Our Songs of the Week column looks at great new music from the last week and analyzes notable releases. Find all our latest favorites and more on our Spotify Top Songs playlist, and for other great songs from emerging artists, check out our Spotify New Sounds playlist. This week, Audrey Nuna, Yola, Duck Sauce, and more rise to the top.
Staff Picks: Best Songs of the Week September 15th – 20th 2024
Audrey Nuna — “Mine”
It’s the year of reimagining Brandy and Monica’s iconic “The Boy Is Mine,” with Audrey Nuna becoming the next to put her spin on the beloved track with her new release. “Mine” turns the tension under the familiar melody up a notch with a throbbing beat and original verses. It’s the latest look at her forthcoming album, TRENCH, which is due out October 18th and splits the artist into two phases: soft skin and hard feelings. In her hands, “Mine” feels like it could fit the bill for both. — Mary Siroky
Benjamin Tod feat. Sierra Ferrell — “One Last Time”
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This time capsule of a track from Benjamin Tod arrives in conjunction with his new album, Shooting Star, and the singer-songwriter was wise to enlist Sierra Ferrell as his partner for this one. Together, the two majorly elevate “One Last Time,” authentically capturing the energy of country ballads of old; it’s a little George and Tammy, a little Loretta and Conway, and ultimately a whole lot of fun. Foolish, desperate wishes for one more positive night together rarely sound so sweet. — M. Siroky
Duck Sauce — “Fallin In Love”
Electronic duo Duck Sauce consistently drop music that makes people want to get onto the dance floor, and “Fallin in Love” is no exception. The new release is a solid addition to their upbeat, electric repertoire, with blissful vocals that blend perfectly with the throwback melody. Add this song to your party playlist and watch the energy in the room shift for the better. — Rachel Rosenfield
Genia — “Give”
With a beat that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Cheetah Girls track (HIGHLY COMPLIMENTARY), “Give” is the newest attention-grabbing offering from R&B singer-songwriter Genia. Lyrics that nod to a windows-down drive on a sunny day complement an airy, glittering chorus for a track just over two minutes that leaves us wanting more. “Give” follows 2023’s 4 PM in the Ville mixtape, and new music of this caliber arrives like a treat from the rising vocalist. — M. Siroky
La Femme — “Love Is Over”
While French rock band La Femme typically stick to their native language in their music, they are now venturing into English-language music with “Love Is Over,” the new track from their upcoming album Rock Machine. Thoughtful, intimate lyrics underscore the deep impact that heartbreak can leave on a person, while the instrumental swings between dynamic and calming energies as the vocalists trade lines. — R. Rosenfield
Tkay Maidza — “Electric Feel”
Consequence CoSign alum Tkay Maidza delivers a healthy heaping of her confident energy on her new cover of “Electric Feel,” recorded for the Spotify Singles series. The Zimbabwe-born, Australia-raised artist has always welcomed an array of influences to her music, from hazy pop to R&B or sharp rap verses. Her distinct vocal tone suits the MGMT classic, which feels fresh in her hands without stripping away the bouncy energy of the original. — M. Siroky
Vienna Vienna — “Vienna” (Everything’s Fine)”
Ahead of his debut EP Wonderland, rock singer Vienna Vienna has released the single “Vienna (Everything’s Fine),” a deceptively hopeful anthem for anyone fighting their inner demons. For anyone new to his work, Vienna Vienna is unapologetically himself in his music, infusing vibrant energy into his relatable, anthemic lyrics. Don’t miss the music video, where eye-catching visuals heighten the spirited tune. – R. Rosenfield
Yola — “Future Enemies”
The thing about Yola’s unbelievably powerful voice is that listening to both the studio version and the live version of a song like “Future Enemies” might just elicit the same response; she’s just that good. “Future Enemies,” the cut off her November EP, My Way, is her first release in three years, and the long-awaited return sees the vocalist stepping even further into her power. The track is raw, intense, and fiery, and promises an expansion to the genre-fluid sound delivered on her 2021 LP, Stand for Myself. Neo-soul, dance, and R&B all feel firmly in her domain, and sound so, so good on her latest track. — M. Siroky
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Top Songs Playlist:
