Music we loved this week: James Bay, Earl Sweatshirt, and Jamie xx's epic return

As the old sage Ferris Bueller once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

Here in EW’s music department, we feel the same way about music on the internet. There are amazing songs whizzing across the web every day, but if you blink at the wrong time, you could miss your new favorite track. So, behold—a roundup of the best new songs we heard this week:

James Bay — “Let It Go”

James Bay produces some of the most sincere, affecting music I can think of. To see a track as fantastic as “Let It Go” get a video of equal caliber, talk about making my day. This has been on a loop all week.—Madison Vain

Jamie xx — “Loud Places (feat. Romy)”

The handclaps and quaking drums make this stellar cut off Jamie xx’s forthcoming solo debut unlike anything you’ve ever heard from the xx—despite featuring the group’s singer, Romy Madley-Croft, on vocals. Don’t forget your dancing shoes.—Eric Renner Brown

Vance Joy — “Georgia”

First, Vance Joy has to be thrilled to finally be promoting a single other than “Riptide.” Second, major bonus points for kicking off a seriously dreamy track (close your eyes and try not to fall into the softest of day dreams—it’s not possible!) with such a gripping music video. It holds you until the end the way a good movie might, and hello, plot twist(s)!—Madison Vain

Earl Sweatshirt — “Wool (feat. Vince Staples)”

Earl was rightfully bummed with the way the release of his new album, I Don’t Like S—, I Don’t Go Outside, was handled. Fortunately, he and L.A. compatriot Vince Staples distilled their energy into two-and-a-half minutes of lyrical gymnastics, disregarding any need for a hook.—Will Robinson

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsaAJZ2oDI8

Hoodboi — Palm Reader EP

Is there a better soundtrack for your Friday afternoon than Hoodboy’s new EP? In a word, no. Head straight into the weekend with that one.—Madison Vain