5 Songs You Need to Listen to This Week

2 minute read

Last week was tumultuous. Let music be your saving grace. Here are five fresh tracks to take you into the week (and beyond).

The xx, “On Hold”

Indie favorite The xx finally gives fans something to sink their teeth into with “Hold On,” the first single off of a new album slated for January. Known for being minimalist and moody, The xx’s new sound is fuller, richer and more energetic—but doesn’t lose its signature melancholy vibe.

A Tribe Called Quest, “We the People…”

After an 18-year hiatus and the loss of member Phife Dawg in March, rap group A Tribe Called Quest dropped what they say will be their final album on Friday. “We the People” is a standout track for its urgency, anger and political relevance: “All you Black folks, you must go / All you Mexicans, you must go,” Q-Tip chants in the chorus, going on to list many of the U.S.’s persecuted populations in a likely reference to the election. “When we get hungry we eat the same f–king food,” A Tribe Called Quest reminds us over a background of sirens.

Sia, “Satisfied” feat. Miguel and Queen Latifah

This re-orchestrated cover of the emotional ballad “Satisfied” off of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s star-studded Hamilton mixtape gives the song a modern edge and smooth finish, thanks to the vocal stylings of R&B star Miguel. Queen Latifah’s capable flow and Sia’s powerhouse vocals bring this track about unrequited love and sacrifice new, urgent life.

Bonobo, “Kerala”

British DJ Bonobo’s newest release, “Kerala,” is a pensive instrumental track with samples of Brandy vocals. The haunting background chimes are both wistful and uplifting.

Zara Larsson, “I Would Like”

Swedish pop powerhouse Zara Larsson may be just 18, but the “Ain’t My Fault” singer and one of TIME’s Influential Teens doesn’t have a problem singing a convincingly sexy club banger. “I Would Like” is a radio-ready earworm from the first listen, unabashed about its message and undeniable in its catchiness.

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Write to Raisa Bruner at raisa.bruner@time.com