Best Songs of August 2024: Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Addison Rae, and More

Sara Delgado, Lex McMenamin
·17 min read
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Courtesy of labels.

With June's best songs, July's best songs, and now August's best songs, we are 3/3 on killer summer releases. (And with Sabrina Carpenter dropping a horror-inspired music video to “Taste,” we mean killer literally.)

August is officially coming to a close (after a five whooping five New Music Fridays!) and it's safe to say artists have been making the most of the summer heat and matching the weather's energy with their songs. Case in point: Charli XCX enlisting the help of Billie Eilish for a “Guess” remix, and Ice Spice quietly dropping a bonus Y2K! track just a week after the album's long-anticipated release. We also have newcomers like Emei ready to shake up the scene and plenty of K-pop thanks to Jaehyun, Chanyeol, LE SSERAFIM, ZEROBASEONE, and more.

If you don't want to miss any of the new music releases that have arrived this month, let's get into August 2024's best songs and albums!

→ Week 1 of August
→ Week 2 of August
→ Week 3 of August
→ Week 4 of August
→ Week 5 of August

Week of August 30

Doechii, Alligator Bites Never Heal

Doechii is rightfully everywhere right now, from "NISSAN ALTIMA" blowing up, to "BOOM BAP" getting her compared to KDot on Twitter this week, to the JT-feature "Alter Ego" (chock-full of the same addictive girly-pop bombast as Doja Cat's "Boss Bitch"). With today's release of her 19-track mixtape Alligator Bites Never Heal, she's about to be even more everywhere; it's a good time to catch up.

Jaehyun, J

NCT member Jaehyun is stepping into his own light with his first solo album, J, named after his habit of writing the initials on his belongings. Following 2022's “Forever Only” and 2023's “Horizon,” J has been a long time coming for Jaehyun, who tells Teen Vogue he started working on the project last December.

Chanyeol, Black Out

Jaehyun isn't the only SM artist to make a solo debut this week. EXO member Chanyeol has already released his first solo album, Black Out, with pop-punk sensibilities and spanning six tracks, including the title track of the same name as well as standouts “Hasta La Vista” and “Clover."

LE SSERAFIM, Crazy

LE SSERAFIM are entering their EDM era with new high-octane EP, Crazy. Kicking things off with the loopy narrative intro “Chasing Lightning," featuring barking galore and leading the project with title track “Crazy,” the girls are ready to dance. Experimentally continues to run the project in hip-hop track “Pierrot” and rock-inspired “1-800-hot-n-fun,” which they debuted live at Coachella, before coming to a close with full-circle ballad “Crazier.”

ZEROBASEONE, “Good So Bad”

ZEROBASEONE are tapping into their filmic side with their fourth mini album, Cinema Paradise, featuring title track “Good So Bad," accompanied by a music video featuring actor Yoo Jitae. The EP also features a remake of UP's 1997 song “The Sea” and standout banger “Insomnia.”

Sydney Rose, "Birthday Song"

Sydney Rose's new single “Birthday Song” puts the singer-songwriter's mellow vocals at the forefront, backed by quasi-caressed acoustic guitar strums and honeyed self-harmonies.

Zedd, Telos

Grammy winner Zedd's third studio album, Telos, his first full-length project in almost a decade, is here featuring 10 tracks, including collaborations with Muse, Bea Miller, John Mayer, Remi Wolf, and more.

“Telos has multiple meanings, one of them being ‘accomplishment’ or ‘completion of human art,’” Zedd shared in press notes. “I've always dreamed of creating an album that, 30 years on, I can look back and be incredibly proud of. That will be just as amazing then as it is right now, because it's not based on trends or sound design that might fall off — it's based on music, just like the albums that shaped me growing up that I still adore to this day. With Telos, I created something I didn’t think I was capable of — it just took a bit of time to get there.”

AleXa, "joy of missing out"

AleXa is back with a new all-English single, “joy of missing out,” her fourth to date this year. Part of her upcoming debut English album slated for later this year, "joy of missing out" is a Y2K-ish pop-rock anthems that turn FOMO on its head. “I, myself, am an extrovert, but I’m the only one
in my friend group. This song goes out to all those who’d rather party by themselves
than get lost in the crowd," AleXa said of the introvert banger in a press release.

Week of August 23

Sabrina Carpenter, Short n' Sweet

Her time has come. Following the massive success of "Espresso" and "Please Please Please," Sabrina Carpenter's new album is here with a new cinematic video to boot. This time, it's for "Taste," and it costars Jenna Ortega. In the gory new music video, the two stars attempt to murder each other repeatedly over a guy, subjecting the other to electrocution, impalement, dismemberment, and much more. They kill, and then, they kiss. (Video of the Year late contender, VMAs?)

Speaking to Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1 about her new album Short n' Sweet, which was mainly written in France, Carpenter shared the album is "very different" from her last. “I called it Short n' Sweet for multiple reasons. It was not because I'm vertically challenged. It was really like I thought about some of these relationships and how some of them were the shortest I've ever had and they affected me the most,” Carpenter said.

"I think about the way that I respond to situations, and sometimes it is very nice and sometimes it's not very nice. And again, the thing about albums, projects, writing songs, it's all moments. So harder for other people to understand that when they're listening to something that's going to take them through maybe a lot of years, hopefully a lot of years, is that I'm not the same person that I was when I wrote that."

Taemin, Eternal

Following his departure from SM Entertainment earlier this year, SHINee's Taemin is back with his first solo project under Big Planet Made Entertainment. Lead by the title track "Sexy in the Air," the star continues his streak of gravely suave songs with the seven-track EP Eternal, his most personal release to date. "Ever since I started my career, I have had music producers making the music for me," the star recently told NME. "I think that now is the time to really take control and make [my own] music. I believe that from now on, we shouldn't just perform the music we're handed but start taking part in the music production process."

Mura Masa, Curve 1

His first under his own label Pond Recordings, British music maverick Mura Masa has released his fourth studio album featuring collabs with yeule, Daniela Lalita, and Cherish and following 2022's demon time. "Curve 1 is ultimately a manifestation of an attitude I've been cultivating in my personal life; ignore everything," Mura Masa said about the project in a press release.

“I wanted [Curve 1] to be as free and anti-narrative as possible. Impressionistic,” he added. "Music as entertainment has in many cases, to me, become very advertorial and excessively sentimental in terms of creating narrative around albums and artists. I wanted to strip this away as much as possible to leave room for the music to create its own meaning in the lives of people who form connections with it. It's hard for me not to explain away the intricacies and ideas contained within these records after having theorized and tolled and executed them over the course of nearly three years, but I think it's far more fitting of the album's intent to say simply: listen to it in the dark."

Coldplay, "We Pray"

Coldplay is giving fans yet another taste at their upcoming album, Moon Music, slated for an October release, with the new single "We Pray," which they previously debuted live during their record-breaking Glastonbury 2024 headline set. The song features British rapper Little Simz, Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy, Palestinian-Chilean R&B singer Elyanna, and chart-topping Argentinian popstar TINI.

NCT Dream, "Rains in Heaven"

Before they take their Dream Show 3: Dream()scape World Tour to the United States, NCT Dream have released their third English-language track, "Rains in Heaven," inspired by '80s synth-pop and with lyrics co-written by Mark Lee, Adrian McKinnon, and Bryn Christopher.

Alice Longyu Gao feat. Mega Mongoliad, "? Korean Girls"

Chinese-born, L.A.-based Alice Longyu Gao announced a new mini album, Assembling Symbols Into My Own Poetry, slated for October, with new single "? Korean Girls" joining forces with Mega Mongoliad, a new subunit of Balming Tiger featuring Omega Sapien and Leesuho and blending elements of hyperpop and EDM with tongue-in-cheek sapphic innuendos.

Emei, "RABBITHOLE"

L.A.-based Chinese-American musician Emei is ushering fall early with her new single, "RABBITHOLE." According to press notes, "RABBITHOLE" was inspired by a panic attack Emei suffered and her overall experiences with anxiety and how it makes people "fall deeper and deeper inside ourselves." The track boasts brain-caressing synths and Dua Lipa-esque vocals with a disco flair that make for an immediate earworm rollercoaster.

Week of August 16

Lisa feat. Rosalía, “New Woman”

Ever since the first teaser was posted, all eyes were on Rosalía and Lisa's “New Woman.” The Spanish and Thai superstars' friendship goes way back but this marks the first time the two collaborate on a track. “New Woman," which features writing credits by Tove Lo, is Lisa's second solo release under her own company LLOUD after June's “Rockstar.”

KATSEYE, SIS (Soft Is Strong)

Following the release of “Debut” in June and “Touch” in July, KATSEYE's first EP, SIS (Soft Is Strong), is finally here with five tracks in total.

Grupo Firme feat. Demi Lovato, “Chula”

Regional Mexican band Grupo Firme and superstar Demi Lovato have linked up to release “Chula,” a bilingual band-infused pop track. The high-octane track makes summer last a little longer with exquisite vocals and upbeat production.

Jean Dawson feat. Lil Yachty, “Die For Me”

Mexican-American musician Jean Dawson is ushering in a new era with track “Die For Me," a collaboration with Lil Yachty. With vulnerability as the main conductor, the demi-noir “Die For Me" showcases Dawson's vocal prowess, sharp pen, and penchant for musical experimentation marvelously. The song will be part of his upcoming third album, Glimmer of God.

Foster The People, Paradise State of Mind

Foster The People are back with their first album in seven years. Following 2017’s album Sacred Hearts Club, the group is back with Paradise State of Mind. Spanning 11 tracks, Paradise State of Mind was recorded between London and Los Angeles and stays true to the brand's indie roots while making a U-turn sonically.

“I think the trickiest part about this record was trying to be authentic about what had been going on with me without writing something super dark and without glossing over it, either," lead singer and producer Mark Foster said in a press release. “To me, it was really important that hope remain at the core of this whole thing. People need hope. I need hope. And when I think about what hope is – it’s having the courage to walk towards something that you think can be better, while fully acknowledging the darkness and reality around you.”

almost monday, “she likes sports”

Don't be sad that summer is ending because almost monday is here to deliver California coolness for days. The San Diego natives have released their groovy new single, “she likes sports,” to announce their debut studio album, DIVE, which will be released on September 25th.

“‘she likes sports’ is a song that sparked from taking breaks on the tennis court while working on our debut album DIVE,” the band commented in a press release. “We really didn’t take this track too seriously and were just having fun with the writing process which translated into an odd head-turner of a song that we love. We’re so stoked for people to hear the song!”

Juls ft. Masego, “Perspective”

Following the release of “Hold You Down” with Odeal and “Best Interest” with JayO, British-Ghanaian record producer Juls has finally teamed up with saxophone-wielding singer Masego in “Perspective.” A smooth late summer bloomer with the perfect spice.

Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars, “Die With A Smile”

After spending the week dropping teasers by wearing T-shirts with each other's faces, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars have released their long-awaited collaboration “Die With A Smile,” now trading the tee for coordinating denim and red matching 'fits.

Coco Jones, “Sweep It Up”

It's a big week for Coco Jones with the release of not only Bel-Air season 3 but also her single “Sweep It Up” — an aughts-flavored self-love anthem disguised as a breakup track. Grab your brooms and get ready to vibe out.

Thisizlondon feat. Ayra Starr and 6lack, “PINACOLADA”

Nigerian-British record producer Thisizlondon has teamed up with Ayra Starr and 6lack for another Afrobeats banger in the form of “PINACOLADA.” In a press release, Thisizlondon shared: "With ‘PINACOLADA,’ I wanted to create a vibe that captures the essence of summer—something that’s both chill and energizing. Working with Ayra and 6lack was incredible; they each brought their unique flavor to the track, making it something truly special.”

Dee Holt, loving in the dark

Following the release of her debut EP, When I Close My Eyes, in 2022, alt-pop princess Dee Holt is back with another project, loving in the dark, comprising five songs. The Montreal native's murmured voice and soft self-harmonies take center stage in the new project, with the highs and lows of love — and feeling loved — informing the narrative

Week of August 9

beabadoobee, This Is How Tomorrow Moves

After previously releasing “Take A Bite” and “Ever Seen”, beabadoobee's third studio album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves, is finally here in its full 14-track glory. The album was produced at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La studio in Malibu and, per a press release, “captures a journey through confidence and introspection, with themes of self-acceptance and personal growth woven throughout.”

Chl?e, Trouble in Paradise

Chl?e is back with her sophomore studio album, titled Trouble in Paradise, following 2023's In Pieces. Though the singer had teased the project during her Coachella 2024 set, it wasn't until August 5 that the August 9 drop date was announced, so to say it took fans by surprise would be an understatement. The album features 16 tracks and collaborations with sister Halle as well as Ty Dolla $ign, Anderson .Paak, YG Marley, and Jeremih.

Latto, Sugar Honey Iced Tea

Like beabadoobee, Latto is also onto her third studio album with Sugar Honey Iced Tea, featuring a whopping 21 songs, including collaborations with Young Nudy, Hunxho, Coco Jones, Megan Thee Stallion, Ciara, Mariah the Scientist, Teezo Touchdown, Cardi B, and Flo Milli.

ENHYPEN feat. Ava Max, “Brought The Heat Back”

Following the release of their sophomore studio album ROMANCE: UNTOLD in July, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, ENHYPEN are joining forces with Ava Max for a remix of their funky dance-pop track “Brought The Heat Back." The track is produced by Grammy winner Cirkut, whose credits also include Charli XCX's “360” and “Rewind," “Seven” by Jung Kook feat. Latto, and ENYPHEN's own“Bite Me.”

ATEEZ feat. G-Eazy, “WORK Pt.4”

Another K-pop crossover, ATEEZ have teamed up with G-Eazy for a remix of their previously released track, “WORK,” redubbed as “WORK Pt.4," featuring English lyrics and raps by the members and G-Eazy.

Addison Rae, “Diet Pepsi”

"I don’t do coke. I much prefer Diet Pepsi," that's how Addison Rae teased her new single, her first Columbia Records. After featuring on the remix of Charli XCX's “Von dutch” remix, all eyes have been on Rae and she's making the most of the spotlight with this new single.

Ravyn Lenae, Bird's Eye

Chicago native Ravyn Lenae is back with her trademark R&B flair in her sophomore studio album, Bird's Eye. Created in tandem with DJ Dahi, the album spans 11 tracks, including collaborations with Childish Gambino and Ty Dolla $ign. “Bird’s Eye signifies returning to a place of self-trust and unbending intuition while acknowledging the paths and turns I’ve taken to get here. Revisiting the most basic parts of my identity has allowed me to fully embrace them and be proud of where I’m going,” Lenae previously said about the album in a release.

NIKI, Buzz

Indonesian singer-songwriter NIKI's third intimate studio album, Buzz, has arrived via 88rising. It features 13 feature-less tracks and follows her sophomore offering, Nicole. “The album is called Buzz because it signifies that something is about to happen,” the artist said of the project. “The promise of something new, when it isn’t real yet, hangs rich and sweet in the air. That millisecond moment in time, suspended in vast suggestion, where there is every opportunity for a shift in trajectory. Small or seismic. You choose.”

Week of August 2

Charli XCX feat. Billie Eilish, “Guess”

You thought Brat summer was over? Charli XCX is keeping her winning streak with the remix of “Guess,” previously released in the Brat and it’s the same but there’s three more songs so it’s not version of her acclaimed Brat album earlier this summer. Enlisting the help of Billie Eilish for a new verse (with a subtle Daft Punk reference) and with a music video with underwear galore (for a good cause), Charli XCX's reigning era continues.

FLO, “Check”

If what you are craving is less EDM and more smooth R&B with an early ‘00s flair, FLO’s got just what you need. One of Teen Vogue's girl groups to watch in 2024, the British trio is back with their new single “Check,” about the ideal man. Smooth vocals? Check. Narrative lyrics? Check. Killer percussion? Triple check.

Related: FLO Talks “Unapologetic” Debut Album and Continuing the Legacy of R&B Girl Groups

SAINt JHN, “Humble”

As the title itself suggests, SAINt JHN's new Afrofusion single “Humble” reflects on the Grammy award-winning musician's journey from humble beginnings to now. “'Humble' is a part of a collection of fleeting feelings and core memories that I’ve been reflecting on,” the crooner said in a press statement. “This is something my fans have been anticipating for some time and the wait is finally over.”

RIIZE, “Lucky”

Following a slew of Korean releases, SM Entertainment's rookie group RIIZE is entering the Japanese market with their debut Japanese single “Lucky,” a funky pop song that joins the group's repertoire of groovy releases alongside B-sides "Be My Next" and “Same Key.”

Khalid, Sincere

Khalid's third studio album, Sincere, marks the singer's first release since Free Spirit, and the half-a-decade wait was worth it. A true testament to sonic and lyric maturity, the 16-track project centers the crooner's voice with just one collaboration, by Arlo Parks, included in the mix.

Kacey Musgraves, Deeper into the Well

Following a succinct announcement in July, the deluxe version of Kacey Musgraves's Deeper Well, aptly titled Deeper into the Well, is here with seven new songs, including the previously released “Irish Goodbye,” as well as “Ruthless,” “Little Sister,” “Flower Child,” “Arm’s Length,” and Leon Bridges and Tiny Habits collaborations “Superbloom” and “Perfection.”

Orville Peck, Stampede

South African singer-songwriter Orville Peck's third studio album has arrived with collaborations galore. Spanning 15 tracks, Peck enlists the help of anyone from Noah Cyrus to Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Diplo, and Teddy Swims for a genre-defying sonic voyage with a heavy dash of country.

Ice Spice, “GYAT”

A week after the release of Y2K!, Ice Spice is back with the bonus track “GYAT," produced by Riot with self-references galore and a Western-music-meets-Jersey-club flair. “Built like a Barbie, but act like a brat / You know I'm the baddest, like, keep it a stack,” Ice Spice sings in the songs.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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