The first week of August inevitably evokes emotions of “the beginning of the end” – summer is officially in its final weeks, and many music-lovers find themselves immediately turning to the Taylor Swift classic to reminisce about summer during the “Salt Air” month. But don’t stop there – add these tracks to your “August” playlist to reflect on every feeling that hits you this month. Whether it be a spellbinding romance, a self-love reflection, or a shady call-out to your haters, these tracks have got you covered. From Halle’s first-ever solo debut to Doja Cat’s latest sassy single to Lauv’s ode to profound love, dive into this August’s first batch of new releases.

Halle, “Angel”

Halle Bailey first caught the world’s attention as one half of Chloe x Halle – the multitalented, vocal powerhouse sister duo – but she captivated audiences even further this year in her long-awaited role as Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.” With a voice that can only be described as angelic, Halle’s casting was nothing short of a no-brainer. In her first release apart from the film’s soundtrack and work with her sister, Halle is standing on her own, completely stripped-back. Her first solo track, aptly-titled “Angel,” is an ode to her experience growing up as a Black woman, owning her beauty and encouraging others to do the same – “But angels make a way somehow / And if we fall, we fall on clouds.”

Doja Cat, “Paint The Town Red”

Grammy-award-winning superstar Doja Cat is back with her latest single – “Paint The Town Red” – and an accompanying music video directed by Nina McNeely (Fergie, Miguel). True to the track’s name, the video depicts three paintings Doja Cat painted herself coming to life in each scene. Fans had the opportunity to watch Doja Cat paint the single’s album cover artwork in real time on Instagram Live as she chatted with them and played snippets of the track. With a catchy hook and a Dionne Warwick sample, the track is quintessentially Doja Cat – unapologetic.

MAX, “STRINGS (feat. JVKE & Bazzi)

Genre-bending pop artist MAX teams up with collaborators JVKE and Bazzi to create a gorgeous harmonic love song in “STRINGS” – a tribute to a romantic, lifelong love. True to its name, the song utilizes stunning strings and dynamic, booming production to evoke the feeling being described in the song among its listeners. Always authentic, MAX’s perspective on romance and partnership shines through his discography.

Bebe Rexha & David Guetta, “One in a Million”

Multi-platinum global superstars Bebe Rexha and David Guetta have been churning out chart-topping hits perfect for the club for years – culminating in their latest global phenomenon “I’m Good (Blue).” And with their latest collaboration, they’ve done it again. The impending smash hit also carries a heartwarming message, as Rexha sings “You’re my one in a million / It’s like someone picked you out of the sky” over a piano before the beat cascades into classic house music.

Lauv, “Love U Like That”

Multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and producer Lauv rose to prominence with his 2018 hit “I Like Me Better” – and since then, he’s continued to make a name for himself with his signature brand of addictive synth-pop hits. After releasing his sophomore album “All 4 Nothing” last August, he’s back a year later with the start of a new chapter, both personally and professionally. “Love U Like That” is a euphoric love letter that utilizes Lauv’s most beloved qualities while simultaneously establishing a significant shift in his outlook, shining through in his writing. Filled with low-fi beats and synth melodies, the romantic track exudes that “honeymoon stage” feeling.

Giant Rooks, “Somebody Like You”

German indie-rock band Giant Rooks gained an international audience after touring with One Direction alum Louis Tomlinson and are even set to make their Lollapalooza debut this weekend. Their uplifting, heartwarming latest single “Somebody Like You” isn’t just a catchy tune – it’s a testament to the group’s songwriting abilities, as they write authentically from the perspective of a different character throughout each verse.

Alina Baraz, “Keep Me In Love”

Singer-songwriter and powerhouse vocalist Alina Baraz makes her long-awaited return to the music scene with her first release of the year, “Keep Me In Love.” After a hiatus, Baraz is back and better than ever with her stunning vocals, signature style, and divine production. But this is just the beginning for the multifaceted artist – she’s only getting started.