Weekend single radar: Miguel, The National, and Selena Gomez

Miguel ft. Kendrick Lamar: “How Many Drinks”

One of the most satisfying feelings comes from watching some of your favorite underrated artists rise to the top. Within the past few years, this has happened in both the R&B world and hip hop world with the rise of Kendrick Lamar and Miguel.

Both artists are pushing mainstream boundaries of R&B and hip-hop and bringing refreshing new sounds to the top charts. It only makes sense that these two artists would begin collaborating, especially on Miguel’s slow club ballad, “How Many Drinks.”

The song remains almost identical to the album version, except that the remix features one verse from Kendrick. Just as one can hear on his recent album “good kid m.A.A.d city,”  Kendrick Lamar  is extremely adaptable.

On this sexy, lust-ridden song, Kendrick spits an intimate and slow verse. His feature only lasts about two minutes, but he uses every second and every measure to perfectly lace “How Many Drinks” with his storytelling and wordplay talents. His verse sounds natural, as if this is the version that should have been on Miguel’s album, “Kaleidoscope Dream,” in the first place.

While this was only a remix, it gives fans hope that the two will continue to collaborate in the future.

By Bari Finkel

The National: “Demons”

It has been almost three years since The National have released an album, and fans have been itching for some new songs. “Demons,” which came out last week, marks the first single off of their upcoming album, which drops May 20. From the first note, “Demons” is unmistakably The National.

Matt Berninger’s baritone voice comes in as powerful as ever with the poetic line, “When I think of you in the city/ The sight of you among the sites.” For The National fans, this song should come as an exciting relief. The lyrics are beautifully sculpted examples of brooding rock, typical of Berninger’s dark songwriting, but the song’s deep layers show that their new album emphasizes their growth as a band as well.

Upon the first listen, “Demons” seems to be a great song to listen to while relaxing in the sun on your porch. But when listened to more closely, its true depth is understood. The song expresses the relatable twisted feeling of hoping to overcome anxieties, only to give up and “stay down with my demons.”

The National delivers a string section, heavy lyrics, booming drums and a catchy chorus within a three-and-a-half minute song. This taste of their new album is satisfying and leaves the listeners craving more.

By Bari Finkel

Selena Gomez: “Come and Get It”

In the unexpected news of the week, Selena Gomez is back, you guys.

The Biebs’ ex-better half has released a new single called “Come & Get It.” Within the first five seconds the pop song sounds like it was produced in Bollywood. It seems as though Gomez has channeled her inner Bollywood goddess and left the Disney world behind.

The title alone lets the world know this little lady isn’t so little anymore. The Indian-style bongos accompany her grownup lyrics, proclaiming, “You ain’t gotta worry/ It’s an open invitation/ I’ll be sittin’ right here real patient.”

The girl seems to be doing well following her very public split. Her confidence is clearly not shaken, or even threatened for that matter. Hey, at least the girl knows what she wants.

Is the song original? No. Is the song what you would expect from an ex-Disney star? Yes.

By Avery Walts