SV - Chill N' Vibe

Chill N’ Vibe - SV ft Alyssa Jane & Kevon Scott.  (R&B/Jazz/NeoSoul)  This track surprises you in that it starts off as one thing, and yet completely transforms into something else once the vocals kick in. The song begins as a rainy-day cafe type of vibe, lead by a beautiful trumpet lead. It’s chill, it’s vibey, it’s a “light a candle and pour a glass of wine” kind of track. But then the vocals come in, turning this song into one with R&B and Neo Soul elements, now carried by a voice like a bell, full of versatility. An airy delivery akin to 90s Janet Jackson then turns into a focused and strong modern-day lead, all accompanied by soothing background vocal harmonies that give Brandy. Working together with the trumpet and expertly mixed into a lush production as if it were part of the instrumentation itself, Chill N’ Vibe pulls off the perfect hat trick—a modern-day sensibility but still retro enough to trick you into thinking it’s a throwback, specific enough as a mainstream single but moody enough for a rainy day playlist, and most importantly, existing outside of time—play this 20 years from now and you’ll never know it wasn’t just released. Hats off to SV.

Best lyric:  “You show me a side of you I wish you never had’”

Benjy Bradshaw - I Just Want Love (Deep Tech Mix)

I Just Want Love (DeepTech Mix) - Benjy Bradshaw.  (Dance/Techno)  Benjy is quite a package, and he puts it all on display in this track.  For me the key is his voice–it’s giving me Bowie.  More than just its strength, clarity and resonance, it’s his delivery.  While the lyrics are sparse, he chews every single one in a way that’s extremely engaging.  It takes a lot of talent to do so much with a simple chant, but Benjy does it.  But not only that, you’ve also got that raw talent riding on top of an expertly crafted dance beat.  This song should be a staple for every club DJ.

Best lyric:  “I’m burned, I’m hollow, I’m bleeding, unnerved, please help me’”

Damion Anthony - About Time

It’s About Time I Let You Go - Damion Anthony.  (Reggae)  What stands out the most about this track are the lyrics–it is crystal clear that this is an extremely personal song and I guarantee Damion is singing to a very specific person.  With a straight down the middle reggaeton production, this song stands out from the rest of the genre for those lyrics, taking the Adele/Taylor Swift route of directed songs about heartbreak into a genre typically housing more lighthearted fare or songs about overall society and culture.  The aggressive lyrics paired with the chill vibe of the production mix to make a very sing-along-able track.

Best lyric:  “So fuck you, be by yourself, I had enough’”

Kenny Supreme - Liar

Liar - Kenny Supreme.  (Pop/R&B)  Here’s something that isn’t a lie–Kenny Supreme’s Liar is a PRODUCTION.  There’s no reason why this song wouldn’t be on Top 40 radio.  It’s giving Chris Brown in all the best ways and its strongest attribute is that it’s an earworm you can’t help but sing along to.  Not only a catchy hook, but also a catchy call out chant.  This is one to put on your gym playlist–it will absolutely keep you on the treadmill.  I’ve also had the fortune of seeing Kenny perform Liar and I can tell you that this song lights up an audience.

Best lyric:  “Late night cuddlin’, can’t stop strugglin’ to keep up with you’”