Listen Up

Self-love, alienation, aggression and more in this week's new music

Amaal: Not What I Thought Setting a break-up ballad against the bleak, beautiful landscapes of Iceland always seems to yield success. Toronto-based Amaal does so in “Not What I Thought,” to striking result. Director Sean Brown casts intimate close-ups against shots of sheer alienation. A mood is built through the visuals that complements Amaal’s vocal grace. The track is the recording artist’s first from a forthcoming EP. …

Best of CH 2018: Listen Up

From synthpop to indie, disco-inflected bops and more, our favorite songs of the year

Each day, our editorial team listens to new music and shares favorites in the Listen Up section. Be it synth-pop, indie, experimental or beyond, the discoveries are always powerful. This year provided plenty of ammo—from the ferocious to the poetic, political and personal, delicate tunes, bops and more. While some artists represented are long-standing CH favorites, we were pleased to discover that many of our best-loved …

Listen Up

Hip-hop, blues, electronic and more in this week's new music

Saba feat. theMIND: SIRENS “SIRENS,” the second half of the track “BUSY/SIRENS” from Saba’s album Care for Me, is a poignant portrayal of misaccused black men. “Riding through the city / I’m young, I’m black, I’m guilty / I know one time wanna kill / They don’t know me but they fear me,” he begins his first verse. With cutting cadence, Saba tackles topics ranging from police …