Last Friday was a stacked day for new album releases. Over in the indie world, Sharon Van Etten and James Blake put out fantastic new albums, and pop column staple Maggie Rogers finally released her highly anticipated debut album Heard It In A Past Life. But we’ve also got some excellent singles, too. Ariana Grande samples The Sound Of Music (and maybe references Soulja Boy) in “7 Rings,” and Maren Morris kicked off her new album cycle with the self-love anthem “Girl.” Becky G is back with her first English-language solo single in a while (as expected, it’s catchy as hell), and I’m counting down the days until Norwegian pop princess Sigrid’s debut album finally arrives. Every week, Uproxx will round out the best new pop releases. We’ve got “7 Rings” and seven other great new tracks.
Maren Morris, “Girl”
Country queen Maren Morris‘ first single since her massive, pop-career-making “The Middle” stays true to her roots. “Girl,” the first track off her upcoming sophomore studio album, is more of the down-to-earth country that she perfected on 2016’s Hero, but with a glossy finish befitting her pop icon status. A warm, gentle ode to self-love, Morris sings to a friend (or herself, or all of us listening), a voice of comfort on a tough day. An unflattering selfie or rude comment can be enough to tank a whole week’s worth of self-esteem, and it’s easy to get locked in a self-hate spiral when you’re constantly pressured to compare yourself to others. But Morris assures that it’s brighter on the other side. When she says that “everything’s gonna be okay,” you can’t help but believe her.
Maggie Rogers, “Burning”
Maggie Rogers‘ Heard It In A Past Life is fantastic as a whole, and as hard as it is picking just one song to include here, I have to go with “Burning.” A cathartic, passionate song about love and life, “Burning” has been a favorite of mine since I first heard her perform it live last fall. Rogers sings about a feeling so intense that it’s like being pulled awake, running, snapping, being out of breath. The song captures that passion with incredible acuity, an instant jolt of energy and joy. The whole album is just as great front to back, so if you haven’t yet, just give the whole thing a listen and thank me later.
Ariana Grande, “7 Rings”
Ariana Grande‘s third single off Thank U Next, a trap-pop banger about how much wealth and capital the young singer has accumulated, has gotten some backlash for nearly every single one of those descriptors. Obviously, everyone is entitled to form their own opinions about someone’s music and celebrity image, and to be sensitive about whatever might hurt them. Listening to music is s very personal experience!
When “7 Rings” came out Friday morning, I was clocking out of my second eight-hour shift of the day. On the bus ride back home, I listened to the song on repeat about a dozen times, hypnotized by her confidence. For me, more than the rap cadence and display of mind-boggling wealth, I immediately noticed how proud she was to be providing for herself and making it work. Grande is proud of what she creates, and spends her money taking care of herself and her friends, chasing happiness according to her own definition and no one else’s. To my ears, at its heart “7 Rings” is a song about autonomy and confidence. It’s also a little too energizing — don’t listen to it after midnight unless you want to stay up until 4 AM plotting the prompt spending of every dime of your disposable income.
Becky G, “LBD”
If Taylor Swift only bought this dress so you could take it off, Becky G got hers just to keep on and look hot in. “LBD” is the Los Angeles pop singer’s first new single of the year, and is hopefully a harbinger of bops to come. Becky G’s latest full-length project was an EP released all the way back in 2013. While the singer has been keeping busy with film and television roles, standalone singles, and features, a studio album (or at least more new singles) would be great for 2019. “LBD” is as sexy and slinky as the outfit it describes, a fun and danceable club anthem.
Sigrid, “Don’t Feel Like Crying”
Norwegian pop singer Sigrid’s new single, “Don’t Feel Like Crying,” is a glittering pop confection about moving on from heartbreak. “Wallowing in it would be such a waste,” so Sigrid suggests just drying your eyes and getting on with it. She doesn’t offer any alternatives to takeout and tears, but judging by the synth-y, high-energy beat, dancing might be the perfect cure for a broken heart. For the rest of your catharsis-dancing needs, Sigrid’s debut LP, Sucker Punch, is due out on March 8.
Ella Vos, “Temporary”
The third track off Los Angeles electro-pop singer Ella Vos‘ upcoming album Watch And Wait, “Temporary” is as defiant and frustrated as it is gorgeous. When you’re sick or in pain, everyone always says the pain is “only temporary.” (Although, if you’ve ever been sick, you know you never really believe them.) Still, Vos asks for assurance or a sign that things will get better. Vos combines rich, contemplative lyrics with a simple electronic beat that allows her voice and storytelling to shine. The wait for new music is only temporary — Watch And Wait is coming this Friday.
Mabel, “Don’t Call Me Up”
After opening for Harry Styles on the European leg of his tour, Swedish pop singer Mabel is back with her first new single of 2019, the bouncy, leave-me-alone banger “Don’t Call Me Up.” On the song, Mabel politely asks a terrible ex to stop blowing up her phone when she’s trying to have a good time out dancing with friends. Mabel is a rising star in the UK, recently picking up a Brit Award nomination and a spot on Polydor’s roster. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more from her soon.
Jade Bird, “I Get No Joy”
Up-and-coming British singer-songwriter Jade Bird recently announced her self-titled debut album, due out April 19, and Bird builds anticipation for the record with another great new single. “I Get No Joy” shows off Bird’s elastic voice — after the breakneck-fast verses, Bird goes full-throttle raspy and powerful on the chorus. The 21-year-old is touring North America this winter and spring alongside fellow wake-up-the-neighbors-and-the-dead powerhouse singer-songwriter Hozier. In a world awash with sound-alike singer-songwriters, Bird’s voice is unique and adventurous, and her album is shaping up to be an impressive reflection of her talents.
