Tuesday Tunes

This week’s Tuesday Tunes are contemplative jams. The tracks share an 80s vibe induced by raw reverb-drenched vocals masterfully layered over their respective, emotionally-charged melodies. Keep reading to get in your feelings. 

“Johannesburg”, by the multinational group known as Africa Express, combines melancholic vocals with old school percussion and tastefully-repetitive African lyrics. The vocals serve as a second layer of rhythm to propel the track forward. The end result is one of the most interesting and original songs I’ve heard in a long time.

Blood Orange and Toro y Moi’s collaborative effort on the former’s recent album is a masterstroke. “Dark and Handsome” is comprised of Dev Hynes’ characteristic brooding and wavy keyboard melodies (with a touch of early 90s RnB feel) and the experimental trap production that Chaz Bear executed so well on Outer Peace. The ensuing instrumental amalgam provides the perfect stage for the artists’ airy, narrative-driven vocals.