10 cool new pop songs

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 Victoria Monet, Boys Like Girls, Ashnikko & Ethel Cain 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.

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Sid Sriram, “Quiet Storm”

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Sid Sriram is a superstar in India for his Bollywood work, and with a new Def Jam deal and a U.S. debut album, Sidharth, the 33-year-old has his sights set on making a greater impact with American audiences. Songs like “Quiet Storm” showcase Sriram’s impeccable vocal range to a wider listenership as well as nod toward his musical idiosyncrasies, with a shapeshifting structure, thrilling production flourishes and soulful thickets of sound. – Jason Lipshutz

Ashnikko feat. Ethel Cain, “Dying Star”

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Metaphors blend just as Ashnikko and Ethel Cain’s voices intertwine on “Dying Star,” the breathtaking final track on Ashnikko’s new album Weedkiller. Instead of delineating between verses and choruses, the artists hold the mics together and harmonize in and out of different lines. Ashnikko and Cain approach pop songwriting from different perspectives, but they sing about the forgiving earth and complex identity issues with a pure understanding of each other’s strengths. – J. Lipshutz

Olivia Lunny, “Heartbreak on Repeat”

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“Is the devil in my eyes a dead giveaway / That I could hurt you like nobody?” Olivia Lunny asks at the top of “Heartbreak on Repeat,” the sinister, slightly funky synth-pop production shining a darker light on the Canadian singer-songwriter’s question. Lunny moves with precision throughout the new single, purposely sweeping into bridges and choruses as she declares her independence from romantic or social expectations. – J. Lipshutz

L’Rain, “Pet Rock”

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You can approach L’Rain’s fantasia of a new single on two levels: either as a psych-pop swirl, worth blissfully disappearing into for a few minutes, or as an elliptical, emotionally striking plea, with Taja Cheek’s lyrics forming refrains about feeling invisible or like “a dead girl with shades on propped up by captors.” Whether through a casual or deeper read, “Pet Rock” resonates, and L’Rain’s upcoming album I Killed Your Dog is quickly becoming one of the fall’s most anticipated releases. – J. Lipshutz

Shallow Pools, “Nightmare”

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With “Nightmare,” Boston-based indie quartet Shallow Pools have crafted a single that makes the listener want to gleefully headbang in a crowded room, while simultaneously respecting the boundaries of the world around them. After all, the band sneers at those who have thoughtlessly made them feel uncomfortable in their own skin, then offers up some well-tailored melodies to help get their points across effectively. – J. Lipshutz

Anjimile, “Animal”

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Whereas “The King,” the lead single from Anjimile’s upcoming album of the same name, foregrounded an elegant choir before veering toward a noisy abyss, “Animal” renders his voice with naked intensity: “If you treat me like an animal / I’ll be an animal,” they remind those trying to minimize their existence as a Black trans artist. On both songs, Anjimile shakes the listener awake, and conveys an urgency that compels us to dive deeper into his world. – J. Lipshutz

Victoria Monet, “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)”

Confident, silky voiced women telling off mooching men was a staple of late ‘90s R&B, but when Victoria Monet declares, “It ain’t even Christmas, and it ain’t your birthday / so why you callin’ me with a wish list” at the top of Jaguar II’s “Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt),” the vibes are all lush, immaculate ‘70s soul. You practically expect Verdine White to materialize out of nowhere, so it’s no surprise when Earth, Wind & Fire actually makes a featured appearance on the album’s next track, the reflective “Hollywood.” – Joe Lynch

The Beaches, “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid”

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On the Beaches’ “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid,” the pleasantly world-weary first verse is quickly subsumed into the head-nodding release of the chorus, where the Toronto quartet finds cathartic release over anxieties about everything from conspiracy theories to oversharing. At just under four minutes, it’s shorter than Nietzsche’s Twilight of the Idols, and certainly easier to dance to. – J. Lynch

Saint Etienne, “Spirit Guide”

Saint Etienne have released their first single in almost two years, “Spirit Guide,” which further explores the celebrated British indie trio’s approach to dance. The track uses repetition and ululation amidst stylish hi-hat instrumentation, often in place of discernible lyrics, to capture a laid-back vibe meant to move the body and titillate the senses. The downtempo beats feel like the moody closing track in a party playlist which signal that the night is just beginning to wane.  – Starr Bowenbank

Boys Like Girls, “Cry”

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Boys Like Girls have never been afraid of trying their hand at a ballad – see earlier career hits “Two Is Better Than One” featuring Taylor Swift and “Thunder” – and new track “Cry” sees them dusting it off for another go-round. Vocalist Martin Johnson uses the middle of his range and offers fans a shoulder to cry on while simultaneously uplifting and reassuring them that better, less difficult times lie on the road ahead.  – S. Bowenbank

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 No Rome, Sufjan Stevens, Trina, Whitney 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.

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See latest videos, charts and news

See latest videos, charts and news

No Rome, “Deep Diving”

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Alternative artist No Rome is gearing up for the release of his Blueboy Must Die mixtape (Sept. 8) and “Deep Diving” is the latest sampling. Though just one single, it can best be described as a sonic smorgasbord, abandoning structure and prioritizing experimentation — a risk that pays off in the form of fluttering beats, acoustic riffs and thumping, brassy live instrumentation. — Lyndsey Havens 

Jonny Yukon, “Jealous” 

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Johnny Yukon’s writing resume — having penned tracks for Lil Wayne, Camila Cabello and more — reflects the range of influences on his own sound, too. With a discography rooted in R&B and hip-hop, Yukon’s interest in left-of-center pop peeks out on singles like “Moment” and “Whispers.” But his latest, “Jealous,” takes a sharper turn toward psych-pop, creating a hazy daydream, much like a Tame Impala song — no jealousy, just flattery here. — L. Havens

Turnstile, BADBADNOTGOOD & Blood Orange, “Alien Love Call” 

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Proving just how versatile Turnstile truly is, the Baltimore punk band teamed with Canadian instrumental band BADBADNOTGOOD for a collaborative EP, New Heart Designs, that reimagines three songs off the former’s 2021 album Glow On. And while the reworked “Alien Love Call,” which features Blood Orange on both versions, strays the least from the original, the assist makes it feel even more ethereal — and drives home just how surprising the song was for a punk act to begin with. — L. Havens

Whitney, “Kansas” 

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“Kansas” arrives as a surprise gift for fans of Whitney, as the band has been performing the track live to positive reactions for some time. The duo (Max Kakacek and Julien Ehrlich) has said “Kansas” is what ultimately morphed into “FTA” (off its 2019 album Forever Turned Around), and only recently did they decide to finish it as originally imagined. The result is a return to the raw and folky sound crucial to Whitney’s core, making it the perfect release after the act’s poppier third album Spark. — L. Havens

Mette, “Van Gogh” 

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Rising R&B-pop artist Mette may be best known for starring in N.E.R.D. and Rihanna’s “Lemon” music video, but as she continues to release singles at a steady clip, that soon could change. Her latest, the groovy and playful “Van Gogh” — on which she asserts, “I could be Van Gogh if you’d be my muse” — arrives with news of her signing to RCA, signaling that this is just the beginning. — L. Havens

Daisy World, “ur soggy” 

As the lead single off a forthcoming debut album from newcomer Daisy World, “ur soggy” highlights the best of what she has to offer: confident sass delivered via gorgeous vocal runs and harmonies. And while the R&B-pop artist calls it a “silly little diss track” about rejection, when she sounds this smooth, it’s hard to imagine anyone turning her away. — L. Havens

Sufjan Stevens, “So You Are Tired”

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For over two decades, Sufjan Stevens has been able to conjure magic when he picks up an acoustic guitar. “So You Are Tired,” the delicately heartbreaking lead single from upcoming album Javelin, begins with some somber piano, after which Stevens quickly transitions into strumming through his confusion and sadness. “Tired” recalls the intimacy of 2015’s Carrie & Lowell — Javelin is billed as his first true singer-songwriter album since then — but the tapestry of voices that enter the song harks back to early-career triumphs like Seven Swans and Illinois. – Jason Lipshutz

Yeule, “Ghosts”

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Last year, Yeule’s Glitch Princess prodded at human identity with technical prowess and emotional curiosity; ahead of forthcoming album Softscars, they continue to explore those themes, as “Ghosts” adopts the perspective of a spirit looking in on our shared state of being (“If only I could be / Real enough to love,” they lament). Whereas the electro-pop of Glitch Princess was often adamantly experimental, the singer-songwriter sway of “Ghosts” is effective in its simplicity, making complex ideas accessible for a wider audience. – J. Lipshutz

Trina, DreamDoll and Supa Cindy, “Big Mood (Freestyle)“

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The same day Trina hit the stage at Yankee Stadium to celebrate #HipHop50 as part of the show’s Queens of Hip-Hop segment, the Southern rap legend dropped “Big Mood (Freestyle)” to demonstrate she’s still one of Da Baddest B-tches around. A collab with Bronx rapper DreamDoll and media personality Supa Cindy, the track’s subdued piano melody and laid-back beat allows the trio’s effortless yet hard-hitting flows to command your attention on this two-minute rush. – Joe Lynch

Sedona, “Domino”

Indie pop darling Sedona traded in the upbeat tempo of June single “Domino” and reinterpreted the meaning of the song for its acoustic version. The track’s biting lyrics cut even deeper with its drums stripped, with the singer openly discussing the painful dissolution of a relationship and its aftermath. “Taking sides it hurts so bad/ Solid footing just another scam/ Torn open again,” she softly croons on the track’s second verse, before setting up a solid chorus for the rest of the track to float on. – Starr Bowenbank

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 Kylie Minogue, Conan Gray, Chappell Roan, (G)I-DLE 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.

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See latest videos, charts and news

Kylie Minogue, “Padam Padam”

Kylie Minogue released one of the most exhilarating dance-pop records of the pandemic (Disco) in 2020; now that the World Health Organization has officially declared the global health emergency over COVID-19 over, it’s only fitting that we’re getting a new LP from the dance-pop legend that we can actually go out and throw down to. The first taste of Tension, “Padam Padam,” is a sultry my-place-or-yours club banger named after the sound of a pumping heart. – Joe Lynch

(G)I-DLE, “Queencard”

If (G)I-DLE’s first I Feel track, “Allergy,” saw the K-pop idols lamenting on their perceived flaws and the harm that social media can do to one’s self-esteem, its B-side, “Queencard,” shows that the girls know how to bounce back and turn their confidence up to 100 at the drop of a hat. On the track, the girls assert their hotness, comparing their beauty to the likes of Kim Kardashian and Ariana Grande, and their delivery dares you to disagree. – Starr Bowenbank

The Dare, “Sex”

With the pandemic firmly behind society, indie sleaze is once again finding a time to thrive. And The Dare (the project of former substitute school teacher Harrison Patrick Smith) is at the forefront of the resurgence, creating raunchy, tongue-in-cheek dancefloor ready tracks that will have you working up a sweat. New release “Sex” captures the spirit of the era and isn’t shy: “Sex, I want to call your mom, and tell her you’re the bomb/ I might even see if she’s into it.” – S. Bowenbank

Conan Gray, “Never Ending Song”

Confessional pop star Conan Gray’s latest is a refreshingly retro, Technicolored hit. There’s an intriguing element of high drama to “Never Ending Song” — thanks in large part to the artist experimenting in his lower register — as if it was tailor-made for stadiums. Reminiscent of a late 2000s rock hit like “Human” by The Killers, but with some ‘80s oomph, this track is the perfect way for Conan to command attention for whatever is to come. — Lyndsey Havens

Chappell Roan, “Red Wine Supernova”

Though rising pop singer-songwriter Chappell Roan has yet to release a full-length project, she has already established a clear brand of anthemic cheeky alt-pop songs, from breakout track “Casual” to her latest, “Red Wine Supernova.” As she sings of a “playboy” who puts “her canine teeth in the side of my neck,” the artist chronicles the sensation of getting swept up in the sheer thought of someone new — and unapologetically enjoying every second. — L. Havens

Hannah Jadagu, “Lose”

Hannah Jadagu is a 20-year-old NYU student — and by the sound of her debut album Aperture (out on Sub Pop), she will graduate as an indie-pop star. On “Lose,” the last single to arrive before her album dropped, she sings, “Couldn’t believe it was you / I’ve waited for some time / And now that it’s us two / Am I gonna lose myself and mind?” As she delicately poses these questions over a soothing rock riff, the production blossoms, matching her fluttering emotions. — L. Havens

Far Caspian, “Own”

Plenty of sad indie-pop songs feature the same slow-chug tempo and mournful guitar-and-drums interplay as “Own,” the new track from U.K.-based singer-songwriter Joel Johnston’s project Far Caspian. Yet Johnston’s voice, presented here as a swirl of feelings informed by Elliott Smith’s delivery, distinguishes “Own,” and makes the listener want to wrap themselves in its warmth again after it ends. – Jason Lipshutz

Chris Farren, “Cosmic Leash”

For Chris Farren, a well-respected songwriter straddling the indie and pop-punk worlds, “Cosmic Leash” represents a potential game-changer: the first single from upcoming album Doom Singer is big and brash in the best ways, oscillating between blaring noise and a full-throated melody that begs to be screamed in large-capacity venues. If the rest of Doom Singer sounds as world-conquering as “Cosmic Leash,” Farren will get there. – J. Lipshutz

Anohni & The Johnsons, “It Must Change”

Anohni’s 2016 album Hopelessness presented an urgent view of a troubling reality, addressing political and environmental disaster with electronic tumult; “It Must Change,” the opening glimpse of Anohni’s first full-length since, is another call to action, but adopts the tender sheen of soul music to inspire listeners. Anohni’s voice remains spectacularly expressive — and credited with The Johnsons for the first time in over a decade, her tone sounds as triumphant as ever. – J. Lipshutz

Revenge Wife, “Fantasy Girl”

Revenge Wife mastermind Liz Nistico has described her new single as “my most ABBA song,” and indeed, “Fantasy Girl” sparkles as a Scandinavia-inspired workout, all glittery synth lines and drum thwacks that make you want to increase your heart rate. In the middle of it all is Nistico, her voice doubled and ready to explode; the former Holychild member has always had a knack for straight-ahead pop structure and is once again on point. – J. Lipshutz

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 Jessie Ware, Ryan Beatty, Peach PRC, K.Flay, The Aces 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.

K.Flay, “Raw Raw”

She might be singing and rapping about feeling emotionally gutted and exposed, but K.Flay exudes self-assurance and drive on latest single “Raw Raw.” The sinuous, dark pop banger builds up to a cathartic guitar climax while the singer-songwriter somehow makes lines like, “It’s hard to escape the wounds of the past / Every time I say something real, I want to take it back” sound akin to battle cries. – Joe Lynch

 Jessie Ware, “Freak Me Now”

Fire as a metaphor for horniness was a staple of the Paradise Garage era, so it’s only fitting that for her delicious disco opus That! Feels Good!, Jessie Ware fans the flames of dancefloor lust with a swirling delight like “Freak Me Now.” “Strike if you’re hot like fire / Put it in this gasoline / Let me know if you want that oochie-coochie or that in between” should sound dirtier, but Ware delivers it with such a matter-of-fact assurance that it feels as much like a statement of purpose as it does a come on. – J. Lynch

The Aces, “I’ve Loved You For So Long”

The Aces seem to be holding a winning hand for their upcoming album, which drops June 2. Recently shared title track “I’ve Loved You For So Long” is a yearning slice of indie pop romanticism that clips along thanks to a sweet, syncopated rhythm and a gently optimistic vocal delivery from singer Cristal Ramirez. – J. Lynch

Peach PRC, “Kinda Famous”

Consider “Kinda Famous,” Australian singer-songwriter Peach PRC’s glistening new single, the tongue-in-cheek version of Eminem’s “Stan”: over streamlined electro-pop production, she translates her super-fan status of an artist into happily-ever-after romance (“I’ve picked out all our baby names / Changed your picture frames to my face!”). The disarming quality of Peach PRC’s voice sells the concept — even when she’s exhibiting stalker behavior, she can’t help but charm you onto the dance floor. – Jason Lipshutz

Ryan Beatty, “Bruises Off The Peach”

Ryan Beatty co-produced his just released album, Calico, with Ethan Gruska, who’s worked extensively with Phoebe Bridgers and Boygenius — and on the wondrous “Bruises Off The Peach,” you can hear a similar mix of finger-picked folk-pop, incisive lyrics and carefully rendered melodies. Yet Beatty’s aesthetic never sounds derivative: his delivery is gentle until he needs to reach skyward, widen the stance of the song and find a wholly satisfying conclusion. – J. Lipshutz

Neriah, “Even If It Hurts”

On “Even If It Hurts,” Neriah’s words fall out of her mouth with a nervous energy, sentiments are blurted out and syllables run together — such is the occupational hazard of trying to decide whether to end a relationship. The song’s instrumentation never becomes intrusive, and some sections only carry muted percussion, but the production keeps the attention on Neriah’s inner monologue, and she shines in the spotlight. – J. Lipshutz  

Jess Glynne, “Silly Me”

Jess Glynne’s “Silly Me” ends a three-year hiatus for the U.K. star, and she’s been missed: as one of the most soulful voices in modern British pop music, Glynne has been able to translate a ton of emotion across various projects. “Silly Me” is about “learning from your mistakes,” as Glynne states in a press release, and she addresses self-growth in the form of a midtempo ballad that invites swaying and finger-snapping, while her sparkling voice remains as dignified as ever. – J. Lipshutz

Palehound, “The Clutch”

The video for Palehound’s searing new single “The Clutch” presents a riveting juxtaposition: El Kempner contorts their face into some the best mad-as-hell snarls in recent music video memory, yet the bristling track is also defined by its light, all-encompassing pop melodies. Seeing such anger play out in the form of hummable hooks turns “The Clutch” into a must-watch, and stokes even more excitement around Palehound’s upcoming album, Eye On The Bat. – J. Lipshutz

Until The Ribbon Breaks with Lucius, “Everything Else But Rain”

Following a multiyear self-enforced hiatus, the Welsh artist who performs as Until the Ribbon Breaks has returned with an expectedly stunning and soulful new song, “Everything Else But Rain” — the first of more new music to come. Featuring indie-pop duo Lucius, the infectious song is a celebratory return for the act, but also bears a subtly somber undertone — and it’s thanks to that juxtaposition that the song truly shines. – Lyndsey Havens

JOSEPH, “Fireworks”

Indie-pop sister trio JOSEPH released its fourth album, The Sun, last week, which includes standout single “Fireworks.” On the upbeat track, the sisters harmonize about how “love songs might be no good for me,” and growing tired of friends asking about “settling down, buying a house.” Throughout the song, they assert their stance of not wanting to “put my fire underground” or “be holding out forever” and offer listeners the understanding and acceptance of wanting no less than fireworks. — L. Havens