10 Cool New Pop Songs to Get You Through the Week: Oliver Tree, Voxtrot, Ally Brooke & More
Written by djfrosty on October 2, 2023
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 including Oliver Tree, Voxtrot, Ally Brooke, Mae Muller 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.
Mae Muller, “Nervous (In a Good Way)”
On the back half of Mae Muller’s debut album Sorry I’m Late is the sort of scintillating songwriting showcase that demonstrates the North London native’s skill set: “Nervous (In a Good Way)” features a workout tempo and a sighing hook, but really shines in the blurted-out verses, in which Muller recounts the breathless, exciting jitters of young infatuation. “Better Days” nodded at Muller’s crossover appeal, but “Nervous (In a Good Way)” hints at the storyteller she could become. — JASON LIPSHUTZ
Ally Brooke, “Gone to Bed”
“Gone to Bed” simmers with temptation, as Ally Brooke declares, “Ain’t no point is could’ve would’ve should’ve,” while still ruing the decision not to just call it a night before giving in to poor choices; her voice dances around the thumping percussion and electronic atmosphere, with longing in each extended syllable. As she continues her post-Fifth Harmony solo output, Brooke is more than equipped to imbue a club track like “Gone to Bed” with proper emotion. — J.L.
Eaves Wilder, “Freefall”
Beneath its crunchy shoegaze exterior, Eaves Wilder’s “Freefall” contains bright streaks of hedonistic pop, with the power chords soundtracking coos of, “Hey, I want everything/ I want it all/ Never ever ever ever ever ever ever less.” Wilder lets go of pretense on “Freefall,” but remains in control of its layered sound and uncompromising point of view, resulting in an anthem that sneaks up on you. — J.L.
Presley Regier, “Have Your Way”
A teenage producer who’s already rubbed elbows with the likes of Ryan Tedder, Louis Bell and Frank Dukes, Presley Regier makes a compelling opening statement with his newly released Run EP, highlighted by the strolling, subtly affecting “Have Your Way.” Regier’s light, yearning vocals are paired well with the snappy percussion, but the vocals arranged on top of one another stand out — you can tell that “Have Your Way” is being driven by a savvy studio tactician. — J.L.
Voxtrot, “Another Fire”
The blog-rock era wouldn’t have been the same without the soothing indie-pop of Voxtrot, and after last year’s reunion tour, “Another Fire” represents the band’s first new song in 14 years. Fortunately, the formula still works: Ramesh Srivastava’s voice remains warm and animated, the group still specializes in heartfelt arrangements, and when that second chorus (complete with strings!) hits, you’ll feel like it’s 2006 all over again. — J.L.
Diljit Dosanjh, “Feel My Love”
Diljit Dosanjh — an Indian singer-songwriter and actor — has been a staple in punjabi music for over two decades. His 14th studio album, Ghost, arrived Sept. 29 and included the dance-pop track “Feel My Love,” on which Dosanjh questions over a gleaming beat, “Can you feel my love for you?” The album follows a one-off collaboration with Colombian star Camilo, perhaps indicating more exploration to come. — LYNDSEY HAVENS
Oliver Tree, “With You”
To coincide with the release of his third studio album, Alone in a Crowd, Oliver Tree is promoting the retro-sounding “With You,” complete with a self-directed music video. And while the on-brand visual leans into his humor, when taken on its own the song sees the artist at his most sincere as he sings about “staring in your eyes, losing track of the time” and wanting this love to last forever, making it easy to see this song soundtracking the pivotal change of heart seen in a coming-of-age film. — L.H.
Julie, “Catalogue”
Grunge-pop trio Julie is taking its time building a catalog but considering how hard each of its few songs hit, fans seem perfectly fine to wait for more. The latest from the Los Angeles based act, “Catalogue,” is no exception, with its whirring, fuzzy riffs and racing, full-bodied drumming — all of which vocalist-guitarist Keyan Zand commands with a steadying, almost monotonous tone, creating a captivating contrast of sounds and tempers. — L.H.
Two Door Cinema Club, “Sure Enough”
Just one year since the release of their 2022 effort, Keep On Smiling, Two Door Cinema Club is back and keeping the energy as high as the clouds with new single “Sure Enough.” Recalling the ’80s-inspired, angular synths of the band’s 2019 release, False Alarm, and the plucky guitar work of debut with Tourist History, members Alex Trimble, Sam Halliday and Kevin Baird sound tighter than ever as they leap and bound into a potential new era. — STARR BOWENBANK
Empress Of feat. Rina Sawayama, “Kiss Me”
Empress Of enlists Rina Sawayama on “Kiss Me,” and the choice is a sound one — the track’s instrumental straddles the line between bubbly and ethereal, a choice that allows both vocalists to shine. Sawayama feels like a breath of fresh air as she floats over the second verse, asking the object of her affections to “Just touch my lips and pull my hair/ To come with you, I’d go anywhere,” before rejoining Empress to plead for intimate kisses. — S.B.