I thought it would be a cool idea to start writing about singles too. I just thought it would be nice to have another outlet to talk about things I normally wouldn’t be able to talk about. The main rule that I’m adding for this section is that the singles can’t be associated with a project that has an announced release date. For example, both Slowthai and JPEGMAFIA released pretty great singles for projects that have yet to come out, but each project has a set release date that each single is a part of. I’ll put a playlist at the bottom of not only these singles, but every other single in this time period that I find entertaining and worth a listen.
Jensen McRae - “Immune”
This song is actually the reason why I wanted to start this series (along with the 100 gecs remix). Mainly because while I think this is a great song, the story behind this song is fantastic and hopefully this propels Jensen to the popularity she deserves. After a Phoebe Bridgers joke she put on Twitter went viral, she made a cover for the fake song she described. The song was only one verse and guitar line, but it managed to not only capture the feeling and lyrical style of Phoebe, but got the attention of Phoebe herself. Less than two weeks later, Jensen had officially recorded and released the full version of the song, “Immune”. The song still revolves around the subject matter in Jensen’s original tweet, which is about hooking up while waiting in line to get vaccinated at Dodger Stadium. While her lyrics were made to emulate Phoebe in the first verse, the rest of the song shows Jensen bringing it into her own sound. The song builds perfectly with the addition of strings towards the end, but also doesn’t overbuild to the point where it sounds like a pop song. Hopefully this is just an appetizer to what Jensen has coming with her album this year.
Linkin Park - “One Step Closer” (100 gecs Reanimation)
Now this is a moment for many people like me. I remember being seven and hearing this song constantly playing in our dirt bike video game we used to have for the Wii. Now 21 years after the song came out, and almost 15 years for me personally, the song was remixed by none other than the musical force that is 100 gecs. Although many fans have probably grown up to become the gecs fanbase, most Linkin Park fans seemed shocked that they would allow this duo of seemingly nonsense to remix one of the group’s most classic tracks. For fans of gecs though, this remix was everything we could’ve wanted. They mixed Laura’s vocals into the track really well, kept the “shut up when I’m talking to you” freak out towards the backend of the track, and added their patented hyperpop style to the track. It’s actually a good track to introduce the gecs to people, but mainly because of the original song and it’s impact. But hey, maybe the video of Dylan in a Thanos mask building a house of cards with glue will bring people in.
Billie Eilish & Rosalía - “Lo Vas A Olvidar”
Rosalía has been constantly telling Billie over social media to send her vocals for the collab and now two years after they started writing it, it’s finally being released along with Euphoria’s new special episode. With huge names like Billie Eilish and Rosalia on one song, the expectations are arguably too high. Instead of this otherworldly, boundary pushing song for the future, it’s a beautiful ballad that shows both singers singing in multiple languages. The song doesn’t progress to that extra level, but remains in the same atmospheric arena as Billie’s previous music. Even with the outro not progressing the way I hoped, they still add the use of Autotune to help with a slight transition at the end when they go back and forth for the last 40 seconds of the song. This song won’t define either of their careers, but it’s still an entertaining and beautiful song.
SOPHIE - “Unsil”
This single has been around for years, as it was a physical bonus track for people who bought the Product CD, but this is the first time it’s getting an official release and believe it or not, this was released a few days before her tragic accident. Even after all this time, there is still no one who is making anything that sounds like this. The song is driven by these fast paced, electronic drums that are the majority of the track. It may sound boring on paper, but the little things about this track help make it another special track by her. The sound design, texture, and pace of the track are just some of the small things that all change throughout the song to make it great. It’s yet another reminder of the world-altering talent that we lost recently.
Flo Milli - “Roaring 20s”
Flo Milli is someone I only started listening to in the past few weeks, but everyone has heard her songs for the past year all over social media. Her style isn’t that unique, but her bravado and diction is something that’s unique in hip hop. This song is a perfect introduction to her music. She brings on Kenny Beats to produce the track that starts out with a Fiddler on the Roof sample before delving into the minimalistic trap influences that Kenny’s perfected. The song is a bit short, especially with the long intro and outro, but Flo Milli makes the most of her short time. It sounds like something that could’ve fit perfectly into her 2020 mixtape, Ho, Why is You Here?. After only turning 21 last month, Flo Milli proves once again that she has a bright future ahead of her.
Deb Never - “Someone Else”
Deb Never is someone who has always struck me as one of the better artists in this emo-pop mixed with hip hop sound, and “Someone Else” might be her best song yet. The song progresses beautifully with some muted drums at first, before exploding after the bridge with a wall of sound. Deb also gives one of her best vocal performances on this track. Her deep voice during the verses pairs perfectly with the effervescent, higher-pitched chorus. It’s also worth noting that Deb isn’t really creating a new sound with this song, but rather introducing people to a new artist that can write a great song in this sound. Both of Deb’s projects are a bit short, unfinished, and seemingly amateurish, but hopefully this song shows that Deb is ready to release a meticulously put together project that will prove her talent.
FKA twigs, Headie One, Fred again.. - “Don’t Judge Me”
This song actually first appeared in a smaller portion on Headie One and Fred again’s project GANG in 2020. It was only an interlude at the time, but the full version finally released at the end of January. The song and video shows both of them talking about how they’ve dealt with racism in their lives. FKA twigs talks about the effect it has on her relationships, the one with Robert Pattinson in particular, where fans of his would comment pictures of monkeys under everything twigs posted online. Headie One’s verse is about his relationship with the police while growing up poor and in the inner city. And of course, since it’s an FKA twigs song, the video is astounding and full of symbolism. While the song is still good, it is a bit tame sonically for someone of twigs’s caliber. This song probably won’t stand out in either of their catalogs by the time their careers are over, but it’s still a powerful song about the problems the world is still facing.
Tkay Maidza - “KIM” (Feat. Yung Baby Tate)
It was only six months ago when Tkay Maidza was dropping one of the best EPs of the year, but she’s already back with a new single. It’s a fairly straightforward, aggressive banger where each of them are talking about empowerment and flexing. Even though the song is only two and a half minutes, the beat progresses more than the majority of songs out there. The video also plays off the title, with Tkay dressing up as some iconic moments from different Kims in pop culture. The main three Kims in the video are Lil Kim, Kim Kardashian, and Kim Possible. Tkay likes to drop music frequently, so even though this is the lead single for her next project, it still might not drop for a long time. Either way, this is still another fantastic, hard hitting banger made for concerts.
Brent Faiyaz & DJ Dahi - “Gravity” (Feat. Tyler, the Creator)
Brent Faiyaz has always been someone with potential that’s not yet realized. He’s got a soothing voice, but most of his music borrows too heavily from his influences that he’s not on the same level as. Even this new track, “Gravity”, borrows quite a bit from people like Tyler himself and Rex Orange County, but it’s still easily one of his best tracks yet. The production is handled by DJ Dahi and Steve Lacy playing the guitar lick that adds quite a bit to the track. Brent adds on some chopped-and-screwed vocals during the verses that gives it a unique texture for an R&B tune. Tyler’s verse lasts less than 30 seconds, but he fits in perfectly and continues his run of great rap verses over the past year. Hopefully this is a track that shows Brent realizing his potential and taking his influences and turning it into something different.
JID & Denzel Curry - “Bruuuh” (Remix)
JID recently released a three-pack of songs on streaming services, but this is the only “new” song. It’s not even fully new, as JID still uses the same verse from the original four years ago. All that’s different is a Denzel Curry feature and the production being mixed clearer. I do kind of miss the menacing feeling the unmixed version gives off, but the new mix is likely better for the long haul. It’s still easily one of the best songs so far of 2021, especially if you like hip hop. Just two great rappers trying to outdo one another. The other two songs are worth a mention as well. “Cludder” is a fantastic and straightforward lyrical exercise, while “Ballads” brings on Conway as well for an incredible verse by each of them. None of these singles are going to be on his upcoming album, so if his throwaways are this great, the expectation for the album is even greater than these tunes.
Freddie Gibbs - “Gang Signs” (Feat. ScHoolboy Q)
Seeing Freddie Gibbs and ScHoolboy Q on one song immediately puts expectations through the roof, so I was surprised when I pressed play and it was a laid back tune. This could’ve been the grimiest song of the year, but instead it sounds like something perfect for a laid back summer day. Freddie actually brings a nice melody to the chorus over these summery keys and light drums. Even the video is a fully animated story of Freddie being a rabbit and ScHoolboy a turtle that doesn’t appear menacing at all. The subject matter is still dark though, talking about the horrors of the gangster lifestyle. The video reflects that part of the contradiction as well, with the rabbit and turtle going around causing chaos and robbing people. I am a bit curious why they dropped a song so perfect for lazy summer days in the heart of winter, but besides that, this song is a fantastic collaboration with two of the best in hip hop today.
Cardi B - “Up”
Cardi B only released one song last year and it was popular and influential enough for her to be named Billboard’s Woman of the Year. Following her most iconic single yet would be a hard task, but “Up” does live up to the hype “WAP” created. It won’t be the hit that “WAP” was, but it’s another hilarious banger. The beat is fantastic, especially for a pop rap track. It’s fairly simplistic, but works as a hard hitting banger. The flow changes are subtle, but add quite a bit for keeping the track entertaining. The lyrics are full of hilarious quips, one being, “Hoes speaking cap-enese, hit ‘em with the karate chop.” They run their course by the third verse, where they start to get a bit annoying and more outrageous, but it still overall creates a positive mood. I doubt Cardi is writing the lyrics, as she’s been known to use ghostwriters, but I’m not sure if who writes it matters for a Cardi B song. Unless you’re a Cardi B hater, I’m not sure how much there is in this song for people to dislike.
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