The latest stylistic iteration from Paul Dixon a/k/a FYFE is the more consciously urban in style “For You”. Contrasting w/ last year’s buzz singles “St. Tropez” and “Solace”, “For You”s hooks are immediate; the magnetism and infectiousness that was more subtle/obscured in those earlier tracks has with success been arranged much further to the track’s front. We’re digging it.
FYFE 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4
Italian producer Favulous tries on a vibe-y, molasses-bathed stylistic update for Lapalux’s “Without You” with standout results. A++++
Favulous 
(Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.3
The newest signee to Duly Noted Records (IYES, The Night IV) is Brighton UK’s J. Tropic and their sooth & b dance-y “Love Up”.
J. Tropic (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
One of Usher’s best assets and a contributor to his longevity is his ability to credibly adapt to changing styles in urban and pop music. “Good Kisser” is Mr. Raymond’s latest stylistic iteration and while its elements of construction are both interesting and relevant (the fat jazzy/Pharrell-esque/almost Curtis Mayfield-like rhythmic elements are quite cool) and ultimately quite listenable the execution (and really lack of a memorable primary hook) will likely limit its ceiling as a hit.
Usher 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.4938
Aussie outfit Heavy Steps released the melodic nu-R&B of single “Flamingo” back in March but it’s new to us now c/o of IS. Heavy Steps’ s/t debut EP is out now.
Heavy Steps 
(Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
UK chart staple Naughty Boy teams with new Roc Nation-signee Romans on the no doubt British #1 “Home”. Sort of akin to the ballad wizardry past collaborator Sam Smith is peddling these days, “Home” sits squarely in that soulful, longing, big hooks zone that performs so well on UK charts.
Naughty Boy (Twitter)
Rating 8.3
The OG Sharon preps the release of her Are We There? LP on Jagjaguwar with the debut of the plaintive and dusty mid-tempo number “Every Time The Sun Comes Up”. Are We There? is due May 27th.
Sharon Van Etten 
(Official)
Rating 8.8
The chameleon/journeyman of buzz track remixes Robotaki smooths out some 2014 R&B shine on Pat Lok’s originally more dance-inclined single “Needy”. Pat Lok’s “Needy” remixes EP is out now.
Robotaki 
: (Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.7
Montreal-based Seoul focus their folk-influenced melodic sensibilities through a bit more trend-relevant minimalist lens on the sunny “White Morning”.
Seoul
Seoul : (Soundcloud)
Rating: 8.7
“In Your Bones” is the third release from Australian act Crooked Colours. Built around DNA of very “relevant” minimal soul, “In Your Bones” wins in where it diverges; (much in the way truly standout bands of the trend like Jungle and Hoodlem); it’s in the non-obvious but quite infectious and visceral melodic choices, it’s in the inventive swerves in instrumentation (much like Hilly Dilly, we’re too very into that deep/hollowed out kick drum on the ones).
Crooked Colours (Soundcloud)
Rating 8.3
