This week’s music playlist: Sam Smith, Alt-J, Lee Bice

This week’s playlist:

1. Alt-J – “Hunger of the Pine”: These Brits release their second album, “This Is All Yours,” of electronic indie tunes Monday . It features their distinctive percussion and rhythms that fans have come to anticipate but with new mixes with guitar and vocal motifs. You can’t listen to Alt-J drop the bass without head bobbing along.

2. Lee Brice – “I Don’t Dance”: This country crooner sways his way up the charts while denying his ability the whole time. Stop it, Lee Brice, you can dance with me anytime. Couples everywhere love this easy 2-step, as Brice explains his change of heart when a pretty girl asks him to dance.

3. Nico and Vinz – “Am I Wrong”: This pump-up tune doesn’t foster doubt, but sparks assurance in what you did do right. The Norwegian duo use this tumbling melody to ask: How realistic are dreams?

4. Sam Smith — “Stay With Me”: I just can’t let go of this summer hit. I love a good gospel choir, even if it’s paired with less than angelic motives. The melody is easy and contagious, with a slow-groove rhythm to sweeten up your day.

5. U2 – “Sunday Bloody Sunday” (Throwback song of the week): Released in 1983, this protest song served as an anthem about conflict and political turmoil in Northern Ireland. The militaristic drumbeats still speak loudly today.

This story was originally published September 15, 2014 at 10:20 AM with the headline "This week’s music playlist: Sam Smith, Alt-J, Lee Bice."