There is a peculiar friction to the digital textures of Skylarka and her new album, "Somnorine". It’s supposed to be chiptune-influenced synthwave, but listening to it feels less like browsing the internet and more like chewing on aluminum foil while watching Blade Runner on a CRT monitor that’s slowly degaussing. It’s a sensory contradiction bright, crystalline pop hooks wrestling with the deep, existential dread...

If you ask around, you will discover that the new single "Christmas Angel" by German vocalist Nadine Stockmann is outstanding by any standard. The new song invites everyone who hears it and engages with it to experience happiness in its purest form. It doesn't matter what it is; the song is significantly superior. Since it is so relatable and all-encompassing, you can practically give the impression...