The best new tracks, picked by our staff

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Listen to this weekly playlist, lovingly curated by THE FACE’s editorial team.

Charli XCX – The girl, so confusing version with lorde

Where to begin? As if Charli XCX hadn’t just treated us to the album roll-out of the year followed by the album of the summer, she’s now released an instantly viral remix of her song Girl, so confusing, which was heavily rumoured to be about her relationship with Lorde. Suffice to say that’s been confirmed, as the New Zealand superstar’s verse makes a great song even greater, singing with a vulnerability that almost takes your breath away: ​“I was trapped in the hatred /​And your life seemed so awesome /​I never thought for a second /​My voice was in your head”. Joint album, please? JW

Mura Masa, Yeule – We Are Making Out

Singaporean musician Yeule has been hailed as one of the artists reimagining shoegaze for a new generation. Here they take on a scuzzy electro pop beat courtesy of Mura Masa. The song is about snogging on the tube. Let’s go. JW

Asake & Central Cee – Wave

Central Cee already claimed 2023’s song of the summer with Dave collab Sprinter. Now, he’s hopped on an Asake track to see if he can pull it off two years on the trot. Wave has all the hallmarks of an Asake banger – bulbous log drums, anthemic choral arrangements, ambient elements that gradually swell throughout the song – with the added bonus of lyrics about chilling, smoking weed and letting stress roll off your back. Add to that Cench’s reference to his and Madeline Argy​’s recent trip to Nigeria and you’ve got all the makings of a viral summer hit. OP

Rema – Benin Boys ft. Shallipopi

Rema’s all about showing his hometown some love on his latest drop. Featuring fellow Benin City artist Shallipopi, the aptly titled Benin Boys is both a celebration and a bit of a not-so-humble brag, shouting out the Nigerian city while pointing out that Rema and Shallipopi are ​“the pride of Benin”. An amapiano beat and dramatic strings bring a sense of urgency to the whole thing, while lines such as ​“Benin boys no dey rest, oya ji ma sun” hint that Rema’s success is only the beginning. OP

Jeremy Pope – Fine

Jeremy Pope has a fair few strings to his bow. On top of dropping his debut EP, Last Name: Pope, he’s also a dancer and an accomplished actor who’s been nominated for two Tonys, an Emmy and a Golden Globe. On soulful ballad Fine, Pope flexes his vocal muscles emotively, as he assures an old flame that he’s more than capable of surviving without them with pleading vulnerability. JW

Nega Brandon – Sunday

London’s Victory Lap crew are renowned for hosting high-energy rap cyphers, but they’ve got a few artists in their ranks who make music that’s too introspective for clashes and rowdy radio sets. Like VL affiliate Brian Nasty, Brandon Nega’s got a taste for experimentation and genre-splicing. On Sunday – Brandon’s first drop in two years – he empties his messy thoughts over wonky hip-hop beats, hints of neo soul and chirpy synths inspired by the computer games he spends long nights getting lost in. DR