Taylor Swift’s surprise album Evermore dominated pop music this week, but there were still a handful of other talented artists with big releases. Britney Spears made a bouyant return, Shawn Mendes tapped girlfriend Camila Cabello for a cutesy Christmas jingle, and Noah Cyrus served up an introspective ballad.
Each week, Uproxx rounds up the best new pop music. Listen up.
Taylor Swift — “No Body, No Crime” Feat. Haim
Of course, any new Taylor Swift release will surely earn Uproxx’s best new pop stamp of approval — especially when it’s a collaboration with Haim. Swift tapped the sister trio for the twang-infused femme fatale anthem “No Body, No Crime,” whey they harmonize of using instincts to catch a killer in his tracks.
Britney Spears — “Matches” Feat. Backstreet Boys
This week also saw a release from a major pop star. Britney Spears released another deluxe version of her album Glory and it included to brand-new song “Matches.” The Backstreet Boys collaboration not only offers nostalgia for the early aughts, but its bouncy beat makes it a surefire bop in any decade.
Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello — “The Christmas Song”
Following the massive success of their 2019 collaboration “Señorita,” musical sweethearts Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello have teamed up for another duet. This time, they’re getting in a cozy holiday mood with the sing “The Christmas Song,” a swooning piano ballad which raised funds for the non-profit organization Feeding America.
Madison Beer — “Boysh*t”
Fresh off a handful of releases and her appearance at this year’s VMAs ceremony, Madison Beer returns with the cutting track “Boysh*t.” Over a thumping beat, Beer sings of finally breaking off a toxic relationship once-and-for-all.
Noah Cyrus — “All Three”
Noah Cyrus may have released her debut album this year, but that doesn’t mean she’s done releasing new music. Cyrus returned this week with “All Three,” a heartbreakingly personal ballad about the ups-and-downs of tumultuous relationship.
JP Saxe, Julia Michaels — “Kissin’ In The Cold”
JP Saxe and songwriter Julia Michaels were another pair of musicians who were getting into the holiday spirit this week with the soaring collaboration “Kissin’ In The Cold.” The tender collaboration follows the artists’ previous collaboration “If The World Was Ending,” which earned the pair Grammy nomination for Song Of The Year.
SG Lewis — “Time” Feat. Rhye
Ahead of his long-awaited debut album due out this February, SG Lewis linked up with Rhye for the club-ready single “Time.” “‘Time’ is a song that is central to the album thematically and sonically,” SG Lewis said about the track. “Rhye has one of the most unique and distinctive voices out there, and I’ve been a fan for so long.”
Alexander 23 and Jeremy Zucker — “Nothing’s The Same”
Two of pop’s sweethearts got together for an earnest single. With “Nothing’s The Same,” Alexander 23 and Jeremy Zucker croon of the woes of getting older and moving on from past relationships.
Shaed — “Once Upon A Time”
Shaed returned for their third single of the year with “Once Upon A Time,” a cathartic reflection on young love. “‘Once Upon A Time’ is about the tragic nature of being young and in love,” Shaed said in a statement. “First relationships are filled with intense feelings of love, hope, doubt, and regret. In the blink of an eye, you go from believing you’ll die in a person’s arms to watching the walls of the foundation you build crumble around you.”
The Avalanches — “The Divine Chord”
Feat. MGMT and Johnny Marr
Veteran electronic duo The Avalanches released their album We Will Always Love You this week, their first full-length effort in four years. While the 25-track record boasted a number of captivating tracks, one standout is undoubtedly their sparkling collaboration with MGMT and Johnny Marr.
Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music Artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.