High 5: Five Playlists You Need To Hear This Week

TIDAL’s music editors are continuously at work crafting new playlists for different themes, genres, moods and occasions, as well as offering you a continuous flow of guest curated and exclusive artist playlists. To help guide you through the constant flow of great new content, we highlight five of our favorites right here. This is the TIDAL High 5.

*   *   *

Legendary Outlaws

Representing Compton, California, seminal hip-hop group N.W.A. came together in 1986 and went on shock America with their uncompromising commentary on police brutality, racial profiling, gun violence and growing up in the inner city. Comprised of Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, DJ Yella, and MC Ren, they also showed an entire generation of rappers how to maintain their musical integrity, while still having monumental commercial success. Following the group’s historic induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this past weekend (by Compton’s own Kendrick Lamar, no less), we celebrate the legendary group that changed music forever with this playlist.

In a big blow to the world of country music, Merle Haggard passed away last week on the day of his 79th birthday. As one of the most significant country artists to emerge from the 1960s, Haggard perfectly personified the music he played. A fugitive through and through, Haggard spent much of his youth in and out of jail. Poetically, it was witnessing Johnny Cash perform at San Quentin Prison in 1958 that inspired young Merle to pursue music. Alongside Buck Owens and The Buckaroos, Haggard and his band The Strangers would help to establish the “Bakersfield Sound,” a rugged reaction to the slick stylings coming out of Nashville at the time, and later align himself with the outlaw country scene of friends like Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Where most talk the talk, Merle Haggard walked the authentic outlaw walk. We collected some of his finest moments here.

 

The Under 25 Club

When looking at a specific age range within one profession it’s always interesting to see how wide the range is in regards to career progression. Hip-hop is no different, which is reflected in this playlist we put together of some rappers under the age of 25 being played in our offices. Some, like Desiigner, have just started getting a buzz and haven’t put out a full-length project. Others, such as Young Thug and Chance the Rapper, have been rapping for years, released multiple albums or are headlining festivals. Regardless of what point in their development they are, they add an overall incredible level of health, vitality and future promise to the genre. So take a listen to some of the young talent that has been catching our ears.

Frank Ocean, Miguel and The Weeknd have ushered in a new era for R&B that stretches the limits of what the genre could sound like with their music, lyrics and aesthetic often having an edgy and experimental feel. Newcomers like Bryson Tiller and Kehlani and many others have continued this forward momentum with their music, while bringing an innovative style and sound, which cumulatively has injected life into a genre that some felt had started to become stale. With the genre in an incredible and vibrant place, we wanted to share some of the best young R&B music we’re listening to now.

 

Teen Angst

Angst, spleen and teenage weltschmerz comes in many forms. And while some musical manifestations are more serious and somber than others, even poppy renderings manage to encapsulate the me-against-the-world mentality so often associated with our more formative years. This playlist, featuring such bands as blink-182, Placebo, R.E.M., The Replacements and Neutral Milk Hotel, is music to slam your door to, music that empathizes with the struggles of growing up. But as we age and grow, we come to learn that little actually changes. Who you are is who you are. Consequently, even those long since grown will find comfort in these old friends.

 

Infectious Garage Rock

“Chewin’ at a rhythm on my bubble gum. The sun is out, I want some.” So begins “Rockaway Beach,” the unforgettable 1977 hit by the Ramones, a bona fide summer anthem that has stood the true test of time. Perfectly blending punk rock attitude and infectious melodies, Ramones’ trademark bubblegum punk sound has continued to resonate with young musicians well into the new millennium. This playlist, featuring uplifting punk gems from the likes of Jay Reatard, The Strokes, Best Coast, FIDLAR and many more, contains nothing but super catchy cuts from all the best garage rock bands from the naughts. Bop your head as you put on your sunglasses and head for the beach.

 

Coffee & Music

“I have a deep, profound love for coffee,” writes Mike Hill of experimental metal  Tombs, introducing his java-themed guest playlist. “Most of my childhood was spent under the watchful eye of my Italian grandmother so I had full access to dark coffee, espresso and delicious baked goods. The taste of a strong roast always conjures up good vibes for me. Coffee and music seem to go hand in hand. One of my favorite things to do is sleep in Sunday morning, prepare some strong pour-over coffee and listen to records. This playlist features some of my favorites to run on those caffeine-fueled mornings…”

And if metal and hardcore isn’t your kind of creamer, check out our Jazz & Coffee playlist for a considerably more mellow start to your morning routine.