Navigating the modern music landscape can be a daunting task, with nearly 840,000 tracks arriving on streaming platforms every week. To help listeners find their next obsession, the Rolling Stone UK team meticulously curates our Hot New Songs playlist. Each Friday, we highlight the most compelling releases from across the UK and Ireland, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve with the sounds defining the current cultural moment.
This week’s selection is anchored by a vibrant new offering from Ezra Collective’s highly anticipated album. Joining them is Nieve Ella, who returns with a powerful new anthem, and the formidable MNEK, whose latest work marks a triumphant comeback to the spotlight. These artists represent the breadth and depth of the contemporary scene, offering everything from jazz-infused rhythms to polished pop sensibilities.
Listen to the playlist below and follow us on Spotify.
Rolling Stone UK’s Essential Picks: August 28, 2026
- ‘Jubilee Feeling’ – Ezra Collective
- ‘Romance is a Desert’ – Nieve Ella
- ‘I’ve Never Felt So Hated’ – Chloe Slater
- ‘Muscle Marys’ – MNEK
- ‘One Thousand Roses’ – Headie One
- ‘Lose All Your Friends’ – Friendly Fires
- ‘Don’t Tell Your Friends’ – Silver Gore
- ‘2 Late’ – Kamran Khan
- ‘Ballet Pumps’ – Bea
- ‘Vogue’ (Gerd Janson remix) – Wasia Project