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 Ava Max, Pink Sweat$, The Aces and Sam Fischer 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.
Au/Ra, “Ideas”
Rising electro-pop singer Au/Ra’s latest is a dark pop dream: There’s a bit of Billie Eilish on the verses (sugar), some Pvris on the chorus (spice), and above all, the teal-haired singer’s cool confidence (you guessed it: everything nice). The video shoot is off due to current events, sadly, but Au/Ra’s inviting fans to submit some “ideas” of their own -- such as footage and artwork -- for a chance to be part of the official visual.
Chloe Moriondo, "Ghost Adventure Spirit Orb"
Cavetown's Robin Skinner has some talented friends: among them are Mxmtoon (see below) and Chloe Moriondo, a purple-haired 17-year-old with her own impressive brand of ukelele pop-rock. Get in on the secret now with the cheerful “Ghost Adventure Spirit Orb,” before Moriondo’s new EP drops on April 24 and the whole world finds out.
Ava Max, "Salt (Acoustic)"
Anyone who’s doubted Ava Max’s vocal prowess has never heard one of her acoustic sessions. The “Sweet But Psycho” singer filmed this one for the fan-favorite “Salt” at home on a cozy-looking sectional, without a drop of Auto-Tune.
The Aces, "Lost Angeles"
The Aces manage to top themselves once again with "Lost Angeles," a summery track about how a seemingly-glam city can lose its appeal once heartbreak knocks. When we can all go out again, we’ll be renting a convertible and blasting this one on a drive down the PCH.
Shawn Wasabi, Sophia Black, "Animal Crossing"
Are you playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons yet? You should be. Because in The After, solid gold bells will serve you better than credit cards ever did, and you’ll need to have useful skills like tool-constructing, furniture-building and fishing. Producer Shawn Wasabi and pop singer Sophia Black have already written the unofficial anthem, and it’s a bop.
Charlotte OC, “Falling For You”
A song about the unexpected swell of newfound love, “Falling For You” finds British great Charlotte OC letting her voice quiver and regain its strength over a sleek dance arrangement; wiggle, romp, let your eyes fill with stars while listening to this one.
Mxmtoon, “Lessons”
Brooklyn-based pop artist Mxmtoon has developed into a reliable songwriting presence since her 2018 debut, and new single “Lessons” offers a lush arrangement and message of not overthinking what you cannot control -- sage advice for us all right now.
Tash Sultana, “Pretty Lady”
Talk about a song that’s begging to be heard live: “Pretty Lady” by Melbourne native Tash Sultana settles into a glorious groove that sprawls out nearly five minutes, its guitar lick transforming and vocal harmonies washing over the listener.
Sam Fischer, “This City” (Frank Walker remix)
Okay, sure, Sam Fischer’s “This City” isn’t exactly “new” -- the heartfelt pop ode to Los Angeles has been slowly attracting listeners since last year -- but this new remix from Frank Walker adds some bounce to Fischer’s polished croon.
Pink Sweat$, “Ride With Me”
Sometimes a great pop song is made in the details, and on Pink Sweat$’ latest bid for a radio crossover, the talented singer-songwriter pairs a motivated chorus with a light smattering of funk guitar, which takes the hook into the stratosphere.