The Colton Vibe – Songs of the Week – Sept. 10

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Today’s vibe has an international flavor. From right: Park Hye Jin, Bomba Estéreo, Maria Isabel, Yebba, Courtney Barnett, Mdou Moctar

Myles Garza, Pepper Bough Staff Writer

Talk about music usually revolves around American artists. We get it—America is a dominant cultural force around the world. However, as the world becomes more globalized, the borders that separate musical genres and artists are becoming more and more invisible.

This week, we take a look at six songs from international artists—and, yes, one American—that you should definitely add to your personal playlist.

 

“Let’s Sing Let’s Dance” – Park Hye Jin (South Korea)

“Let’s Sing Let’s Dance” is a mellow head bobber from South Korean DJ Park Hye Jin. Her newly released album “ Before I Die“ is her studio debut. The South Korean DJ got her start n 2018, and has built a steady following. In this song, Park slowly talks and sings over a minimalistic beat, like a poet speaking in time. Language aside, this is a song you feel more than understand. 

 

“Se Acabó” – Bomba Estéreo (Columbia)

With the release of their 6th sudio album “DEJA,” the Colombian Electro group has added a well-rounded album to their discography. A guitar loop mixes with the soft drums, giving this song a true summer vibe. Prepare to feel like you’re sitting by the beach at a resort. Li Saumet’s strong, but smooth vocals really make this song.

 

“Far Away (Feat A$AP Rocky)” – Yebba (United States)

Coming off of “Yebba’s Heartbreak” on Drake’s “Certified Lover Boy” the West Memphis native has finally released her debut album. Her chorus on “Far Away” ties the whole piece together in contrast to A$AP Rocky’s verse. A$AP’s verse sticks to his melodic rapping we know him for, but layers multiple voices and effects over him. 

 

“De Ná” – Maria Isabel (Dominican Republic)

On the release of her mixtape “i hope you’re very unhappy without me” Maria Isabel takes advantage of being bilingual.  “De Ná” is a prime example—Spanish for the choruses, English for the verses. At times you can’t even tell when she switches, it’s often so smooth. With only 431,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, she needs more attention. If you are into an artist with heavy R&B/Latian roots, definitely give her a chance.

 

“I’ll Be Your Mirror” – Courtney Barnett (Australia)

The deadpan rocker at the center of Australia’s rock revival just dropped this early single from her forthcoming album “Things Take Time, Take Time,” which is due out November 12. On “Mirror” she takes the plaintive approach, going acoustic as she sings to a lover about how they are reflections of each other. It becomes clear, though, as with most songs by Barnett, that the surface is only part of the truth. “Mirror” uses this conversation as an extended metaphor of the relationship between artist and audience.

 

“Chismeten” – Mdou Moctar (Nigeria)

The best rock guitar music this side of Led Zeppelin and Van Halen is not American or English—it’s Nigerian! Mdou Moctar is a politically charged rocker from Nigeria who combines classic rock with Saharan desert blues. On “Chismeten,” he’s focused on more personal matters, namely his own jealousies and insecurities, and how he needs God to forgive him for the sin. The only ones who should be jealous are the guitar players whose faces will melt once Moctar kicks into a solo.