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 April’s playlist on splainer’s Spotify.
‘Neverender’ by Justice & Tame Impala: A YouTube comment under the song’s official lyric video says “In a Daft Punk-less world, there is Justice”. Stuttering beats, Kevin Parker of Tame Impala’s falsetto vocals and deft drums make it a smooth build up to heady dance deliverance. The French electronic music duo of Justice is as close we’ll come to in 2024 to having another Daft Punk—the iconic fellow Parisian producers—behind hits such as ‘Get Lucky’ and ‘One More Time’
‘Ajala’ by Ezra Collective: A jazz-funk celebration, this one’s a great song to soundtrack your lazy Sunday. A solid wind section of trumpets and saxophone with lithe percussions—it makes you want to get up and groove to the infectious live beats.
‘1:59 (feat Gunna)’ by Normani: This is the first single from the former Fifth Harmony member Normani’s upcoming debut album ‘Dopamine’ slated for a release in June. The rhythm and the lyrics are seductive as well as catchy and easy to listen to.
‘Fortnight (feat Post Malone)’ by Taylor Swift: Swift has always prided herself on her vulnerability through lyrics and her fandom eats it right up as they place themselves in her shoes and navigate their own way through heartbreak with musical catharsis. This album opener’s refrain of “I love you, it’s ruining my life” is a relatable journal-esque confession and standout track off her new record.
‘Knife Edge’ by Thom Yorke: The frontman, vocalist and songwriter of the rock band Radiohead offers this sweet piano ballad which sounds like a lullaby. The track is part of the score of Daniele Luchetti’s film ‘Confidenza’.
‘Ithaca’ by Tourist: Atmospheric and ambient, the UK musician crafts ‘listening music’ that makes for a great travel playlist for on-the-go or meditative sounds for the dancefloor. The many layers in the production alongside nature samples and sharp synths cut this as an essential and underrated addition.
‘Raat Ki Rani’ by Arooj Aftab: Grammy-winning Pakistani artist Arooj Aftab’s title track from her latest album is a refreshing song though tonally it is melancholic. The song is simple yet addictive. Aftab is known for moody, contemplative music so it will be familiar to her fans.
‘Espresso’ by Sabrina Carpenter: Already touted as the ‘song of the summer’—former Disney star Sabrina Carpenter’s new single of 2024 is a wholesome earworm bop. The hook really makes its way into your subconscious and you’ll find yourself humming the chorus at any time of the day.
‘Echoes Of The Inner Prophet’ by Melissa Aldana: This sombre jazz number is from the Grammy-nominated American-Chilean saxophone artist Melissa Aldana. The piece also features soft drums, finger guitar and a piano score running in the background—making it a pleasant listen.
‘Baddy On The Floor’ by Jamie xx, Honey Dijon: UK producer Jamie xx has been on a roll with euphoric offerings that meld classic samples and underground beats. This one featuring American beatmaker Honey Dijon is a House music ode to happy dance floors.
‘Death Wishes to Kill’ by James Elkington and Nathan Salsburg: Here’s another one for fans of folk-inspired music. The instrumental song is an original from James Elkington and Nathan Salsburg who have come together after eight years for an album called ‘All Gist’.
‘Attention’ by Kayan: R&B vocals that are electronically manipulated, heartfelt songwriting over avant-garde beats, a swift switch from heavy production to soft songwriting—Mumbai-based musician Kayan delivers a mix of old and new sonics seamlessly on this one.
‘Art History’ by Perennial: Giving a big nod to the punk rock era—with the jagged riffs and a high-energy shout-singing vocal style—this is a banger opening track from the English trio. The song will be nostalgic for any emo kid.
‘Club Classics’ by Charli XCX: On the second single from her upcoming album ‘Brat’— Charli continues the party girl music with deeper dives into underground club cut sounds. Grimy, energetic and not at all mellow—queue this up when you’re on your way out this weekend.
‘Good Luck, Babe’ by Chappell Roan: The drag-attired singer-songwriter makes easy-listening pop that has often been called ‘campy’ due to its retro inspired OTT aesthetic. This one features impressive vocals, a smooth rhythm and some lovely drum work. It’s pop 2.0 for 2024 and we highly recommend listening to her full album from 2023.
April's best new albums
It isn’t always about a single. Below are the album releases of the past month that are worthy of your extended time and attention:
‘Dark Matter’ by Pearl Jam: The veteran rockers are back with a classic record. This one’s for the OG fans. Although it can feel a bit too familiar—maybe that is a nostalgic appeal here. Brace yourself for some heavy head banging and thrash sounds with crystalline vocals that do not betray frontman Eddie Vedder’s 59 years at all.
‘Museum’ EP by Tejas: The indie songwriter experiments with Hindustani Classical on his new EP and it’s a refreshing result of pop splashes and indigenous instrumentation. Immaculately produced, Mumbai-based Tejas’ vocals have never sounded more delicately amplified. We recommend the 4 track EP for a session of conscious listening.
‘Culture & Opinions’ by Raj: Guitars, beats and rap come together for a futuristic sound on this record by producer Rajkanwar Sodhi. This 10 track ephemeral album is mostly lo-fi with a generous callback to jazz and R&B silkiness. Saxophone solos, old school samples and modern vocals make this a reckoning album for young artists that are pushing the Indian indie scene forward.
‘All Born Screaming’ by St. Vincent: Dreamy crooning, tight basslines and intricate guitar work—this one’s a rock riot! Angsty with contemporary treatment—St. Vincent has been hailed as one of the best guitarists of our times—and this album renews our faith in guitar-led music and truly keeps the ethos of rock alive.
PS: Standout tracks from each album have been added to splainer’s April 2024 playlist on Spotify!
