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 Why Don’t We, Romy, Becky Hill and more will get you energized to take on the week. Pop any of these gems into your personal playlists and chase away that case of the Mondays.
Why Don’t We, “Fallin’”
Why Don’t We… sample Kanye West’s “Black Skinhead”? The pop group’s return with a Yeezus favorite is startling upon first listen, but “Fallin’” is inventive enough to pull off the high concept thanks to the quintet’s vocal intensity — plus, the “Black Skinhead” drums still sound propulsive as hell, seven years later.
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Romy, “Lifetime”
The xx’s Romy Madley Croft has finally shared a taste of her long-awaited debut solo album, and “Lifetime” lives up to expectations: a bouncy club song anchored by the smokiness of her voice, the track glides high when its chorus arrives, and whets our appetites for more.
Becky Hill, “Space”
British pop genius Becky Hill very rarely dips below excellence on her singles, and “Space,” in which she examines the effects of distance in an imperfect relationship, continues a prolonged winning streak. American audiences need to rightfully embrace Hill ASAP.
Dempsey Hope, “Roller Rink”
The music video for newcomer Dempsey Hope’s “Roller Rink” finds the singer-songwriter and his lady friend in… a roller rink, emptied out after hours, neon signs illuminating their free skate. The song has a similar type of charm, as Hope spills his thoughts of young romance all over the rink and skates through them with a sly smile.
Elohim, “Good Day Bad Day”
“My anxiety hits differently, ‘cause I know that I’m insane,” Elohim sings on “Good Day Bad Day,” which focuses on the singer-songwriter’s mental health and concludes that, even in the midst of a nightmarish period, tomorrow can still be a whole lot better. Effervescent and well-executed, the track is designed to cheer up its listener, and it succeeds.
Rei Ami, “Mac & Cheese”
Rulebreaker Rei Ami has returned with a delicious new track, and its accompanying video is equal parts luxe and zany. Fun lyric alert: “I got the bag straight cheddar/ Call me the goat like feta/ Just copped a boat I’m wetta/ Flex like Post I’m betta (Oh!).”
Winona Oak, “With Myself”
Winona Oak’s upcoming She EP is shaping up nicely: while “Piano in the Sky” is the latest release from the rising Swedish singer, it’s the more upbeat “With Myself” that poses Oak as Lana Del Rey’s slightly mischievous younger sister.
Anna of the North, “Someone Special”
Norwegian singer-songwriter Anna Lotterud wrote the elegiac “Someone Special” when the pandemic shut down borders and she had to quickly leave the U.S. Lotterud says the hymn-like song was inspired by “that feeling of uncertainty. Of not knowing…In the big picture we might feel insignificant. But you are always special to someone.”
Upsahl, “MoneyOnMyMind”
Upsahl, one of Arista Records’ brightest rising stars, exudes badassery on the guitar-driven “MoneyOnMyMind.” Crafted alongside producer Absofacto, the bold track fits nicely in her growing library of pop-rock jams (“Drugs,” “12345Sex,” “Smile For the Camera”).
Alfie Templeman, “Forever Isn’t Long Enough”
“Forever Isn’t Long Enough,” a disco-tinged offering from teen English singer-songwriter Alfie Templeman, carries a pure and simple message: spend time with the ones you love before it’s too late. In the colorful visual, Templeman brings the catchy track to life by lounging on a pile of cucumbers, rocking bright sweaters and picking sunflowers. Groovy.