Frank Ocean Feat. Diplo, Mick Jones, & Paul Simon, “Hero”
Connecting the styles of R&B singer Frank Ocean, rockers Mick Jones and Paul Simonon from “The Clash,” and Diplo, the Converse Music label releases “Hero.” Ocean’s smooth voice matches with Jones’ drums and Simonon’s guitar riffs on the chorus followed by the surprising, beautiful emergence of voices from the West Los Angeles Children’s Choir.
Coldplay, “Magic”
With the release of “Atlas” last fall, Coldplay ended a three-year hiatus, which started after the band’s Mylo Xyloto. The British rock group is releasing Ghost Stories on May 19. “Magic,” the second single off of the album, opens with an heavy bass line and hard-hitting snares, but lead singer Chris Martin’s striking vocals save the track, making it sound like classic Coldplay.
Vince Staples Feat. James Fauntelroy, “Nate”
While gearing up to join Schoolboy Q for his Oxymoron tour, starting March 1, California rapper Vince Staples plans to release a new LP, Shyne Coldchain Vol. II. “Nate” is the lead single off the album, discussing Staples’ relationship with his father. It’s a solid track, benefiting from the work of Grammy Award-winning James Fauntleroy, who recorded the hook.
