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 Maisie Peters & JP Saxe, The Neighbourhood, First Aid Kit 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.
Maisie Peters & JP Saxe, “Maybe Don’t”
Written in London prior to the pandemic, “Maybe Don’t” finds singer-songwriters Maisie Peters and JP Saxe showcasing an authentic intimacy while engaged in a conversation about their respective tics and decisions; if this one becomes a hit, it’s going to be a blast to sing in karaoke rooms someday.
Baby Queen, “Pretty Girl Lie”
Baby Queen has recently been featured in this space for her razor-sharp track “Buzzkill,” and as long as she keeps dishing up confections like new single “Pretty Girl Lie” — on which she drops the perfectly modern declaration, “I get more likes when I don’t look like me” — she’s going to keep earning that crown.
Dark Tropics, “Moroccan Sun”
Belfast duo Dark Tropics drop a shape-shifting groove with “Moroccan Sun,” which gains its momentum through subtle shifts in production — a flourish of strings here, some surf-rock guitar there — before hunkering down on a cinematic final minute. Bold, gorgeous, and above all, memorable.
Sam Johnson, “Changes”
The vocal performance of U.K. singer-songwriter Sam Johnson on “Changes” sparkles with unabashed joy — even during the song’s quieter moments, he sounds eager to once again sing his lungs out. Once you learn the details of that unrestrained chorus, you’ll want to shout along, too.
Hope Tala, “All My Girls Like To Fight”
“All My Girls Like To Fight” is a beguiling distillation of Hope Tala’s artistic interests, blending neo-soul with Spanish guitar and an unflappable point of view. The song shivers and blooms, and those who missed out on Tala’s Sensitive Soul EP last year will be anxious to hear more.
Luna Shadows, “Malibu Bb”
Fans of Luna Shadows’ “Hallelujah California” will find “Malibu Bb” to be a natural (if more chilled-out) successor. With references to rosé and the scenic Point Dume, the track is a breezy, soothing preview of Shadows’ upcoming album, Digital Pacific.
Grandson, “Dirty”
Grandson’s latest was accompanied by the announcement of the singer-songwriter’s debut album, Death of an Optimist. The timely video sees the artist (born Jordan Edward Benjamin) emphasizing the importance of voting, and that post-chorus drop is just begging to be featured in an iPad ad.
First Aid Kit, “Come Give Me Love”
While it’s not the new original music we’ve been waiting for from Sweden’s best sister duo, their take on Ted Gärdestad’s “Come Give Me Love” is still lovely, and should hold us over. You can hear the English version above, and check out a second cover with the original Swedish lyrics here.
The Neighbourhood, “Lost In Translation”
Built around a sample of “Wish That You Were Mine” by The Manhattans, “Lost in Translation” is the irresistibly catchy highlight of The Neighbourhood’s new album, Chip Chrome & The Mono-Tones. The buoyant melody is a bit of a trick, as the lyrics are about communication issues in a relationship.
Seraphine, Jasmine Clarke, Absofacto, “All The Things She Said”
This take on “All The Things She Said” — performed by singer-songwriter Jasmine Clark and new League of Legends champion Seraphine — is a Grimes-esque reinvention. Produced by Absofacto, it’s one of the better t.A.T.u. covers to emerge recently.
