On the Record: Stray Kids, Perrie, TINI and All the Best August Music Releases

All the music soundtracking our late summer days, from TINI’s “De Papel” and Stray Kids’ “Ceremony” to “If He Wanted To He Would” by Perrie and “Girlie-Pop!” by Amaarae.

At the end of each month, we go On the Record to share the songs we’ve added to our playlist. Bringing the international music scene straight to your device, each list contains a combination of established and up-and-coming artists from around the world.

In August, each new release contributed to our fleeting summer vacation soundtrack. Below, find phonk from Brazil, serenades from Australia and hypnotic pop from Thailand, among other global hits for your next playlist.

Doja Cat – “Jealous Type”

Heralding her next era, Doja Cat returned to the breathy and nostalgic pop sound of “Say So” in “Jealous Type.” With its disco-inspired tempo, sassy rap verse and free-flowing belts, “Jealous Type” is quintessentially Doja Cat. Though released in August, “Jealous Type” makes a strong case as one of pop’s catchiest songs of the summer.

Amber Mark – “Let Me Love You”

Amber Mark is gearing up to join Sabrina Carpenter on tour with the perfect synth and groove-infused title track, “Let Me Love You.” Fittingly, Julian Bunetta and Matt Zara, who have worked with Carpenter, Gracie Abrams and Lola Young, joined Mark in creating this release. Packed with harmonies, a mesmerising melody and smooth vocals, “Let Me Love You” is a testament to Mark’s artistic vision.

Perrie – “If He Wanted To He Would”

In “If He Wanted To He Would,” English vocalist Perrie takes on a somewhat familial role, advising listeners to set higher standards for their relationships. With a chorus reminiscent of the progression in Little Mix’s “Shout Out to My Ex,” this late summer release highlights Perrie’s well-honed vocal abilities.

Pabllo Vittar & NMIXX – “MEXE”

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Brazilian drag queen Pabllo Vittar tapped South Korean girl group NMIXX for “MEXE.” Both artists are tangibly comfortable sliding on the song’s baile phonk instrumental. Pabllo, who was in South Korea for the recording and music video shoot, even coached NMIXX through the Portuguese lyrics.

Sophie Powers & ILLIT – “jellyous”

The remix of K-pop group ILLIT’s “jellyous” featuring Sophie Powers is an electronic pop daydream. Powers’ unique tone blends seamlessly with ILLIT’s fast-paced energy, giving “jellyous” a new, husky depth. “This song is so special to me, and I hope it reminds people to chase their dreams the way ILLIT has. I can’t wait to see what the GLIT’s and Powerpuffs think,” Powers shared of the song.

FELIZZ – “Abracadabra”

In their first comeback, Thai girl group FELIZZ embraces “girl crush” in its full capacity. “Abracadabra” is heavily electronic, with an anti-drop chorus and dance break that takes full advantage of the fast-paced instrumental. The music video displays the sextet’s mastery of impressive choreography, which includes levels work and waacking. Plus, Thai actor Pond makes an unexpected cameo as the subject of FELIZZ’s attention.

Stray Kids – “Ceremony”

“Ceremony,” the title track off Stray Kids’ fourth Korean studio album KARMA, is pure celebration (with a healthy dose of pride) distilled into music. Cheeky rap verses, memorable chanting (“Karma, karma, karma, karma”) and a disorienting instrumental progression epitomize the octet’s signature experimental sound. In addition to sharp choreography and a series of competitive sequences, the song’s music video includes an unexpected appearance by South Korea’s most successful professional e-sports player: Faker.

Valorant, bbno$ – “in my zone”

Riot Games tapped rap’s most effortless creative bbno$ for “in my zone,” celebrating the release of Valorant mobile in China. The Canadian rapper flows effortlessly on this game-inspired EDM track, which is a comfortable extension of his upbeat, playful discography—and relationship with the game developer, with whom he has previously collaborated.

Confidence Man & JADE – “gossip”

Australian pop duo Confidence Man and English singer JADE collaborated on the funky “gossip.” This infectious dance pop release is led by the guitar and bass in its instrumental, as well as the overlaid husky whispers. An irresistible fusion of genres, “gossip” is a hard-to-forget, late-night bop.

Nio García & Maisak – “OJALÁ”

Puerto Rican singer Nio García and Colombian rising star Maisak joined forces on “OJALÁ,” a brooding (yet groovy) reggaeton confession of lingering feelings for a past lover. Bridging Puerto Rican and Colombian musical sensitivities, the song showcases both artists’ versatility and ability to merge music genres. “We’re living in a moment where music knows no boundaries. With Maisak, we found a unique energy and a connection that people felt from the very first second,” García shared in a press statement.

Isabella Lovestory – “Eurotrash”

Honduran singer Isabella Lovestory shares the overlap between her definition of “trash” and her love of European fashion in the newly-released music video for “Eurotrash,” a sultry ode to all things raunchy. Lovestory is demonstrably comfortable in her artistry, and her confidence is tangible across the compelling instrumentals, sassy lyrics and maximalist visuals of her new album Vanity.

OFFSET & John Legend – “Never Let Go”

In the sentimental track “Never Let Go,” OFFSET bares his heart. Through the balladic choruses, courtesy of vocalist John Legend, and honest rap verses, the rapper reflects on his experience mourning his late friend Takeoff. Though short, the song successfully communicates OFFSET’s vulnerability, offering comfort for listeners who have gone through similar heartbreak.

TINI – “De Papel”

Argentine singer TINI released the melancholy “De Papel,” whose deep electronic bass tastefully contradicts its complex themes. Not quite a love song, “De Papel” details the less attractive parts of love—those tinged with pain, miscommunication and conflict. As Tini prepares to bring her FUTTTURA tour around the world in 2025 and 2026, “De Papel” sets the stage for an exciting new chapter of her career.

Audrey Hobert – “Thirst Trap”

“Thirst Trap” from Audrey Hobert’s debut album is a refreshingly honest take on the real and relatable experience of wanting to attract someone’s attention. Packed with quirky, candid lyrics, such as “I’m takin’ thirst traps in the mirror in my room/I think I look bad so I change the lightin,’” the song feels like a relatable diary entry, set to a bouncy instrumental.

Royel Otis – “who’s your boyfriend”

Australian pop duo Royel Otis cast The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022) star Lola Tung in “who’s your boyfriend,” a mellow yet persistent inquisition of love. Catchy percussion and synth notes carry the instrumental, leading the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions. Created with live performances in mind, “who’s your boyfriend” is a deceptively upbeat, road trip-approved hit.

Amaarae – “Girlie-Pop!”

Amaarae embraces sensuality in “Girlie-Pop!,” the addictive Afropop track from her latest album BLACK STAR. This short homage to unfiltered lust and attraction, along with its music video, is dense with anticipation as Amaarae describes the experience of kissing, presumably, her “favorite person in the world.”