1. “Do I Wanna Know?” by the Arctic Monkeys – Alex Turner’s voice slithers through the retro guitar riffs and marching drumbeats of this dark love song. The lines, “Simmer down and pucker up/I’m sorry to interrupt, it’s just I’m constantly on the cusp of trying to kiss you,” echoes the song’s major themes of emotional love and physical lust. The track is from the group’s fifth studio album, “AM,” which is available now.

2. “Black Skinhead” by Kanye West – If the title doesn’t scream for attention, Ye’s shrieking is sure to do the trick. Tribal-punk-rap sounds and intense vocal build-ups flood the song and make it amazing, even if it is just a song about Yeezy praising Yeezy.

3. “Freak Like Me” by Santigold – A daunting track with M.I.A.-like vocals and guaranteed to jolt your head back and forth.

4. “Chamakay” by Blood Orange – Released Sept. 11 and featuring vocals from Caroline Polachek of Chairlift, this track is like the most beautiful dream you’ve ever had, put into song form. Dev Hynes, who has helped artists like Sky Ferreira, is the talent behind Blood Orange. His new album, “Cupid Deluxe,” is expected this year.

5. “Tessellate” by alt-J – This song is governed by soft, crooning vocals and brilliant piano keys. It’s the kind of song you’d want to be playing as you watch leaves break away from trees and float gently through the sky as they make their way to the busy sidewalks of Chicago. Let’s tessellate.

6. “Royals” by Lorde – By now, most of America has fallen in love with this 16-year-old delight. “Royals” has been dominating radio waves recently, and long before that, it was abuzz in her home country of New Zealand. It’s easy to understand what all the hype around this song is about, as Lorde disses flashy lifestyles in such a cool and collected way. Her commanding, soulful and raw vocals are true royalty, making this youngster a force to be reckoned with.