Welcome to “Cut Through the Noise,” an entertainment column from the St. Louis Park Echo covering new music releases. Every week, a different Echo staffer takes on the role of writer, reviewing recent single releases from a variety of artists.

Kanye West and The Game – “Eazy” ★★★★☆

Kanye West and The Game teamed up to drop a single together that is extremely layered and slightly dark. Kanye has always been in the spotlight, whether it’s positive or negative, so it’s really no surprise that just the cover for this track has caused some big talk on social media, as it’s a photo of a skinned baboon. Kanye’s verse reaches more controversy as he talks about his recent divorce with Kim Kardashian, Kim’s new boyfriend Pete Davidson and his mental health. 

All of these things make me like the song even more. Kanye’s openness and vulnerability in the lyrics is extremely powerful and makes me respect him. 

The Games verse is darker. He raps about growing up poor and gang fights saying in the chorus, “My life was never (Eazy)”. I liked his verse, but I liked Kanye’s verse more because it had more feelings and meaning to it. The beat on this track is low pitched and the constant, faced paced racing sound in the back adds to the eeriness of the song. Overall, I only recommend this song to people with a history of listening to Kanye songs or people who enjoy songs with deep meaning.

Iann Dior featuring Lil Uzi Vert – “V12” ★★★☆☆

Ian Diors’ song “V12” with Lil Uzi Vert off Diors’ latest album “on to better things” is a very fun and catchy song. It starts by setting the beat of the track up before Dior comes into the song for the pre-chorus. 

The beat drops as Dior begins rapping about his success and a woman he wants to spend money on. The beginning of the song is carried by the chorus as I feel Diors verse was boring and predictable. Although I enjoy his voice, his lyrics seemed lazy. Luckily, Lil Uzi Vert comes in after a second chorus and easily outshines Dior on his own song. Although his verse was short, he kept the theme of the song rapping about his diamonds and love for a woman. His voice and laidback sound mesh perfectly with the chill beat and it makes the song very catchy. His lyrics and delivery of the lyrics were much better than Diors’ and the song flowed really well as Uzi was wrapping. Although I don’t love Diors verse, Uzi’s verse and the fun chorus makeup for his shortcomings. I would recommend this song to almost anyone who likes rap. It’s not the best song but it definitely can be added to your playlist and not get skipped.

Charlie Puth – “Light Switch”★★★☆☆

Charlie Puth’s latest single “Light Switch” is fast and hoppy. Puths’ vocals mesh great with the quick beat of the song. 

The overall sound is a techno hip concept that reminds me of a beach day in the summer. Puth sings about his fascination with a woman and his unmatched love for her. He keeps coming back to her even though she’s playing with his feelings. The lyrics are very catchy and match well to the beat. Puth uses is the perfect amount of autotune, as it doesn’t overwhelm listeners. Compared to his other songs it matches in every category without being too predictable. It’s a refreshing track that’s extremely easy to listen to. I would recommend this song to anyone who likes pop music as it’s perfect for any energetic playlist.