Out of all the singles released this year, Matthew Dear's "Deserter" may be the one that's the most depressive. The arrangement is filled out with dim electronic drones that sound like the audio equivalent of gray, rainy skies expanding out into an endless horizon. Dear's voice on the track is so flat and devoid of affectation that he manages to make the late Joy Division vocalist Ian Curtis seem like a cheerful fellow. However, there's a great deal of comfort to be found in the piece, whether you find its eerie calmness soothing or you take solace in its melancholy yet blank mood.

The opening track from Misha's debut album "Teardrop Sweetheart" bops along merrily, but it nevertheless feels narrow and contained, as though the duo are intentionally attempting to tone down or modify its level of enthusiasm. John Chao's voice is quiet and deadpan, and nearly every other element in the arrangement follows suit -- the beats sound cautiously optimistic and the keyboards and synthetic horns communicate a reserved, measured sort of happiness.

The lyrics of Chromeo's latest single may be obviously upbeat and flirtatious, but its undertone is nevertheless a bit icy and distant. The lead vocals implore the listener to show off their dance moves in order to "show her that you're not shy." But even when the track busts into a perky synthesizer solo, it can't help but feel a bit unsure and nervous. It's a very encouraging tune that acknowledges even though being an outgoing extrovert doesn't come easy to everyone, people should feel free enough show off their "Fancy Footwork" every now and again.