New Music Monday: 5 Fresh Tracks to Add to Your Playlist This Week

Monday, 14 July 2025 00:05

The 80's are back with new music from Men Without Hats, Stephen Bishop and more

There’s something for every kind of listener this week, whether you’re into nostalgic synth-pop, slow-burn singer-songwriter ballads, gritty soul, or modern indie pop. From Canadian legends and emerging homegrown talent to international favorites making a return, here are five new tracks worth adding to your playlist right now.

1. Men Without Hats – “I Love the 80’s”
The synth-pop pioneers from Montreal are leaning all the way into nostalgia with their new single, “I Love the 80’s.” Men Without Hats, best known for their 1982 hit “The Safety Dance,” have always had a knack for catchy hooks and playful lyrics. This new track is a glossy, upbeat love letter to the music, fashion, and neon-colored vibes of that era. It doesn’t try to modernize or reinvent anything — and that’s the point. If you want to time travel to the golden age of MTV and arcade games, this one will take you there.

2. Stephen Bishop – “Now That I’ve Hit the Big Time”
Stephen Bishop returns with a smooth, self-aware ballad that feels like a wink to the past and a nod to the present. Best known for 70s and 80s hits like “On and On” and “It Might Be You,” Bishop’s voice still carries the same gentle warmth. “Now That I’ve Hit the Big Time” is piano-driven and reflective, full of the charm and dry wit that’s marked his songwriting for decades. It’s a look back at fame, filtered through experience — part celebration, part cautionary tale.

3. Skye Wallace – “Iced Tea”
Toronto’s Skye Wallace has been steadily building her name with a mix of raw rock energy and introspective lyrics. “Iced Tea” is one of her most textured tracks yet — a hazy, late-summer song that sways between breezy and brooding. It’s about connection, tension, and things unsaid — and the title becomes a metaphor for all of it. Wallace’s voice drips with emotion, and the production keeps things loose without losing punch. This one’s a quiet storm, built for headphones and repeat listens.

4. Of Monsters and Men – “Television Love”
The Icelandic band known for their cinematic indie-folk has shifted gears again with “Television Love.” It’s darker and more synthetic than their early work, leaning into electro-pop textures and distant vocals. Lyrically, it explores obsession and disconnection in a screen-obsessed world — something they pull off without sounding heavy-handed. The chorus is haunting and melodic, the kind that gets under your skin after a few spins. It’s a welcome return from a band that always seems to evolve with the times.

5. Marcus King – “Carolina Honey”
If you like your soul with a bit of dirt under its nails, Marcus King delivers with “Carolina Honey.” The South Carolina-born guitarist and singer blends blues, soul, and Southern rock into something gritty and heartfelt. This track is equal parts sweet and swampy — a love song wrapped in twang and grit. King’s voice is full of soul, and his guitar playing is sharp and confident as always. “Carolina Honey” feels like a nod to classic Stax Records soul, with enough edge to make it fresh.

Whether you’re in the mood for throwback vibes, indie introspection, or full-throttle soul, these five songs hit the mark. From iconic names making a comeback to fresh voices carving out new sounds, there’s a lot to love in this week’s new releases. Give them a listen, and who knows — one of them might just become your new favorite.

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