We're officially halfway through 2021, and the sun is finally shining upon us. As summer arrives and plans begin to resurface, we're beginning to feel more hopeful and optimistic about the future than ever before. While we might not be getting back to total normality just yet (fingers crossed for 21 June, right?), we are still finding new ways to get through — with listening to great new music [1] 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 Priya Ragu [2]'s buzzy anthems or a powerful track from Little Simz [3], we've got the songs to see you through this new month.
Halfway into June, we've devoured a new album from Olivia Rodrigo [4], a brand-new record from Joy Crookes, and a sweet new video from Hope Tala, with new music from Mae Muller [5] and Snoh Aalegra still on the way. Read on to discover the tracks that made it onto our June playlist.
"M40 (Love Me Now)" by Issey Cross
Issey Cross released her debut EP [6], Mirrors Don't Lie, earlier this year and since then, we've been looking forward to hearing more from the buzzy newcomer. Her new single, "M40" is a bold tribute to the concept of long distance relationships.
On the track, Cross shared that "I wrote M40 to help me through being in a long distance relationship, which is hard enough without being in lockdown for more than a year. I spent so much time on the M40 it felt right to write a song about it!"
"Pound Signs" by Headie One
After the success of Headie's last release, "Siberia", we've been eager to hear more from the rapper's album, Edna. His newest track, "Pound Signs", does not disappoint. The fiery track is accompanied by a powerful video that features an excerpt of an old interview with Bob Marley, discussing the view that money doesn't equal happiness.
"Lost You" by Snoh Aalegra
The first track from Aalegra's upcoming album, Temporary Highs In The Violent Skies, "Lost You" is a glistening ballad complete with dreamy visuals and velvety vocals. Aalegra's new album will be out in July, and features not one — but two — tracks with Tyler, The Creator, so it's safe to say that it'll be one to watch.
"Feet Don't Fail Me Now" by Joy Crookes
Joy Crookes released her latest single in the best possible way, with a meet up at Primrose Hill in London. Crookes turned up at the Camden location to meet a group of her fans, whilst blaring her new release, "Feet Don't Fail Me Now" on a speaker. The track itself is a high-tempo jazz tune, with seriously soulful vocals.
"Mad" by Hope Tala
Since her last release, "All My Girls Like To Fight" was named BBC Radio 1's introducing track of the week, all eyes have been on Hope Tala. On her latest single, Tala said that "I wrote 'Mad' about having feelings of frustration and hysteria in a long-distance relationship. It's about being unable to communicate properly, and feeling lost in loneliness - so it's ironic that I wrote most of the song a week or two before the first lockdown started in the UK. Foreshadowing, almost."
"Rollin Stone" by Little Simz
If you weren't already aware, Little Simz is currently on a mission to make the most powerful music ever, and she's doing a great job. "Rollin Stone" is the latest release, after poignant anthems like "Introvert" and "Woman" [7], all of which will appear on her upcoming album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.
"Thot Sh*t" by Megan Thee Stallion
The video for Megan Thee Stallion's hot girl summer anthem is finally here, and it did not disappoint. A combination of political satire [8], thot-cellations, and catchy lyrics, "Thot Sh*t" did not come to play, and neither did the video.
"Breakup Season" by Maya Delilah and Samm Henshaw
Maya Delilah and Samm Henshaw on a song together sounds exactly how you'd expect it to sound: soulful and effortless. "Breakup Season," is the perfect blend of both of their incredible voices, and is paired with soothing synths and smooth harmonies to create a delightful self-empowerment ballad.
"Nabi" by Peggy Gou feat. OHHYUK
Berlin based DJ Peggy Gou is back with a new single, and this time it comes in the form of a collaboration with South Korean singer Oh Hyuk. The perfect addition to your sunny day mix, "Nabi" is a funky dance track with soothing vocals.
"Solar Power" by Lorde
"Solar Power" is Lorde [9]'s first release in a few years, and it comes from her upcoming album, which shares the same title. The track is a breezy summer anthem that's accompanied by a glorious beach-side video [10]. The song features the lyric "I'm kind of like a prettier Jesus," and after watching the video in its entirety, we can't help but agree.
"Peaches" (Remix) by Justin Bieber ft. Ludacris, Usher & Snoop Dogg
We didn't think that we could love "Peaches" by Justin Bieber any more, and then he released the remix. Featuring a star-studded line-up that includes the likes of Ludacris, Usher [11], and Snoop Dogg, the remixed track hits a whole new level.
"Lost Cause" by Billie Eilish
Since Billie Eilish [12] dyed her hair blonde and graced the cover of Vogue with her presence, we've been even more into her than usual. "Lost Cause" marks a slightly new sound for the singer, it's somehow more effortless than previous tracks but still has all the Eilish attitude that we've grown to know and love.
"Hot N Heavy" by Jessie Ware
Jessie Ware is continuing her retro disco phase with the release of her latest single, "Hot N Heavy", and we completely approve. It's glittery, it's funky, and it's exactly the sound that we'd expect from her new album.
"I Want" by ENNY
"I Want" is the latest single from the visionary that brought us "Peng Black Girls", aka ENNY. The track has a real disco funk vibe, with a retro visualiser to match, and it's the perfect song to get you in the Friday mood.
"God Save This Queen" by Bimini
One of RuPaul's Drag Race UK's most iconic contestants, Bimini Bon Boulash [13] just released their first ever track, and we're absolutely obsessed. A total Brit-pop anthem, the song is an ode to everything British and gender-free.
"Right Side Of The Bed" by Zak Abel
"Right Side Of The Bed" is the flirty new track from Zak Abel. Giving us a different kind of nostalgia, the song takes inspiration from old school jazz but it's paired with some pretty contemporary sounds. Abel only just released the track, and shared a tweet that read "it was the first song I recorded where I was like, 'I want my album to sound like this'", so already we can't wait to hear the rest.
"Empathy" by Lauren Aquilina
Just a few seconds into the video for "Empathy" by Lauren Aquilina, we're immediately sold. It's a sugary ballad that's perfect for fans of Olivia Rodrigo [14], Mimi Webb, and '90s nostalgia. Need I say more? Didn't think so.
"Liz" by Remi Wolf
Everything Remi Wolf does is already gold, and her latest single "Liz" is no exception. Instantly, it evokes Sean Kingston-like visuals of hanging out in a milkshake shop in the US, but it's a touch more subtle and undoubtedly has much sweeter vocals.
"Blood" by Aziya
"Blood" is the latest offering from musical polymath Aziya. It's an eclectic indie-pop anthem with a flashy video and an incredibly catchy chorus. Listen to it once and you'll find yourself singing "you're my blood" for life. You've been warned.
"When You're Out" by Billen Ted ft Mae Muller
Featuring a sample of the iconic 2000's track "Don't Think I'm Not" by Kandi, the latest single from Billen Ted is the perfect amount of pop nostalgia. Overlaid with fierce vocals from Mae Muller, the track is the ultimate tribute.
"Tunnel Vision" by Bishop Ivy
"Tunnel Vision" is essentially a modern-day lullaby, and it's all about the deep-rooted fear of letting go of a relationship. On the video, Ivy shared: "The trippy effect of me floating above the ground was actually real; I was suspended on a wooden plank attached to a crane, holding on to dear life. Not a green screen. I think at some point I was about 20 feet above the ground." Which is reason enough to give the soothing ballad a listen, really.
"This Ain't Love" by Antigoni
Antigoni is most definitely a rising star, and after hearing her latest single, "This Ain't Love", it's clear that she's only going to get bigger and better. The track is a catchy R&B tune with powerful vocals and a lively chorus.
"Mazes" by Cktrl
One for fans of contemporary jazz, "Mazes" is the new single from South London instrumentalist and producer Cktrl (who you may recognise from his collaborations with some very talented names: Bianca Saunders, Ahluwalia, and Virgil Abloh). The video was directed by Yasser Abubeker, who described it as "a love letter to my tribe, those of us fighting to exist and live authentically".
"Door" by Allday
Allday's latest track, "Door" comes from the singer's latest album, Drinking With My Smoking Friends. The album marks the Australian rapper's fourth studio record and acts as a look into his life in Los Angeles, a period of time that he's described as his "extended youth". The track is a relatively low-tempo alt-pop song, with slow vocals and some charming instrumentals.
"Trouble" by Marc E. Bassy
"Trouble" is the latest offering from San Francisco's Marc E. Bassy, whose last album was released in 2019. The single marks a new sound for the singer. The dance track is more subtle than his previous work, but it still makes for a pretty funky sound.
"One Foot in Front of the Other" by Griff
This year's BRIT rising star, Griff [15] has been on fire since the award show took place last month, and her latest single, "One Foot in Front of the Other", is a perfect example of that. It's a buzzy pop track with distorted vocals and an electric chorus, and it's safe to say that it's worth a listen.
"Ocean View" by Easy Life
Easy Life are an English R&B group from Leicester, though you wouldn't know it from hearing their music. Their debut album, Life's a Beach, was released just last month, and "Ocean View" is the latest single. It's a breezy, sun-filled anthem with effortlessly cool vocals, and it makes for very easy listening (no pun intended).