"Mercy" Kanye West ft. Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz

Reviving his website's G.O.O.D. Fridays tradition for the first time in over a year, Kanye West unexpectedly dropped new song "Mercy" today, the lead single from his record label's upcoming eponymous compilation album, G.O.O.D. Music. (The acronym stands for "Getting Out Our Dreams.") With its tense beat reminiscent of a horror movie soundtrack and a hauntingly distorted dancehall sample for a hook, the production creates a quietly unnerving vibe that makes for a striking listen. Unfortunately, the rest of the track doesn't quite match up; the chorus is a total throwaway, and the featured performers deliver some pretty basic verses full of standard rap braggadocio. That's not to say there's nothing worthwhile here—West's urgent middle eight and Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz provide a few serious thrills—but it's certainly not enough to warrant a five-and-a-half minute running time. B