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 Carlie Hanson, Astrid S, Clean Bandit and New Politics 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.
Carlie Hanson, “Good Enough”
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Every new Carlie Hanson single adds another layer of vocal nuance: on the searing “Good Enough,” the singer-songwriter turns inward and showcases her vulnerabilities with dueling approaches, first with soaring emotion (“I push everyone away, before they can run away,” she laments with prolonged notes), and then in hushed confidence (“Don’t you leave me alone / Won’t you carry me home,” she asks on the chorus).
Clean Bandit feat. Mabel & 24kGoldn, “Tick Tock”
San Francisco rapper 24kGoldn has been blowing up recently with his Iann Dior collaboration “Mood,” but he found time during his ascent to hop on this sparkly pop track from Clean Bandit, which also features “Don’t Call Me Up” star Mabel playing the savvy-vocalist role that the group has maximized on previous hits like “Rather Be” and “Solo.”
Agnes, “Fingers Crossed”
Get ready to dance to some disco strings: Swedish star Agnes doubles down on a great chorus with her new track “Fingers Crossed,” sashaying across each line and then adding in some robo-harmonies on the song’s back half, as if resistance weren’t already futile.
Vera Blue, “Lie To Me”
Vera Blue’s new single opens with the line “My September skin starts to give in to a bitter taste,” and after grabbing our attention with that evocative chestnut, the Australian singer-songwriter proceeds to spin a tale of self-doubt at the start of a new romance, the mid-tempo pop production as contemplative as the artist on the track.
Londin Thompson, “Wish It Would Rain”
In a room full of people, it’s hard to remember that they’re more complex than just their projected confidence, and have insecurities stashed away, too. So argues recent Republic Records signee Londin Thompson on “Wish It Would Rain,” a detailed bit of acoustic-pop that showcases the newcomer’s gentle yet commanding vocal delivery.
Astrid S, “Marilyn Monroe”
One of Norway’s best returns with another stellar entry in her arsenal of bops. Astrid S also directed the video for “Marilyn Monroe,” which carries a message of empowered bad-assery: “Don’t tell me what I’m gonna do, what I don’t / I will decide what I will, what I won’t!”
Betsie Gøld, “Take Me To LA”
Charlene Kaye-esque vocals and Lana Del Rey imagery collide on “Take Me To LA,” the chorus of which is punctuated by a lively whistle. Nicely done escapism from Oxford-based pop singer Betsie Gøld.
New Politics, “Wishing Well”
Danish rockers New Politics unleashed a summery three-song EP, Escape to Paradise, on Friday (Aug. 21). The highlight is “Wishing Well,” a reflective track about trying to resist the tide of anxiety during a stressful moment.
Winnetka Bowling League, “Come To The Beach”
If you didn’t make it to the coast this summer, allow Winnetka Bowling League to take you there — figuratively, at least (“Under a tree, viva la vi!”). Crack open a cold one and enjoy those late-August-worthy guitar vibes.
Grizfolk, “Money”
There’s a lot going on on Grizfolk’s “Money,” and all of it is great. It’s a little country, a little rock and a lot catchy, as pounding keys and a harmonica effect culminate in an age-old question: What would you do for the money?