POP
BRUNO MARS
“Treasure” (2:56)
Producers: The Smeezingtons
Writers: Bruno Mars, Philip Lawrence II, Ari Levine, Phredley Brown
Publishers: various
Atlantic
Whereas “Locked Out of Heaven” was a paean to Sting and the Police, Mars’ latest “Unorthodox Jukebox” single–which he performed at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards–finds the singer doing his best Lionel Richie impression on this funked-out disco cut. The layers of hooks, horns and harmonies specifically recall the Commodores’ “Lady,” turning “Treasure” into a tasty jam. -Andrew Hampp
R&B
CANDICE GLOVER
“I Am Beautiful” (2:57)
Producer: not listed
Writer: not listed
Publisher: not listed
19/Interscope
“American Idol” season 12 winner Glover delivers a heartfelt melody on her coronation single, “I Am Beautiful,” which recently debuted at No. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100. The 23-year-old singer swats away a naysayer by exalting her self-worth in the face of their negativity. The power ballad is neither a traditional declaration of beauty nor a typical “Idol” champion’s cry, but that makes it all the more effective. -Kathy Iandoli
ELECTRONIC
BOARDS OF CANADA
“Reach for the Dead” (4:58)
Producers: Mike Sandison, Marcus Eoin
Writers: Mike Sandison, ÂMarcus Eoin
Publisher: Warp Music
Warp
Boards of Canada approach their career just as they approach their songs: patiently, gracefully and with a distinct sense of purpose. It’s been eight years since the Scottish electronic duo’s last album (2005’s “Campfire Headphase”), but “Reach for the Dead” is a reliably cinematic reintroduction, with deep-space synth atmospherics bombarded by glitchy electronic buzzes. -Ryan Reed
ROCK
FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH FEATURING ROB HALFORD
“Lift Me Up” (4:05)
Producer: not listed
Writer: not listed
Publisher: not listed
Prospect Park
Five Finger Death Punch proves that metal can be both demonic and fun on “Lift Me Up,” the band’s latest single and its campiest, catchiest track to date. An ear-blistering blockbuster built on demonic growls and harmonized guitar solos, the track also features an epic vocal cameo from Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford. Consider the death punch Âdeployed. -Ryan Reed
COUNTRY
KACEY MUSGRAVES
“Blowin’ Smoke” (3:08)
Producers: Kacey Musgraves, Shane McAnally, Luke Laird
Writers: Kacey Musgraves, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally
Publishers: various
Mercury
The year’s most promising country newcomer shows another side of her character on her second single. Texas native Musgraves is still transfixed on the stark reality of rural Middle America, but where “Merry Go ‘Round” was existential and melancholy, “Blowin’ Smoke” is a swaggering barroom singalong that proves she has versatility to match her sentimentality. -Chris Payne