6. “Gold” by Chet Faker

It’s still uncertain what Australian electronic newcomer Chet Faker meant by naming himself as an odd play on jazz legend Chet Baker, but “Gold,” from his first album “Built on Glass,” perhaps illustrates their shared knack for soulful crooning.

“Gold” builds simple but effective intro vocals of “You gotta know/ I’m feeling love” into a chorus over a tightly but deliberately paced drumbeat. The pulsing beat is accentuated by Faker showcasing another aspect of his vocal talents, as he drops into a low and smoldering verse. With Faker’s thick and deliberate use of successive layering, incorporating surprisingly heavy uses of krautrock-like guitar into the mix as the song builds in intensity, “Gold” is a simple yet explosive song of yearning that could work both on the dance floor and in a film soundtrack.

– Dieter Joubert, Senior Staff Writer