New Sounds: Must-Listen Tracks of the Week

Staying updated with the new sounds can be a daunting task, given the vast sea of weekly album drops and daily single releases. The music landscape is ever-expansive, making it easy for gems to slip by unnoticed. To make your musical journey more manageable, we present a weekly roundup of the best new music to grace your ears.

This week, Lil Yachty explores new stylistic dimensions, Usher builds anticipation for his Super Bowl Halftime Show, and a variety of artists deliver standout tracks. Here are the highlights:

Lil Yachty — “A Cold Sunday”

Lil Yachty continues to push his creative boundaries, venturing into a psychedelic aesthetic that he first introduced with Let’s Start Here. His latest endeavor, “A Cold Sunday,” samples “Inspiration Of My Life” by Citation, offering a brief yet captivating showcase of Yachty’s flow.

JT — “Sideways”

While City Girls maintains their momentum, JT establishes herself as a solo force with “Sideways.” JT expresses her commitment to self-improvement, aiming to transition from acclaimed verses to crafting standout songs in 2024.

Usher and Pheelz — “Ruin”

In the lead-up to his historic Super Bowl Halftime Show performance, Usher collaborates with Pheelz on “Ruin,” a track infused with Afrobeats influences. This release is part of Usher’s broader strategy, coinciding with the launch of his new album, Coming Home.

Daniel Caesar — “Waiting In Vain”

In a era marked by numerous music biopics, Daniel Caesar puts his modern spin on Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain.” The synth-driven reinterpretation demonstrates the timeless appeal of Marley’s iconic songwriting.

Paramore — “Burning Down The House”

Paramore contributes to a Talking Heads tribute album with their rendition of “Burning Down The House.” The band seamlessly blends their signature sound with the expansive musical direction explored in recent albums.

TWICE — “I Got You”

K-pop ambassadors TWICE offer a glimpse of their upcoming mini-album, With YOU-th, with the anthemic “I Got You.” The track, influenced by New Wave sounds, solidifies TWICE’s position as global representatives of K-pop.

Hovvdy — “Forever”

After a hiatus, Hovvdy returns with “Forever,” a laid-back single reflecting on unconditional love. The track serves as a preview for their upcoming self-titled album, the duo’s fifth LP.

Sega Bodega — “Deer Teeth”

Producer extraordinaire Sega Bodega, known for collaborations with artists like Björk and Caroline Polachek, unveils “Deer Teeth.” This dreamy, glitchy number showcases Sega Bodega’s prowess in creating ethereal, otherworldly sounds.

Don Toliver — “Bandit”

Don Toliver, following the release of Love Sick in 2023, offers a dynamic and bold tune titled “Bandit.” The accompanied video hints at a potential upcoming album, possibly titled Hardstone.

TiaCorine — “Bonnet”

North Carolina rapper TiaCorine leads with the rapid-fire single “Bonnet” from her latest EP, Almost There. The track is accompanied by a vibrant video, offering a glimpse into TiaCorine’s interests, including fighting games and anime.

For more musical discoveries, explore our Listen To This section, alongside our Indie Mixtape and Pop Life newsletters. Stay tuned for the latest sonic adventures.