Pigeons & Planes Presents: Best Songs of the Week

With so much good music steadily coming through, it's easy to miss some of the best. To help prevent this, we've rounded up the best new songs of the week. Here are the songs you can't afford to skip, in no particular order.

Young Thug at his best is undoubtedly one of the most incredible artists in music today. Thugger is fearless with his approach to melody and playing with the pitch of his voice and "Killed Before" is the latest example of him delivering an undeniable record that only he could create. This song has a variety of flows, pitches, and melodies but they all mesh together and form one of the better feel good songs of the year. Super Slimey is a solid project and Thug and Future displayed great chemistry throughout the 13 tracks, but the highlight of the mixtape is easily the latter of the two solo Thugger songs.—Eric Isom

XL Recordings has had a not-so-secret weapon behind the scenes for more than 25 years. His name is Richard Russell, and he owns the place. He's also releasing an album this year, under his Everything is Recorded alias. We've already heard what Russell and Sampha (and Curtis Mayfield) can do together on the stunning "Close But Not Quite." They're operating in different territory for "Show Love," adding Syd and some synthy drums to the mix for a much sultrier vibe. Hearing these two voices on a track together is nothing short of a dream come true, and they outdo one another every time the melody is passed back and forth. Russell's album is shaping up to be something special.—Graham Corrigan

After whetting our appetite with the gorgeous "Red Bottom Sky" and the catchy "Hunting My Own Skin," Yung Lean caught us off-guard with "Skimask." As the third taste of his upcoming album Stranger, it's the hardest hitting of the three singles so far. This is Leandoer back on his ignorant shit.

The difference between this and his older material, however, is that he sounds far more confident on "Skimask." He's got every reason to, though—it sounding great.—Joe Price

I've been familiar with the work of George Miller for years now, and he's definitely earned his status as a YouTube hero. But his output as the provocative character Filthy Frank always put me off. I understand that's partially the point of the often satirical and absurd material, but it's probably the same reason South Park has never really appealed to me, either. Point is, it took a while for me to come around to his musical output as Joji.

The gorgeous "Will He" is far removed from everything he's done as a comedian and YouTuber, and most importantly, it's genuine. There's always something fascinating about getting a glimpse of the real person behind a persona, something comedians like Andy Kaufman never really gave us, and "Will He" feels like getting an intimate look at the real George Miller. The guy has always come across as incredibly talented, but this feels like something everyone can enjoy, and that's meant as nothing but the highest compliment.—Joe Price

“My production process usually begins with finding a strange sound that you would never expect to fit into a song,” Clayjay tells us. “I almost view it as a challenge to take the weirdest sounds I can think of, and make them seamlessly fit into my production." On new song "Ride," the Los Angeles-based producer pulls together some left-of-center sounds, but they all mesh for an extremely cohesive groove that acts as a perfect backdrop for Toronto rapper TOBi to get loose with his delivery.—Jacob Moore

This summer, Florida singer/producer Wulfy impressed us with a stunning debut single called "Hannah" that managed to be dark, moody, and incredibly catchy at the same time. This week, he’s returned with another winner: “Balenciagas,” a slow-burner that rides Wulfy’s gorgeous pitch-shifted vocals over subtle keys.

The whole thing has a similar feel to some of my favorite moments on Frank Ocean’s Blonde, but with a little darker edge. Then everything switches up and finishes with an explosive flourish, in case you forgot the diverse talents he flexed on his debut.—Eric Skelton

I love all of the songs we premiere on YouTube equally, but Thutmose's "WuWu" might be the most addictive of the bunch. He's levitating over KillaGraham's plinky production on "WuWu" ("what's up with you?"), studying dancers on California beaches and living carefree. The Nigeria-born, Brooklyn-raised artist moved to the U.S. when he was nine, and is currently supporting Billie Eilish on tour.—Graham Corrigan

St. Louis rapper pinkcaravan! told us she wanted herself and namesake. to become the new Missy Elliot and Timbaland, and if they continue to develop with this level of chemistry, anything's possible. The two developed a signature sound and released a very sad happy birthday, an addictive three-track EP filled with colorful melodies and bubbly beats.

"Vroom Vroom" is the latest release from the two Midwest acts, and they're joined by Sam Stan, who came through with a witty, impressive verse of his own. It's still very early for pinkcaravan! and Namesake., but something about this already feels like watching the beginning of a very special moment.—Eric Isom

Majid Jordan are currently prepping for the release of their forthcoming album The Space Between. It's out on October 27, but we've had some excellent singles to hold us over until then. "Body Talk" is the latest, instantly infectious with a subtle bassline. The duo have definitely found their lane and keep putting out catchy singles, this time with some help from fellow production duo Stargate.—Adrienne Black

Brooklyn's SAINt JHN has been remarkably consistent with a string of well-written, melody-driven, chorus-centric anthems like "3 Below," "Roses," "Reflex," and most recently "Some Nights." He switches up the formula on his latest "Hermes Freestyle." This time around it's less about a big hook and more focused on no-frills rapping and a tone somewhere between sinister and celebratory. As with all SAINt JHN music, it's meticulously crafted with highs and lows that turn a pretty straightforward song into an entertaining ride with a gang of memorable moments packed into under four minutes.—Jacob Moore

At last, a producer has finally recognized the power of crying in the club! With this single, the mysterious and elusive SOPHIE has finally revealed herself in full form to the universe. This track sees her experimenting with the traditional formula for club bangers while simultaneously tinkering with the complexities of emotional pop music.

For once, there also appears to be an absence of auto-tune on her vocals as well. "I hope you don't take this the wrong way/ But I think your inside is your best side," she sings softly. This is the real SOPHIE, take her or leave her. May the teardrops run free on the dance floor.—Sydney Gore