Chicago – As we say goodbye to 2013, here are five new songs to discover, from R&B to dream pop to something dark and bluesy.  There’s something (or two or three) for your first 2014 playlist.  Please share these with someone because who doesn’t like to introduce new music to a friend?

Blood Orange – “Chamakay”

“Chamakay,” the opening track to Blood Orange’s excellent new album, Cupid Deluxe,is a beautifully seductive R&B jam. The track combines Michael Jackson-esque vocals with The xx’s dark atmospherics. Brainchild Devonté Hynes’ work with rising pop stars, Sky Ferreira and Solange, has certainly rubbed off on his melodies, which are nothing short of contagious. Though beneath the catchiness lies a tale of deceit that gives “Chamakay” an added layer of poignancy. 

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You Blew It!- “House Address” 

With the emo rival in full swing you can expect to hear a lot about Floridian quartet You Blew It! Their latest single, “House Address,” from their forthcoming full length, Keep Doing What You’re Doing, is a page straight out of the The Emo Diaries. “House Address” sounds like Clarity-era Jimmy Eat World with a touch of early Death Cab For Cutie. It is a melodic, heartfelt anthem that would make emo’s founding fathers proud.

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The Dead Weather – “Open Up (That’s Enough)”

The mighty The Dead Weather have returned with a menacing new single entitled “Open Up (That’s Enough).” Alison Mosshart kicks off this dark bluesy track with a ferocious battle cry that is carried by biting guitars and powerhouse drumming courtesy of Jack White. Its’ a song that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go until you plead “That’s enough!”

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Say Lou Lou – Beloved

Dream-pop duo Say Lou Lou follow up their wildly infectious single, “Better In The Dark,” with another wildly infectious single, “Beloved.” The ethereal verses give way to huge hooks that question the legitimacy of the characters’ romantic entanglement. The lyrics may feel overwrought on paper, but once put to music they become quite touching, proving that underneath their highly polished sound lies a pulse.

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Sisyphus – “Calm It Down’ 

Ever wonder what Sufjan Stevens would sing like on a hip-hop track? Well be prepared to have your curiosity eased. Sisyphus, (formerly S/S/S), is an alt-hip-hop collaboration between Stevens, rapper Serengeti, and producer Son Lux. Their new single, “Calm It Down,” is the first track released from their self-titled debut album due out March 18.  Unfortunately we don’t get to hear Stevens spit any rhymes himself, though his lovely, airy vocals help make up for lines like, “When your flips don’t flop/When your grips don’t got.”