Looking for some Monday motivation to help power you through the start of another week? We’re right there with you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.
These 10 tracks from artists like Marina, King Princess, Ava Max and more will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists — or scroll to the end of the post for a custom playlist of all 10.
Marina, “Man’s World”
Like a Greek fairy godmother, Marina appeared just when we needed her most to wave her magic wand over this bleak year. “Man’s World” is some of Marina’s most important work yet; it’s an anthem for women and LGBT+ folks, as well as a beacon for climate change awareness, served neatly alongside ethereal vocals and catchy piano melodies.
Chloe Flower, “Carol of the Bells”
Classical pianist and producer Chloe Flower made headlines last year for her show-stealing turn during Cardi B’s Grammy performance, and her new orchestral take on the holiday classic “Carol of the Bells” further showcases her talent when it comes to tickling the ivories.
Robin Schulz, Kiddo, “All We Got”
Make way for your new favorite dance anthem, courtesy of German producer Robin Schulz and French singer-songwriter Kiddo (Anna Chalon). The accompanying gymnastics competition-themed video is pure fun, too.
Meg Myers, “Grizzly”
A highlight from Thank U 4 Taking Me 2 the Disco — one of two new EPs released by Myers — is “Grizzly,” a gritty track about craving someone for the last time that echoes Bishop Briggs and Elle King.
King Princess, “Pain”
KP told Apple Music that “Pain” is her favorite song that she’s ever written, and after just one listen, you’ll know why. As the singer-songwriter put it, “It’s the ultimate George Michael meets Erotica-era Madonna meets an incredible remix if you’re in a gay club that makes you uncomfortable and horny.”
Ava Max, “My Head & My Heart”
The “Sweet But Psycho” and “Kings & Queens” hitmaker hoists up Eurodance classic “Around The World (La La La La La)” by ATC for the benefit of a new generation, making a late, giddy addition to her Heaven & Hell album and mining another sweaty, shimmering dance banger. Thanks for this, Ava.
Korky Buchek, Fossy, “Holdin’ On”
Australian electronic duo Korky Bucek have clearly been paying attention to the nu-disco movement this year and tried to raise the stakes: “Holdin’ On” glitters and rolls forward evenly, with some dense percussion to maximize living room grooving until the club opens back up.
Hauskey, “Silver Lining”
“I see the worst in pretty much everything that I look at, and I admit that,” Australian indie-pop singer-songwriter Hauskey starts off new single “Silver Lining” — and then, he also admits that his romantic interest is the “silver lining” in his bummed-out worldview. Gentle and self-effacing, the track is ripe for Rex Orange County and Clairo fans to toss onto their favorite playlists.
Salem Ilese, “Coke & Mentos”
You may have heard of Salem Ilese thanks to her viral smash “Mad At Disney” — now, she’s moved on from anti-fairytale riffing and offered another compact piece of pop, this one focused on how love can exhilarate in a split-second (like that age-old grade school science experiment). Ilese’s voice flutters through every word, nicely typifying that butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling.
Biig Piig, “Feels Right”
Irish artist Biig Piig has released a handful of promising singles in 2020, but “Feels Right” sounds the most fully-formed. It’s a wistful look back at hazy nights out in a world that won’t permit such experiences for the time being, and perfectly captures the bleary-eyed romance of such memories. Sleek, personal and immediate, “Feels Right” is an absolute gem.
