Hatchet reporter Leenoy Cohen shares her latest musical obsessions.

“Need Your Love”
The Temper Trap

The Temper Trap breaks out of their soft rock shell in the band’s newest single, “Need Your Love.” The immediate upbeat and electronic tones garner instant attention for this track. Unlike the well-known hit “Sweet Disposition,” this song is energetic from the get-go. “Need Your Love” allows lead singer, Dougy Mandagi, to showcase his impressive vocal range. The high-pitched sounds are perfect for going on a run, doing laundry or walking to class. The band’s new album, titled “The Temper Trap,” is set to release May 18, so get familiar with their tunes.

“Come Back Down”
Greg Laswell feat. Sara Bareilles

In this new track off his latest album, “Landline,” Greg Laswell mixes his folk-style sounds with Sara Bareilles pop. “Come Back Down” is a reflection of the entirety of Laswell’s album, highlighting more of a rock theme than his previous work. Bareilles’ strong and quick harmonic background complements Laswell’s deep, soft and stretched out notes. Although the lyrics suggest Laswell and Bareilles are singing about a serious subject, the melody itself gives off more fun. The repeating piano and drum sequence in the chorus creates a sonic space you cannot escape. Laswell combines, in this track, heartfelt lyrics with a catchy harmony.

“Keep Your Head Up”
Ben Howard

The slow introduction to Ben Howard’s pop-rock single, “Keep Your Head Up,” leads into the uptempo and optimistic chorus that repeats, “Keep your head up, keep your heart strong.” A drum pattern eases into the song’s first chorus and resounds strongly throughout the entire song. “Keep Your Head Up” is one of 10 tracks on Howard’s first studio album, “Every Kingdom,” which offers powerful – although often sentimental – lyrics. His scratchy, raw voice makes for an engrossing listen at any time of day and is reminiscent of Nick Drake’s soft and slow tunes. The song’s positive message is sure to uplift even the worst of moods.