut album, "BADLANDS," is set to drop Friday.
