There have been some great songs that have come out in the last couple weeks. Here I will choose three of the singles that have been released in the last two weeks (or so) and give some information as to why you should listen to it.
1: Bang Bang, by Green Day
Green Day's first offering since 2015's "X-mas Time of The Year." Yes, a Christmas song. It's also the first song to be leading up to an album after 2012's triple album "Uno, Dos, and Tre."
The song calls back to the band's earlier records like "Dookie" or "Insomniac," but with a production quality that is reminiscent of the greater songs on 2009's "21st Century Breakdown." The main riff is punchy and catchy as ever. The first chorus is simpler and more direct while the second chorus mixes up the chords in a way that just screams "American Idiot," which then breaks it down like a shorter version of "Viva La Gloria? (Little Girl)." Tre Cool has not slowed down a beat in 22 years and the rest of the band has kept with him. Mike Dirnt's bass is as crisp as it's ever been. Billie Joe Armstrong's vocals keep it in the modern era, in tone and theme. The song is from the perspective of a mass shooter, and the intro to the song includes TV audio and radio clips about terrorist attacks and reports of shootings. A topic that is relevant in today's society for sure, but it's mixed up by the theme of self-centered social media. If you aren't paying attention to the lyrics, you might miss it. I certainly did the first few times. It's an interesting perspective that we may not see much of.
Overall, Green Day let's you know that they can still be relevant and hit hard. If this song is any indication as to the quality of the rest of the album, I am very excited. Their new record "Revolution Radio" is set to release on October 7.
2. Shelter, by Porter Robinson and Madeon
A collaboration between American producer and DJ Porter Robinson and French singer Madeon, this song was released to promote their new tour, dubbed "Shelter Live Tour."
A definite late summer jam, listening to this song I can just imagine the bright sun and smell the sunscreen as my friends and I give a last hurrah to summer. The soft melodies of Madeon make you just want to float away. Porter Robinson has crafted a mix that just radiates fun. The synth sounds on this song are just so wistful and shimmering. The drum beat is so upbeat. The bass rolls and grumbles in such a smooth way it feels like waves. I can't stop thinking about how fun it is. This song is just fun incarnate. The lyrics are nothing special, but you don't need "deep" from a song like this. They're simple enough they don't get in the way, but there's enough substance there to satisfy.
If this is the first offering of a set of new collaborations from the duo then I cannot wait to hear more. Porter Robinson and Madeon go on tour starting September 29 and go through December. To see if they're coming near you, check out ShelterLiveTour.com
3. The Garden Song Ft. Moorea Masa, by Manatee Commune
This is the first song I've heard from Washington native Manatee Commune (whose real name is Grant Eadie), but it most certainly won't be the last one. This is the second single from Manatee Commune's second full-length release.
This song emanates cool. Like a nice 72 degrees when you're out in your hammock reading your favorite book. The song features beautiful vocals by Moorea Masa (who is worth a recommendation all her own). Her voice combined with the chill sounds of Manatee Commune creates an atmosphere of calm that can not be broken. The beat behind everything is complex but unobtrusive. The synths are light and bouncing. This is a song that you could easily put in your "Chill" playlist and zone out to.
Manatee Commune's second album "Manatee Commune" is set to drop on September 16. You can pre-order it on his Bandcamp page.
