Last Updated on October 5, 2026
This week’s roundup of 3 new songs you need to hear features Alabama Shakes, Angèle, and Haute & Freddy. It should go without saying, but where an artist or band is in their career never stops them from trying new sounds and keeping things interesting. That happens to be the case with these three acts, all of whom are experimenting and staying true to their strengths.
Alabama Shakes “Time”
Alabama Shakes is officially back with the release of their new album, I Must Be Dream, out now via Island Records. To kick off their album drop, which features standout tracks like the dreamy “Time,” Alabama Shakes is on tour as we speak, with dates at the Santa Barbara Bowl for Sept. 25 and Dana Point for Ohana Fest on Sept. 26.
At the risk of sounding corny, it has been quite some “Time” since Alabama Shakes last released music, with their seismic sophomore album Sound & Color dropping all the way back in 2015.
Fittingly, “Time” finds Brittany Howard and co. reckoning with their relationship to time while the soul sound that made the band so popular remains intact.
Still, the song doesn’t shy away from turning into something of a cross between a soul crooner and a hypnotic daze. And by personifying time as a tangible presence, Howard hits on the quiet fairness yet cruelty of time’s effect on us all. But those hazy classic soul vibes take a turn around the 3-minute mark, where Howard goes Hendrix on an epic guitar solo.
Listen to “Time” the new single from Alabama Shakes.
Angèle “Une seule vie”
Belgian singer-songwriter Angèle is rolling out her upcoming album, INSTINCT, out Oct. 16 via Angèle VL Records / Sony Music, with “Une seule vie.” The single, which translates to “A Single Life” in French, finds Angèle in familiar territory with her universal pop music.
At the same time, the song doubles as a bridge for what fans have come to expect from her with the electronic sound of the rest of INSTINCT. Fittingly, the album is all about control, and “Une seule vie” shows Angèle has plenty of that when it comes to her music.
While Angèle’s vocals would be right at home on a radio hit, the production is something straight out of a sci-fi movie. The chorus itself is unsurprisingly catchy. But, as heard with the way she matches the energy of the synths and pulsating bass, Angèle never fades into the background for a moment.
On top of a music video filmed in France during the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse, Angèle is locked in on multiple fronts. Catch her live on tour in 2027.
Listen to “Une seule vie” the new single from Angèle.
Haute & Freddy “Touch Touch”
As if their debut album, Big Disgrace, wasn’t already strong enough to get them on the map this year, pop duo Haute & Freddy are striking while the iron is hot with their new single, “Touch Touch.” They also have an upcoming tour.
Alongside a music video, the two drop “Touch Touch” at a time when music comes naturally to the two of them. Michelle Buzz and Lance Shipp were in Joshua Tree when Shipp first laid down the bass line, prompting Buzz to hop on for the chorus right after.
“I don’t know if it’s more about the empowerment of intimacy or the simplicity of letting community soothe the insanity of life right now, but regardless, it’s shamelessly dramatic,” said the duo on the song.
Dramatic or not, “Touch Touch” is glossy in an ‘80s electronic way. Even with the jazzercise feel, Buzz’s operatic vocals contrast with the production, which is best described as Shipp showing off. For something entirely expressed through song alone, Haute & Freddy make “Touch Touch” and their enthusiasm behind the song feel tangible for listeners.
Listen to “Touch Touch” the new single from Haute & Freddy.
Current Best New Songs of the Month
Want more new music in your life? Stream our best new songs of the month playlist, featuring our hand-picked selections of the best new indie and alternative music. Always curated, never cluttered, only the goods.
BEST CONCERTS IN LOS ANGELES THIS MONTH
This article may contain affiliate links, and Grimy Goods may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our independent, fan-powered media network.
