30 More Great Songs You Missed
(By Matthew Werner)
When
I review music, I generally try to focus on things that have flown
under the radar. Sometimes, I feel like a song in particular is so good
but deserves far more attention than it gets. Since people seem to like
their listicles, I figured this'd be a good way of maybe getting some
eyeballs in front of 30 songs I believe deserve more attention. If you have any further suggestions, I'm always down to try new stuff.
Some things to note:
1. There will be no repeats on musicians/bands, so that more can be highlighted.
2.
The title of this presumes that you're a fairly casual listener to
music, or that you're deep into one genre or so and not many others. You
may not have missed a song on here if you're big into, say, rap music.
The same may be true if you actually listen to the music I recommend,
but haha, we all know you don't.
3. Expect plenty of weird shit you've never heard of, regardless.
1. SELENE (2020) by NIKI
88rising's NIKI continues to impress with this sensual, ethereal R&B tune which carries on NIKI's strengths (her stunning vocals, infectious voice, and adorable persona) and solves her greatest issue (her lyrics tend to come from the same feelings of head over heels adoration for someone) by telling a neat lil story which provides nice context for her to riff on in the way that us fans of her love. Still gotta listen to Moonchild...
Ska punk legends Five Iron Frenzy made their comeback in 2014 after many years disbanded--their next album is right around the corner, too--and Zen and the Art of Xenophobia showed that they could still kick major ass with politically-charged lyrics, energetic performances, and an undeniable sense of humor.
Backxwash is by far one of the rappers I am most interested to see grow artistically. Black Magic sees her on one of her most aggressive highlights off of a pretty spectacular album. Backxwash's delivery is cold-blooded, and you always know you're in for a good tune when you see Ada on a track.
End of Forever is lyrically about as bitter as you can get with a break-up song (or, more accurately, a "fuck you, ex" one), and the raging hard rock performances really accentuate the venomous jabs. This song is so damn cathartic.
Finland's Battle Beast proves their lyrical capabilities beyond "rule of cool" with this savvy polemical heavy metal takedown of corrupt, plutocratic politicians. And sonically it kicks ass too. Noora Louhimo is a living heavy metal legend up there with the very best of 'em (Rob Halford, Doro, Ozzy, etc.); she has a great sense of personality and kicks so, so much ass. When it comes to frontpeople in metal, Noora is an absolute fave regardless of subgenre right now.
As a Carly Rae Jepsen and Dua Lipa afficionado, PRIZM's album this year was naturally right up my alley. Disco Biscuit is a certified synthpop banger with excellent production and some sweet vocal performances by this Texan duo.
Australian sensation Tkay Maidza delivers a gorgeous song about the artistic process, cleverly comparing flowers to her art. This one is definitely a pretty flower.
I would like to personally issue every single creepy Tik Tok twerp who harassed Devi McCallion simply for being a woman, and made Black Dresses disband, their very own middle finger. Peaceful as Hell is an amazing album, a strong AOTY contender for me, and it would've been amazing to see more of what Devi and Ada could have done together if we didn't live in a society that has no sympathy for our trans folks.
2. PERSONAL HELL (2019) by Kim Petras
Kim Petras dials up the flirt factor on this absurdly catchy pop track. Her singing is fantastic and she sells the love-stricken lyrics hard. Kim tends to hew more sensual when it comes to her lyrics, and her persona on this tune (and the rest of Clarity) is incredibly affable. (whereas her persona on TURN OFF THE LIGHT shows her ability to kick ass and take names with a darker horrorpop character, but that's for another time.) Meanwhile, the remarkable production holds up its end and makes this album seriously infectious.
3. ZEN AND THE ART OF XENOPHOBIA (2014) by Five Iron Frenzy
Ska punk legends Five Iron Frenzy made their comeback in 2014 after many years disbanded--their next album is right around the corner, too--and Zen and the Art of Xenophobia showed that they could still kick major ass with politically-charged lyrics, energetic performances, and an undeniable sense of humor.
4. PUNANI (2020) by 6ix9ine
Wait, what the fuck is 6ix9ine doing on this? Get that shit out of here.
DON'T LISTEN HERE
4. BLACK MAGIC, FEATURING ADA ROOK (2020) by Backxwash
Backxwash is by far one of the rappers I am most interested to see grow artistically. Black Magic sees her on one of her most aggressive highlights off of a pretty spectacular album. Backxwash's delivery is cold-blooded, and you always know you're in for a good tune when you see Ada on a track.
5. END OF FOREVER (2019) by Rival Sons
End of Forever is lyrically about as bitter as you can get with a break-up song (or, more accurately, a "fuck you, ex" one), and the raging hard rock performances really accentuate the venomous jabs. This song is so damn cathartic.
6. KING FOR A DAY (2017) by Battle Beast
Finland's Battle Beast proves their lyrical capabilities beyond "rule of cool" with this savvy polemical heavy metal takedown of corrupt, plutocratic politicians. And sonically it kicks ass too. Noora Louhimo is a living heavy metal legend up there with the very best of 'em (Rob Halford, Doro, Ozzy, etc.); she has a great sense of personality and kicks so, so much ass. When it comes to frontpeople in metal, Noora is an absolute fave regardless of subgenre right now.
7. DISCO BISCUIT (2020) by PRIZM
As a Carly Rae Jepsen and Dua Lipa afficionado, PRIZM's album this year was naturally right up my alley. Disco Biscuit is a certified synthpop banger with excellent production and some sweet vocal performances by this Texan duo.
8. MY FLOWERS (2020) by Tkay Maidza
Australian sensation Tkay Maidza delivers a gorgeous song about the artistic process, cleverly comparing flowers to her art. This one is definitely a pretty flower.
9. SCARED 2 DEATH (2020) by Black Dresses
I would like to personally issue every single creepy Tik Tok twerp who harassed Devi McCallion simply for being a woman, and made Black Dresses disband, their very own middle finger. Peaceful as Hell is an amazing album, a strong AOTY contender for me, and it would've been amazing to see more of what Devi and Ada could have done together if we didn't live in a society that has no sympathy for our trans folks.
*sigh*
Let's talk SCARED 2 DEATH. It's a cacophonous industrial metal/noise pop banger bolstered by some astounding instrumentals and Devi's beautiful, sincere singing. Is it as explosive as a track like "Beautiful Friendship"? No. Would I love to recommend every single song on this album individually? Yes. Will I now, and break my own rule? Let's see.
Do you miss Hybrid Theory era Linkin Park? Set Me Free might not be something I love as much as any of the classic tracks from that era of LP, but it's a very promising start for a band that really ought to have more listeners than they do. Definitely a fun listen.
I sure do like to talk up Reason Define around here, huh? Well, that's for two big reasons: 1) they're awesome, and 2) WHY DO THEY ONLY HAVE ~835 MONTHLY LISTENERS ON SPOTIFY??? (at time of writing) Anyways, Forgiveness Again is RD on their A-game and one of the best tracks on In Memory...; a propulsive heavy metal track with fiery instrumentals, gorgeous singing by Paolina Massaro which sell the wounded lyrics, addictive hooks, and a bittersweet mix of haunting beauty. This band really, really deserves way more respect.
Scuzzy hard rock from one of my favorite bands of the moment. This track has such a sleazy vibe lyrically and instrumentally, and Guernica Mancini's bluesy singing kills too. Diggin' it.
LISTEN HERE (HARASS DEVI OR ADA, OR ANYONE ELSE I TALK ABOUT, AND I WILL FIND YOU AND LOCK YOU UP IN A DUMPSTER)
10. SET ME FREE (2020) by NORMUNDY
Do you miss Hybrid Theory era Linkin Park? Set Me Free might not be something I love as much as any of the classic tracks from that era of LP, but it's a very promising start for a band that really ought to have more listeners than they do. Definitely a fun listen.
11. FORGIVENESS AGAIN (2019) by Reason Define
I sure do like to talk up Reason Define around here, huh? Well, that's for two big reasons: 1) they're awesome, and 2) WHY DO THEY ONLY HAVE ~835 MONTHLY LISTENERS ON SPOTIFY??? (at time of writing) Anyways, Forgiveness Again is RD on their A-game and one of the best tracks on In Memory...; a propulsive heavy metal track with fiery instrumentals, gorgeous singing by Paolina Massaro which sell the wounded lyrics, addictive hooks, and a bittersweet mix of haunting beauty. This band really, really deserves way more respect.
12. MEXICO (2020) by Thundermother
Scuzzy hard rock from one of my favorite bands of the moment. This track has such a sleazy vibe lyrically and instrumentally, and Guernica Mancini's bluesy singing kills too. Diggin' it.
13. MAIMED, FEATURING GURGLESPLAT (2016) by EL TIGR3
Maimed is a track that I have always dug, but which I've never given enough credit for being a top-notch, danceable synth banger. EL TIGR3 has always been one of my favorite instrumental synth artists, and Maimed is just another feather in their cap as far as I'm concerned. This beat is tectonic in how infectious it can be if you let it.
14. SWEETHEART (2020) by Rebecca Black
Remember when the Internet decided that Rebecca Black was the worst thing ever, all over her performing a crappy vanity pop song that no one was ever supposed to listen to--much less have it go viral? You know she was a literal child when all that happened, and it led to her becoming a laughingstock for years? Like, what did we fucking expect out of a novelty song by a teenager? Well, now that literal child's a woman, who is comfortable making music again and it's... actually really great? It's sassy and she's got a great sense of personality. Seriously, the Internet is just so despicable and no parents ought to subject their children to it after "Friday."
15. KISS THE GO-GOAT (2019) by Ghost
Bustling psychedelic pop rock that takes Ghost's beloved themes of Satanic panic in a new direction from the likes of "Rats" or "Cirice," but is no less mesmerizing; with Ghost's signature vibe that is absolutely perfect for October.
16. TAXI (2020) by Nova Twins
Grimy rap/metal awesomeness with some insanely good guitar shredding and aggressive rapping. This is a killer track, with excellent flows.
17. BLACK HEART (2015) by Carly Rae Jepsen
Hm, how odd to see Carly on here again, innit? And aren't I a lazy tit for keeping her in the same slot, and for picking another track off of this album so that I don't have to change much of anything? (Sorry, these things take ten million years to make as is, I gotta trim things down SOMEHOW.) That said, Black Heart is an underrated track even within the CRJ fanbase--annoyingly, this album came out back when physical album sales still mattered and when you would stick bonus tracks into being retailer exclusives. Usually, these would be the weaker tunes that only the diehard fans would seek out, but we're talking Carly Rae Jepsen here. A woman who puts out top-notch synthpop track after top-notch synthpop track like it's nothing. And so, naturally, Black Heart is yet another upbeat and incredibly fun track with her typically stellar vocals. Thankfully, this track has been thrown online for years and isn't difficult to find if you're looking for it; it's just not on the official album tracklist, when I think it's stronger than several songs on that.
18. ONE OF THEM (2020) by Daniel Deluxe
This is gonna be my synth banger of the year, methinks. It's excellent.
19. FOUR YEARS GONE (2019) by Johnny Manchild and The Poor Bastards
Affable ska punk artistes Johnny Manchild and those devilishly talented Poor Bastards dazzle with this beautiful, sensitive ballad about the quiet death of a relationship--it's the polar opposite to End of Forever; there's no bitterness in Four Years Gone. It's respectful and tender in a way that virtually no break-up songs are. Plus, the playing and singing are simply lovely. JM&TPB are no doubt about as wholesome you can get for an "internet band" and deserve far more attention.
Sorry if Ruby Ibarra is becoming a regular around these parts, because I've gotta evangelize for one of my absolute favorite rappers considering how absurdly underrated she is. Are you someone who whines about all of the popular women rappers talking about sex and drugs and guns (like all of the super popular guys do too (Kendrick included), but never get any shit for...)? Why not instead, y'know, listen to all of the amazing women in the underground conscious hip hop scene, like E-Turn or Ruby? Even if you're not specifically looking for lyrical ladies in rap, I still cannot recommend Ruby's jazzy and low-class music enough. Someday in particular is a track that cuts deep with bars that... I can relate to all too much.
Jammy, hard rockin' awesomeness with a very raw, potent sound that I just can't get enough of. I love the grimy stoner riffs and just how concussive this thing gets.
21. THE WOLF (2020) by Honeybadger
Jammy, hard rockin' awesomeness with a very raw, potent sound that I just can't get enough of. I love the grimy stoner riffs and just how concussive this thing gets.
22. TIPSY (2020) by Chloe x Halle
Sassy contemporary R&B with lots of personality and a slightly lethal edge to it. Keep an eye on these two, they're goin' places.
23. WAKE UP, THE MONSTER SAID (2019) by Call Me Malcolm
Bands like Johnny Manchild and The Poor Bastards and Call Me Malcolm boldly keep ska punk alive. This song deftly deals in themes of depression and they've got a strong reputation among the scene thanks to some kind words from Vinnie Fiorello of the legendary Less Than Jake, so I have a few good reasons to look forward to listening to the full album besides the fact that this track is fantastic. Passionate performances and relatable lyrics, with a jovial attitude that sweetens the dark themes lyrically. Plus, they have a similar strength in constructing catchy tunes on par with a Less Than Jake, so if you're into those guys... check these ones out.
24. FOCUS (2018) by Cheyenne Wright
Focus is beautiful in that way that only great R&B can be. Between Cheyenne's passionate and lovely singing full of personality and sass, and the tight production, this really is a hidden gem.
25. ODIOUS (2019) by Palehørse
Stellar hooks and riffs pervade Odious, courtesy of Finnish progressive metallers Palehørse (previously known as Amendfoil). Not only do I ADORE their logo, color scheme, and cover art, these lads stick the landing with such a catchy, stoner-y anthem in Odious.
26. HOLY BLOOD (2016) by The Conjuring
They say that thrash is dead, but then we have bands like Argentina's The Conjuring (unrelated to the cInEmAtIc UnIvErSe they share a name with) who bring some of the most devilish performances, hellish atmospheres, and godless cover art you can think of for this scene. This song is brutally cathartic, in the way that I like my thrash. If you're into Kreator or not-shit Slayer, this band's 2016 outing ought to be on your radar (I have plans to cover it in full).
27. QUEEN OF THIS SHIT (2017) by Quay Dash
If I can be honest here... Quay Dash deserves far more respect. This track (boasting production by the one and only SOPHIE) is one of the best rap songs I've started listening to this year (even if it came out in '17). That comes down to not only the exceptional production one should expect of SOPHIE, but also Quay's great sense of personality and braggadocio. Obviously, there aren't many trans ladies in rap, but Quay has the tight flows and swagger that more mainstream artists in her field would kill for.
28. TO THE FIRE (2019) by Black Sites
Black Sites are a fantastic heavy metal band, whose 2019 album Exile (not to be confused for Daniel Deluxe's 2020 album by the same name) was poetic yet throttling. The lyrics are thoughtful, the grooves are cathartic, and the vocals are powerful. To the Fire is a highlight among highlights.
29. P.I.S.S./U.S. (2020) by Death Tour
A cracking, rebellious hardcore punk barn-burner. This song is so unstoppable and aggressive that it burns through itself in barely over a minute, but damn it's a phenomenal listen for that minute.
30. WHERE OWLS KNOW MY NAME (2018) by Rivers of Nihil
Death metal and jazz may not sound remotely complimentary, and yet Rivers of Nihil is intent on showing otherwise. This title track to their acclaimed 2018 album is equal parts calamitous yet beautiful, it stands out wonderfully.
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