The Weeknd, Jessy Lanza, Purity Ring and more: songs you need to hear this week

Here at CBC Music, we're always on high alert for new songs by Canadian artists.

This week, we're listening to new tracks from the Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Jessy Lanza, Purity Ring and R Grunwald. Scroll down to find out why you need to listen, too.

What new Canadian tunes are you currently obsessed with? Share them with us on Twitter @CBCMusic.

'Changes,' Justin Bieber

Last week, Justin Bieber's Changes spawned an ill-advised country remix of the lead single, "Yummy," featuring Florida Georgia Line — three minutes and 23 seconds we won't get back. Our time has been much better spent with some of the less conspicuous solo numbers on Bieber's new album, such as the lovely title track. A guitar ballad, "Changes" will appeal to all those Bieber skeptics who were charmed by "Love Yourself" from his 2015 album, Purpose. Bieber, alone with an acoustic guitar, is a tremendously expressive vocalist, something from which the hyper production on his most popular songs can often distract. "I just wanna be the best of me," goes the pre-chorus, "So that I can be the best for you" — a simply beautiful sentiment, sung without pretense and putting his unerring rhythmic sense on display.

— Robert Rowat

'Lick in Heaven,' Jessy Lanza

"Once I'm spinning, I can't stop spinning," Jessy Lanza warns us on her new single, "Lick in Heaven." The Hamilton, Ont. artist's first solo track since her 2016 album, Oh No, is an ode to spiraling out of control and losing your cool. "I can't predict it/ I'm gonna act out instead of look cute," she continues over a sparkling soundscape that definitely doesn't show any signs of Lanza "going nuclear," as she explained in a press release. The track never does build to any real point of anger. Instead, it's stuck in a state of spinning, creating a dazzling feeling that is perhaps meant to quell our tempers. Why get mad when you can dance away your frustrations?  

— Melody Lau 

The Weeknd, 'After Hours'

The title track from the Weeknd's forthcoming album situates us somewhere between the radio-ready R&B of Starboy and the moody, nocturnal art pop of his breakout Trilogy mixtape series. Here, he reunites with producer Illangelo, who played an integral role in crafting the Weeknd's signature sound on tracks like "Wicked Games" and "House of Balloons." Could we be hearing those early influences on this new song?

A six-minute triptych in sombre C minor, "After Hours" comprises (a) a free-flowing intro leading to (b) the song itself, with its trance vibe, and (c) a coda that suspends time and wraps up with a pared-down return of the chorus. The common thread is the Weeknd's frosty falsetto and his preoccupation with regret, summarized in the seriously addictive chorus: "Where are you now when I need you most?/ I gave it all just to hold you close." — RR

'Stardew,' Purity Ring 

In the five years since Purity Ring last released an album (2015's Another Eternity), the Canadian synth-pop duo have stayed busy collaborating with artists such as Katy Perry and Soccer Mommy. This year, they're refocusing their efforts back on their own music with the upcoming release of their third album, Womb, which is entirely produced and recorded by members Megan James and Corin Roddick.

"Stardew" is its first single, an invitation to "experience the kind of powerful peace that can only be found by truly coming home," as a press release notes. For Purity Ring, that means a celestial rush of pianos, glitchy production and James' airy melodies. While it doesn't stray too far from the group's signature sound, its familiarity achieves a sense of comfort that feels like the perfect homecoming. Now that we've eased back into the world of Purity Ring, we can't wait to see what else they have in store for us. — ML

'Determination of the Crossing,' R Grunwald

Fans of Chilly Gonzales, Alexandra Stréliski and Jean-Michel Blais should watch for Oma, the debut album from R Grunwald, due out March 6. A prolific session pianist for over a decade, Grunwald is finally ready to unveil his own solo piano compositions. Advance tracks "Wood Meets Water," "Age" and now "Determination of the Crossing" stand apart from the musical wallpaper of so much contemporary piano pop, and display compositional rigour, respect for the listener's intellect, and a rare melodic gift. "I'm a session guy, so the one thing I know more than anything is that melody is king, and you shouldn't get in the way of that," he says via press release. A bonus: the songs have the approval of Grunwald's 96-year-old grandmother (the album's titular Oma), who's been his lifelong piano inspiration. He takes the project on a six-concert, five-province tour starting March 11. — RR