Fresh EDM Picks

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Image via beatport.com

“Something Just Like This” – The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

Just when you thought they couldn’t get any better. Party boys turned world-wide sensation release a stellar collab with one of music’s greatest bands alive. The formula is simple; transparent lyrics, soaring vocals, and a drop you can bop to. That’s it. “Like This” will easily climb the charts making the Chainsmokers one of the best EDM duo’s of all time.

 

“Stay (with Alessia Cara)” – Zedd

Cara’s vocals are easily some of the most unique in pop music today. Add in Zedd’s gift for mixing and the result is epic. Just as catchy as any Zedd song is, a female lead always tugs you in (“Clarity”, “Stay the Night”). Cara strongly sings, “All you have to do is stay, a minute, just take your time.” 

 

“In The Arms Of A Stranger (Grey Remix)” – Mike Posner

His child-like voice follows a guitar strumming repeated chords as a subtle drop highlights the “woo”-filled chorus. The song is a beautiful sentiment bringing to light the memories of past love and the attempts to move on; “In the arms of a stranger, pretending its love, holding her closely, remember your touch.”

 

“It Ain’t Me (with Selena Gomez)” – Kygo

Kygo can do no wrong. It’s a fact. He has the tropical beats we all want playing on our spring breaks and summer vacations. “It Ain’t Me” is no different. Gomez sings the verses up and down in classic pop fashion. Choppy lyrics pluck through the chorus, something Kygo does best (listen to “Stay” off his debut album, Cloud Nine.)

 

“Slide” – Calvin Harris, Frank Ocean, and Migos

70’s dance party meets summer pop; Harris is back in full force. Merging some R&B licks from Frank Ocean with light rap verses from Migos, the two blend together seamlessly. A steady vintage beat keeps the song flowing, making you wish for a dance floor under your feet and a glass of champagne in your hands.

 


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Who You Need: Alessia Cara

image: whycauseican.com
image: whycauseican.com

The truth is, I saw her potential the second I heard “Here”. I watched her homemade YouTube videos showing off her high school bedroom, her little brother jokingly chasing her through the streets, and a heavy amount of silly lip-syncing. Alessia Cara is here and she’s as real as it gets. Her music is a classy mix of Meghan Trainor and Lorde; destined for success. Her debut album Know-It-All is a grand entrance into the intricate mind of Ms. Cara.

Cara started Know-It-All when she was 17. “I think it’s just the story of what a teenager’s life is like, and with that comes themes of rebellions, confusion, and vulnerability, and I think that that comes through in in all of the songs,” Cara told 103.7 The Q.

image: dayandadream.com
image: dayandadream.com

A stripped down version of “Here” is featured on the deluxe version of this album. It’s much darker, guided only by a piano as Cara’s vocals perform impeccable runs to the lyrics about a sh***y night out with “friends”. After hearing this, I will never listen to the original again.

Her wavering alto-toned voice graces every track in the spunkiest ways. Upbeat bouncy tracks like, “Seventeen”, “Outlaws”, and “Four Pink Walls” make you feel nostalgic for your high school days trapped in your bedroom finishing your math homework and wondering what you’ll do with the rest of your life.

“Stone”, an acoustic ballad, provides lyrics that sound straight out of a scribbled in, slightly worn diary. Cara’s voice sweetly sings, “And I will follow where this takes me, and my tomorrows long to be unknown, when all is shaken, be my safety.” “Stars” is another beautiful ballad expressing young love in the purest form.

Know-It-All is the young adult CD every 16-22 year old needs. It has everything you want and more. A solid debut start to finish from someone who was meant to be in this business.


Abbey

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