“Monster (Robin Schulz Remix),” - LUM!X & Gabry Ponte: A track that is a regular part of my workout rotation, I love the Meg & Die song sampled, as well as the synth harmonies, and the hard hitting synth bass in the chorus. It’s a pretty simple EDM track, but it gets me pumped when I’m working out and samples a song I love. In conclusion, is a necessity for any EDM fan in my opinion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g66ITKWEZMk
“Together,” - The XX: A track from an indie rock band who I’ve only heard two songs from, this one, and “Angels,” this track makes me want to check them out even more. It’s an incredibly soothing song, featuring gentle, reverbed guitar riffs, a simple drum pattern, and romantic lyrics. Something I just learned, is that it was featured on the 2013 The Great Gatsby’s soundtrack. Vocalists Romy Madley-Croft, who plays guitar and Oliver Sim, who plays the bass, did a phenomenal job. And those orchestral strings that come in near the end of the track are absolutely beautiful. Beatmaker Jamie xx did a great job as well, with the drum machine and the overall production of the track.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yoj2I6ZJLx8
“Kothbiro,” - Black Savage: A track that was sampled in one of my favorite Ye songs, “Yikes,” I was intrigued by the sample, and went on a deeper dive to learn about them. They don’t even have a Wikipedia page, but they were an Afro-Rock/psychedelic funk band that originated from Nairobi, Kenya. I love the laidback sound of this track, which features a trippy organ melody, minimalist guitar riffs, as well as a very funky bass riff. I’ve heard this track and “Do You Really Care,” and I might review the album that this track is from, in the future. I also like that the song isn’t in English, I couldn’t find out what African language the track is sung in, because outside of Kenya, Black Savage is pretty obscure and they only released one self-titled album in 1976. Information about them is hard to find on the internet, which fascinates me even more. I highly recommend them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbJi60I_sUk
“White Dress,” - Kanye West: A nice track from the soundtrack of the film, The Man With the Iron Fists, the beat of this track will remain engrained in your head. Kanye’s verses are tight and he sounds natural on this instrumental which samples “All the Way Gone,” by The Game, and “I Could Never Be Happy,” by The Emotions. It’s an extremely underrated track in his discography, and the Kanye/RZA produced beat is an absolute masterpiece.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsZRoypKIX8
“Dark Necessities,” - Red Hot Chili Peppers: A relatively recent song by the iconic alternative rock band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, I love how catchy this song is, with Danger Mouse’s production and Flea’s groovy bass riff. The pianos are also a nice addition, and the guitar riffs from past-guitarist Josh Klinghoffer will stick in your head. I’m more of a John Frusciante guy myself, but Josh isn’t a bad guitarist by any means.