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
Africa Express
“Soledad”
“Otim Hop”
Non-profit organization, cross-cultural collaborators and global music collective Africa Express is teasing their highly anticipated July 11 album Bahidorá (World Circuit) with two new singles this week. “Soledad” is a gorgeous take on Mexican bolero with co-founder Damon Albarn in duet with Mexican singer-songwriter Luisa Almaguer, backed by Nick Zinner (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), Seye Adelekan (Gorillaz), Joan as Police Woman and Mexican Institute of Sound. “Otim Hop” takes another musical direction but is equally as stunning. Featuring Bootie Brown (formerly of the Pharcyde), Ugandan electronic pioneer Otim Alpha, K.O.G (Kweku of Ghana) and producer Tom Excell (Chief Rockas Collective), it’s more proof of music being our strongest common language and a unified force of power. - Bjørn Hammershaug
Clipse
“Ace Trumpets”
It’s been 16 years since Clipse released their last album, but now Pusha T and No Malice are reuniting for LET GOD SORT ’EM OUT, to be released on July 11. While Pusha’s solo career in the ’10s and ’20s flourished with standout albums like King Push and It’s Almost Dry, the possibility of a Clipse reunion went from hopeful to rumored to a constant cycle of delays, until now. Their new single “Ace Trumpets” has them floating over a Pharrell-produced track, marking a return to their signature high-quality, descriptive coke rap. Pusha flexes with lines like “White glove service with the brick, I am Luigi / sold Ecstasy and disappeared, I am Whodini.” No Malice delivers bars showing he hasn’t missed a step: “Drugs killed my teen spirit, welcome to Nirvana.” “Dressed in House of Gucci made from selling Lady Gaga.” The metaphors of lavish living and white powder narratives are strong as ever and the chemistry of Clipse over Pharrell production remains unrivaled. This is culture. - Juan Navarro
Common, Mos Def and Scarface
“The Corner (Remix)”
Common’s classic album Be celebrated its 20th anniversary with the gift of “The Corner (Remix).” Hailing from Chicago, the original “The Corner” was like a local anthem for us, showcasing Common’s nods to the city that only residents would fully appreciate. My vision of the original song’s music video is now a reality, enhanced by the remix featuring Scarface and Mos Def. Both hip-hop legends discuss the neighborhoods of Houston and Brooklyn. The significance of this track is that, after 17 years in New York, I now fully understand Mos’ verse in addition to Common’s. If you haven’t been to either city, this song illustrates the inner and diverse rites of passage. - Joe Dodd
HILLARI
“Control”
Norway’s HILLARI drops her highly anticipated New Beginnings after building up a lot of momentum, climaxing in a sold-out show at Oslo’s Munch Museum in April. New Beginnings rounds up all the singles of the previous months as well as the amazing new Taylor Hill-produced “Control,” which feels like a mélange of the sultry funk of Sade, the mysterious ambience of recent amapiano productions and the steady drive of Kaytranada. And it still sounds like HILLARI is just getting started. - Philipp Senkpiel
Joe Jonas
Music for People Who Believe in Love (Deluxe)
Joe Jonas opens up like never before on his new solo album, Music for People Who Believe in Love. Inspired by the ups and downs of heartbreak, healing and fatherhood, the album is a raw and hopeful blend of pop, country and indie rock. With heartfelt lyrics and collaborations that add unexpected depth, it’s an album that speaks to anyone who’s ever believed in love, even when it hurts. - Amberliz Mateo
Jamal Roberts
“Heal”
Meet your newly crowned American Idol winner, Jamal Roberts — a true force to be reckoned with. Not only did he just make history as the first Black man to win the iconic competition in 22 years, but he’s already making waves with his new single, “Heal.” The timing couldn’t be better. “Heal” arrives at a moment when the world could really use a little more light and a lot more love. The lyrics hit home, and Jamal’s smooth, soul-drenched vocals feel like a warm embrace — comforting, nostalgic and deeply moving. His sound echoes the greatness of soul legends while bringing something fresh to the table. Jamal is the cover star of our Get Uplifted playlist, and once you hear him, you’ll understand exactly why. - Tonya Nelson
Silas Short
“ILIKEU”
I stumbled upon Silas Short on Instagram one night. As soon as I heard the first few notes of “ILIKEU,” I enthusiastically saved the post as a reminder to do a deeper dive into his music ASAP. I was not disappointed. I’ve listened to this R&B musician’s new album LUSHLAND several times and it’s a smooth, soulful journey from beginning to end. His vocals float and sail, and his seamless mix of old and new stylings are right on par with his Stones Throw family connection. “ILIKEU” has a boyish innocence while also mixing in some energy of shooting his shot to see where a romantic night might take him. I highly recommend playing this album in the house when you’re looking for a chill vibe — think Moonchild meets El DeBarge — that will soothe you, but also make you want to do a lil’ two-step. - Lizz Carroll
Frida Touray
“Ode to Friend”
Over contemplative piano and restrained but determined drumming, UK vocalist Frida Touray tells a story about “someone to be still with.” The track is subtly mesmerizing, with mysterious but universal images like “And city life, it plays its part / in thinking it revolves around you.” Touray has sang with Lianne La Havas and Liam Gallagher, but I’m assuming she’ll have less time for that sort of thing going forward. - Brad Farberman
URNE and Troy Sanders
“Harken the Waves”
Sludgy London trio URNE invite Mastodon’s Troy Sanders for a nine-minute-plus progressive post-metal behemoth. “Harken the Waves” kicks off with a lengthy instrumental intro recalling prime Gojira, before the dual vocals of Joe Nally and Sanders commence. From then on, you’re in for a musical adventure, going in multiple directions, destination unknown, in the best possible way. Godspeed! - Christer Alexander Hansen
