Songs of the week: Hot new tracks by Beyoncé, Maggie Rogers and Georgia Nott

By Beyoncé

It’s named for a form of poker invented in the state which also gave us Beyoncé and her move into country(ish) territory might be seen as a calculated gamble. It’s not the first country foray of her career but Beyoncé's timing is much better this time. To stretch the card thing little more, this and the earlier big-twang ballad 16 Carriages sounds like the beginnings of a royal flush. The banjo-powered Texas Hold ‘Em is both boot-scootingly infectious and quite a threat to Taylor Swift’s market share. The acapella version is really quite something too. – Russell Baillie

By Georgia Gets By

Georgia Nott may be more recognisable with platinum blonde hair standing alongside her brother belting synth-pop hits in the duo BROODS. But as her own act, Georgia Gets By, she takes a quieter, more introspective approach. When All You Can Manage Is a Sigh is a quick, homely two-minute ballad that the Nelson-born singer executes with a huskier refrain compared to her cleaner pop tracks. It is driven along with some pretty guitar and the melody wraps the performance up in a neat little bow. – Alana Rae

By Maggie Rogers

Everybody’s going country. There is speculation that Lana Del Rey’s next work will land in the genre, and Beyoncé's Texas Hold ‘Em confirms that the second act of her Renaissance project will have a strong Southern take. Maggie Rogers’ title track from new album Don’t Forget Me has notable twang, too, likely not discouraged by the assistance of Kacey Musgraves’ producer Ian Fitchuk. With beautiful, emotive storytelling in her lead single, Rogers says a lot with little. Lines like “Take my money, wreck my Sundays” are brutal but sweet, made only more engaging by her strong vocals. – Alana Rae

By Kasey Musgraves

Elevating, finger-picking country from the Grammy-grabbing Texan star who here embraces more folk and dream pop than standard country styles while offering a life lesson: Everything I did seemed better when I was high … so I’m getting rid of the habits that are real good at wasting my time.” Gorgeously airy pop for late summer days. – Graham Reid

By Pearl Jam

The return of Pearl Jam just as fans would want them: heavy, heartfelt, riff-driven and timely. The title track from their forthcoming album (out April 19), it noisily announces a world tour coming to Auckland on November 8. Big, boisterous and a fist-pumping stadium-shaking song that proves their power hasn’t been diminished by the decades. – Graham Reid