We're past the halfway point of 2021, and the sun is finally shining upon us. As Love Island [1] gets us through the evenings and future plans begin to fill our calendars, we're feeling more positive than ever before. While we might not be getting back to total normality just yet, we are still finding new ways to get through — with listening to great new music [2] being one of them.
With so many songs set to be released this month (and this year, undoubtedly), it can be hard to keep track of who's doing what. Well, that's where we come in. Every month, we round up the best of the best tracks from the UK music scene. Whether it's another one of Lady Leshurr [3]'s vibe-inducing anthems or a catchy R&B track from Mahalia, we've got the songs to see you through this new month.
Just a few days into August, we've devoured a new album from Dave, an intoxicating record from Nao, and a sweet new EP from songstress Olivia Dean [4], with new music from Little Simz [5] still on the way. Read on to discover the tracks that made it onto our August playlists.
"Fleabag" by Yungblud
Fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of Yungblud's new single, "Fleabag", and it's finally here. Premiering on BBC Radio 1's Future Sounds show, the track is an emotive pop punk anthem featuring Yungblud's distinctive vocals, and almost feels like it takes cues from Nirvana's "Heart Shaped Box".
"Mood Ring" by Lorde
Taken from her brand new album Solar Power, the latest single from Lorde [6] does not disappoint. It's a breezy ballad with elements of twinkly pop, and at times, doesn't feel too far removed from Christina Aguilera [7]'s "Genie In A Bottle" era.
"Adidas" by Finn Askew
"Adidas" is the latest single from one of the UK's most exciting new artists, Finn Askew. The first release since his collab with soul songstress JGrrey, "Adidas" is undoubtedly a tribute to the sneaker brand, but it's also just a very catchy track.
"I wanted to make a song where after the first listen the listener would be able to sing back the chorus word for word, I feel like I accomplished that with Adidas!" Askew said of the record.
"It's a proper ear worm. It's also the first song I've released with my producer congee! He's one of my favourite people to work with & this is the first of many bangers we have in the locker. I'm super excited about this song, I wrote it nearly 3 years ago so it's about time the world heard it!"
"My Sister" by Shaybo ft Jorja Smith
Whenever Shaybo and Jorja Smith team up, it feels like something magical happens. Shaybo's latest release, "My Sister", features Smith's soothing vocals, and appears to be an anthem for young women everywhere.
The video is equally as powerful, seemingly shot in an old church, and exploring the duality of female friendships and relationships.
"Essence" by Wizkid ft. Justin Bieber and Tems
Wizkid has been the talk of the town for the last week or so, and it's for good reason. His already epic track, "Essence", was remixed to include Justin Bieber [8], and Twitter had a lot to say about it.
Whilst the pairing is undoubtedly a smart business decision, it does also make for a pretty good track — though we're hardcore stans of the original too, of course.
"Skate" by Silk Sonic
If you're looking to find the smoothest single of 2021, then you're in luck, because the new track from Silk Sonic — consisting of solo stars Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak — is nothing short of smooth funk and soul goodness. It's a total mood booster for any playlist, and the retro video [9] is quite honestly even better.
"Say What You Will" by James Blake
"Say What You Will" is the latest offering from James Blake, a singer we've not heard from since 2019. Just a few seconds in, the harrowing track feels like quite a departure from Blake's usual sound, but still retains that level of introspection that we're very used to hearing.
It's hard to know for sure, but judging by the lyrics (particularly the line "I've been ostracised like a comet") it feels as though the track is a commentary on some of the recent criticism faced by his partner, Jameela Jamil, on Twitter, and Blake's subsequent responses.
"PMA" by All Time Low and Pale Waves
All Time Low have teamed up with Pale Waves for the ultimate pop-punk collaboration. The song's title references "postmodern anxiety", a phrase pretty much coined by the bands for the song. As with most songs that All Time Low put out into the world, it's a total banger.
"I Did It" by Big Zuu and Mae Muller
"I Did It" by Big Zuu and Mae Muller [10] is quite frankly the most underrated collaboration I've heard in a long time. The artists have a great sense of humour and some serious musical chemistry, both of which really come through in the track. The video features adorable cameos from the likes of Mama Zuu and No Signal radio presenter Henrie Kwushue [11], and it feels like a true tribute to London's youth culture.
"Grow" by Samm Henshaw
Samm Henshaw's silky-smooth new single "Grow" appears to tell a tale of relationships, and the difficulties that couples can face when trying to grow together. The track is accompanied by a short film, which feels suspiciously similar to the second half of La La Land (minus the dancing). Either way, it's a truly soulful offering with honeyed vocals and very relatable message.
"And Then Life Was Beautiful" by Nao
"And Then Life Was Beautiful" is the mesmerising title track from songstress Nao's upcoming album, set for release on 24 Sept.
In a release about the album, Nao said: "Life isn't perfect; we still go through ups and downs, but it can be beautiful as a whole. I do think it's a hopeful album, in an honest way – it's not shiny or all 'isn't this great!' and 'party party party,' but it's hopeful in that through every rough patch, every dark patch or struggle we always come out again. That's what life is. You keep going. But most of all you try and step into a place of gratitude so that you can see life in all of its beauty."
"Whenever You're Ready" by Mahalia
"Whenever You're Ready" is the latest release from R&B megastar Mahalia, and it's one that you've probably been hearing on the radio daily. That's for a good reason, because it's got a serious '90s Destiny's Child vibe, and a perfectly old-school video to match. For those of you hearing remnants of Montell Jordan's "Get It On Tonite", you're not wrong, because Mahalia definitely samples the classic track.
"Sweet Dream" by Alessia Cara
It's been a while since we've heard new music from Alessia Cara, and it's safe to say that her new releases have a slightly different sound to the one that we're used to. "Sweet Dream" feels a little more ethereal and electronic than past singles, but it still retains the signature Cara vocals that we know and love.
"Why Can't We Get Along" by Zak Abel
Zak Abel never fails to disappoint with his catchy pop anthems, and his latest wave of music also has a pretty nice message behind it. Following on from his last release, "Be Kind", this new track has a similarly uplifting sound, some incredibly positive lyrics, and a funky animated video.