HIP-HOP
Future
“Honest” (3:23)
Producers: Metro Boomin, DJ Spinz
Writers: Nayvadius Wilburn, Leland Wayne, Gary Hill
Publishers: various
Epic Records
At the beginning of 2012, Auto-Tune’s obituary had seemingly been etched in stone: The pitch-correcting software, once a hip-hop staple, had largely been swept under the rug as a cringe-worthy tool belonging to another time. But then arrived Future, the slurry-rapping Atlanta MC, who with last year’s mesmerizing Pluto singlehandedly breathed new life into the left-for-dead art form. “Honest,” the lead single and title track from Future’s forthcoming second effort, continues his emo, talent-mixing quest, further blurring the lines between singing and rapping. In “Honest,” Future keeps exploring his own brand of ballad, previously heard on standout Pluto tracks “Neva End” and “Truth Gonna Hurt You.” Still, the rapper is waging a war here, not starting a revolution: Predictable hip-hop humble-brags about spending “a hundred thousand on watches” somewhat anchor this ship. -Dan Hyman
HIP-HOP
Sage the Gemini featuring IamSu!
“Gas Pedal” (3:27)
Producer: Dominic Woods
Writers: Dominic Woods, Sudan Ahmeer Williams
Publishers: Dominic Woods Publishing Designee/Sudan Williams Publishing Designee (BMI)
Black Money
Sage the Gemini takes his cues from guest star IamSu!-a rapper with a deeply engaging flow that lacks memorable one-liners-on his self-produced single “Gas Pedal.” A sex jam (Sage wants his lady to “speed up, gas pedal”) with a minimalist collection of inhalations as a beat, “Gas Pedal” features a pair of talented MCs trying to inject a spark into a string of derriere similes. -Jason Lipshutz
POP
Enrique Iglesias
“Turn the Night Up” (3:16)
Producers: The Cataracs
Writers: Niles Hollow-Dhar, Marty James, Rome Ramirez, Enrique Iglesias
Publishers: various
Republic Records
Iglesias continues to channel fist-pumping comeback hit “I Like It” on his latest single, a schizophrenic club banger that could have been a Pitbull smash. The Cataracs’ maximalist approach teeters between euphoric, seize-the-night highs and bass-heavy breakdowns that will satiate pop fans who already miss LMFAO. -Chris Payne
ALTERNATIVE
Delorean
“Destitute Time” (4:16)
Producers: Delorean, Chris Zane
Writers: Ekhi Lopetegi, Guillermo Astrain, Igor Escuredo, Unai Lazcano
Publisher: Mushroom Pillow Publishing
True Panther Sounds
On its first new single in three years, Spanish dance-rock act Delorean makes destitution sound sugar-sweet. Frontman Ekhi Lopetegi laces “Destitute Time” with vaguely bleak imagery — when he isn’t “crashing,” he’s “losing ground” — but the storm clouds are obliterated by tropical synth-flutes, Britpop guitar jangle and pulsing kick drums. -Ryan Reed
ELECTRONIC/DANCE
Baauer & Just Blaze featuring Jay Z
“Higher” (3:50)
Producers: Just Blaze, Baauer
Writers: various
Publishers: various
Priority Records
“Harlem Shake” whiz Baauer and East Coast hip-hop legend Just Blaze have teamed to rile listeners with the help of some chopped-up Jay Z vocal samples. With Jay’s intro, “You’re now rocking with the best,” his voice serves as a de facto introduction, and while Baauer doesn’t have the pedigree of his collaborator, the sample may very well be correct. -Nick Williams
ROCK
NONONO
“Pumpin’ Blood” (3:32)
Producers: Astma & Rocwell
Writers: Stina Wappling, Michael Flygare, Tobia Jimson
Publishers: EMI Music Publishing/Warner-Chappell Music Scandinavia
Warner Music International
NONONO is trying to duplicate the stateside success of fellow Swedish act Icona Pop with “Pumpin’ Blood,” the first single from its forthcoming debut album. With its whistling hook and happy-go-lucky attitude, the trio’s radio bid would be a bit too saccharine if it weren’t for the fuzzed-out mystique of vocalist Stina Wappling. -Jason Lipshutz