deadmau5 – “Coasted”

Canadian house legend deadmau5 released his newest single, “Coasted.” The instrumental track has a very chill vibe to it. The melody includes a laid-back piano which is typical of house music, especially Canadian house, which features both record labels Monstercat and Mau5trap, the latter which is owned by Deadmau5. The synth work is also chill, creating a cool vibe and helping to make the song more calming.

The drumbeat is typical fare: a bit repetitive, but not in an annoying way. This is more of a relaxing house song than it is a dance track, but that helps its appeal. All in all, “Coasted” is a chill track that would be great to throw on while you relax.  —Owen Paiva

Stormzy feat. Ed Sheeran – “Own It”

While not well known in America, Stormzy has become one of, if not the biggest, rappers in the U.K., exploding onto the scene with his 2017 “grime” album “Gang Signs and Prayer,” an album that received critical acclaim, even in the States.

With his most recent single, the London-based rapper recruited one of the world's most popular musicians, Ed Sheeran. While the song is, at least in its topic, a pretty generic love song, Stormzy’s flow fits well over a unique and upbeat dancehall instrumental. Additionally, Sheeran’s verse is a good interlude and one that continues his foray into genres such as hip-hop, which started on his “No. 6 Collaborations” album earlier this year, a record that Stormzy featured on.

All in all, it is a very good track that proves that U.K. rap does not get as much attention as it should in the United States. Having Sheeran on the track should do a lot to solidify Stormzy’s presence abroad.  —Jim Krueger

PARTYNEXTDOOR feat. Drake – “Loyal”

PARTYNEXTDOOR has had a sort of re-emergence as of late, as it is understood that the R&B phenomenon has a project in the works. PARTYNEXTDOOR made it official Sunday night on Twitter, tweeting “Album in January” from his verified account. The project is expected to be titled “Club Atlantis.”

PARTYNEXTDOOR has released two songs this month, which are anticipated but not confirmed to be featured on the album, titled “Lonely” and “The News.” They are both solid tracks, but “Lonely” is likely to get more attention because of the Drake feature. For those who do not know, PARTYNEXTDOOR is signed to Drake’s OVO label.

PARTYNEXTDOOR has been virtually obsolete since his smash-hit PARTYNEXTDOOR 3, released in 2016. Since then, he has only released one EP (2017), and has been focusing on “taking his time” on this project (he took to Twitter in 2017 to make that statement).

Many questioned if PARTYNEXTDOOR was still even making music since he has been so quiet since; guest features from him have been few and far between. However, it seems that 2020 is finally the year that OVO’s other superstar releases his long-anticipated project.  —Connor Trask

Alicia Keys – “Time Machine”

Alicia Keys has been dubbed one of the most influential women in the history of music. She has received numerous accolades for her groundbreaking creations in the R&B genre. Fans have waited since 2016 for new music from Keys, with her 2016 album “Here” being her most recent release. That was a true statement until this week, when Keys released the new single “Time Machine.”

“Time Machine” is funky yet hypnotic at the same time. Keys chooses to define her new single and sound with synthesizers and distant vocals, making the listener feel as if he or she is truly transcending in a time machine. The single was released alongside a music video on Wednesday. Keys dawns a braided ponytail and a mix of neon colors, recalling the recently nostalgic period of the 1980s.

The song is not an encouragement to go back in time, however. Keys insists that “We can’t rewind/Life ain’t no time machine,” though the song is one in itself. Instead, the singer uses the song to remind listeners to find their successes in the future and to enjoy life in the present. It’s a theme that’s reminiscent of some of the greatest hits of the 2000s.  —Jade Campos