“Dead Inside” by Muse (Alternative)

The popular British alternative band, Muse, returns with new dark single “Dead Inside”. As lead singer Matt Bellamy describes, it’s about a “a relationship ending and a person becoming dead inside themselves.” Quite intense, eh? That intensity resonates throughout the track and at times literally screams at the listener. The track certainly does not fall short on passion. For Bellamy, who is recovering from a divorce, it’s a very personal song indeed.

“Can’t Deny My Love” by Brandon Flowers (Alternative)

The lead singer of The Killers paves his own path with his powerful single “Can’t Deny My Love.” A poppy and high octane song with a bit of an ‘80s touch, it’s arguably the finest Flowers penned track since “Human” in 2008. After rumored tensions with his main band, Flowers himself admits that the solo project has given him new life. It’s even gotten pop star Lorde, who tweeted about the track, excited.

“B**** Better Have My Money” by Rihanna (Pop)

Excuse the language, but it’s impossible to hold off one of pop’s biggest names off the list. After teaming up on a tranquil, nostalgic track with Kanye West and Paul McCartney, Rihanna went in a completely different direction with her next single.  With full attitude on display, she goes straight to business on “B**** Better Have My Money”. Despite its aggressiveness, it only peaked at #23 on The Billboard Top 100.

“Hotel Ceiling” by Rixton (Pop)

Manchester pop group Rixton released their debut album, “Let The Road ” last month. Often compared to a younger Maroon 5, the boy band looks primed to make a splash in the modern music scene in the near future. “Hotel Ceiling,”a sweetly melancholic track written by Ed Sheeran for the group, is the album’s newest single.

“Let It Happen” by Tame Impala (Alternative)

Tame Impala’s lengthy lead single to their new album, “Currents”, is a storm. “Let It Happen” is a whirlwind of sounds, moods, and genres. From the ravishing guitar, disco beats, synchronized energy, to lead singer Kevin Parker’s Lennon-like vocals, “Let It Happen” is truly a psychedelic dream. The single comes conveniently before the band’s appearance at Coachella.

“Let It Go” by James Bay (Alternative)

English musician James Bay creates a relaxing, easy listen with track “Let It Go”. It’s an emotional journey for Bay, who describes letting go and moving on with life. Bay’s vocals are impressive throughout, and his lyrics have meaning. Bay’s debut album, “Chaos In The Calm”, is the first step in what looks to be a very successful career.

“Love You Like That” by Canaan Smith (Country)

In an era of country music where most artists tend to sound the same, Canaan Smith tries his best to stand out with “Love You Like That”. The former The Amazing Race participant shows off fresh vocals and combines them with rock and traditional country elements. The potential is certainly there for Smith to become a star in the genre.

“u” by Kendrick Lamar (Hip Hop)

Is “u” the best track on Kendrick Lamar’s new album? Probably not. Does it have the best track title on the album though? Quite possibly (it’s in a close race with “i”). Anyways, the hip hop star’s new album is turning heads in the music industry. The confident, high flying LP quickly has become a favorite among music critics and rap fans alike. To those rappers who take pride in calling their material “fire”, Lamar puts the heat on full blast with this release.

“Ghosttown” by Madonna (Pop)

The aging ‘80s pop star tries her best to outrun time in her 13th studio album “Rebel Heart”. Even though the album fell victim to mixed reviews and disappointing reception , standout track “Ghosttown” managed to scratch the surface of success by placing #21 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. The single, describing a post-armageddon survivor, finds a home in today’s pop golden age.

“Postcards From Paradise” by Ringo Starr (Rock)

It wouldn’t be a list without a legend from the mightiest band of the ages making an appearance, would it? Ringo silently released his whopping 18 studio album, “Postcards From Paradise” to cap off the month. Sharing the same name of the album, the spacey, mellow single cheesily builds itself off of Beatles song titles. At times, it becomes absolutely cringeworthy. However, when a legend speaks…you’ve no choice but to listen. Right?

Wanting to hear these songs yourself? check them out here

https://open.spotify.com/user/super8kc/playlist/0F8EjyTgp4QEEm7jbn5pG5