by Steffanee Wang
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Entertainment

Soundcheck: The 10 Best Music Releases The Week Of August 2, 2021

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.

“Happier Than Ever” - Billie Eilish

A seething, slow-burning rock opera about a dirtbag ex, “Happier Than Ever” is a stunning encapsulation of Eilish’s impactful songwriting and sonic versatility.

Darkroom/Interscope

“Skate” - Silk Sonic

Months after “Leave The Door Open,” Silk Sonic’s second single “Skate” has arrived. Let it glide into your ears with all of its buttery, summery goodness.

Aftermath/Atlantic

“Nirvana” - Skepta ft. J Balvin

Over deft guitar and with an assist from J Balvin, Skepta once again effortlessly proves he’s British grime’s best on “Nirvana.”

Boy Better Know

“Locust Laced” - Sleigh Bells

Brooklyn’s iconic noise-pop duo Sleigh Bells is back with their first new music since 2017, a song that sounds like what you’d expect — in the best way possible.

Mom+Pop

“Time of my life” - UPSAHL

If you’re also feeling disillusioned about the life you were promised, UPSAHL’s grungy new pop song will resonate.

Arista Records

“Slideshow” - Amindi

The slinky trap-tinged banger we’ll being throwing it back to for what’s left of this summer.

Human Re-Sources

“Priorities” - L Devine

U.K. pop star L Devine nails the perfect balance of sour and sweet on her vibrant new song “Priorities.”

Warner Music

“And Then Life Was Beautiful” - NAO

The return of NAO’s glittering, swaying soul is our silver lining from the turmoil of the past year.

Little Tokyo Recordings

“Socially Alive” - Su Lee

Viral South Korean musician Su Lee perfectly captures the awkwardness of reentering society on her charming new single.

Su Lee

“Meadow” - Mamalarky

Mamalarky’s “Meadow” sounds how going outside feels: revitalizing and effortless in equal measure.

Mamalarky