Join us in counting down the hottest tracks from the likes of Ariana Grande, Jackie Evancho, and Natalia Kills on this week’s #MusicMonday playlist…

This week’s #MusicMonday is lush with potential hits from established hitmakers, rising talents, and former Directioners. Yup, you read that right; we’re getting another taste of solo Direction from Liam Payne (even if it is just a demo version). Make sure to read all the way through to the bottom of this week’s list for a bonus appearance from the legendary Beyonce. Her Lemonade may not be availble for streaming anywhere but TIDAL, but we simply had to pay tribute to a solid release! Check it all out below!

“Better” – Meghan Trainor feat. Yo Gotti

M-Train delves further into her eclectic and genre-defying musical inspirations on her latest offering from Thank You. This time she’s heading straight to the islands for the tropical mid-tempo “Better,” which features a guest verse from Yo Gotti. On the track Trainor proclaims that she deserves more from a relationship after being mistreated, and she won’t settle for less. Someone get this girl a pina colada and book her some time on a hammock, so that she can cleanse the pallet and begin again!

“You” – Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Liam Payne

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“This goes out to all the chicks on SnapChat” is the first line from a new One Direction solo project demo. After Zayn’s explosive move to solo stardom, it seems that the remaining members of One D are taking advantage of their indefinite hiatus. The latest member to explore new ventures is Liam Payne, who teamed up with the assistance of Juicy J and Wiz Khalifa for a new sound. Appearing on the chorus of the rappers’ “You,” the Directioner delves into some hip hop influences to serve a sultry performance. Payne is insistent that the project was a one-take demo not intended as an official release; however, it could serve as a sample of things to come in the near future… What do you think?

“Diamond Days” – Cruel Youth

Natalia Kills and her husband Willy Moon continue to attempt to move forward with their careers as though their “artistically atrocious” X-Factor takedown, and they’re doing so under the moniker of Cruel Youth. The twosome’s latest take is a delectably unhinged “Diamond Days.” Pulling influence from music of the 50’s and 60’s, Kills delivers a melancholy vocal while reflecting on a fling. The track continues to build upon the dark pop of Kills’s earlier solo work (and the work of Lana Del Rey, Amy Winehouse, etc), and it is an intriguing if not forward-thinking release. 

“Guillotine” – Jon Bellion feat. Travis Mendes

Jon Bellion is prepared to move forward with his new album, and he’s kicking things off with lead single “Guillotine.” On the track the rising talent reflects upon a relationship with his lover who has accepted him flaws and all. In traditional Bellion style the track is composed of brilliant layers of thoughtful production, and his voice is at it’s most pure and endearing as he tackles the relatable lyrics. The track lacks some of the immediacy that’s been evident in his earlier solo work and his writing efforts on “Monster” or “Trumpets,” but it’s a solidly refined hit. Give it a few listens, and it is bound to become a #MusicMonday mainstay!

“Bloodline” – White Sea

Pop takes a trip back to the 80s for White Sea‘s dark and mysterious “Bloodline.” The track is the latest to drop from her Postcards To Nowhere project, and it’s a strong contender in this week’s #MusicMonday compilation. White Sea’s voice resonates with power, especially as it faces down the pre-chorus and racing chorus.

“Let Me Love You” – Ariana Grande feat. Lil Wayne

Ariana Grande continues living the life of a dangerous woman on the latest track to surface from her upcoming album. This time the sensual seductress is looking for a rebound in the sheets after breaking up with her ex on the sensual R&B anthem “Let Me Love You.” With the seductive drumline and broken down production on the chorus this is easily one of the sexiest productions that Grande has tackled to date. Lil Wayne‘s guest verse may not be the most necessary on the track, but it admittedly adds a harder hitting edge to Grande’s sweet delivery. Get this girl some rebound sex, and let’s keep these Dangerous Woman tracks coming Ari!

“Wonderful Life (Mi Oh My)” – Matoma

Rising talent Matoma has teamed up with The Angry Birds Movie for his most high profile release to date. After honing his talent onstage with The Chainsmokers this summer, the tropical house producer seems to have his eyes set on an American takeover, and his joyful efforts on “Wonderful Life (Mi Oh My)” could make him a force to be reckoned with. The track resonates with a carefree sense of fun between it’s playful production and downright happy-go-lucky lyrics. If it weren’t delivered with such a clear sense of conviction the track could steer into the annoying category, but as it is Matoma has simply provided us with the most energizing #MusicMonday contribution this week!

“Say It” – Flume feat. Tove Lo

Swede-pop genius Tove Lo has teamed up with the prolific Flume to attempt to revisit an old flame on their sensual effort “Say It.” Delivering her characteristically moody vocals Tove Lo seduces an ex-lover after waking from a dream of them getting physical. Addicted to the heartbreak and pain, Tove delivers a fantastic vocal performance over the racing production.

“Apocalypse” – Jackie Evancho

Vocal prodigy Jackie Evancho struggles with heartbreak on her latest original track “Apocalypse.” A restrained piano production the youthful performer sets the scene for a lovely and emotional performance. There is a sense of maturity on the track, as she contemplates what it would mean to lose a lover. The track promises more good things to come as Evancho continues to grow into her role as an international sensation.

“Monster Lead Me Home” – Sara Hartman

Traveling from New York to Germany to pursue her musical dreams, rising talent Sara Hartman is causing a stir with the release of her Satellite EP this week. The folksy pop productions are epitomized by the project’s lead single “Monster Lead Me Home.” On it which Hartman’s voice shines over it’s soulful production. On the track Hartman makes a plea to be led to a land where she can be a free spirit. “Monster take me somewhere where I can see my breath in air” she sings on the anthemic chorus; however, my one request is that she not go somewhere listeners can’t follow. Sara Hartman’s story isn’t finished unfolding just yet.

Bonus Track: “Freedom” – Beyonce

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We interrupt this regularly scheduled #MusicMonday to discuss the release that everyone is talking about, even though it’s not available for streaming outside of TIDAL (blah): Beyonce’s Lemonade. This weekend the “Crazy In Love” songstress shook the world with her visual album and tales of a cheating lover. Whether the cheating bastard is Jay Z or her father is unclear (though it is clear that Rachael Ray was not Becky with the good hair, so let’s give her a break BeyHive). It is clear that Bey had no issue exposing their shitty ways and rising above the heartache. One of the album’s standout tracks is the Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Freedom,” on which the songstress vows to never give up. It’s a bop, and you can buy it on iTunes!

What is on your #MusicMonday playlist this week? Let us know what you’re listening to in the comments below!