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Usher – Good Kisser

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One of Usher’s best assets and a contributor to his longevity is his ability to credibly adapt to changing styles in urban and pop music. “Good Kisser” is Mr. Raymond’s latest stylistic iteration and while its elements of construction are both interesting and relevant (the fat jazzy/Pharrell-esque/almost Curtis Mayfield-like rhythmic elements are quite cool) and ultimately quite listenable the execution (and really lack of a memorable primary hook) will likely limit its ceiling as a hit.

Usher (Facebook)

Rating 8.4938

reviewed by
05-05-14

Heavy Steps – Flamingo

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Aussie outfit Heavy Steps released the melodic nu-R&B of single “Flamingo” back in March but it’s new to us now c/o of IS. Heavy Steps’ s/t debut EP is out now.

Heavy Steps (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
05-02-14

Naughty Boy – Home (Feat. Romans)

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UK chart staple Naughty Boy teams with new Roc Nation-signee Romans on the no doubt British #1 “Home”. Sort of akin to the ballad wizardry past collaborator Sam Smith is peddling these days, “Home” sits squarely in that soulful, longing, big hooks zone that performs so well on UK charts.

Naughty Boy england (Twitter)

Rating 8.3

brown93

reviewed by
05-02-14

Sharon Van Etten – Every Time The Sun Comes Up

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The OG Sharon preps the release of her Are We There? LP on Jagjaguwar with the debut of the plaintive and dusty mid-tempo number “Every Time The Sun Comes Up”. Are We There? is due May 27th.

Sharon Van Etten newyork (Official)

Rating 8.8

brown8

reviewed by
04-29-14

Pat Lok – Needy (Robotaki Remix)

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The chameleon/journeyman of buzz track remixes Robotaki smooths out some 2014 R&B shine on Pat Lok’s originally more dance-inclined single “Needy”. Pat Lok’s “Needy” remixes EP is out now.

Robotaki canada: (Soundcloud)

Rating: 8.7

brown8

reviewed by
04-28-14

Seoul – White Morning

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Montreal-based Seoul focus their folk-influenced melodic sensibilities through a bit more trend-relevant minimalist lens on the sunny “White Morning”.

Seoul

Seoul canada: (Soundcloud)

Rating: 8.7

brown8

reviewed by
04-28-14

Crooked Colours – In Your Bones

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“In Your Bones” is the third release from Australian act Crooked Colours. Built around DNA of very “relevant” minimal soul, “In Your Bones” wins in where it diverges; (much in the way truly standout bands of the trend like Jungle and Hoodlem); it’s in the non-obvious but quite infectious and visceral melodic choices, it’s in the inventive swerves in instrumentation (much like Hilly Dilly, we’re too very into that deep/hollowed out kick drum on the ones).

Crooked Colours (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
04-28-14

Premiere: Chris Batson – A Thousand Pieces

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Rising L.A.-based (via Orlando FL) singer Chris Batson‘s writing/producing ably blends the best bits of R&B, dance music and pop. Marrying the spatially expansive sound of contemporary EDM with skilled soul-informed pop songwriting, Batson is adept at creating both the mechanics of memorable alt-R&B as well as a most compelling, highly personal lyrical arc. We’re pleased to present below the premiere of the excellent “A Thousand Pieces” from Chris Batson. p.s. If you’re in L.A., catch Chris at The Bootleg on Friday May 19th.

Chris Batson california (Official) (Twitter)

Rating 8.4

reviewed by
04-22-14

ZHU – Cocaine Model

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The mindblower ZHU (of “Superfriends” & “Faded” fame) released his debut Nightday EP yesterday. Our pick from the very strong (seriously, every track on this EP is outstanding) 6-track set is the sun-soaked and soulful “Cocaine Model” (which is about pretty much what it’s title suggests it would be). You need this EP right now.

ZHU (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
04-21-14

Vanessa Elisha – Midnight Swim

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“Midnight Swim” is the new one from Aussie R&B songstress Vanessa Elisha. Framed by a grimy heavy on the low-end and hypnotic syncopations, “Midnight Swim” achieves a neat dynamic both through Vanessa’s ethereal lighter-than-air vocal and its juxtaposition against the darker instrumental and thematically too as that heavy/light counter-positioning is central to the lyric. A+

Vanessa Elisha (Soundcloud)

Rating 8.3

brown8

reviewed by
04-21-14