DJ Beans rounds up the best of this month’s music – including Lorde, Soulé and Sampha – for your listening pleasure.

 
Lorde makes a bold return this month with Greenlight. A rousing pop song that’s equal part indie-pop and radio-ready fodder it feels like a new direction for an immensely talented performer.

Katy Perry plays it somewhat safe on her return with Chained To The Rhythm. Luckily her idea of playing it safe still means an infectious chorus bolstered by sleek production.

 
Calvin Harris enjoys rejigging his sound with Slide, a summer-y and engaging number, a smart team-up with Frank Ocean and Migos. Pop icons Blondie make a return to from on the simple but effective disco sheen of Fun, a song that sounds current but sparkles with their signature energy.

Irish act Soulé continue to impress on her latest track Good Life, a winning dance-pop cut with just enough of a ’90s tinge to give it something special. Meanwhile R’n’B newcomer Jafaris wows on the slick and infectious Love Dies, while Not Ready to Leave from Irish R’n’B group Super Silly is an undeniably impressive pop banger. Elsewhere, gay Cork native, Jack O’Rourke shows off his songwriting talents on new tune Naivety.

Grime superstar Stormzy has created something of a sensation with debut album Gang Signs & Prayer and once you listen it’s easy to see why. Stormzy has created a blockbuster collection that sounds destined to soundtrack 2017 but one that still packs in a broad range of ideas and sounds that are focused and well thought out.

Sampha delivers on his long-awaited debut Process. Having worked with everyone from Drake to Jessie Ware, here Sampha sets out his stall of R’n’B melodies, plaintive piano and heartbreaking songs.

RuPaul brings the heat on Remember Me. A remix record of gems from his back catalogue alongside new material, it’s an excellent showcase for Ru’s underrated ear for a tune and some up-to-the-minute pop production values. As always, Ru’s body of werk shines.