New year, new me? To be honest, probably not. All those New Year’s Resolutions will most likely remain half-fulfilled, if fulfilled at all (props to those who continue going to the gym even after the end of January). But, breaking those ambitious, yet unrealistic promises requires a soundtrack as well. Here are a few noted additions.
1. Florence + the Machine, “You’ve Got The Love”
A cover of the Candi Staton song of the same name, “You’ve Got The Love” is given an indie rock makeover by Florence + the Machine on their first album “Lungs.” Maybe not rave material, but you can surely jam to it alone in your room with your headphones on.
Recommended if you like: beige gowns, glistening forests, astronomy.
2. Ed Sheeran, “Tenerife Sea”
Here’s one sign 2017 will be a thousand times better than 2016: Ed Sheeran is releasing new music Friday, January 6! Until then, you can retreat to his two previous albums, “+” and “x,” particularly the lyrical, romantically charged “Tenerife Sea.”
Recommended if you like: white cliffs, yachts sailing on camel ink, empty ballrooms.
3. Jhene Aiko, “Wading”
Aiko’s album Souled Out isn’t meant to be blasted by nightclub speakers -- it’s an album that requires a party of one to introspect. You know Aiko is an R&B genius when she can paint a man’s worst nightmare in the form of a dreamy song.
Recommended if you like: sea salt, blank canvases, beach waves.
4. Chance the Rapper, “All We Got (ft. Kanye West and Chicago Children’s Choir)”
Repeat after me: “Coloring Book” is one of the Best. Works. Of. Music. Of. 2016. Don’t let anyone tell you differently. After you listen to “No Problem,” arguably the most popular song off the mixtape, check out Chance’s collab with Yeezy and the Chicago Children’s Choir, both a testament to how rooted the rapper is to his hometown.
Recommended if you like: checkered floors, gospel choirs, brass trumpets.
5. Erik Hassle, “No Words”
You all know how much I love Swedish music artists, and Erik Hassle is no exception. There’s a reason Taylor Swift name-dropped “No Words” as one of her favorite songs by emerging artists. “No Words” will make you feel like you’re dancing and crying at the same time.
Recommended if you like: Scandinavian discotheques, finger snaps, the color silver.