HIP-HOP
2 CHAINZ & WIZ KHALIFA
“We Own It” (3:48)
Producers: The Futuristics
writers: various
publishers: various
Def Jam/IDJMG
This single from the “Fast & Furious 6” soundtrack imagines 2 Chainz and Khalifa as hip-hop’s Paul Walker and Vin Diesel, with the former declaring “Couldn’t slow down so we had to crash it!” and the latter harping on the film’s “ride or die” credo. “We Own It” is passable radio rap from two talented MCs on cruise control. -Jason Lipshutz
ROCK
GROUPLOVE
“Ways to Go” (3:51)
Producer: Ryan Rabin
writer: Grouplove
publishers: Warner/Chappell, Nkosi Sikeleli Afrika Music c/o 2850 Music (ASCAP)
Related
Canvasback Music/Atlantic
In its music video for new single “Ways to Go,” indie/electronica outfit Grouplove transforms a ruthless child dictator’s mansion into a dance club. The group’s music typically has a similar effect: “Ways to Go” is a supremely silly sugar rush of synth-bass and boy-girl shouts, catchy enough to unite warring ideals-for four minutes, at least. -Ryan Reed
POP
KARMIN
“Acapella” (3:21)
Producer: Martin Johnson
writers: various
publishers: various
Epic
Karmin’s Amy Heidemann settles into her own rhythm as a rapper/singer on “Acapella,” the duo’s first single to achieve the same mix of swagger and sweetness that made it a YouTube star with a cover of Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now.” The vocals largely make up the instrumentation of “Acapella” — a catchy ode to independence that the pair’s fans should gobble up. -Anrdew Hampp
COUNTRY
TYLER FARR
“Redneck Crazy” (3:37)
Producers: Jim Catino, Julian King
writers: Josh Kear, Mark Irwin, Chris Tompkins
publishers: various
Columbia Nashville
A broken heart leads Farr to go “Redneck Crazy” on his latest single, which has been rising up Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart since its release earlier this year. Lines like “I’m gonna aim my headlights into your bedroom windows” sound more stalker-esque than redneck wild, and truck-sized insults and a guitar solo are thrown in for good measure. Farr may think he’s crazy, but this ballad could use a boost of humor. -JM
POP
MIKE POSNER
“The Way It Used to Be” (4:06)
Producers: Ammo, Martin Johnson
writers: Mike Posner, Martin Johnson, Joshua Coleman
publisherS: North Greenway Productions/Sony-ATV Tunes/EMI April Music/Martin Music/Each Note Counts/Prescription Songs, administered by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing obo Martin Johnson (ASCAP)
RCA Records
After scoring writing and production credits on songs like Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” and 2 Chainz’ “In Town,” Posner returns as a solo act on the wistful “The Way It Used to Be,” from his forthcoming sophomore set. The “Cooler Than Me” singer is still grasping at all-consuming choruses, although this single is decidedly more fervid than any of his previous radio offerings. The feeling is unexpected, and intriguing. -Jason Lipshutz