Like Madonna, Cher and all other single-named pop royalty, Shamir is fierce, even in the face of heartbreak. “On My Own,” the latest single from the Philly-based musician, discusses his confidence through lost love. Through raunchy guitar riffs and melodious synths, Shamir speaks of the power he’s generated from his own self-respect. “Don’t bargain with my worth,” he sings, “cause I don’t mind to live all on my own / and I never did.” The strength Shamir carries throughout the song, in tandem with the field march feel of the drums, has morphed its meaning into what many are calling an “introvert anthem.” That description has caught on for good reason. Shamir’s vocal provides an uplifting cadence that makes wonderful company for isolation and the forever journey of self-discovery. When the full-bodied bridge hits, he finds the apex of his message. He sings, “I feel it in my bones, inside myself is where I belong.” Shamir doesn’t care to feel like he belongs, because to himself, he always did.

“Remember Pluto,” the latest single from emotional pop outfit, Clever Girls, feels the way The Breakfast Club ends: like summer turning into fall while David Bowie’s “Heroes” plays in the background as we hold a triumphant fist in the air. This isn’t just because of the dreamy, wailing guitar that has textures reminiscent of Robert Fripp’s celestial sound. It is also because the Vermont-based four-piece is releasing anxieties with this track and looking forward to new beginnings. They’ve created a song that sounds like the ending track of one movie and the beginning of another. It’s got this us-against-the-world attitude and the “us” is ultimately the self. “Tilt your head back / Wait for all of it to pass,” sings the band’s primary songwriter, Diane Jean (vocals, guitar), acknowledging that letting go of their faults and tensions can lead to major growth. Jean notices that finding ways to forgive yourself for some of the more reckless aspects of being alive can only make way for positivity, and with the help of the rhythm section made up of Toby Sullivan (bass) and Rob Slater (drums), it is possible to do this with an easy-going bop, a swing in your step, and a smile on your face.

The Birmingham-born quartet, The Brook & The Bluff, have released their first full-length record, which shifts from soft rock to soothing, melodic grooves seamlessly. One harrowing single from this long-awaited LP is "Hallways," a cold-weather cry to a long-lost love. Though lyrically a little ambiguous, the emotional poignancy of this track comes through its musicality and that classic layered harmony the band is known for. This is a soft, gorgeous song that nourishes a gentle, end-of-fall feeling but will still be listenable through the winter. Listen to "Hallways" on The Brook & The Bluff's debut album First Place.

Cue the melancholy horn section and prepare to fall even deeper in love—Andy Shauf is back with an irresistibly catchy new song. “Things I Do” is the first solo track Shauf has released since his The Party album in 2016, and it is the perfect taste of what’s to come from his fifth studio album, The Neon Skyline, out January 24. Combining his signature jazzy baroque-pop style with beautifully crafted lyrics, the Canadian musician tells the story of someone walking into their neighborhood dive bar, only to find their former significant other with another man. He sings, “Thought you'd be happy to see me / But you said, ‘What the hell are you doing here?’ / Why do I do the things I do / When I know I am losing you?” Andy Shauf has revealed that although the stories contained in the songs are fictional, there is some glimmer of truth. They are all based on the same scenario—one guy going to a bar, which is what Shauf was doing during the time he was writing this album, and how we process lost love.

The latest single from Londoners, Oh Wonder is a lush alt-pop track. "Better Now" is a smooth, easy listen that quickly escalates from oceanic and cool to a stellar display of pop music prowess. Oh Wonder is the indie duo consisting of Anthony West and Josephine Vander Gucht, who garnered quick acclaim from critics and music lovers alike when they released a single every month for the year of 2014. This new single displays what the band does so well: complement each other both vocally and musically. Vander Gucht's vocalization in the last minute of the song is essential and gripping. Listen to "Better Now" wherever you stream!

Halloween may be over, but the spirit of ~spooky season~ continues with Drug Store Romeos' haunting new track, “Now You’re Moving.” The group has defined their sound as “dream pop trip-hop,” drawing influences from dub and “outsider” music, as well as 90s slowcore bands like Belly, Mojave 3, Slowdive and Cocteau Twins. Although these influences are apparent throughout the tune, Drug Store Romeos' approach is entirely unique. Lead singer Sarah Downey’s ethereal voice floats majestically above a prominent drum beat and bassline, creating a feeling that is simultaneously peaceful and hectic. The dreamy melody and trance-like ambiance are further accentuated by the song's masterful production—different sounds trick your ears by bouncing across audio channels. With just one recorded track released to date, all we can hope is that this trio from Fleet, Hampshire comes out with more.