CREDIT: SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
Sometimes good things come in small packages.

Singles don’t often get the same amount of attention that albums do. Understandably, a three-minute song is considerably shorter than a full-length album, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t break them down and appreciate them. A single release is often a snapshot of where an artist is right now and where we can expect them to go with their next release. Here are a few artists to keep an eye on in 2016.

“Summer Sixteen” (Drake)

Heading the charge of singles this week is Toronto’s rap icon Drake. His track “Summer Sixteen” comes in two parts, reigniting his beef with Meek Mill and addressing the up and coming prowess of Toronto’s rap game. Ever since Drake’s mixtape, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, the rapper has taken an aggressive turn with his music. Gone are the days of emotional sad boy Drake, 2015 has seen the rise of an edgy reinvention of the rapper that shows no signs of stopping this summer. Drake has been alluding the release of his next studio album Views From the 6 for quite some time now. With the overwhelming amount of hype from Drake, if he doesn’t hit harder than he did on What a Time to be Alive it’s going to seriously cripple his momentum.

“Don’t Let Me Down ft. Daya” (The Chainsmokers)

Representing the American side of music singles this week comes New York duo The Chainsmokers. These DJ’s made a name for themselves with the release of “#SELFIE” followed by the more serious top-ten release of “Roses”. The duo hopes that “Don’t Let Me Down” will be their next “Roses”, while taking a different approach to the production. The DJ’s blend together elements of house, pop and alternative music in a fresh and satisfying manner. Airy verses spearheaded by soft electric guitar and somber vocals lead into a carefully understated build that peak with a classic dance-pop brass section. This song brings a diverse repertoire making it suitable for listening while alone in your bedroom, or while sweating vigorously on the person next to you in the club. With their expanding catalogue of unique songs The Chainsmokers continue to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

“Ophelia” (The Lumineers)

On the opposite end of the musical spectrum lays the “Ho Hey” hit makers The Lumineers. Their latest single “Ophelia” is the long anticipated follow up to their debut self-titled album, and serves as the first bit of new material from the band in four years. The group says that “Ophelia” is the cornerstone of their upcoming album Cleopatra, and had a big part in bringing the other songs on the album into fruition. If “Ophelia” is any indication, the upcoming album will have a distinctly heavier feeling to it. The exposed coarse vocals and parlor-room piano accompaniment create the feeling of an older and weathered band. It has a happy sort of sadness that can bring you up or let you wallow depending on your mindset going into it. “Ophelia” isn’t as playful as some of their earlier tracks, but it sticks in your head all the same. This latest single assures listeners that the four-year gap in albums will be well worth the wait.