Every week, we bring you #SOUNDCHECK — your destination for the best new music that hit the web over the course of the week. Because you should always be prepared when someone passes you that AUX cord. This week's roundup features 11 of our favorite emerging and established artists.
“Good 4 U”- Olivia Rodrigo
The young Disney+ star is three for three on this spiky pop-punk-y anthem filled with zingers: “I guess that therapist I found for you, she really helped/ Now you can be a better man for your brand new girl.”
“Weekend” - Jorja Smith
There’s an uneasy, midnight-hour energy to Jorja Smith’s “Weekend,” on which she implores her younger self to save her money and protect her own interests.
“I Like Dat” - T-Pain, Kehlani
The result of T-Pain’s Instagram fumble is this insultingly good summer jam with Kehlani on which repurposes his beat from “Buy U A Drank.”
“No Hard Feelings” - Wolf Alice
This plucky acoustic offering from Wolf Alice, about forgiveness and moving on, is the sound of your brain reaching a higher plane.
“Pac-tive” - Yaeji ft. DiAN
Taking the iconic game sounds from Pacman, Yaeji and Chinese collective DiAN team create a delirious breakbeat homage to the game.
“Don’t Go Puttin Wishes In My Head” - Torres
This massive-sounding synth rock banger is everything you could want to say to a commitment-phobic partner, but satisfyingly screamed in their face.
“Going Down” - Circe
London’s Circe enjoys her effervescent pop with a layer of grime — and after the catchy “Going Down,” we agree.
“Broken Wing” - Evil
Who you once knew as Babeo Baggins has been reborn as Evil, a gentle bearer of gothic and sweet swaying country.
“Heavy Glow” - The Glow
What once was the solo project of musician Mike Caridi is now a full band effort, and you can hear that fuller, exuberant noise on “Heavy Glow.”
“Tesla” - Deto Black
If only my nightmares sounded as scary-chic as Lagos-based rapper Deto Black’s “Tesla.”
“Someone Called While You Were Out” - Haley Blais
Haley Blais wonders if she can live up to her own expectations on this spritely pop song that she’s now paired with its own quirky music video.