Looking for some motivation to help power you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with some stellar new pop tunes, we’ve got you covered.
These tracks from artists including Conan Gray, Glass Animals, Chappell Roan 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.
Coolest Pop Song of the Week: Omar Apollo, “Spite”
The guitar line on Omar Apollo’s “Spite” is jagged and unsettled, a simple lick that doubles back on itself and bristles above the steady rhythm. Apollo approaches his new single in a similar manner: “Spite” is smooth but never easy, as Apollo considers flawed possibilities and unhappy circumstances related to a long-distance relationship that probably should end but remains tangled up in his mind. “Every time I see you on my phonе / Hate that I still need you in my life!” he crows, his voice rising with discontent but then winding back down to a sad conclusion: “I still wanna take you on a date.”
Apollo’s professional successes, from his early singles to “Evergreen” going viral on TikTok to his best new artist Grammy nom, have largely hinged on his voice and how he deploys its impressive strength. “Spite,” which precedes an upcoming sophomore album, positions his gentle singing front and center but provides new depth, oscillating between passion and helplessness with equal parts power and restraint. The performance requires nuance — a lot of that wounded chorus is yelped out instead of crooned — and Apollo meets the moment.
Debut album Ivory demonstrated that Apollo possesses a singular set of skills, but “Spite” nicely showcases his potential evolution on its follow-up. That’s in addition, of course, to tossing another sleek jam into his discography.
Here are some more new pop songs worth checking out this week…
