This week in pop music saw several upbeat jams from today’s top stars. FKA Twigs kicked off a new era with a collaboration with The Weeknd, Jhene Aiko shared her version of a holiday jingle, and Joe Jonas fired off some inspiration in the form of a new single.
Each week, Uproxx rounds up the best new pop releases. Listen up.
FKA Twigs, The Weeknd — “Tears In The Club”
FKA Twigs officially kicked off a new era of music this week with the empowering breakup anthem “Tears In The Club” with The Weeknd. The new single is her version of a revved-up club banger. Over a thunderous beat, Twigs sings of trying to rid herself of a toxic relationship by dancing at a club — but still ending up in tears anyway. “I’m always pushing to level up to MY best self, and I’ve pushed so hard to find my capri sun,” Twigs said alongside the new track, “I’m so proud of this music.”
Jhene Aiko — “Wrap Me Up”
Jhene Aiko offered her fans a gift for the holidays in the form of the loved-up single “Wrap Me Up.” The sparkling tune isn’t quite the traditional holiday jingle, rather it’s a sultry ballad about missing her boo during the holiday season. But it still features classic elements of a Christmas song, like airy bells and light piano keys.
Joe Jonas — “Go It Alone”
Joe Jonas penned the upbeat anthem “Go It Alone” for the soundtrack to the upcoming animated film Rumble. The movie is set in a world where gentle monsters regularly participate in sports, including wrestling. Combining electric guitars and shining melodies, the song speaks to the importance of giving your dreams your all.
Rebecca Black, Slayyyter — “Read My Mind”
This week, hyperpop icons Rebecca Black and Slayyyter teamed up for the wildly energetic single “Read My Mind.” The collaboration flexes the strength of both singers, combining hard-edged electric guitars with soaring melodies to craft a song that expertly combines elements of rock and pop alike. “Slayyyter has been one of my favorite artists over the past few years and I loved every second of making this song with her,” Black said. “After perfecting this song over the course of a year, its magic, it’s fantastical and everything I’d hoped for to kick off this new era.”
Camilo — “Pesadilla”
Not only is Colombian singer Camilo known for his epic mustache, but he’s also known for crafting traditional love songs with a modern twist. His latest, “Pesadilla,” is no different. The song starts slow, as Camilo serenades listeners with a similar acoustic guitar. But soon after, a fun and funky beat drops, turning the song up a notch and taking it to new and unexpected heights.
Steve Aoki, Global Dan — “Stars Don’t Shine”
Award-winning EDM artist Steve Aoki teamed up with east coast melodic rapper Global Dan for the infectious new single “Stars Don’t Shine.” The dance-ready track puts Global Dan’s auto-tuned flow at the forefront of the track while Aoki’s resonating beat drops and quick-tempoed synths craft a song that will definitely get anyone in a pumped-up mood.
Pia Mia — “Whole Thing”
One lucky fan got early access to Pia Mia’s new track “Whole Thing” by purchasing her historic NFT earlier this week, but the song is now live on all streaming platforms. The new song adds another hit to the songwriter’s catalog, mixing sultry beats and catchy refrains with lyrics about wanting it all and never holding back.
Naomi Sharon — “Hills”
Dutch-Caribbean singer Naomi Sharon dropped the awe-inspiring track “Hills” this week, flexing her vocals that sound like an impressive combination of Adele’s vocal range and the raspy tones of Amy Winehouse’s recognizable harmonies. “‘Hills’ is a song about a relationship that has gone toxic, and is not in a healthy state anymore,” Sharon said about the track. “While it’s quite difficult to distance yourself from someone you love, sometimes it might be the best thing to do.”
Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.