‘GODSTAINED,’ Quadeca
Likely the song of the year thus far, Quadeca’s lead single to his upcoming album is a linear-progressing track full of beauty from the top down — vocals, harmonies, percussion and woodwind all contribute to an airy experience like no other.I find it partially indescribable — notably high praise from someone who writes about music as a job. Simply, it’s a song that must be experienced. “GODSTAINED” is a portal to the open ocean with the wind whistling in the sunlight. Or, it’s a glance straight up to the stars on a clear night.
Though the track is relatively genreless, fans of Clairo, bossa nova, and Beach House can all find something here. An addicting replay, “GODSTAINED” and other singles have cemented Quadeca as a name to watch in the indie music scene. His album, “Vanisher, horizon scraper,” is set to release in July.
‘Head in a Jar,’ Khamati
Though already featured in the best releases of May, “Head in a Jar” has cemented itself clearly among the best tracks of the year. Khamari is among the best new voices in R&B, and his focus on depth in his lyricism, paired with his gentle and inviting vocals, makes every track of his a standout.“Head in a Jar” is the kind of song you want to learn acoustic, one packed with earworm progressions and trance-inducing melodies that make its three-minute runtime a moment of pause and focus no matter where you are. It’s all high praise, but warranted. There’s a magic here, and I don’t want to believe in it alone. Khamari is building toward a 2025 album, with another single, “Sycamore Tree,” released in June.
‘Rearrange My World,’ Daniel Caesar and Rex Orange County
A sappy love song from the R&B and singer-songwriter duo, “Rearrange My World,” is a cute and heartfelt ode that captures the power of these two distinct voices over a minimal instrumental. It’s light and collected, backdropped by beautiful harmonies.Daniel Caesar seems to be immune to forgettable tracks with his voice that emotionally cuts through any arrangement he finds himself on. “Rearrange My World” is a three-and-a-half-minute moment of tranquility, and its companion track “There’s a Field (That’s Only Yours)” is absolutely worth a listen as well. Any lovers of R&B, acoustic singer-songwriter or generally beautiful melodies will find a home here for a moment.
’a FEW songs,’ Saba and No ID
Saba’s 2025 has been strong, and this standout track closes out his album “From The Private Collection of Saba and NO ID.” Backed by a sparkling piano and muffled drums, “a FEW songs” captures a larger-than-life moment with an energetic verse from Saba, a standout guest performance from Smino and gorgeous vocals from Love Mansuy.Feel-good at its core, this track is a beautiful culmination of many sounds of Chicago rap and Saba’s own career. “a FEW songs” is incredibly catchy, a perfect intersection of quality rap and pretty harmonies.
Related: Saba delivered jazzy Chicago raps to Phoenix at an intimate but vibrant performance.
‘Back To Me,’ The Marias
Following an internet blowup of their 2024 album, “Submarine,” The Marías have become an essential indie pop band alongside hits like “No One Noticed.” Their hypnotic and smoky aesthetic finds a heavier rock sound with “Back To Me,” an intense and passionate expression of longing and need.Synth and guitar-heavy, this track continues their reinvention as a band not bound by simply soft sounds. “Back To Me” is exciting and driving, and easily replayable. The Marías’ own fanbase is sizable enough now, but if you aren’t on the train, hop on. It’s universally enjoyable without sacrificing any artistry, a standout within modern pop music.
