Pitchfork's Best New Music

Known mostly for her behind the scenes work, co-writing tracks for massive artists such as Ariana Grande and Fifth Harmony, many people were wondering whether Victoria could deliver with her own solo output. Luckily Victoria not only delivered, but she decided to subvert expectations by not releasing one of the usual pop/r&b tunes she usually writes and going full retro. A groovy guitar lead, a vocal performance reminiscent of an early Erykah Badu and a catchy chorus make for one of the most original and enjoyable singles released this year. It is a risky move commercially but it feels like Victoria is aiming for more than just chart success.
@tattooedheart

A catchy pop song is nothing special. That’s what they’re designed to be. Mindless ear-candy for your average 12-34 year old to enjoy for 2 months before it burns out and they move on to the next song. However, every once in a while, a truly infectious pop song comes along. “Sweet But Psycho”, the debut single by newcomer Ava Max, is exactly that. The song knows exactly what it is and plays the part. Yes, the production sounds like a 2009 Lady Gaga song, but that’s the point. Ava happily embraces a dated sound to give the listener the feeling of nostalgia. Can she build a career off of this concept? Time will tell. But will Sweet But Psycho remain a standout debut single? Yes.
@act2

If Link Up by ex-Fifth Harmony member Normani is any indication for how the rest of her music will be, we may very well be witnessing a superstar in the making far larger than the group she originated from. The track is a trap/rnb anthem that showcases both Normani's vocal and rap skill. The track has a nonchalant vibe with Normani boasting her lavish lifestyle and riches. However, at some points this feels out of place for such a new artist in the field. The production quality was also of the highest quality adding to the hype feel it gives. Overall, Link Up is an earworm that will surely be taking over the airwaves in the summer.
@venti

Camila Cabello’s debut single balances her latin roots with modern day pop, turning it into an instant must listen for the month of July. The track is most certainly competing for the Song of the Summer title with Cabello’s smooth vocals and catchy lyrics blending in with a refreshing production almost flawlessly.
@beysus

If anyone took the "song of the summer" race seriously, it was definitely Katy Perry. The newest single from the songstress is an ode to the hawaiian imagery and her significant other, and while some may call this basic or simple, Perry's double entendres and her very visual description of a passionate evening cruising down island roads on a motorbike make this song the perfect laid-back soundtrack to your summer sunsets.
@breakdown

Steinfeld's debut album "Passion" came with a plethora of pop anthems, one of them being "Starving", a sultry, EDM-infused track with captivating guitar instrumentals and flirty lyrics. The combination of intimate lyrics and an even more intimate feel to the song make it a must-listen for the month of July, although you most likely will end up hearing everywhere considering its replay value factor and its radio-friendly sound.
@jonnyy

Tinashe's soft vocals soar through this genre-defying cut, which doesn't stick to your traditional collection of R&B sounds but also incorporates electronic elements. But what is most interesting is the singer's seemingly effortless confidence across the entire song, which all things considered results in one of the strongest statements of the month of July.
@lady bird

With Don’t Start Now, Dua Lipa achieves something some artists fail to grasp throughout their entire career: timelessness. The song shines in every aspect, whether it be its fresh production or its captivating lyrics. But most of all, it feels like a career reset for Lipa, who seems to finally have gotten past her safe-pop days.
@despy