The Playlist: Deafheaven, the Weeknd and a Tender Macklemore Ballad
1. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Ed Sheeran, “Growing Up”
Seattle’s finest rap duo have been laying low for a year — just long enough for you to stop humming “Thrift Shop” in your head. Get ready to do it all over again with their new single, a hella-sweet ballad dedicated to Macklemore’s baby daughter. Awww!
2. The Weeknd, “Can’t Feel My Face”
Remember when this guy was all about druggy bedroom jams? Now he’s gone all Michael Jackson — witness the clip for his latest unbelievably catchy pop smash, where he’s so hot he literally catches on fire.
3. Laura Marling, “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”
After seeing this clip from the English folk singer’s recent tour, where she covers a lovely old Dolly Parton tune, we know it’ll be crossing our minds all the time.
4. Deafheaven, “Brought to the Water”
Eight minutes of raw, screaming energy from the California metal crew. Play it on “repeat” at top volume, and the emotional catharsis will make up for any hearing loss that results.
5. Prince, “Stare”
Suffering from a severe groove deficiency? No worries: Nine out of 10 funk doctors recommend checking out this superfly single from His Purple Majesty to get your levels right back where they need to be. (Please note: Funk doctors do not necessarily have actual medical degrees.)
6. Mark Ronson, “I Sat by the Ocean”
The Midas-touched pop producer and a supergroup including Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker put a chilled-out spin on this Queens of the Stone Age jam in a radio performance.
7. YG, “Twist My Fingaz”
The man behind 2014’s excellent My Krazy Life comes back even harder on his new single, kicking slick flows over a classic-sounding G-funk beat.