PISTOL ANNIES
“Hush Hush” (3:25)
RCA
Pistol Annies-the trio of country superstar Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley-relit an old-school flame within the country genre on their 2011 debut, Hell on Heels. For “Hush Hush,” the lead single off sophomore set Annie Up, that spark still flickers as the group sticks to its strong points: constructing narratives and keeping its country roots on full display. “Hush Hush” presents a family in denial, as the narrators won’t acknowledge the truth that a brother was in rehab. “Hush hush, don’t you dare say a word/Hush hush, don’t you know the truth hurts,” the chorus urges, tongue-in-cheek. Pistol Annies understand the importance of allowing all three vocalists to exhibit their personalized sass, and despite the heavy-handed subject matter, “Hush Hush” contains its fair share of humor and translates the trio’s combined power into uptempo fun. -JILL MENZE
BETTY WHO
“Somebody Loves You” (3:38)
Self-Released
Related
Rarely does a pop song exhibit such un-ironic perkiness and stay this successful: Australian singer Betty Who sounds downright exuberant on this starry-eyed single. The song’s neon-tinged music video accentuates the track’s 80s roots, as gooey synthesizers and an uncomplicated arrangement cede the floor to Who’s beaming performance. Her debut EP, “The Movement,” is due out Apr. 16 — this is your official warning. – JASON LIPSHUTZ
MACKLEMORE & RYAN LEWIS FEATURING RAY DALTON
“Can’t Hold Us” (4:19)
Macklemore/Alternative Distribution Alliance/Warner Bros.
Built around twinkling piano and a soulful assist from fellow Seattle-ite Ray Dalton, “Can’t Hold Us” is additional proof (for those who needed it) that the duo of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis is more than a one-trick pony. Naturally, the “Thrift Shop” stars can’t help but shout-out some sartorial savvy — in this case, Bob Barker’s “suit game.” -DAN HYMAN
ZEDD FEATURING FOXES
“Clarity” (4:32)
Interscope
Just like David Guetta did with Sia on “Titanium,” Zedd builds a pulse-rattling electronic carpet upon which U.K. artist Louisa Rose Allen, aka Foxes, can let her vocals soar. The singer proselytizes of tragic love, frozen waves and bursting clocks as the German electronic dance music producer whips up an epic (if slightly overindulgent) anthem. -DAN HYMAN
KREWELLA
“Alive” (4:51)
Krewella/Columbia
The dance trio of Jahan Yousaf, Yasmine Yousaf and Kris Trindl has made noise on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Alive,” a fragile yet festive single made up of whimsical slowdowns and relentless speed-ups. Fans of DJ Sammy’s enduring rave-up “Heaven” may have just stumbled upon another stop-start sandstorm. -JASON LIPSHUTZ