This week in pop music saw some triumphant returns and masterful collaborations. Dua Lipa put forth the first single from her new era of music, HAIM sang of the importance of seeking help from others while coping with depression, and Ariana Grande released the full soundtrack to the upcoming Charlie’s Angels film.
Every week, Uproxx will round up the best new pop releases of the last seven days. Listen up.
Dua Lipa — “Don’t Start Now”
Dua Lipa signals the beginning of a new era with “Don’t Start Now.” A funky bassline at the song’s hook sets the tone for the pumped-up track. The chorus opens up space for her vocals to shine through over a triumphant piano before the full jumping beat arrives. Her new dance-ready song is, according to the pop singer, about “moving on and not allowing anyone to get in the way of that.”
HAIM — “Now I’m In It”
After staying relatively quiet following the release of their 2017 record, Something To Tell You, sister trio HAIM are gearing up for a big release. “Now I’m In It” is the group’s latest single. A clapping beat drives the song forward while Danielle Haim’s breathy voice colors the infectious track. As the lyrics nod to the heavy subject of coping with depression, the track’s beat offers a light-hearted contrast.
Ariana Grande — “Bad To You” Feat. Normani and Nicki Minaj
Ariana Grande is the executive producer of the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack and collaborated with many big-named pop stars. “Bad To You” is a stand-out anthem on the recently-released album. After a catchy chorus, the track drops down to a blown-out bass when Nicki’s hard-hitting verse comes in. The song marks another collaboration between Normani and Grande, who penned a part of Normani’s latest single, “Motivation.”
Noah Cyrus — F*ckyounoah Feat. London On Da Track
Noah Cyrus is setting her self apart from her famous family and proving herself a contender in pop music with her recent singles. “F*ckyounoah” is her second single of the year. Cyrus’s distinctly textured vocals layer over London On Da Track’s hip-hop beat to craft bouncy anthem.
Alma — “Worst Behaviour” Feat. Tove Lo
Swedish pop producer Alma expanded her reach in 2019. After penning songs for Miley Cyrus’s She Is Coming and the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack, the producer teamed up once again with Tove Lo for the haunting track “Worst Behaviour.” A wobbly baseline gears up to a weighty chorus with crashing percussion on the stirring single.
Miranda Lambert —”Mess With My Head”
Country star Miranda Lambert released her seventh studio album, Wildcard, and “Mess With My Head” is a stand-out track. The assertive anthem boasts jangly and driving electric guitar riffs and a clear message — Lambert won’t let anyone manipulate her any longer.
Lennon Stella — “Kissing Other People”
Canadian pop singer Lennon Stella put forth a new single after spending 2018 collaborating with the likes of Liam Payne and The Chainsmokers. Stella’s resounding voice fills the hook which bubbles to a drowned-out, clapping beat. In the lyrics, Stella embraces aimless hook-ups and feels the freedom that comes after a relationship ends.
Bastille — “Another Place” Feat Alessia Cara
Bastille frontman Dan Smith teams up with Canadian singer/songwriter Alessia Cara for the duet “Another Place.” Cara’s mature voice blends with Smith’s drawn-out vocals to create a melancholy yet buoyant track.
Dove Cameron — “So Good”
After getting her start as a Disney star, Dove Cameron is attempting to break the good-girl image that comes along with the title with her latest singles. Cameron’s impressive vocals are mixed to add a slight metallic edge, contrasting with the song’s soft piano. The variation adds a release of tension as the rest of the song boasts the addition of mixed vocal tracks and electric drums, making the feel-good tune haunting and catchy.
Chelsea Cutler “Lucky” Feat. Alexander 23
Chelsea Cutler’s tender voice melts over simple instrumentation on the since track “Lucky.” Alexander 23’s complimentary vocals harmonize with Cutler’s to craft a sugary melody. The light-hearted, soft ballad is a nod to the importance of taking time to appreciate the people in your life.
Some artists mentioned are Warner Music artists. .
