Betty Who, Aespa, Why Not Us & More – Billboard

Looking for some motivation to get you through the start of another work week? We feel you, and with stellar new pop tracks, we’ve got you covered.
These 10 tracks from artists such as Betty Who, Aespa, Why Don’t We and AJ Smith, and many more, will give you energy to face the week. Add any of these gems to your personal playlists – or scroll to the end of the post for a personalized playlist of all 10.
Lava La Rue feat. Biig Piig, “Hi-Fidelity”
British multi-hyphen Lava La Rue and Los Angeles-based upstart Biig Piig share a rich history, first meeting at school together in West London, and that longtime connection shines through in the new “Hi-Fidelity” collaboration: after La Rue positions the track as a woozy jam to galvanize late night, Biig Piig enters the second half with a hushed tone made for headphone listening. Artists find the balance, and “Hi-Fidelity” succeeds in both contexts. — Jason Lipshütz
Amelia Moore, “I Feel Everything”
The power of Amelia Moore’s vocal performance on “I Feel Everything” lies in her understanding of the idea of gaslighting – being told that something in a relationship that is very clearly a big deal isn’t actually not a big deal at all, to the point where just a shout can make you feel heard. Moore plays the situation masterfully, seething with rage (“If I explode, you won’t talk to me straight,” she laments) before screaming her words (“And you won’t even talk / I just wanna, I just want to scream!”) until she was hoarse, but satisfied. — J. Lipshutz
Why don’t we, “How do you love someone”
“How Do You Love Somebody” reimagines Why Don’t We as a garage-rock band, literally – the clip shows the pop quintet rocking in various spaces, from a field to a low-light gas station , open door garage, shirts removed and head shots. Still, Why Don’t We hop on the pop-punk wave works with their band dynamic, as the mix of guitar and drums suits their pop instincts and the snappy chorus is provided with precise harmonies that make the hooks hit. even stronger. — J. Lipshutz
Renee Rapp, “Tattoos”
The first single from actor-artist Renée Rapp (Sex lives of college girls, mean girls on Broadway) is a complete knockout as it combines poignant writing with a soaring voice – resulting in a touching pop ballad. Perhaps what helps him the most is the scarcity of production, a smart move when the bones are this strong. — Lyndsey Paradise
Dagny, “Brightsider”
Norwegian singer Dagny delivers a shimmering synth-pop gem with “Brightsider,” on which she sings about “catch all those feelings” and manages to succinctly convey the angst of wondering “if you’re thinking of me at the weekend” while making it perfectly clear that she’ll be fine regardless of the answer. — HL
Betty Who, “Blow Out My Candle”
Betty Who’s latest, “Blow Out My Candle,” is pretty punchy when she says, “You can blow out my candle, but you’ll never put out my fire.” As the dance-pop banger plays, it’s as if its energy alone helps those metaphorical flames grow – serving as both an inviting spectacle and a warm embrace for anyone who tunes in. – HL
Phoenix, “Zulu Alpha”
Phoenix is gearing up for a whole new era and has given fans their new “Alpha Zulu” offering to chew on. The single deviates from the often sleek and stylish sound of the French indie pop band – which has received the most refinement in previous albums. Ti Amo and Bankruptcy! – while slightly darker synth instrumentals recall the Pet Shop Boys’ heyday (see their 1987 hit “Shopping”) build tension as vocalist Thomas Mars sings of humanity’s impending doomsday. — Starr Bowenbank
aespa, “Illusion”
Despite being a girl group for less than two years, aespa gathered a loyal K-pop band ahead of the release of their debut EP, Savage, which peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top Selling Albums chart. Now, NingNing, Karina, Giselle, and Winter are set to make a comeback, dropping sinister new single “Illusion” to tease their upcoming mini album. Girls. The sinister track continues to explore the band’s theme of cyber-futurism, with the K-pop stars winning over their prey to feed the monster within – presumably the Black Mamba from their debut track of the same name. — SB
AJ Smith, “Famous”
Over a rubbery bassline and vibrant guitar lines, Colorado-born singer-songwriter AJ Smith coos and growls about what he needs (old friends, humility) and doesn’t. (“fake shit”) if it becomes “Famous”. Co-written with Better Than Ezra’s Kevin Griffin, it’s an expertly crafted funk-pop treat ready for a beach or barbecue near you. —Joe Lynch
BAYLI, “Think about drugs”
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter BAYLI is full of late-night atmospheric thrills with “Think About Drugs,” set to a thumping, laid-back beat as she asks someone if they’ve ever thought of her the same way he thinks of drugs. According to his recently changed Twitter account, this is for you “if you’re emo and/or gay.” Happy Emo Pride Month. – J. Lynch