Jay-Z featuring Drake and Timbaland “Off That” Call it recession rap: in his stellar single “Off That,” Jay-Z is so over “Cris, rims, and Tims.” This is not to say that Jay isn’t flourishing. On the lead single from The Blueprint 3, he has recruited two of the game’s biggest players — singer/rapper Drake and superproducer Timbaland — to craft a certified down-market banger. “Off That” has been in constant rotation on hip hop stations since The Blueprint 3 leaked, and for good reason. Everything just works: Drake’s grave delivery makes for a killer hook, Timbaland’s beat is as wonderfully bass-heavy and complex as always and Jay’s lyrics are both mature and fun — certainly a difficult balance to strike. While Hova’s lyrics may not be as serious as his Reasonable Doubt-era rhymes, they are just as well thought out here. Clever wordplay runs through the song, and the bridge is not to be missed, but Jay shuts it down mid-song with one line: “Tell Rush Limbaugh to get off my balls / It’s 2010, not 1864.” Haters, take note: Jay-Z just wrote the blueprint for ballin’, depression or not. —Lauren Lipsay and Alex Remnick
The Polyphonic Spree “Section 12 (Hold Me Now)” The Polyphonic Spree is known for its 23 members, coral symphonic rock sound and cultish concerts. Each song of their 2004 album Together We’re Heavy makes you want to interpretive dance right through Carnegie Hall. “Section 12 (Hold Me Now)” is no different and in fact magnifies this feeling. With a catchy chorus and empowering lyrics, listeners can’t help but tap their feet, sing along and press repeat. This song is perfect for walks to class and your pump up playlist before the worst test of your life. But beware, the lyrics may be stuck in your head for days and the symphony will stay with you long after. —Jess Goodman
David Guetta featuring Chris Willis “Gettin’ Over” Trying to get the party started? Looking for that one track that makes even the dude in the corner start moving? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back: “Gettin’ Over” by David Guetta featuring Chris Willis is exactly what you're looking for. The house legend exceeds expectations, delivering a meaty third single from his new album One Love. Guetta favorite and gospel crooner Chris Willis create a track that bridges demographics by setting pop melodies against classic beats that boom passionately and drop fiercely. The tune starts with a more mellow progression before diving into the clean and catchy beats that one can expect from Guetta. The song quickly builds, reaching a feverish pinnacle of high tempo excitement. Then, just as the energy seems to be fading, an epic drop will reel you (and the chump in the corner) back into this fantastic song. —Sean Nadel
