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
Ethel Cain
“Fuck Me Eyes”
On her complex 2022 concept album Preacher’s Daughter, artist Ethel Cain (real name Hayden Silas Anhedönia) explored themes like abuse, sexuality, violence and religious trauma through the eyes of the troubled fictional character Ethel Cain. A Southern Gothic master class, it was also inspired by the artist’s real-life struggles — she grew up the daughter of a deacon in a Southern Baptist community in Florida.
A key track from Preacher’s Daughter is “A House in Nebraska,” where we’re introduced to her first and true love, Willoughby. This relationship is to be further examined on the upcoming album Willoughby Tucker, I’ll Always Love You (August 8).
The new album, set in 1986, is a prequel to Daughter, and follows (the character) Ethel Cain in her teenage years. “Fuck Me Eyes” is a synth-pop, shoegaze anthem, and the second single (following “Nettles”). “Continuing in the theme of high school anxieties, ‘Fuck Me Eyes’ (on top of being an homage to one of my favorite pop songs of all time, “Bette Davis Eyes”) is meant to be an ode to the girls who are perfect and have everything, yet carry the reputation of town slut,” says Cain creator Anhedönia in a statement.
Ethel Cain has already established herself as a unique and distinct talent, with a broad musical range and superior poetic strengths. If you haven’t entered her universe already, now is the time. - Bjørn Hammershaug
DJ Snake and J Balvin
“Noventa”
If it’s over 90 degrees and the block is literally hot (word to Weezy), chances are DJ Snake has a banger to raise the temperature to ungodly levels. On “Noventa,” a mixture of dancehall, EDM, pop and anything else you can think of, the French producer teams up once again with global hitmaker J Balvin. “Noventa” should make millennials reminisce about Mad Lion, and Xennials about Sean Paul. But all generations can agree that when Snake and José get together, the party doesn’t stop until every drop of sweat is squeezed out. - Jesús Triviño Alarcón
For Those I Love
“No Scheme”
The highly praised, Dublin-based David Balfe, aka electronic act For Those I Love, just announced that his sophomore album, Carving the Stone, will be released in August. He also dropped a second single, the remarkable “No Scheme.” In his own words, the song is a “spiritual successor” to “Top Scheme,” from his self-titled debut — and what an outstanding way to link the old with the new. The production is minimalist but effective, and Balfe’s convincing and intense spoken words keep hitting you left, right and centre with the challenges of youth and adulthood. Scheme or not, this one is going places. - Christer Alexander Hansen
Mon Rovîa
Act 4: Atonement
I’m mad that I missed that indie-folk artist Mon Rovîa had a new EP out in January. I could have used his soothing voice and lyrics over the past six months. But hey, it’s never too late to bring beautiful music into your life, right? His latest EP, Act 4: Atonement, is poetic, vulnerable, bittersweet and, at times, uplifting. Originally from Liberia and a transracial adoptee, Mon Rovîa brings a fresh perspective and spirit to the Afro Applachian musical scene. I can’t wait to listen to this outside, with my best headphones on, while watching a sunset. - Lizz Carroll
Eric Roberson, Najee and JayShawn Champion
“Over You / Under You”
With 17 albums under his belt — and an 18th on the way — some call Eric Roberson the king of independent R&B. And though the idea of royalty is outdated, the two-time Grammy nominee deserves the crown. The brand new “Over You / Under You” proves this point. Accompanied by the ingenious jazz flute of Najee, plus vocals from Jayshawn Champion, Eric’s latest is ready to stay in rotation all summer long. - Philipp Senkpiel
Trio of Bloom
“Queen King”
Trio of Bloom features three legends of contemporary jazz: keyboardist Craig Taborn, drummer Marcus Gilmore and guitarist Nels Cline. (Cline doubles as a legend of contemporary rock, for his two decades in Wilco.) “Queen King” is a spiritual Afrobeat experience, with Taborn’s airy, psychedelic keys at the fore. Six minutes in, Cline delivers the six-string skronk we deserve. - Brad Farberman
