Budjerah, Lizzo & More: This Week's Best New Music

Listen To The Hit List Playlist!

Budjerah -  Therapy

Coodjinburra artist Budjerah is kicking off 2023 with a bang, releasing his first single, Therapy, which highlights the importance of therapy and open communication within a relationship. Featuring some flume-like synths, pop-heavy guitar riffs and driving beats, the song is a step up for Budjerah and sees him sitting up among the big dogs. The song's highlight is obviously Budjerah's incredible vocals, as he finds his footing in a new pop-soul sound that still pays respect to his gospel roots. Each song he releases only further proves that he's currently one of the best vocalists in Australia. 

Peking Duk - I Want You ft. Darren Hayes

Aussie favourites Peking Duk have teamed up with the iconic Darren Hayes to re-release the classic Savage Garden hit I Want You. Masterfully interweaving Peking Duk's signature production with Darren Hayes' lush vocals, it brings the track into today's landscape. While it's easy to miss the quintessential 90s production of the original, this new take is fresh and fun and allows a whole new fanbase to enjoy the song. The re-make will be a massive hit at Peking Duk's live shows - a place where the duo definitely shine - and Aussie audiences will lap up the re-imagined 1996 hit.  

Jack River - Endless Summer ft. Genesis Owusu

Holly Rankin, AKA Jack River, has released her first song of the year, and it veers away from her usual beachy synth-pop that was the base of her 2018 album Sugar Mountain and back towards her roots of Talk Like That, which launched her career. Smooth, groovy and sexy, the song is an ode to 70s soul with Rankins vocals adding in a modern twist. Genesis Owusu also lends a hand with some unbelievably smooth adlibs and a verse of his own. Describing the track, Rankin said, "it sounds like a beach holiday while the world burns", and she's spot on. Vibey soul with a hint of Aussie pop - this song will last the distance. 

Lizzo ft. SZA - Special

Another re-release on today's list featuring Lizzo's feel-good banger Special, but this time superstar SZA joins the party. Taking over the first verse and adding in some ad-libs here and there, the two powerhouse women share the stage in the song, with SZA putting her own spin on Lizzo's verses. The Good Days singer brings a sense of camaraderie and excitement and breathes new life into the song, further proving her vocal power. Lizzo stays faithful to the original, reiterating the song's message; everyone has something unique to offer the world, and don't ever doubt it. If any song deserves to climb back up the charts, it's this one. 

Carla Wehbe - Knight to E5

Budding songstress Carla Wehbe has brought out the newest single, Knight to E5, of her upcoming album, Jupiter and Mars. It's slower than we've ever seen her before, cracking into tender emotions that spill out in a massive heady chorus. The song's title was taken from one of the first Harry Potter films, where Wehbe was inspired by Ron sacrificing his Knight for Harry in a life-or-death moment. "Knight To E5’ is about sacrificing your happiness or self for the happiness of someone you care about, essentially putting them before you." Akin to a slower Olivia Rodriguez, Wehbe is slowly taking over the pop-indie world, and this newest release is just the start.  

You can listen to the Hit List playlist featuring all the above songs and more on Apple Music or Spotify. We also have our Underground playlists that showcase the best of Australia's emerging artists. Find them here.