Our Favorite Songs Right Now: Elliott Smith, Elton John, Rihanna and More
As we continue to process Kanye West's dramatic The Life of Pablo launch and gear up for Grammy night, here are seven tracks we've been playing on repeat. Scroll down to hear everything from a gorgeous unearthed Elliott Smith cut to Rihanna's masterful Tame Impala cover and the latest killer single from U.K. club-pop diva Katy B.
-
Elliott Smith, “True Love”
Twelve-plus years after Smith's death, there are still some serious gems in his catalog that most fans have never heard. This ballad about the tragic allure of addiction — recorded in 2001 with producer Jon Brion but unreleased until now, on the soundtrack of the new documentary Heaven Adores You — is one of the best.
-
Rostam, “Wood”
We were sorry to see Vampire Weekend co-founder Rostam Batmanglij leave the group in late January — but this lush, dreamy love song, which he reposted immediately after the announcement, has us excited for the music he'll make from here.
-
Drake, “Summer Sixteen”
Drake side-eyes Kanye's pool ("Mine is just bigger") and snaps back at President Obama for saying he prefers Kendrick's music. Please, Drizzy, don't hurt 'em!
-
White Denim, “Holda You (I’m Psycho)”
The Austin psychedelic-rock crew jam out like the last true heirs of the Allman Brothers on this single from their new album, Stiff. Eat a peach and turn it up loud.
-
Katy B, “Honey”
She's a big deal in the U.K., but American audiences haven't quite signed up for Katy B's club-pop movement yet. Here's hoping her next album — preceded by this bright, fun, forward-thinking groove of a single — will be the one to change that.
-
Elton John, “In the Name of You”
We love Elton in somber piano-ballad mode, but nothing compares to when he's in a dancing mood. This uptempo pop romp from his great new album, Wonderful Crazy Night, is exactly what we mean.
-
Rihanna, “Same Ol’ Mistakes”
Tame Impala's Currents was one of our favorite LPs of 2015 — and clearly, Rihanna agreed! Her cover of the Aussie act is a killer curveball. It feels like that trippy robot-funk bass line was waiting for her blissed-out vocals all along.