Best New Tracks Of The Week: July 3rd, 2023
We're officially in the second half of 2023 and the singles chart is off to a GREAT start.
5. DOUBT - Jeff Rosenstock
Fittingly, Jeff Rosenstock left no doubt with his second single. The awesome two-part single shows off Jeff at his most sentimental on the more emotional first half before erupting into an explosion of punky angst in the second half. All along the way the track is full of great refrains and even better vocals from Jeff.
4. Defeat - Animal Collective
AnCo delivered a whopper of a new single completely out of nowhere. The new track treats fans to a number of highly distinct segments across more than 21 minutes of music. While I couldn't possibly have listened to it enough times to remember the whole thing just this week, I did listen to it an embarrassing number of times. A full breakdown of the track isn't for this forum but I'll say that while every single moment isn't perfectly essential there are some absolutely wonderful passages.
3. vampire - Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo is quickly becoming the queen of the breakup song and this is her most vengeful outing yet. The song props up rolling thunderclouds but subverts expectations and manages to cut even deeper as a result. While the song's bridge is meant to be the climax and yet it manages to be my least favorite moment, I still find this song pretty compelling.
2. Big Hammer - James Blake
James Blake throws it back, and I mean WAY back on this new dance number. Gone is all of the patient R&B and intimate vocals musings and in its place is an infectious grinding beat and smooth synth line. Once the song's vocal samples kick in it becomes a banger of a whole new capacity. While expectations are always high for James Blake, this song grew on me with every listen.
1. Spirit 2.0 - Sampha
There are very few artists who can drop the same day as James Blake and match the level of excitement I have for their new songs. Sampha is one of those rare exceptions as he returns with his first new song in 6 years. Of course, it helps that the track is absolutely gorgeous. The song sees Sampha simplifying the compositional elements of his R&B style but sounding even cloudier and more futuristic than ever before. His vocal ability continues to be completely unmatched as he serves up the runaway best new song of the week.
