Believe in the Magic, single by Jackie Bristow. The New Zealand-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter has been a favorite of mine for years, since the release of her Shot of Gold album in 2016, and I saw her live in Los Angeles. She sent me a preview copy of her new single “Believe in the Magic,” as the second single from her forthcoming sixth studio album Goldmine. I believe her magic – the song is shot through with it. It is urgent, feminine, tough, country, but romantic- all of the things that Bristow does so well. You can put it on for background and sing quietly to yourself all day, or listen closely and follow the lyrics. Either way, she will work her magic on you. Available on major platforms August 14, 2026.
Espejo, single by YEИDRY. “Espejo,” released ahead of YEИDRY ‘s debut album, is a deeply personal reconciliation story about her father. It is respectful, longing, and deeply emotional. Musically, it is built on a mix of tropical and alt-pop textures that support her unique voice. The Dominican-Italian singer-songwriter uses a mirror in her mother’s house as the metaphor of her feelings because it “knows” her fragility and reflects a family story she’s been avoiding. But she moves from fear and avoidance to making peace. And she does it musically in a voice that breaks your heart. Astonishing. Spanish. Stream on all major platforms.
Liminal Stages, single by BALTHVS. A haunting guitar-led instrumental by the Colombian trio. It’s almost psychedelic – only the drugs are missing. But it is clearly adventurous, in your ears and your mind. This is a song for headphones. There are so many details, so many layers to the environment it creates. Johanna Mercuriana does things on bass and with vocals that are hypnotic and seemingly impossible. You might even want to enjoy some vegetation while you listen because it will take you very high. Stream on all major platforms.
Te Vas Arrepentir, single by Andrea Dejar. I could listen to “Te Vas Arrepentir’ (Don’t Hurt Him) all day, and to Andrea Dejar in any language. The Spanish in this song seems to suit her perfectly. Musically, it is a contemporary pop ballad about ending a relationship while trying to avoid hurting a partner. The theme is nice, but not unusual. But there is something else about it. It is built on clean, intimate vocals and a restrained, mid-tempo arrangement that lets the lyrics carry the emotional weight. And they do, magically. She manages to give you a beat to follow while she breaks your heart. Spanish. Stream on all major platforms.
Maldita Noche, single by Emilia. “Maldita Noche (En Vivo Estadio Vélez)” is a high-energy live reimagining of Bandana’s early-2000s hit, updated with her slick vocals and arena-scale sound while keeping the original’s melodramatic heartbreak intact. In some ways it is lightweight – there are a lot of high-energy pop songs out there, especially in Spanish. But she manages to pull off a standout sound and good hooks. This one deserves more than one listen. There is more there than meets the ear the first time. Spanish. Stream on major platforms.
Criminal Kissing, single by Ian Sweet. The second track of the Shiverstruck album. It shifts from the acoustic opener into a fuller, analogue-warm band sound. It is melancholy but moves with drums, bass, electric and acoustic guitars, piano, a Rhodes – giving it that warm texture, and synths. The arrangement creates a soaring but gentle, sonic background that supports Medford’s vocals. It is those vocals that are most intriguing; Talking herself into sleeping with her ex, knowing it is a very bad idea, but getting ready to do it anyway. It is kind of a love song about bad decisions, and she knows this will be one, but… she might as well. Stream on all major platforms.
Banner. Jackie Bristow. Soundcloud
Patrick O’Heffernan
