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 TWICE, Tirzah, Allen Stone and Illuminati Hotties 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.
TWICE, “The Feels”
“The Feels” is the first English-language single from K-pop group TWICE, but more importantly, it’s also one of the collective’s catchiest and most likable moments to date, a swirl of ‘90s-influenced production and harmonies with a music video to match its retro vibe. TWICE admirably leans into the wholesome nostalgia, and fortunately, “The Feels” is strong enough to justify the throwback. – Jason Lipshutz
Grace Cummings, “Heaven”
Melbourne’s Grace Cummings deploys her voice like a shock to the system on “Heaven,” its throaty soulfulness swallowing up the surrounding guitar strums and tambourine shakes. It’s a spectacular instrument, and as “Heaven” progresses, the listener settles into its rhythms until the song winds down and requests to be played once more. – J. Lipshutz
Wet Leg, “Wet Dream”
“You said, ‘Baby, do you want to comе home with me? / I’ve got Buffalo ’66 on DVD,’” Rhian Teasdale recounts on “Wet Dream,” the second song from buzzed-about UK duo Wet Leg. Even the non-Vincent Gallo fans can appreciate the use of general and detailed innuendo on “Wet Dream,” as well as the band’s natural incorporation of pop melodies within their jangly dance-rock. – J. Lipshutz
Illuminati Hotties, “The Sway”
Let Me Do One More, Sarah Tudzin’s just-released album as Illuminati Hotties, is worth playing and embracing as a full project, both for the kitchen-sink pop-rock chaos of songs like “Pool Hopping” as well as the achingly gorgeous movements on songs like “The Sway.” On the latter, Tudzin’s voice lilts alongside a drum machine, then coalesces into the album’s most sun-streaked chorus. – J. Lipshutz
Allen Stone, “Where You’re At”
Soul singer Allen Stone has been making music for over a decade now, and his latest single “Where You’re At” is a reminder of just how powerful a vocalist he can be. Supported by nothing more than a piano and choir, Stone’s stunning pipes carry an important message about finding ways to appreciate current realities. – Lyndsey Havens
Mahalia and AJ Tracy, “Roadside”
R&B singer Mahalia teamed up with rapper AJ Tracy for the booming, sultry “Roadside,” which features full-bodied production complete with horn flares and tin-pan inspired rhythms. And though Tracy only comes in for one verse, he leaves a lasting impression on the track while Mahalia’s melodies remains the center focus. – LH
Cian Ducrot, “Make Believe”
Irish singer-songwriter Cian Ductor has been releasing a steady stream of singles this year, and his latest is arguably his best since his first track of 2021, “I’m Not Usually Like This.” On “Make Believe,” Ducrot lets the song swell slowly before surprising listeners with a soaring, passionate chorus. – LH
Arca ft. Sia, “Born Yesterday”
The team-up never knew you needed, avant Venezuelan artist Arca pairs her jittery, restless production touches with Australian pop star Sia’s nuanced pipes for “Born Yesterday,” a layered three-minute single that rewards repeated spins. – Joe Lynch
Wanderers, “Nothing In This World”
“Nothing in this world seems to get me high no more,” bemoans Australian band Wanderers on their new song, “Nothing In This World.” But thanks to this song’s sprightly guitar work, shimmering falsetto vocals and buoyant vibes, you’re likely to get a secondhand high just from listening to it. – J. Lynch
Tirzah, “Beating”
Tirzah re-teams with producer Mica Levi for her second album, Colourgrade,” which finds the English singer-songwriter continuing her journey down the rabbit hole of beguiling, ebb-and-flow experimental R&B. “Beating” is a vibe-y, intimate highlight. – J. Lynch
