New Songs from TXT and Isabela Merced Prove Sad Times Need Mood-Boosting Music

Is anyone else in the period of social distancing where they can only listen to upbeat music? Like, dance around the room and rock out, kind of music? Maybe it has to do with the increasingly warm weather or onslaught of uptempo songs coming from some of our favorite artists, but we're on a semi-permanent high-energy vibe. Luckily, across every genre — be it pop, hip hop, alt, R&B, or reggaeton — bops are dropping into the world every day. 

This week, we're finding particular excitement in new songs that promote self acceptance, positivity, growth, and being honest. There's nothing more liberating than being true to yourself and a few of these songs directly address how good it feels. We've also included dual-language projects from Isabela Merced and TXT, because the beauty of the world being connected virtually is that language is no longer a barrier of entry to understand emotions. 

As the summer continues to draw closer, more high-energy songs will pop up. This is truly just a taste of what's to come — and we can't wait. 

Alex Mali, "I Know"

A song that mentions, Fenty Beauty, Adidas kicks, and overcoming adversity — sign us up. The Brooklyn-bred singer's new song "I Know" is an upbeat bop that sounds like something that would be played in an episode of Insecure. "Whenever I thought I was actually getting somewhere in life, SIKE - I'm knocked a couple steps backward and goals seemed further away," Alex says about the song. "This track was just a reminder to myself that I can and have come out of trash circumstances even stronger than going into them. It's my motivation to keep climbing, remain confident, always look for the light/positivity and I hope I can give that same energy to everyone else out there."

Foxes, "Love Not Loving You"

After a three-year hiatus, British pop ban Foxes is back with an incredibly catchy song called "Love Not Loving You." This song is about something we can all relate to: newfound independence after a breakup — but there's also an element of self-love. "This song is about finally falling in love with myself, about not depending on anyone else for my own happiness, And being able to stand on my own two feet. I hope the message in this song can inspire others to do the same,” Foxes reveals in a statement. The concept of using Renaissance portraits to paint the story is dope as well.  

Audrey Mika, "Just Friends"

Audrey Mika is back again with another catchy song about an undefined relationship. Let's be honest, with so much digital dating many of us will be in this same predicament. Audrey is analyzing the status of a relationship in this song, saying, "Just friends don't do what we do" in the hook, which is basically the song equivalent of "it's complicated."  

Isabela Merced, the better half of me 

Actress and singer Isabela Merced debuts her first EP the better half of me today. The five-track project has production from hitmakers like Justin Tranter, Andres and Mauricio (“Despacito”), and Zach Skelton (Jonas Brothers). A favorite track on the project is "Todo Esta Bien," which translates to "it's all good" about moving on from love. The talent has done a beautiful job of interweaving Spanish-speaking lyrics with mainstream pop production. 

TXT, "Can't You See Me"

Korean pop band Tomorrow X Together is back with a new album and a music video off The Dream Chapter: ETERNITY. The video for "Can't You See Me" is as attention-grabbing as the song about detachment, even within close circles of friends. For those of us still social distancing, it's definitely a song we can relate to. 

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue