5 New Songs You Need to Hear This Week (June 18, 2026)

Every Thursday, the Paste team and contributors select their five favorite songs of the week, giving one the title of "Song of the Week." Here are the five favorites for the week of June 18, 2026.

Song of the Week: Lily Seabird — "Election Day"

Vermont songwriter Lily Seabird has announced her third record in three years, Lightspheres On Their Way. "Election Day" marks a return to a mode Seabird hasn't entered since 2024's "Dirge": rebellious distortion, screaming guitars, outright wails. Her vocal is still clear as a canary's warning, but it snags and tears at the edges of the words' emotion. An Americana headbanger, a mosh pit gateway for folk.

Julia Jacklin — "Get Away From Me (I Think I'll Love You Soon)"

Julia Jacklin continues to be one of indie rock's most distinctive voices. The first single from her upcoming LP The Gem is about a hair-pulling, likely unrequited love affair. An interim solo shines between cloudy guitars and a marching rhythm.

No Joy & Fire-Toolz — "Big Life, Big Leaf"

No Joy, once Jasamine White-Gluz's doom-shoegaze vehicle, has been drifting into a strange blend of synth-pop and techno for the past fifteen years. Following Fire-Toolz's Angel Marcloid-produced Bugland last year, this collaboration is sun-bleached dance music.

Saul Williams feat. Moor Mother & Gonjasufi — "Conspiracy"

Saul Williams' upcoming solo album Leaf Life, his first in seven years, will host guests including Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack, Kamasi Washington, and many more. The first single "Conspiracy" features Moor Mother and Gonjasufi. An outpouring of Williams' "voice is an instrument" philosophy.

The Tubs — "Illusion Pt. II"

The follow-up to Cotton Crown by British jangle-pop band The Tubs. The week's most refreshed anthem, nodding to classic R.E.M. moments with twin-guitar weaving.,

Source: Paste Magazine — "Best New Songs: June 18, 2026".