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
Maurice MoBetta Brown feat. Rae Khalil and J. Ivy
“Imposter Syndrome”
Grammy-winning trumpeter, songwriter and producer Maurice MoBetta Brown returns to the scene with “Imposter Syndrome,” from his upcoming solo album — his first in eight years — Betta Days. The soulful jazz-R&B track features California-based vocalist Rae Khalil and spoken word artist and poet J. Ivy, creating an impressive mix of vibe, emotions and contemplative moods. Having collaborated with hall of famers like Aretha Franklin, Bruno Mars and Harry Styles, Brown is now bringing his exceptional talent back to his own recorded material. - Philipp Senkpiel
Burnt Tapes
“Shelf Life of the Party”
London band Burnt Tapes doesn’t sound anything like your typical British rock band. Nah, this quartet must have some undiscovered Midwestern heritage. It’s punk, it’s emotional and it’s ridiculously catchy. Their second full-length, New Lungs, is packed with Warped Tour-friendly anthems that would’ve raised eyebrows of appreciation in any late-’90s skate video. Just check out “Shelf Life of the Party,” one of several prime cuts and a belter equal to anything from the likes of Hot Water Music or Jawbreaker. Burnt Tapes, consider me mesmerized. - Christer Alexander Hansen
Alexa Kate
“Over Nostalgic”
Alexa Kate calls herself a “heartache popstar,” and once you hear “Over Nostalgic,” you’ll know she’s not bluffing. A perfect slice of late-night dance-pop, the track captures the feeling of wanting to stay present but being unable to stop looking back. We’ve all been there. When the New York-based artist sings, “Just when I think I’ll get rid of it all / I can’t bear to take the posters off my wall,” you’re instantly transported to a time in your youth when you couldn’t let go. You won’t be able to let go of this song, either. - Brad Farberman
Mariah Angeliq
“QUE PERRA ME VEO”
As the owner of el género’s most nonchalant and flirtatious flow, Mariah Angeliq can charm the pants off any human. On “QUE PERRA ME VEO,” the Miami native continues her summer of “not giving a F,” which started with her scene-stealing feature on Karol G’s “FKN Movie.” “QUE PERRA” is made for the club — night or strip — and it’s meant to get you hype. Be forewarned, though — if it comes on at 3 a.m., your night has just begun. - Jesús Triviño Alarcón
Metro Boomin
Metro Boomin Presents: A Futuristic Summa (Hosted by DJ Spinz)
Metro Boomin’s latest mixtape, A Futuristic Summa, arrives as a compelling contradiction to its title, delivering a master class in Southern hip-hop nostalgia. Hosted by DJ Spinz, the 24-track project leans more into Atlanta’s 2006–2011 mixtape era than Metro’s signature futuristic, bass-heavy sound. The star-studded lineup spans generations with veterans like T.I. and Gucci Mane, trap pioneers like Future and Young Thug, today’s heavyweights like 21 Savage and Quavo, and rising talent like Breskii, YK Niece, Yung Booke and BunnaB. Among them, Young Dro emerges as a standout who shines on the infectious “They Wanna Have Fun” with Travis Porter. Tracks like “I Want It All,” “Butterflies (Right Now),” “Drip BBQ” and “Take Me Thru Dere” merge regional grit with Metro’s polish, delivering undeniable anthems. A Futuristic Summa’s sonic DNA is deeply Atlanta, but the energy transcends the region and serves as an immersive homage to mixtape culture. - Juan Navarro
Rhett Miller and Evan Felker
“Come As You Are”
Rhett Miller, lead singer of the legendary alt-country band Old 97’s, has released a new solo track, “Come As You Are,” which, shockingly, is not a Nirvana cover. Rather, it’s a timeless, mellow country waltz that treads familiar ground for Miller: heartbreak and regret, yet without the smart-alecky lyrics that previously defined him. It doesn’t scream “hit,” but it may be the loveliest song of the year. - Tony Gervino
Ot the Real and 38 Spesh feat. Dave East
“Grease”
Last week, my favorite song was “Grease,” from Ot the Real, 38 Spesh and Dave East. To start, the production is top-notch. 38 Spesh’s sampling is always excellent, and this beat is no exception. With stories of street life and movie nods, this track is a heavyweight. - Joe Dodd
Gwenifer Raymond
“Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark”
The first taste from Welsh guitarist and banjoist Gwenifer Raymond’s forthcoming album, Last Night I Heard the Dog Star Bark, was a tribute to rocket scientist Jack Parsons, entitled “Jack Parsons Blues.” In addition to his pioneering engineering skills, Parsons, amongst many other fascinating aspects of his short life, was also known for converting to Aleister Crowley’s occult religion thelema at the end of the 1930s. This song might also be a nod to musical peers Six Organs of Admittance, who released “Blues for Jack Parsons” back in 2012. Now, Raymond returns with the second single and title track from her new album (due September 5).
I mention all this to give some context to how I understand the inventive and moving music of Gwenifer Raymond. Similar to Parsons, she is grounded in two worlds, one of tradition and lineage and one of experimentation and magick. In a statement, she described Jack Parsons as “oddly inspirational” and a person “full of boundless zeal and ideas. He was both a scientist and an embracer of the weird and esoteric.” Some of the same can be said for Raymond, who is deeply rooted in Mississippi blues, Appalachian folk, American Primitivism and the avant-garde — her world contains multitudes. There’s deep soil beneath her feet, but she’s not walking a well-trodden path, instead using the traditional to create something original and deeply personal.
Her two previous albums were both astonishing, but based on the new songs, she’s taking it even a step further this time. Her guitar playing is on fire, with more evolved textures and added sonic palettes. Raymond is proving that simple, fingerpicked guitars can rise from the earth, head towards the stars and contain the entire cosmos. And like Jack Parsons, she might actually be part scientist and part dark, spiritual leader. - Bjørn Hammershaug
Tyler, The Creator feat. Madison McFerrin
“Don’t You Worry Baby”
If you haven’t caught the Madison McFerrin wave yet, I’ma give you some CliffsNotes. This indie artist is having a well-earned moment, to say the least. The most recent fruits of her labor and dedication include this bop, “Don’t You Worry Baby,” a feature on Tyler, The Creator’s new album. Her vocals float with innocence, but also serve sassy, sensual seduction. If that whets your appetite, then don’t miss her self-released banger of an album, SCORPIO, or her recent Tiny Desk performance. Get those flowers, Madison, because we will keep tossing them your way. - Lizz Carroll
