Discover Weekly: “Humble,” “When I’m Small,” “Santeria,” and more

Arcade’s Discover Weekly is here again to offer alternatives to a variety of genres’ chart-dominating songs.

If you knew all the words to “Humble” by Kendrick Lamar, check out “Ain’t it Funny” by Danny Brown.

At this point, neither Kendrick Lamar nor “Humble” need an introduction. The song spent 15 weeks in the top 10 of the Hot 100 and it was impossible not to know the words. Danny Brown’s “Ain’t it Funny” has the same fast-tempo and catchy chorus, combined with clever wordplays and intense beats. It’s an energetic and lively song about a serious topic that’ll have listeners replaying it to uncover more.  

If you enjoyed “When I’m Small” by Phantogram, you’ll be into “Ch-Ching” by Chairlift.

Both Phantogram and Chairlift are male-female duos based in New York. Phantogram’s “When I’m Small” showcases their dream pop, trip hop, electronica style with pulsing beats and sensuous vocals. Chairlift is also electronic but specializes in more of a synthpop style that highlights singer Caroline Polachek’s sultry voice. Extra points if you listen to the Redux version featuring DRAM and Jimi Tents.

If you liked Sublime’s “Santeria,” listen to the Dirty Heads’ “Lay Me Down”

Santeria is a classic song that invokes images of summer and relaxation. A perfect counterpart is the lesser-known “Lay Me Down” by the Dirty Heads. Both have are a combination of rock and reggae, but the Dirty Heads infuse some rap-like aspects, which give it an extra edge. Learn all the words just in time for your spring break in the sun.

If you jam to “The Less I Know the Better” by Tame Impala, give “We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic” by Foxygen a try.

“The Less I Know the Better” is a guitar-heavy psychedelic pop classic that’s reminiscent of the 60’s. While Foxygen’s style is classic rock, “We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic” definitely has the same throwback feel with a streak of experimental pop. If the title isn’t enough to draw you in, let the promise of grooving guitar and vintage vocals push you to add it to your queue.

If you liked Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home”, you’ll love BROCKHAMPTON’S “BLEACH”

I firmly believe that BROCKHAMPTON is rap’s next big thing. With the release of their Saturation Trilogy in 2017, we saw a variety of songs that consistently displayed talent. Their song “BLEACH” has a beautiful, dreamy hook that recalls Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home” and expands into a song about love and loneliness that’s perfect for late night drives.

If you like the “Someday” by the Strokes, try “The Start of Something” by Voxtrot.

Both “Someday” and “The Start of Something” are toe-tapping, indie rock anthems about failed relationships. The similarities don’t end there. They share the same upbeat drums and smooth guitar that create a spirited energy. What distinguishes the two is the vocals. Voxtrot lead singer Ramesh Srivastava’s time abroad results in a slight accent to pair with his soft voice, giving the band a distinctly European feel.

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