Shamaal Bloodman
by Steffanee Wang

Entertainment

Soundcheck: The 10 Best Music Releases The Week Of July 27, 2020

soundcheck

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 10 of our favorite emerging and established artists. Turn up, tune in, and tune out.

Every great album contains songs that act akin to calling cards for their artists. "August," off Taylor Swift's latest oeuvre, feels like an important one — a rushing ballad that profoundly proves her talent for crafting impeccable pop melodies. The other 9 tracks on this week's round-up are as equally illuminating, whether it's selections from JPEGMAFIA or newcomer Flo Milli, who spits a flow stickier than hot-pink bubblegum. Dive in after the jump.

"august" - Taylor Swift

Amid the folkier tunes on her latest album lies "august," a gem that proves Swift's penchant for crafting irresistible pop melodies still translates even in more subdued settings.

"May I" - Flo Milli

Flo Milli's delightfully brash flow on "May I" could easily double as a double dutch chant; it's definitely memorable enough.

RCA

"Un Día" - J. Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy

J. Balvin and co. deliver a slow-burning reggaeton track about summertime pining.

Republic Records

"living single" - JPEGMAFIA

The Baltimore rapper pulls from Mariah Carey's "Always Be My Baby" for his brief, and bittersweet, new song.

courtesy of the artist

"Gucci" - Bree Runway ft. Maliibu Miitch

A luxe new single from UK's newest buzzy pop artist, Bree Runway.

Charlotte Rutherford

"Trace" - Skullcrusher

Lush and lo-fi guitar musings from Los Angeles singer-songwriter Helen Ballentine.

Secretly Canadian

"Baby Love" - Jessy Lanza

Quirky, bubble-bursting production makes this otherwise spare track an unexpectedly warm love song.

Hyperdub

"Data"- Katie Dey

A more experimental track off Dey's latest album, "Data" finds Dey wanting to join her data in the "clouds," a surprisingly moving contemplation about IRL/internet identity.

"Picture Of You" - Madeline Kenney

An unbridled indie-rock tune that peaks and valleys like its mountainous music video.

Courtesy of the artist

"I Like Trouble" - Gaidaa

This mellow tune from Dutch-Sudanese singer Gaidaa hits like a cleansing curl of incense.

Shaina McCoy