Are you desperately searching for brand-new songs to update your Spotify playlist? Don’t worry, we’re (once again) here for you. Every week, we pick the best songs of the week that surprised, moved, or electrified us. With a great range from big stars to upcoming singers, there’s room for everybody and everything. Turn up the volume because we discovered some true gems this week.
ROSALÍA announced her third album Motomami with the release of her brand-new single “SAOKO”. The song is not much longer than two minutes, but its production sees the singer step out of the flamenco-inspired pop of the past. The sounds are intimidating, haunting, and bring out the badass superstar that has always been in her. ROSALÍA reaches for the stars and will expand her reign with this next project.
Having a world hit in the middle of a pandemic without having all the options to do promo? It’s not an easy task but the Canadian singer Tate McRae managed to pull it off with her breakthrough single “you broke me first”. With an album around the corner, she’s bringing together all the elements that made her popular and bundled them on her phenomenal new single “she’s all i wanna be”, which will definitely be the next mega-hit on TikTok.
Tessa Dixson’s debut album Genesis came out right when the pandemic took over the news and missed its momentum due to a lack of shows. Luckily, the Brussels-based singer is a true fighter and is determined to make even more great songs. “Forget U” is another song that will be on her new EP (due later this Spring) and is an absolute bop. It’s less dreamy and shows that she could take over any dance floor (when they open again).
Hamond just signed a new record deal for his upcoming release after his impressive debut-EP Source Material in 2020. The multi-instrumentalist from Houston, Texas is exploring new paths on “Angels”, where organic melodies are taking over. Talking about the song, he said, “It’s about being watched over and protected by people around you even when things are not perfect.” This sentiment was sonically recreated in the interesting, calming production and takes the lead for what’s about to come next.
Mallrat disappeared from the radar for over a year but finally returns with a handful of new songs. “Your Love” is her first solo release since 2020 and sees her approach pop music in a very unique way. The main focus of the song is on the repetitive chorus that follows two cute verses and stays in your head all day. The surprising rap at the end is a nice plot twist, giving the song a final boost.
We wouldn’t do Nia Archives’ new single “Luv Like” justice if we tried to put this song in a box because it’s an absolute standout song among our selection. The lo-fi electronic sounds have some drum and bass elements with a slight jungle edge. The song might sound like a typical love song, but it’s her exploration of her struggles with body dysmorphia and a reminder to love yourself that elevates it. Nia Archives is a gifted songwriter that knows how to turn something negative into something positive.
The Brussels-based pop singer Mia Lena has relaunched her career in 2020 and decided to resolutely let the girl-next-door image behind. She didn’t only mature musically but also dares way more in her lyrics, which is noticeable in the intriguing “High”. The production has a very lowkey approach but is elevated by using autotune on her voice. It’s fresh and cool, and we’re happy she found this new confidence within pop music.
Alfie Templeman is just 19 years old but has the whole music scene shook with his very happy indie pop. Besides announcing his debut album Mellow Moon (releasing 27 May), he makes us happy with the positive single “Broken” and indicates that he could be your new favorite indie-pop act. Alfie Templeman’s unforced joy and happy melodies will bring him far.
BENEE had a megahit on TikTok with “Supalonely” at the beginning of the pandemic and was described as the next Billie Eilish. Untouched by the pressure, she released her debut album Hey u x in the same year, including collaborations with a.o. Grimes and Lily Allen. “Beach Boy” is her newest effortless track and radiates good vibes only. BENEE is far more than a one-hit-wonder.
The soft melodies of Freddy Madson’s “Hanging in the Air” conclude our list this week and is the ultimate song to just sit down and relax after a long week of working. The exquisite instrumentation of the song—including a saxophone and beautiful guitar chords—gives Freddy Madson the capacity to blow you away with his strong vocals. We’re floating on cloud nine after hearing this song.
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