COUNTRY
MIRANDA LAMBERT
“Automatic” (4:07)
Producers: Frank Liddell, Chuck Ainlay, Glenn Worf
Writers: Miranda Lambert, Nicolle Galyon, Natalie Hemby
Publishers: various
Label: RCA Nashville
“Seems like only yesterday, I’d get a blank cassette/Record the country countdown, ’cause I couldn’t buy it yet,” Miranda Lambert sings on her latest single. Country’s bad girl is yearning for simpler times, and this midtempo rocker is a trip back to her early recordings: “Automatic” contains no flairs or tricks, just Lambert and her affecting reflections. -Jason Lipshutz
ROCK
KONGOS
“Come With Me Now” (3:32)
Producers: Kongos
Writer: Johnny Kongos
Publisher: Kongos Music
Label: Epic Records
“Come With Me Now” smacks the listener with a buzzing accordion line, devilish singalong vocals and a heavy helping of rowdy Balkan spirit. It’s the sound of a multifaceted four-piece — one that’s toured the world with Linkin Park and AWOLNATION — that isn’t satisfied with being labeled as merely of-the-moment anymore. This is Kongos aiming for longevity, with a catchy breakout single. -Dan Hyman
LATIN
ROMEO SANTOS FEATURING DRAKE
“Odio” (3:45)
Producers: Anthony Santos, Rico Love, Earl Hood
Writers: various
Publishers: various
Label: Sony Music Latin
“Odio” (Hate), Romeo Santos’ new single and his best bet for a crossover hit to date, isn’t a boisterous hip-hop cut that Drake’s presence might suggest. Instead, the bachata track finds the superstar rapper following Santos’ lead and singing softly in Spanish, carefully abiding by the crackling passion at the heart of the song before sliding to center stage and spitting in English at the conclusion. -Jason Lipshutz
POP
HOT CHELLE RAE
“Don’t Say Goodnight” (3:32)
Producer: Jonas Jeberg
Writers: various
Publishers: various
Label: RCA Records
Pop-rock band Hot Chelle Rae returns after the departure of bassist Ian Keaggy with the raucous “Don’t Say Goodnight.” Drawing heavily from fun.’s unapologetic grandiosity, singer Ryan Follese playfully details the debauchery of having two girls on his lap and trying to rap along to A$AP Rocky. Hot Chelle Rae’s fans are growing up, but fortunately, so is the group’s songwriting. -Nick Williams