Today's Top Tune

With a degree from the London College of Music, Mexican composer Mateo Cuarón likes to explore songmaking by taking works apart to study their narrative, orchestration, and melody. That may be the reason that “Esa Sonrisa,” or “That Smile” in English, has a beautiful structural sound.

The distinctive sound of Yazmin Lacey comes through on “Late Night People,” and so unfolds her vocal diary. With the release of Lacey’s long-awaited debut album, Voice Notes, be prepared to peek and get lost in this artist’s work and world via a collection of songs delving into her thoughts, troubles, and desires.

After three years of pandemic, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers The Zombies made their time productive and are set to drop their new album in March. Set on recording their magic as “ live” as they could post-lockdown, “Dropped Reeling and Stupid” recalls Steely Dan and is the first track they share from Different Game.

Brazilian singer-songwriter Rogê shares the latest preview from his forthcoming album Curyman, which is being called “a modern Brazilian masterpiece.” Featuring orchestration from the legendary Arthur Verocai, Rogê breathes new life into the Luiz Melodia samba of “Mistério da Raça.”

After six long years, Canadian duo Junior Boys are back with their sixth album, Waiting Game. Written during the uncertain time of lockdown, the album saw the duo enjoy ample time to work out more reflective and thought-provoking tracks than their dance-driven predecessors, as we hear on “Thinking About You Calms Me Down.”

Somewhere between tradition and modernization lies the work of Hindustani slide guitarist Debashish Bhattacharya. Fusing his love of Hawaiian steel guitar with Indian music, Bhattacharya heard a new sound and created the “chatarangui,” a hollow-neck lap steel with additional strings, in the ‘70s. His new album, The Sound of the Soul, pays tribute to virtuoso Ustad Ali Akbar Khan with a vast range of textures.

“Try Again” is the latest positive anthem from self-made rapper and producer Oddisee. Offering fuel to turn around adversity, Oddisee says, “Took a hit but I prevailed / Now I got the gist on how to flip it when I fail.” Listen to the man and give yourself another chance.

Last week, guitarist Jared Mattson (of The Mattson 2) announced his upcoming solo album dropping at the end of March. Having gained prestige working with Chaz Bundick (Toro y Moi) , Mattson’s new work “Please Come Here” is sung in Japanese and showcases his tasty, jazzy guitar chops.

“Dark Moon” is the first piece to introduce the sound of pianist Steve Okonski’s eponymous trio. A member of Durand Jones & The Indications, Okonski brings together Michael Isvara “Ish” Montgomery on upright bass and bandmate Aaron Frazer — in lieu of his subdued vocals — on drums on this uplifting cinematic jazz composition that evolved after an evening listening to David Axelrod recordings.

Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield teams up with Jess Williamson for their joint project as Plains. Delving into their love of Americana and roots music, the two make a perfect pairing of strong songwriting and Southern charm that exudes on their full-length I Walked With You A Ways, with “No Record of Wrongs” as a strong standout.