by Steffanee Wang

Entertainment

Raye's "Black Mascara" & 9 More New Songs Out This Week

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.

“Calm Down” - Rema, Selena Gomez

The biggest song from Nigerian pop star Rema’s latest album just got a slick update from Selena Gomez, who sounds refreshed and radiant. (YouTube)

HST Global Limited
“Hold Me Closer” - Britney Spears, Elton John

To hear Britney Spears confidently sing — and belt — on Elton John’s groovy remake of “Tiny Dancer” multiplies the emotional punch of the song ten-fold. Welcome back, Britney. (YouTube)

Raye
“Black Mascara” - Raye

Raye’s newest single is what you want to hear at the club when the lights are strobing and the sweat is ruining your makeup. (YouTube)

Studio Barnhus
“Follow You” - Kornél Kovacs, Aluna

Aluna and Sweden’s Kornél Kovacs make a mesmerizing force on “Follow You,” their lamplit dancefloor banger that will happily pull you into hypnosis. (YouTube)

Sony Music Entertainment
“Complex” - Katie Gregson-MacLeod

Katie Gregson-MacLeod’s song and songwriting that captured millions on TikTok is finally here — and it’s as devastating as you’d hoped. (YouTube)

Polyvinyl
“Be Careful With Yourself” - Julia Jacklin

On her latest, Julia Jacklin’s casual requests to herself (“please stop smoking, want your life to last a long time”) serve as tender meditation on the ways we try to save, or destroy, ourselves. (YouTube)

“Mystery” - Fauness

Fauness’ whimsical pop seems sweet on first-listen — then you realize the story she weaves is one about a missing girl named “Mystery,” last seen walking into the sea. (YouTube)

KEELED SCALES
“Two Cups” - Tenci

Chicago band Tenci is identifiable by front woman Jess Shoman’s spry, yodel-like voice, which nestles nicely among relaxed guitar rock. (YouTube)

“Leave It On The Dancefloor” - Hope Tala

Hope Tala’s electric ode to the muse du jour — the dance floor — is subtle, swaying, and low-stakes: “If you kiss me, you got nothing to lose.” (YouTube)

Saddle Creek
“Parable Lickers” - Palm

Someone accurately described Palm’s “Parable Lickers” as an Animal Collective song that was put in a blender — but they forgot to mention that it’s wickedly good. (YouTube)