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 Omar Apollo, Tkay Maidza, Claire Rosinkranz and Peggy Gou 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.
Twin Shadow, “Is There Any Love?”
The multi-hyphenate artist released his self-titled fifth album last week and “Is There Any Love?” immediately stood out as the most uptempo, feel-good track. Twin Shadow repeatedly questions “is there any love” as the layered production builds into a funky instrumental bridge just over two minutes in. — Lyndsey Havens
Tkay Maidza, “High Beams”
Last week the final installment in Australian rapper-singer Tkay Maidza’s Last Year Was Weird trilogy arrived — and it didn’t disappoint. “High Beams” in particular showcases all the 25-year-old can do vocally and best spotlights the more intricate and hard-hitting production she gravitates toward, from the opening choir to the thumping bass. — L.H.
Charlotte Day Wilson and BADBADNOTGOOD, “I Can Only Whisper”
The Canadian R&B singer released her highly anticipated debut album, ALPHA, last week — a fitting title for the singer-songwriter-producer who releases music via her own Stone Woman Music. The album includes a new team-up with Toronto’s instrumental act BADBADNOTGOOD, whose groundwork readily elevates Wilson’s angelical yet powerful vocals. — L.H.
Omar Apollo, “Go Away”
For Omar Apollo’s latest single, the alternative-indie artist tapped Chromeo and Carter Lang (SZA) to co-produce, resulting in a laid-back groover that encourages listeners to sway along as Apollo shocks with his stellar falsetto. — L.H.
Emily Weisband and Karen Fairchild, “Butterfly”
Nashville country-pop singer-songwriter Emily Weisband teamed up with Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild for this stunning ballad about what happens when the butterflies of a new love fly away — do you stick around, or move on? By the end of the song, the pair’s voices and production swell as if creating the effect of the butterflies finally being released. — L.H.
Peggy Gou, “I Go”
With staccato synths, a mesmerizing melody and a flute-like riff that might’ve come from Link in Ocarina of Time, “I Go” is a gently relentless thumper from Berlin-based DJ Peggy Gou. It never quite throws down, but never lets up, either; perfect for keeping the party going when you’ve sweat out a few gallons on the dancefloor but aren’t ready to call it quits just yet. – Joe Lynch
Femme It Forward & Tayla Parx, “Mother Nature”
Ariana Grande/Khalid co-writer Tayla Parx brings an effortless, honeyed sass to “Mother Nature,” a slow-bumping, finger snap-heavy jam from Big Femme Energy Vol. 1, the new album from female-led music/entertainment company Femme It Forward. – J.L.
Lil Uzi Vert, “Pump Up the Jam”
Reflective, often tormented Philly rapper Lil Uzi Vert might not seem like the obvious choice for a 2021 update on Technotronic’s hip-house staple “Pump Up the Jam,” but his skittering, laid-back trap take on the Jock Jams classic for the Space Jam: A New Legacy soundtrack is surprisingly winning — and particularly charming when he earnestly asks, “How I end up in Space Jam?” – J.L.
Amorphous, Kelly Rowland and CeCe Peniston, “Finally (Cannot Hide It)”
Capitalizing on the viral success of his online mashups, Amorphous brings together two all-time vocal pros, Kelly Rowland and CeCe Peniston, for an update on the latter’s house classic “Finally.” It feels less like a flex and more like a well-deserved victory lap, not to mention a tantalizing promise of things to come now that he’s shifted his career into a higher gear. – J.L.
Claire Rosinkranz, “Hotel”
A strummy, sing-song slapper, “Hotel” is Claire Rosinkranz’s sweet ode to hanging out with friends in a hotel room while being “17 and idiots [who] play truth or dare.” A brisk two minutes, it’s as refreshing as a fizzy soda after a swim on a hot summer’s day. – J.L.
Source
