One of TIDAL’s founding principles is that we do not rank creativity. To each their own, in terms of what constitutes a great song or makes one song “better” than another. However, each week there are a few tunes that really test our belief system, and we can’t help but elevate them above the thousand-plus tracks we’re pitched across genres. So keep checking this space on Fridays for a list of new songs that are sitting atop our own personal playlists. Maybe yours are different. That’s cool. After all, if you are part of the TIDAL family, your opinion matters and, also, you clearly have better taste in music than your friends. That’s one ranking we can make with certainty. - Tony Gervino
Ben Aler
Cherry Lemon Pie
Ben Aler sits comfortably in a gorgeous intersection of rock, pop and soul. The new EP from this Mexico native, Cherry Lemon Pie, plucks at your heartstrings with one track and has you smiling and opening the sunroof with the next. Aler mostly sings in Spanish, but si no hablas español, don’t worry — his groovy guitar stylings and catchy hooks transcend language. - Lizz Carroll
Benson Boone
American Heart
Benson Boone’s American Heart is a heartfelt mix of soaring vocals, emotional ballads and raw storytelling. The album feels like a journey through love, heartbreak and self-discovery, all wrapped in his signature cinematic sound. It’s intimate, powerful and proof that Boone knows exactly how to hit you right in the feels. - Amberliz Mateo
Duki
“NO ME ALCANZA”
Argentina might be known for its fútbol gods (Maradona, Messi), but over the past 10 years, it’s the South American nation’s trap lords who have risen to take the gold. And no one has a bigger presence than Duki. On his latest single, “NO ME ALCANZA,” the Buenos Aires MC speaks on his want to want more. He’s reached the apex of Latin trap, and now it’s time to expand. If he keeps on this hot streak, he’ll easily be wearing Number 10 on the Argentine trap team forever. - Jesús Triviño Alarcón
Nicole Glover
“II for Richard Davis + Henry Grimes”
Tenor saxophonist Nicole Glover is a member of jazz supergroup Artemis. And Christian McBride’s Ursa Major. And she just played the Village Vanguard. And she has a new album out, Memories, Dreams, Reflections. Dedicated to two late bass legends, this track begins as a duet between cellist Lester St. Louis and upright player Tyrone Allen II, both bowing mournful ideas. After a minute, Glover joins to deliver a hushed elegy. - Brad Farberman
JANE HANDCOCK and Anderson .Paak
“Stare at Me”
Death Row is widely regarded as one of the most iconic rap labels of all time. But it’s often overlooked that they were also responsible for some incredible R&B releases throughout the ’90s. From Nate Dogg to Jewell, Danny Boy to Michel’le, some of the greatest Death Row tunes came from R&B singers.
That legacy continues with a brand new release from JANE HANDCOCK and fellow Californian Anderson .Paak, who joins her on “Stare at Me.” After several albums for Kemani Entertainment and a slate of singles produced by West Coast legend Soopafly, she teams up with .Paak for a feel-good soul groove destined to rule your summer. .Paak simply can’t miss on organic retro joints, and JANE showcases everything that made her a rising star after working as a ghostwriter. - Philipp Senkpiel
Tyler Lewis
“traces”
Tyler Lewis is an up-and-coming R&B artist from London who just crossed my radar, and I can already tell you that I will be paying attention to her moving forward. Her release “traces” is pure honey for the ears, powered by her velvet vocals and effortless riffs. If you love incredible vocals, I highly recommend a listen. - Sarah Janiszewski
Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon
“Isley’s Hymn”
Terrace Martin and Kenyon Dixon’s Come As You Are is a spiritual experience that feels like a sonic hug. Each track carries gentle-reminder affirmations, woven into the soulful melodies. The heartwarming opener, “Isley’s Hymn,” stands out as a personal favorite. Kenyon’s vocals glide alongside those of his young daughter, Isley-Rose, creating a tender parent-child moment that instantly tugs at the heartstrings. - Tonya Nelson
Offset and JID
“Bodies”
Offset and JID float over “Bodies” to deliver a high-octane rap song that feels unexpected. Drowning Pool’s nu metal anthem of the same name is reimagined as a hypnotic, gothic-trap beat. Offset sets the tone with his signature swagger, tearing through the beat with relentless momentum and effortless cool. But JID steals the spotlight as he crafts a shape-shifting verse with otherworldly cadences. The music video amplifies the song through eerie, surrealist imagery that blends occult symbolism with rap royalty. - Juan Navarro
