LITTLE DRAGON
“Klapp Klapp”
Label: Loma Vista Recordings
Not much has changed for Little Dragon on its mind-altering new single, “Klapp Klapp” — the Swedish electro-soul quartet continues to revel in psychedelic hooks and jazzy beats, with vocalist Yukimi Nagano crooning hypnotic, ’90s R&B-styled lines. “The spirits blow around like a hurricane whip,” she sings, “the girls don’t mind my high scream drip.” The lyrics may be cryptic, but the groove speaks volumes. -Ryan Reed
THE HOLD STEADY
“Spinners”
Label: Positive Jams/Washington Square
The Hold Steady returns after four years with a new single offering bar-rock musings on the rhythms of urban nightlife. It’s standard fare for the group, but singer Craig Finn’s writing rarely disappoints: “Flat champagne and inbound trains/Soft hands and phantom pains … It’s a big city, there’s a lot of love.” -Nick Williams
MATT GOSS
“I Do”
Label: Virgin Records
Matt Goss, formerly of U.K. pop heartthrobs Bros, has reinvented himself as a classy crooner while owning a residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. “I Do” yearns to become the soundtrack to every spring engagement, but its elegant orchestration can’t mask the lack of a memorable refrain. Still, Goss sounds terrific, remaining debonair without winking too often. -Jason Lipshutz
AFROJACK FEATURING WRABEL
“Ten Feet Tall”
Label: Wall/PM:AM/Island/IDJMG
Afrojack’s new single debuted in a high-profile Bud Light ad during the Super Bowl. But even if “Ten Feet Tall” had been unveiled differently, the invigorating track would still be a huge score, as newcomer Wrabel preaches the sugary high of pure love, while Afrojack provides the plush soundtrack of his elation. -Kathy Iandoli