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 10 tracks from artists like Dijon, Hana Vu, Clubhouse and Foals 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.
Dijon, “The Dress”
Singles like “Rodeo Clown” and “Many Times” are among the standouts on Dijon’s just-released debut album Absolutely, but “The Dress” best distills the singer-songwriter’s appeal, so fastidious yet soulful in his vocal approach, as if he wants each detail to precisely convey a loose energy. It’s a difficult balance to find, but one that could make Dijon a star. – JASON LIPSHUTZ
Charlotte Adigéry & Bolis Pupul, “Blenda”
“I am a product of colonialism,” says Belgian-Caribbean artist Charlotte Adigéry in a press release, “and I feel guilty for taking up space in a white country.” As Adigéry and musical partner Bolis Pupul offer arresting polyrhythms on the striking new single “Blenda,” they also prod at the ideas of identity and nationalism in the 21st century: “Siri, can you tell me where I belong?” – J.L.
Grae, “Outta This World”
Toronto pop artist Grae’s new single “Outta This World” doesn’t overreach or outstay its welcome — instead, the gentle smokiness of the singer-songwriter’s voice bobs and weaves over an electric guitar, conveying exciting new romance with a tender hook and compact running time. – J.L.
Clubhouse, “Home Videos”
“Home Videos” by indie-pop group Clubhouse begins in media res, with an accusation of an ignored playlist; the effect is compelling, giving the song a sense of urgency that continues through the hook and horn flourishes. It may be better suited to summertime, but alternative radio should scoop up “Home Videos” ASAP. – J.L.
Foals, “Wake Me Up”
Veteran English rock band Foals has debuted a new song and sound with the funky, riff-driven “Wake Me Up.” On the lead single off an upcoming album out next year, Foals sought to craft a song that “felt good” — resulting in, as frontman Yannis Philippakis said in a statement, “the rhythm, grooves and guitars are interlocking architecturally.” – LYNDSEY HAVENS
Hana Vu, “Aubade”
Last week, L.A. based DIY artist Hana Vu released new album Public Storage, a project of darkly quirky songs best exemplified by “Aubade.” And while the track title means a poem or piece of music most appropriate for dawn, the creeping production and haunting vocals seem better suited for a hazy dusk — perhaps a brilliant subversion of expectations. – L.H.
Flight Facilities and Your Smith, “Heavy”
Ahead of the release of Australian production duo Flight Facilities’ second album this Friday, the pair released one last single, “Heavy,” featuring vocalist Your Smith. The duo’s sinewy bass and the delicacy of Your Smith’s vocals contrast with each other nicely, resulting in a sturdy yet light song that bears repeating. – L.H.
Kid Bloom, “Like I Never Left”
For Kid Bloom, groove never left – it simply evolved. The band goes heavy on the synth and funk bass lines on “Like I Never Left,” a tantalizing and intoxicating listen that shows some hues of Tame Impala in the production. The replay button will become the listener’s best friend while trying to deconstruct all of the song’s distinct layers. – STARR BOWENBANK
Alfie Templeman, “3D Feelings”
Alfie Templeman is back, and the 18-year-old wunderkind is showing his full range of skills on “3D Feelings,” a bright and glossy take on his usual nostalgia-infused indie tracks. The single offers a promising look into what Templeman has to offer – pop sensibilities and catchy songwriting. – S.B.
Swim Deep feat. Phoebe Green, “On the Floor”
Swim Deep released their last album, Emerald Classics, prior to the pandemic, and “On the Floor” is their first offering since. The track, which features Phoebe Green, sees the British indie rockers getting back to the beach-grunge roots that made fans fall in love with them in the first place — a nice taste of what to expect from their forthcoming EP, Familiarise Yourself With Your Closest Exit. – S.B.
