ALTERNATIVE
CULTS
“High Road” (4:30)
Producers: Cults, Shane Stoneback
Writers: Madeline Follin, Brian Oblivion
Publisher: SESAC
Label: Columbia
On the first official single from Madeline Follin and Brian Oblivion’s second full-length outing as Cults, the former’s dreamy, childlike vocals are injected with newfound sobriety. “Should’ve took the high road, now it’s such a long way back,” she coos above a lush, layered soundscape reminiscent of the xx’s strongest work. -Nick Willams
ROCK
SLEIGH BELLS
“Bitter Rivals” (3:19)
Producer: Derek Miller
Writers: Derek Miller, Alexis Krauss
Publisher: not listed
Label: Mom + Pop
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times,” Alexis Krauss sings on her band’s latest single. It’s also the most deafening of times: With “Bitter Rivals,” Sleigh Bells continue their quest for ear-bleeding sonic glory, blending nuclear power chords with muscular synths and R&B croons to remain lovably singular. -Ryan Reed
POP
CELINE DION
“Love Me Back to Life” (3:50)
Producer: Sham Motesart
Writers: Sia Furler, Hasham “Sham” Hussain, Denarius “Motesart” Motes
PublishERs: Sony/ATV Songs (BMI), EMI April Music (ASCAP)
Label: Columbia
Dion has acknowledged modern pop trends with the lead single and title track from her first English-language album in six years. The stuttering vocal hook and dubstep beats are certainly of the moment, keeping pace with the Rihannas of the world, while Dion’s own performance — full and soaring, if a bit darker in tone than usual — is characteristically commanding. -Gary Graff
HIP-HOP
LUDACRIS
“Helluva Night” (3:21)
Producer: DJ Mustard
Writers: Christopher Bridges, Dijon McFarlane
Publishers: EMI April Canada/Mustard on the Beat Publishing (BMI), Ludacris Worldwide Publishing (ASCAP), SMP Publishing (SESAC)
Label: DTP/Def Jam/IDJMG
DJ Mustard (Tyga’s “Rack City,” Young Jeezy’s “R.I.P.”) pairs his sparse, menacing production style with the ductile flow of Ludacris, who has been searching for a new hit for some time. “Helluva Night” lets the veteran rapper pummel the listener with sexual innuendos (“I’m tryin’ to get three women, play Connect Four”), but Luda’s limitless charisma elevates the single above the current crop of popular club tracks. -Jason Lipshutz
R&B
K. MICHELLE
“V.S.O.P.” (3:29)
Producers: Pop & Oak
Writers: various
Publishers: various
Label: Atlantic Records
K. Michelle overcame years of personal adversities to release her major-label debut, “Rebellious Soul,” and the singer/songwriter leads the 11-song set with one of its most passionate tracks. The Pop & Oak-produced “V.S.O.P.” samples Debra Laws’ “Very Special” as well as the Chi-lites’ “That’s How Long,” but Michelle conveys her own brand of soulful resilience. -Erika Ramirez