MJ Lenderman, Hyperpop Hits & Misses and other songs of the week

Our The “Songs of the Week” column highlights great new songs and analyzes notable releases. Find our new favorites and more on our Spotify Top Songs playlist. For more great songs from up-and-coming artists, check out our Spotify New Sounds playlist. This week, summer sounds go in two different directions.

New and noteworthy:

Two paths lie before me: one leads to an MJ Lenderman summer, a season marked by long walks, wondering why you miss your childhood at the golden hour of 6 p.m., and opening a cold beer with your friends. The other is a brat Summer, which offers hyperpop chaos, ugly crop tops that feel cute on the right days, super hot boyfriends, and general debauchery. Traveler, which path will you take? Choose wisely.

Many artists enrich our uptempo pop playlists … but not Camila Cabello

As the dust settles on the aforementioned Charli XCX album, more and more gorgeous and glitchy pop is emerging that really rounds out this summer’s soundtrack for anyone ready for some playful fun. Tove Lo and her long-time collaborator SG Lewis have turned up the temperature with their joint HEAT EP, which they describe as the perfect companion to a main character moment in a queer nightclub. There is also the more underground option of Underscores, who have released a deluxe version of their excellent, mind-blowing 2023 project Power outletwith this extended LP as their Directors Cut.

At the other end of the spectrum is Camila Cabello, whose foray into hyperpop has a bit of the energy of an identity crisis. She has the budget to nail the aesthetic, but C,XOXO is hyperpop, in the same way that I became an artist in Boston when I was a teenager dressing up in my older cousin’s cooler clothes. Even if we ignore the fact that the album includes not one but two Drake features at a time like this, the project’s tone often overshadows Cabello’s typically breathy delivery. There are moments that work — “pretty when i cry” is much closer to her strike zone — but this pivot may not stick. — Maria Siroky

Meanwhile, MJ Lenderman is ushering in the summer of veranda beers

As mentioned, this summer will be full of hyperpop hits for some, clubs that will challenger Score, immediately followed by Charli XCX’s bratand Sabrina Carpenter’s infectious bops. For others, though, it will be a season of hanging out on the porch, discounted beers, and the sweet, reliable sounds of a certain Mr. MJ Lenderman.

The rising artist and guitarist of Wednesday has just announced a brand new album, Fireworks Manningand the record’s latest single, “She’s Leaving You,” is already well on its way to becoming a future fan favorite—and for good reason. Sports reference aside, the tune is as MJ Lenderman-esque as it gets: The lyrics are open and intensely singable, the guitar work is down-to-earth and rocking, and there’s even an appearance from Wednesday bandmate Karly Hartzman to boot.

There will no doubt be plenty of sweaty dancing and tennis-related love triangles in the coming months, but there will also be time to play pool at the local pub, watch the sunset from a deck chair and strum a Neil Young tune on your six-string. In those moments, you’ll want to put on “She’s Leaving You.” — Jonah Krueger

Editor’s choice: The best songs of the week from 22 to 28 June

Abel – “Bewitched”

Columbus’ Abel are back with a short and sweet little record that features the band’s best material to date: Dizziness. Midway through the album, the group channels their inner LVL UP with “Hexed,” a melodic, sing-along-worthy smash. There are huge guitar tones, dynamic transitions, and strong dynamics that keep the song incredibly engaging throughout. It’s an absolute smash that fans of shoegaze-infused indie rock shouldn’t miss. — J. Kruger

Doechii – “Rocket”

On “Rocket,” Doechii plays it cool and relaxed. Over a sparse but bouncy beat, the artist effortlessly switches between singing and rapping to create a truly playful vibe. As the track progresses, the energy continues to build, with a chorus of call and response and a catchy outro of na-na-nas. Now if only we could get that next album… — J. Kruger

Emotional Oranges – “Peak”

One of life’s greatest mysteries is how Emotional Oranges always manage to sound so smooth. The duo’s latest release, “Peak,” is a truly intoxicating brew, offering a beat that straddles the line between total seduction and playful bop. The ever-reliable vocal performances and dreamy chord progressions are a reminder, above all, that Emotional Oranges never seem to miss the mark. — M. Siroky

GIFT – “Later”

Dream-pop darlings GIFT are back with another satisfying new single, “Later.” This single is as majestic as ever from GIFT, who can summon both serenity and pure instrumental power. Like earlier single “Wish Me Away,” “Later” succeeds because of its beautiful, crystal-clear production—the warmth of the band’s electric guitars radiates like rays of sunlight, the strum of an acoustic guitar tickles like knives, the timbre of the drummer’s cymbals is eerily bright. It’s hi-fi music for a high state of mind. — Paolo Ragusa

Kate Vogel – “Breaked up on my birthday”

It is the first release in over three years for singer-songwriter Kate Vogel, whose tender, quiet, anthemic “Reasons to Stay” made her known to many listeners. Where her 2021 LP, Someone I am proud ofLanding in deeply vulnerable and introspective territory, “broke up on my birthday” signals the beginning of a new chapter – one that would allow her music to fit perfectly into any Gracie Abrams/Chelsea Cutler/Sasha Alex Sloan playlist you’re working on. There’s always room for a little more sad girl pop… right? — M. Siroky

Xiu Xiu – “Loon”

Noise-pop experimentalists Xiu Xiu are back doing what they do best: writing a really catchy, well-constructed melody and then putting it through the meat grinder. On “Common Loon,” surprisingly gentle melodies collide with buzzsaw tones and maximalist production for one of Xiu Xiu’s most accessible songs since 2017. ForgetOne more reason to look forward to the release of their new LP on September 27th. 13″ Italian stiletto by Frank Beltrame with bison horn handles.— J. Kruger

Room90 – “For you”

Room90 have arrived with the What love is EP, and it’s an irresistible collection of funk-pop, disco, yacht rock, and everything in between. One of the highlights comes right at the start with “For You,” which features an overactive, canyon-like bassline that swallows everything in its path. The duo are well aware of the power of the bottom end, so much so that they’ve showcased it in all its glory on their TikTok page. But while the instruments suggest a thumping dance floor, Joscha’s yearning vocals are smooth and serene—the resulting blend is Zimmer90’s own unique sound through and through. — P. Ragusa

Song of the week – Artwork:

Playlist with the top songs: