This was a great week for new music, but an especially great week for remixes. Ariana Grande’s polarizing new single “7 Rings” has a new mix with a verse from 2 Chainz. Perfume Genius joined Empress Of on a mellowed-out new version of her track “When I’m With Him.” Kimbra has a fantastic new mix of her song “Lightyears.” We’ve also got the debut single from former Fifth Harmony singer Ally Brooke and standout new tracks from Mallrat, Astrid S, and more.
Every week, Uproxx will round out the best new pop releases of the last seven days. We’ve got some new tracks, and some fresh spins on ones you already know. Listen up.
Ariana Grande, Feat. 2 Chainz, “7 Rings (Remix)”
I know Ariana Grande‘s botched “7 Rings” tattoo was the news story of the week, but let’s turn our attention back to the song that inspired it. When “7 Rings” was released two weeks ago, Grande faced quite a bit of backlash from listener who were upset by her appropriation of hip-hop beats. Grande was accused of ripping off 2 Chainz‘s own song “Spend It,” but with the rapper joining her on a remix of “7 Rings,” Grande embraces the more playful aspects of the song, acknowledging its debt to hip-hop culture and working alongside one of its prolific icons. 2 Chainz raps about his own spending (on luxury items to spoil his lady) as Grande flexes that she can provide everything she needs and wants for herself, with no help from a man. The conversations about her image are definitely worth having, but it’d be a shame to let Grande’s music get lost in the mix.
Ally Brooke, Feat. Tyga, “Low Key”
Former Fifth Harmony singer Ally Brooke has finally released her debut solo single. With a slinky, salsa-inspired beat, “Low Key” is reminiscent of former bandmate Camila Cabello‘s own breakout single, “Havana.” But “Low Key” stands out on its own with fun lyrics (dance floor daydreaming about how “we could fly out to Ibiza and get cozy”) and Brooke’s quiet confidence as a vocalist. “Low key low key” we’ll be hearing a lot from Ally Brooke this year.
Mallrat, Feat. Basenji, “Nobody’s Home”
Electro-pop singer-songwriter Mallrat‘s first new track of 2019 might be her poppiest and most melodic yet. A dreamy, romantic track produced with fellow Aussie Basenji, “Nobody’s Home” sparkles with the sheen of a new crush. “Nobody’s home, so I sing my songs about you,” Mallrat sings, layered vocals making her sound like she’s in heaven thinking about the person she loves. Since the release of her EP The Sky last summer, Mallrat has been busy touring the US, Europe, and Australia with Gnash and Maggie Rogers. With “Nobody’s Home” (and hopefully more new music to come), Mallrat is gearing up for a big year.
Billie Eilish, “Bury A Friend”
Billie Eilish‘s best single to date, “Bury A Friend” proves that the millions of young people who are obsessed with her atmospheric, weirdo pop know what they’re talking about. “Bury A Friend” is full of bizarre, screechy flourishes and dips into the nightmarish, over a beat that pounds with the frantic urgency of Kanye‘s “Black Skinhead” (the two songs sound super, super similar). The music video is horror-movie genius, choreographed like a scene from the Suspiria remake, and somehow the song’s lyrics are just as specific and creepy. “Step on the glass, staple your tongue,” and try not to have nightmares.
Astrid S, “Someone New”
Norwegian pop princess Astrid S is building hype for her upcoming debut album with another great single. “Someone New” is a bouncy heartbreak anthem. Its infectious, hooky electro-pop at its best, with all the sheen of Number One Angel era Charli XCX. (Charli actually co-wrote “Someone New.”) The bouncy beat reminds me a bit of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape Of You” — if there’s any justice in this world, Astrid will enjoy some Sheeran-level success this year.
Empress Of And Perfume Genius, “When I’m With Him”
The collab we had no idea we needed, Empress Of and Perfume Genius have joined forces for a reimagined version of Empress Of’s song “When I’m With Him.” Mike Hadreas and Lorely Rodriguez’s vocals sound gorgeous together, as they remix the Us standout into a romantic slow jam. It’s a testament to the brilliance of the song that it’s so malleable, brilliant as both an upbeat synth-pop anthem and yearning, twinkling alt-pop.
Kimbra, “Lightyears (Chris Tabron Remix)”
New Zealand alt-pop singer-songwriter Kimbra out-Robyns Robyn on her shimmering dance single “Lightyears.” Producer Chris Tabron ups the sparkle on his new remix of the Primal Heart cut, making Kimbra’s vocals battle with a frenetic, synth-y beat, every component of the song stronger for having to work against the rest of it. “Lightyears” is an electric call to the dance floor, an immediate party playlist classic from the first listen. Kimbra said it best herself — she’s “lightyears from everyone.”
Broods, “Why Do You Believe Me?”
New Zealand brother-sister pop duo Broods have finally released their long-awaited album Don’t Feed The Pop Monster, and the album lives up to the hype its excellent singles built. The muted, melancholy “Why Do You Believe Me” is an early standout. A rumination on jealousy and comparing yourself to friends who seem to have it all, “Why Do You Believe Me” is honest and confessional, finding inspiration in topics that aren’t often explored in pop music. The song’s synth-y perfection demands to be listened on your best headphones — the intricate beats and singer Georgia Nott’s voice are compelling and deep enough to get lost in.
