We recommend: The best new global music
Editor’s Note: We’ve pulled together the best new tracks and albums—both international and Indian—that dropped in the last four weeks. Tune into March’s playlist on splainer’s Spotify.
‘Take Me to the River’ by Lorde: This is Lorde’s cover of the cult rock song by the Talking Heads originally recorded in 1978. It is being released as part of an album that’s celebrating the Talking Heads. We missed Lorde’s vocals, and you’ll also enjoy the eccentric percussion in the music.
‘Safer’ by Tyla: Grammy-winning breakout South African star Tyla, best known for her viral hit song ‘Water’, has released her very first album titled ‘TYLA’. This is the second song on the album and opens with addictive tropical beats which run throughout the track accompanied by Tyla’s equally fresh, addictive voice and melody.
‘Suavecito’ by Reyna Tropical, Busy Twist, Franklin Tejedor: Another super easy listen is this Spanish song—combining the artist’s diasporic and queer experiences with Congolese, Peruvian, and Colombian rhythms. The result is this feet-tapping track.
‘Von Dutch’ by Charli XCX: An instant club classic—this new single from English hitmaker Charli XCX is unhinged, vitriolic and sassy. Leading up to her upcoming album ‘Brat’ this first drop is like a sonic slap in the face—one that wakes you up to the euphoric highs of a messy night out. You’ll find yourself humming the refrain “I’m your number one” at any odd hour of the day. Be sure to also check out its remix with music producer A. G. Cook and pop singer Addison Rae.
‘Last Frontier’ by Ride: This is part of ‘Interplay’, the latest album from the indie-rock band that formed in 1988. The track’s guitars and drums have a familiar vibe, and the song builds up to a sweet moment towards the end.
‘Rolling Thunder’ by Raf Saperra, Conway the Machine, Taj Aulakh: If the opening ‘burrahs’ of the song don’t do anything for the covert Punjabi-music-appreciator hidden deep inside every Brown person—then, maybe this is not for you. The opening track of British-Punjabi artist Raf Saperra’s new album, it is a masterclass in blending folk and rap.
‘Letters’ by Frank Turner: This is a rather poetic piece of music. The lyrics will make you nostalgic about old friendships, and picking pieces up together as an adult. You’ll also enjoy the official lyric video.
‘Middle Of The Night’ by Thomas Headon: Alternative pop takes an adorable form in this sprightly song. Fun samples, confident crooning and happy choir additions remind us of summer breeze and long drives. This is one to add to your personal playlists and tell all your friends about!
‘How’ by Sinai Vessel: This understated number has a little bit of all the essential instruments (piano, guitars, drums) in agreeable degrees. The singer-songwriter’s wistful vocals make you want to lend a keener ear to the short, but sure message of overcoming dark places in our mind as conveyed in the lyrics. We love the hopeful piano on this one!
‘Bitch U Leaving’ by Raj, Perp, Mad Gamblez: This is a smooth offering from guitarist and beatmaker Raj. Featuring honeyed vocals from singer Perp—whispered, soft and layered—they add a congruous juxtaposition to rap verses from Mad Gamblez.
‘Prologue’ by Kamasi Washington: The jazz virtuoso delivers yet again with a manic composition. The breadth of refinement and attention to detail in its instrumentation is hard to capture in words. The frenetic saxophone will take you on a soul journey as the drums and keys get funkier. Infinite in sensory experience—you’ll want to hear this one again and again.
‘The High Room’ by Storefront Church: Doleful and overwhelming—this is a beautiful composition from the LA based musician. A project of Lukas Frank—Storefront Church makes brooding, orchestral music—that sounds inspired by religion in a post-modern cinematic pop swaddling.
The past month’s best new albums
It isn’t always about a single. Below are the album releases of the last month that are worthy of your extended time and attention:
‘Cowboy Carter’ by Beyoncé: The Queen has been at the top of the game for more than two decades and we don’t know how she does it again—and again. This ‘act ii’ album features heavyweights such as Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, WIllie Nelson and more—plus, a rework of a Beatles track. Need we say more? Inspired by the ‘Country’ genre—the record is quintessential Beyoncé with strong vocals, thumping beats and RnB styling.
‘Three’ by Four Tet: Gentle and atmospheric, this electronica album from London producer Four Tet is calming—making for both, a mindful listen—and for the times you want to spend daydreaming and let your mind wander. Expect chiming and clear soundscapes with a helpful serving of kick drums. We recommend the eight-track album for its meandering journey through intelligent beats, jazz percussion and vinyl crackles.
‘Only God Was Above Us’ by Vampire Weekend: Indie rock icons Vampire Weekend return with an album after half a decade. Sweet and electrifying, lead vocalist Ezra Koenig pines on some tracks and leads anthemic calls on others. The songwriting is fresh yet familiar—tune into this one for some millennial nostalgia.
‘Bright Future’ by Adrianne Lenker: Contemplative, honest and melodious—this folk record is your answer to the yearning hours. Lenker is the frontwoman of the rock band Big Thief and her solo project differs, with her shedding any veils—both vocally and lyrically. Fair warning—the vocals are raw and stark, do not expect pop pleasing here.
PS: Standout tracks from each album have been added to splainer’s March 2024 playlist on Spotify!