Soundcheck: The 17 Best Music Releases Of The Week

Every weekend, we bring you#SOUNDCHECK—your new destination for the best of the best new music that hit the web over the course of the week. Because you should always be prepared when someone passes you that AUX cord. This week’s round features 17 of our favorite emerging and established artists including Joji, Empress Of, Escort, and so many more. Turn up, tune in, and tune out.

“TEST DRIVE” - Joji

Maybe it's the way he mumble-sings about being fuck-zoned over simple piano and thumping bass, or maybe it's the fact that I still can't believe Joji is also this person. Either way, I can't stop listening. 

Us - Empress Of

As Lorely Rodriguez's gentle falsetto dances along the lines of second track, "Just The Same," singing, "Something about your body makes me feel so safe/ I want you on top of me like a paperweight," it's hard not to just want to hang off her every delicately placed word. 

“Slide” - Escort

"Every playlist needs more disco" is a mantra I live by. Let Escort drag you out to the dance floor with their hypnotic rhythms. 

"Unfollow" - Mr. Little Jeans

Mr. Little Jeans, aka Monica Birkenese, encapsulates all the political angst we're dealing with and layers it on top of a synth-laden, melodic tune that suggests maybe one day we'll be okay. 

“Can’t Get Enough” - Bianca Shaw

Get to know what Taylor Bennett saw in his first-ever female signee, as she reveals her debut track since joining Tay Bennett Entertainment. Just a guess, but based off how much of a bop this is, we think Bennett should focus on adding a few more ladies to his roster. 

“Thinking Bout U” - Kodie Shane

The First Lady of Lil Yachty's Sailing Team demands to be heard with this solid track from her soon-to-be-released debut album.

“Imposible” - Luis Fonsi and Ozuna

Don't you dare try to make a "Despacito" comparison. Grab your dancing shoes and admit that our Latin faves are taking over U.S. pop charts (and hearts) forever, and for the better.

“Sisko and Kasidy” - Kweku Collins ft. Ajani Jones

Who knew this track was meant to have a sci-fi inspired video to accompany it? But it really, really was. 

"Run Rabbit Run" - Bexley

Bexley's debut single is a high-energy rock song I can't stop listening to. If her album is going to be anything like this song, I can't wait for it. 

“The 2nd Most Beautiful Girl in the World” - Snail Mail

This cover of Courtney Love's song will break your heart and put it back together in just three short minutes. Lindsey Jordan's voice will reach you over the soft chords and pull you into the lyrics.

“It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)” - The 1975

This single from the band's upcoming third album will have you bopping along to the beat. As with all your fave The 1975 songs, you'll have the lyrics memorized in no time. 

“Come & Go” - Adeline ft. Denitia

We unintentionally added two songs by the same artists to this list—Adeline is the vocalist of Escort—but felt the two tracks justified the repetition. Adeline is making her solo debut pretty soon, and "Come & Go" is only one of the addictive, sultry slow-burners the singer has to offer. 

“None of my Business” - Cher Lloyd

You might be over your ex, but you won't be over this song. But even if you're not over your ex, that's "none of my business"—you'll still want this song on repeat. 

Suncity- Khalid

Khalid did it again with this new EP. Empress Of also makes another appearance on our list this week, featured on the track "Suncity."

“Social” - Smallpools

This song can "take me away right now" as I dance around to it.

“Revelation (From ‘Boy Erased’)” - Troye Sivan

This soft ballad coupled with Sivan's voice makes you want to slow down and absorb every second of it—of life.