Herb Frequency: The Best Songs You Need To Hear This Week

Tunes that can leave a real impact.

Melissa Jaramillo

Plato famously stated, “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” Music has transformative power, and embracing that spirit, we’re proceeding with a collection of freshly released tracks that truly stand out.

Each song will take you to a higher plane of enjoyment, from soul-stirring reggae rhythms to fun-loving indie anthems.

YG Marley - Praise Jah In The Moonlight

Photo by Joshua Omaru Marley

Diving deep into reggae’s roots, YG Marley’s “Praise Jah in the Moonlight” is a soul-stirring homage to love, spirituality, and the quest for freedom. Co-written with his Grammy-winning mother, Lauryn Hill, the song pays tribute to his legendary grandfather, Bob Marley, particularly Bob Marley & the Wailers’ 1978 track “Crisis.”

This track offers a modern reflection on the timeless struggles and spiritual journeys that define our human experience. YG Marley challenges listeners to remain true to themselves, resist society’s pressures and manipulations, and seek freedom and enlightenment through faith, love, and music. The depthful lyricism and soul-feeding rhythms invite listeners into the very heart of reggae.

Pair with Blue Dream.

Chad Post - Safe Keeping

Chad Post has all the potential of today’s biggest pop stars. The melodies are hooky, and the lyrics are intensely relatable. You’re going to be humming along within seconds. He’s also a published writer/poet and visual artist. Well rounded! In anticipation of his upcoming EP, STATIC, the NYC-based singer-songwriter has released his latest single, “Safe Keeping,” which we’ve been bumping in the office all day.

Pair with Green Crack.

Cigar Cigarette - Probes

Cigar Cigarette is the experimental electronic solo project of Los Angeles-based artist and producer Chris McLaughlin. The music is innovative, guided by an anxious, apocalyptic mystique as much as it is by McLaughlin’s wide-spanning ear and his cosmic vision of distorted, pulsating, and, at times, orchestral synthesized soundscapes.

McLaughlin has accrued more than a decade of impressive credits and accolades in his production and engineering career, working with major artists including Beyoncé (for which he was nominated for two Grammy Awards—Album of the Year and Record of the Year—for Renaissance and “Break My Soul,” respectively), Kanye West and the Sunday Service choir, Rihanna, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, Fabrizio Moretti of The Strokes, and Neon Indian.

In advance of his new EP, Natural History, he recently released a new single, “Probes,” which features vocals from the Dirty Projectors’ Angel Deradoorian.

Pair with Pink Tar Kush.

Megan Vice & Valiant Vermin - Never Gonna Get With Me

Megan Vice and Valiant Vermin have released a real musical hit that you have to hear.

“Never Gonna Get With Me” not only has a catchy beat and fun lyrics, but it also boldly condemns harassment and objectification.

With racy lyrics and a catchy melody, Megan Vice and Valiant Vermin invite us to laugh at the struggles we face as women in a male-dominated world—which is no laughing matter, but as the artists put it, is a way to “express the agony of being women.” This catchy song references integrity, talent, and female resilience, all wrapped up in a delightfully irreverent pop package.

So, the next time you find yourself being harassed in your DMs, put “Never Gonna Get With Me” and move forward with your head held high.

Pair with Super Lemon Haze.

Green Day - Dilemma

Photo by Rich Fury

Green Day is back with “Dilemma,” a powerful anthem from their forthcoming 14th album, Saviors. This track takes us deep into the heart of addiction and mental illness, capturing the raw struggles and pain that come with these challenges.

But “Dilemma” offers more than just a musical journey; it’s a call to empathy, understanding, and ultimately, hope. Billie Joe Armstrong, Green Day’s frontman, pours his personal battles with substance abuse into every lyric, making the song a deeply personal narrative.

Pair with: Pink Kush.

Grimes - Genesis

Photo by IMDb

“Genesis” is one of Grimes’ most captivating tracks, blending ethereal vocals with a rich tapestry of electronic and dream pop elements. The song transports listeners to a fantastical soundscape, where futuristic beats and atmospheric synths intertwine with Grimes’ otherworldly voice, creating a sense of adventure and exploration.

It’s a testament to Grimes’ ability to fuse experimental sounds with pop sensibilities, resulting in a track that is both accessible and deeply complex. Genesis is a journey through digital realms and mystical worlds, encapsulating the essence of Grimes’ unique artistry.

Pair with: Green Queen.

Four Tet - Parallel 8

Photo by NTS Live

“Parallel 8” by Four Tet is an auditory experience that showcases the artist’s skill in creating intricate electronic music that resonates profoundly. The track is a journey through layered textures and subtle beats, embodying a sense of calm and introspection.

Its minimalist approach allows listeners to immerse themselves in the nuances of sound, making Parallel 8 a piece that rewards deep listening. The track’s evolving nature reflects the complexities of human emotion, making it a compelling listen for those seeking solace in music.

Pair with: Purple Dream.

Lana Del Rey - Let The Light In

Photo by Neil Krug

Lana Del Rey’s “Let The Light In” is a mesmerizing ballad that showcases her signature cinematic style, with lush orchestration and soulful lyrics that explore themes of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of love. Lana’s evocative voice, combined with the song’s sweeping arrangement and feature of Father John Misty invites listeners into a deeply emotional and reflective space, making it a standout track in her discography.

Pair with: Haze.