After the release of Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, it seemed like the chattering class was consumed with talking about the album (and I include myself in that group). However, we mustn’t let that bright sun eclipse other recently released music. One of the things I find about new music releases in this day and age is how little time there is to absorb what’s out there until the next thing comes along. That’s why I try as best I can to live with the selections I recommend before whittling down my list to three songs – which, as many may know, is a magic number. So, here we go with some singles that might make wonderful additions to your playlists.
Arooj Aftab, “Raat Ki Rani” (YouTube) Just like hip-hop, rock, and classical music, jazz has developed unique variations around the world, Pakistani singer Arooj Aftab’s music is an example of a variant of jazz. Her music blends jazz elements with electronic soundscapes, creating a distinctive style. No newcomer to the music scene, Aftab performed at the Grammys in 2023 and had a song chosen by President Obama for one of his playlists in 2021 (“Mohabbat”), which also vaulted to the best songs list on Time and the New York Times. Well, now comes her fourth album Night Reign (Release date, May 31, 2024). As is the custom for new album releases, a single precedes the record release. “Raat Ki Rani” is an ethereal, dreamy, and gorgeous song. And though she sings in Urdu on this tune, Aftab’s vocal performance transcends linguistic barriers. As they often say, a good song is a good song, and “Raat Ki Rani” is a prime example of that maxim.
Zeal & Ardor, “to my ilk” (YouTube) Sometimes the origin story of a band is just as interesting as their music. Submitted for your inspection is Zeal & Ardor, a project started by Swiss-American musician, Manuel Gagneux. Now, 4Chan is a part of the internet that I’ve never frequented, but I do know the denizens (trolls?) of 4Chan can be a brutal bunch. Gaghneux also knew that, but he thought if he asked folks to suggest unusual musical fusions, something interesting could come back from the 4Chan muck – and it did. Two people suggested he combine n-word music with “black metal.” The idea stayed with him and thus was born Zeal & Ardor – a band that weaves African slave spirituals with metal. Now, on “to my ilk” there’s very little metal in the music, but it leans more towards the spiritual side, with a haunting atmosphere that wouldn’t feel out of place in a post-apocalyptic TV show like The Last of Us or The Walking Dead. It’s a powerful track that exemplifies the band’s ability to create something unique.
Pearl Jam, “Dark Matter” (YouTube) Pearl Jam is not going quietly into the night on their 12th studio album, Dark Matter. This title track shows the band in top form as they return to the melodic hard rock that made Ten such a great debut in 1991. Working with classic rock necromancer Andrew Watt, Pearl Jam has fashioned an album that comes close to the band’s early work. “Dark Matter” (the song) has some effective production flourishes on the guitar creating a thick tone with swirling spicey tremolo effects. And Eddie Vedder is at his ferocious best on vocals. If you’re looking for a song to rock at full volume in your car, “Dark Matter” is one to blast.
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