Songs of the Week - 28/07/2025
These are the 14 tracks you need to check out this week!
Photo Credit: Sophie McPherson
Madeleine McPherson - 'Black Tape'
This week’s Songs of the Week are kicked off by Madeleine McPherson and her powerful new single ‘Black Tape’. The reflective number takes inspiration from a stark teenage memory where Madeleine would cover her mirrors with tape to avoid seeing herself. It’s a deeply personal release that unpacks the quiet turmoil of trying to appear unfazed while privately falling apart, reflecting on past struggles with self-image and identity. Built around a moving vocal performance, the song balances emotional weight with subtle, melodic textures, highlighting the deep-rooted songwriting talents that Madeleine possesses. She paints some heart-wrenching imagery throughout, putting her own struggles out in the open, a brave move that will undoubtedly have a positive impact on so many others.
DON BROCO - 'Cellophane'
Don Broco have made their long-awaited return with their first single in nearly two years, the explosive ‘Cellophane’. The track, which also acts as the band’s first release since signing to Fearless Records, fuses slick melodies, jagged riffs, and sharp-tongued aggression into a nu-metal-tinged anthem. It maintains the distinct sound Broco have evolved over the years, being punchy and packed with hooks, whilst elevating the heavier elements to usher in this new era. As well as being sonically massive, ‘Cellophane’ is lyrically powerful, a reflection on mental fragility and the fear of seeking help. With huge UK, US, and Australian tour dates on the horizon, ‘Cellophane’ already feels like a future setlist staple, and is one that’ll no doubt hit even harder in a live setting.
Remember Monday - 'Happier'
Last week, Remember Monday dropped their first new single since representing the UK in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. ‘Happier’ is one of the trio’s most infectious releases to date, blending breezy country-pop vibes with playful lyrics that showcase their signature harmony and wit. It’s been just over a week since I caught Remember Monday’s set at Splendour Festival, where ‘Happier’ was the standout moment, offering a perfect mix of catchy melody and feel-good energy. The song feels like a confident step forward for the band, reaffirming their place in the pop landscape while keeping that unique charm fans have come to love.
Lucky Iris - 'i just want to dance'
Crunchy-pop innovators Lucky Iris are back with their third Songs of the Week appearance, this time for their energetic new track, ‘i just want to dance’. The new release sees the producer duo of Maeve and Jasper expand on their signature sound, blending catchy, sweet vocals with heavy, pulsating bass to create a euphoric tribute to club culture and the unforgettable thrill of stepping onto the dancefloor for the very first time. The track perfectly captures that sense of liberation and excitement that comes with late-night nights out, being completely swept up by the music. This new track acts as another example of how Lucky Iris are continuing to refine their sound and push the boundaries of electronic pop, a genre in which they will, undoubtedly, be key players for years to come.
The Creature Appeal - 'A Vague Drawing of a Sketchier Night Out'
The Creature Appeal have just released their second single of the year, ‘A Vague Drawing of a Sketchier Night Out’, one of the band’s most personal and emotionally resonant releases to date. Backed by stunning vocals layered over a melodic, shiny instrumental, the track delivers honest and vulnerable songwriting that truly hits you in the feels. The dynamic song shifts towards the end into a huge cacophony of ethereal sound before closing out with emotionally vulnerable delicacy. Having been kicking around in their live sets for a fair while now, this fan favourite finally gets the official release it deserves. It’s a perfect blend of moving storytelling and memorable melodies, making it one of their most compelling and heartfelt songs lyrically and emotionally.
Chanel Yates - 'Shotgun Seat'
Another artist who recently released their second single of the year is Chanel Yates, who dropped ‘Shotgun Seat’ at the end of May, a fiery, revenge-soaked country-pop anthem made for anyone who's been wronged and wants the world to know about it. As summer has set in, the track has only become more infectious, its bold attitude and sun-drenched swagger making it a perfect fit for the season. With a hook that hits like a slap in the face and lyrics full of playful spite, this is country music with a bold, Gen Z bite. The song feels fresh and unfiltered, combining catchy hooks, bold production and unapologetic lyricism. It is songs like this that prove exactly why Chanel Yates has fast become one of the most exciting names in the UK country scene.
Francesca Everly - 'Murphy's Law'
We then move on to a third consecutive artist who has just dropped their second single of the year, this time coming from the sensational Francesca Everly, and her new release ‘Murphy’s Law’. This new track is one of Everly’s most anthemic to date, creating a huge pop sound that perfectly captures the chaos of everything in life seemingly going wrong, but all you can do is laugh or scream. Francesca’s vocals sound as good as ever, cutting through the upbeat mix with real clarity and power, delivering relatable lyrics that perfectly summarise the everyday disaster spiral that feels both ridiculous and painfully familiar. ‘Murphy’s Law’ manages to be cathartic and fun, a soundtrack for surviving the mess with volume up and eyes rolling.
Hannah Mazey - 'Rent Free'
Hannah Mazey might just hold the record for the most Songs of the Week appearances, and with tracks like ‘Rent Free’, it’s easy to see why. Her latest release is a slow-burning reflection on drifting from someone who just won’t move on. Built around sparse guitar and a steadily rising tension, the track explores what it feels like to finally stop caring what someone says about you. Mazey’s vocal delivery is haunting yet composed, perfectly matching the track’s well-balanced production and emotional edge. As the song builds to a cinematic close, the lyrics remain front and centre, carrying a quiet sting throughout. Honest, sharp and unapologetically detached, ‘Rent Free’ captures the mess of moving on with striking clarity.
Natalie Gray - 'Camouflage'
Fresh off a huge headline show last Thursday, Natalie Gray dropped her new single ‘Camouflage’ the very next day. This electrifying track is an uplifting anthem about shedding the masks we wear and embracing who we really are. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt pressured to hide their true self or dim their light just to fit in. Packed with powerhouse vocals, soaring 80s-style key changes, sparkling synths, and bold guitar solos, ‘Camouflage’ is a vibrant celebration of self-acceptance and freedom. Whether you’re dancing solo or singing loud on a night drive, the song dares you to stop blending in and start living unapologetically. Natalie has steadily grown this year, carving out her unique sound and artistic identity, with each release building stronger momentum, and ‘Camouflage’ is no exception.
Isla Mae - 'What Love Will Do to You'
Isla Mae has just released her first single of 2025, and it’s a real standout. Having seen Isla close a live set with this song earlier this year, I’ve been eagerly awaiting its release, and it more than lives up to the anticipation. With heartfelt lyrics and a catchy, emotive melody, the track highlights her evolving artistry and sets an exciting tone for the years ahead. The single sees Isla delve into a poppier sound than her usual style, telling a poignant story of teenage angst from the perspective of someone watching the girl they care about fall for the wrong person. The song is emotionally resonant in concept and has been given a beautifully crafted, melodic treatment that brings its heartfelt story vividly to life.
FLEUR ROUGE - 'Homesick'
FLEUR ROUGE makes her second Songs of the Week appearance this year with ‘Homesick’, a deeply personal new single that marks a fresh chapter in her evolving alt-pop sound. FLEUR blends dark, alternative beats with vibrant pop melodies to craft bold, unapologetic anthems. This time, she opens up about the emotional fallout from her parents’ divorce. The song’s intimate lyrics, which shift seamlessly between English and French, sit atop a vivid, dynamic production, showcasing FLEUR’s talent for turning personal pain into accessible pop music. It’s an exceptionally strong release that launches FLEUR ROUGE’s new era with undeniable energy and promise.
Poesie - 'Hunter-Gatherer'
Last week also saw Poesie make a striking debut with ‘Hunter-Gatherer,’ a euphoric, infectious track that fuses dance and indie pop into a dancefloor magnet. Poesie’s ethereal raw vocal shine throughout, being paired with an infectious backing track, heightened by a punchy bass line, The track delivers an ancestral call, yearning to reconnect with nature, carried by soaring harmonies that stamp Poesie’s mark on the industry. At just two and a half minutes, ‘Hunter-Gatherer’ packs an intense emotional punch while leaving an infectious chorus that lingers long after it ends. The single is also the first taste from Poesie’s upcoming four-track EP, Lost Romantic, which promises more captivating blends of melody and meaning.
Megan Scott - 'Never Really Over'
Another artist who also dropped their debut release last week is Megan Scott, with her compelling track ‘Never Really Over’. The song explores the push and pull of a situationship where neither person can truly let go, capturing that all-too-relatable cycle of running back to each other. Megan’s heartfelt lyrics are delivered with impressive emotional depth, and her compelling vocal performance brings the story vividly to life. It is an incredibly strong debut release, and if Megan has more releases this good in the pipeline, then there is nothing stopping herfrom becoming the next exciting new name in pop.
Exchange Place - 'Carousel'
This week’s Songs of the Week are rounded out by Liverpool-based psych-pop rock band Exchange Place, who return with ‘Carousel’, their first release in nearly two years. Co-released alongside the equally captivating ‘Left’, the track continues to showcase the band’s hypnotic rhythms and boundary-pushing sound. With every release, Exchange Place have fused classic psychedelia with modern alternative rock to create immersive, otherworldly music that feels both nostalgic and futuristic, and these two new tracks are no exception. While both could have featured, it’s the powerful vocals and stellar guitar work on ‘Carousel’ that give it the edge.