CBC Music presents “Songs You Need to Hear,” a curated list of fresh Canadian tracks that are making waves. Explore the latest picks our producers are currently vibing to.
For additional new music recommendations, don’t miss out on our SYNTH playlist on YouTube.
**Horseshoe, Tate McRae**
Tate McRae recently wrapped up her successful Miss Possessive world tour, a remarkable achievement that surpassed her wildest expectations. Following her third album, *So Close to What*, an expanded edition was dropped last Friday to cap off a phenomenal year for McRae. “Horseshoe,” one of the newly added tracks, perfectly showcases McRae’s lyrical depth. Despite her rise to fame with bold hits like “Greedy” and “Sports car,” McRae’s music delves into the complexities of young love and the pressures of stardom. Even amidst her success, she grapples with moments of melancholy, pondering, “Who am I to cry tonight?” Through a mellow tempo, her introspective lyrics explore conflicting emotions, questioning where her sadness fits in despite her fortunate circumstances. — *Kelsey Adams*
**Going Home, Dominique Fils-Aimé**
Montreal’s Dominique Fils-Aimé captures a sense of stillness in “Going Home,” set against delicate acoustic guitar melodies. Embracing a feeling of aimless wandering, Fils-Aimé infuses the track with a sense of resilience and joy, emphasizing that even in stagnation, one can remain strong. With sparse instrumentation, the song allows Fils-Aimé’s soulful vocals to take center stage, creating a soothing atmosphere. As the tempo picks up, Fils-Aimé’s playful delivery adds a touch of lightness, reinforcing the idea that home can be found in various forms. “Going Home” serves as the lead single from Fils-Aimé’s upcoming album, *My World Is the Sun*, set for release on Feb. 20. — *Natalie Harmsen*
**You Get Me By, Moonriivr**
Moonriivr’s latest release, “You Get Me By,” features front man Gavin Gardiner offering himself empathy through introspective lyrics. Reflecting on inner struggles and self-reassurance, Gardiner’s soothing vocals and the track’s warm analog sound create a comforting ambiance. With a lineup of seasoned musicians, including Wooden Sky’s Gavin Gardiner and guitarist James Robertson, Moonriivr’s music exudes a sense of familiarity and solace. “You Get Me By” resonates with its introspective nature and heartfelt lyrics, showcasing Gardiner’s ability to convey emotional depth through music. — *Nathan Gill*
**Wish I Were Better, Elysia Biro**
In her follow-up single, “Wish I Were Better,” Elysia Biro showcases vulnerability and raw emotion in her vocals. With a stripped-down piano accompaniment, Biro’s poignant lyrics convey a sense of longing and grief. The track captures the essence of emotional turmoil, as Biro’s vocals waver with heartfelt sincerity. Through sweeping strings and evocative storytelling, “Wish I Were Better” immerses listeners in a reflective and emotive journey. — *Melody Lau*
**À ce que je sache, Loud**
Quebec rapper Loud delves into introspection in his latest single, “À ce que je sache,” teasing his upcoming album *Douze sur douze*. Balancing reflections on past decisions with a celebratory tone, Loud navigates themes of hard work and artistic independence. With a blend of melodic delivery and laidback verses, the track showcases Loud’s versatility and lyrical depth. Marking his return after a six-year hiatus, Loud’s confident demeanor and musical prowess shine through in “À ce que je sache,” hinting at an exciting musical journey ahead. — *Holly Gordon*
