The second week of June boasts some of this summer’s hottest new releases yet – between a hard-hitting lead single from Reneé Rapp’s debut album and Noah Kahn’s deluxe “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)” album with seven brand-new tracks, there’s something for everyone this week. One thing these wide-ranging pool of musicians has in common is their ability to evoke intense emotion among listeners with their work – so make sure to have your tissues handy when listening to some of these tracks!

Reneé Rapp, “Snow Angel”

After last year’s release of her acclaimed debut EP aptly titled “Everything to Everyone,” the multitalented Reneé Rapp is back with “Snow Angel,” the chilling lead single on her first full-length project slated to release Aug. 18. Rapp said in an Instagram post earlier this week that she crafted what would end up being the title track on a whim just weeks ago – after her entire album was already completed – after being inspired to write about a “traumatic experience” she endured last year. As the track begins, Rapp’s haunting vocals follow a soft piano melody. But by the time the second chorus builds, this is quickly juxtaposed with powerful belts and heavy-metal guitar, exemplifying her resilient struggle to “make it through the winter if it kills me.”

Noah Kahan, “Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever)”

Noah Kahan reached massive levels of success last year after the title track of his third studio album “Stick Season” went viral – and he’s proven himself to be anything but a one-hit-wonder. Although many newer fans discovered “Stick Season” on TikTok, their love spans his entire discography – complete with witty lyricism and instrumentals that immediately transport listeners to an autumn drive through New England. The deluxe version of his acclaimed album is packed with seven new tracks, proving its title to be true – we’ll all be listening to Kahan’s music forever.

Maude Latour, “Twin Flame”

New York’s indie-pop princess Maude Latour rose to prominence in 2020 as a Columbia University student with her viral hit “One More Weekend.” Three years, several tours, and even a Lollapalooza appearance later, she’s only getting better. Her latest seven-track EP “Twin Flame” takes her discography in a different lyrical direction, detailing a “chemical magic crush.” The previously released tracks “Heaven,” “Lunch,” and “I am not the sun” have already amassed more than two million streams combined – it’s clear Latour’s infectious optimism resonates with her fans. 

jxdn, “Elevated Heartbreak”

Pop-punk singer jxdn began his music career in 2020 and has since inspired fans with vulnerable lyrics and honest songwriting. And with his latest single “Elevated Heartbreak,” he is continuing to do just that. The artist said in an Instagram post that after experiencing “the hardest times of my life” this year, he is taking a “mental reset.” He describes the deeply personal ballad as “a form of therapy itself” and hopes his fans can connect with it in a similar way.

Jessie Murph featuring Maren Morris, “Texas”

18-year-old rising star Jessie Murph may be over a decade younger than esteemed Nashville icon Maren Morris, but the two vocal powerhouses have a lot in common – both artists intertwine stripped-down emotion with signature country storytelling and hold nothing back. Murph and Morris refused to limit themselves to the constraints of one genre, and their first-ever collaboration is proof of that. The hard-hitting breakup ballad showcases the pair’s raw talents as much as the spunky, unapologetic attitudes that made their fans fall in love with each of them in the first place.

Michaël Brun, “Sak Pase”

Haiti-born producer and artist Michaël Brun’s latest single “Sak Pase” is a brilliant collaboration between trilingual singer and rapper Saint Levant and genre-bending artist and producer Lolo Zouaï. The track – “What’s going on?” or “What’s happening?” in Haitian Creole – features a mixture of French, English, and Haitian Creole intersected with Caribbean and Arab sounds. All three artists blend together harmoniously on the multicultural track with an addicting beat perfect for summer.

UPSAHL, “THE PHX TAPES (VOLUME 2)”

Rising pop star UPSAHL continues her “THE PHX TAPES” project with the release of “VOLUME 2,” adding two brand-new tracks – one on “SIDE A” and one on “SIDE B” – to the two she released on “VOLUME 1” of the project in April. Collaborating with Justin Tranter (Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa, Måneskin) along with Max Martin collaborators Rami Yacoub and Sly, UPSAHL’s music is reaching new heights. All four of the infectious tracks on the project are undeniably authentic and showcase UPSAHL’s potential to become pop’s next it-girl.