April has been a huge month for music. Two of the world’s biggest artists, Beyoncé and Drake, released their highly anticipated albums and a slew of other artists have been releasing music all month. I’ve given my two cents on Beyoncé’s “LEMONADE,” so feel free to check that out, but let’s get into everything else this month had to offer.
I’m not the biggest Flume fan, but his recent single really caught my ear. “Say It,” his not-so-subtle sex song features Tove Lo and incorporates Flume’s usual production styles. Whether it is quick silences, distorted rhythms or unique sounds, this song has it all and Tove Lo’s voice fits perfectly into the chaos.
On a similar genre but very different style, Danish DJ and producer SLOWOLF released a track with Kimbra called “White Feathers.” It begins with these ascending bell sounds that can be heard throughout as Kimbra’s voice breaks through the texture. It’s a rhythmic-based song, with bouncing bass lines and a driving drum machine that create the songs chaotic nature. This chaos is counteracted by Kimbra’s soft, powerful vocals. Be sure to check out both artists, they are sure to continue to make big waves.
Sticking with the producer/singer combos, Calvin Harris released a single with Rihanna. This duo hasn’t been seen together since Rihanna’s 2011 hit, “We Found Love,” but this year they came back together for “This Is What You Came For.” It’s pretty typical sounding for Harris, but we get a subtler, dance style from Rihanna to counter her aggressive, powerful style in “Anti.” This song is sure to be all over the radio this summer, so be sure you add it to your summer hit list.
One last producer/singer combo, but this one is the most important. After the legal disaster that Kesha had to go through, she has come back with the help of producer Zedd and no Dr. Luke in sight. At this year’s Coachella, Kesha joined Zedd on stage to premiere the version of his song “True Colors,” which is now available for purchase. The song fits perfectly with all she has gone through and she changes the lyrics as well saying “I’ve escaped my capture and I have no master.” It’s a really powerful song and it’s great to see Kesha making music again, without Dr. Luke.
Now finally moving to something different—after a successful first album, the New Zealand based duo Broods has returned with “Free.” It’s an anthem for freedom with aggressive synths and chant-like vocals.The album is a more mature sound for Broods and they have added a lot of elements from their thinner texture in their previous album.
There are plenty of amazing songs that came out this month. I’m not going to lie and say I haven’t been exclusively listening to “LEMONADE” since it came out, but these were the songs that stuck out to me outside of the big Beyoncé drop. Be sure to check out all these songs and look out for all the new music that is sure to come out in May.