INDIE
M.I.A.
“Bring the Noize” (3:23)
Producers: Switch & Surkin
Writers: various
Publishers: various
N.E.E.T./Interscope
“Truth is like a rotten tooth,” M.I.A. boasts. “You gotta spit it out.” But the truth is complicated, especially for one of the world’s most confrontational pop-rappers. “Bring the Noize” is trademark M.I.A. capriciousness: part militaristic battle cry, part brag-rap buffet, with explosively brash beats that blend bhangra exoticism with electro-grime muscle. Like M.I.A.’s best work, “Bring the Noize” leaves a spellbinding black eye. -Ryan Reed
FOLK
THE CIVIL WARS
“The One That Got Away” (3:33)
Producer: Charlie Peacock
writers: Joy Williams, John Paul White, Charlie Peacock
publisherS: various
Sensibility/Columbia
When it comes to hiatuses, the Civil Wars aren’t exactly the Smiths: The Grammy Award-winning folk duo split up last November due to “internal discord,” and somehow announced a new album six months later. With its austere arrangement and Joy Williams’ quivering vocals, the group’s new single operates in the haunting shades that colored its 2011 debut, “Barton Hollow.” Rock fans should be thankful that the Civil Wars did not, in fact, get away from them. -Jason Lipshutz
POP
GAVIN DeGRAW
“Best I Ever Had” (3:47)
Producer: Martin Johnson
Writers: Gavin DeGraw, Martin Johnson
Publishers: various
RCA
Pop-rock singer DeGraw apparently couldn’t ignore the dual EDM and folk resurgences of the last two years, so he combined the trends on his latest single with a brisk, stomping beat. A tribute to life on the road, “Best I Ever Had” is a refreshingly rhythmic return for a singer who benefits from a change of pace. -Andrew Hampp
ALTERNATIVE
NEKO CASE
“Man” (3:31)
Producer: M. Ward
Writer: not listed
Publisher: not listed
Anti-
For her first single in four years, Case adopts the jangly power-pop of her side project the New Pornographers (courtesy of guest producer M. Ward), while featuring the feisty attitude that’s been a mainstay of her solo work. “I’m a man/You’ll have to deal with me/My proxy is mine/You’ll deal with me directly,” she informs the listener. A lock for solid triple A play, “Man” previews Case’s upcoming sixth LP, due in September. -Andrew Hampp
DANCE
ALEXA ROCKS
“Cause We Feel Like It” (3:33)
Producers: Team Whooopiii, Tony Prendatt-Carter
Writers: various
Publishers: various
2CK/AlexaRocks Music
Scarsdale, N.Y., pop newcomer Rocks has snagged a malleable, multifaceted chunk of electronica to glide over on her single “Cause We Feel Like It,” which has found a solid audience on YouTube. The lyrics leave something to be desired, but the singer hints at a still-developing vocal persona that could someday prove absorbing. -Jason Lipshutz