It’s a simple as a really catchy chorus. It’s been awhile since I’ve heard a really solid Kpop track. Hopefully more to follow.
Jonas Blue – We Could Go Back
I first heard of Jonas Blue for his remix of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” a couple of years ago which I surprisingly didn’t hate. To take on a dance remix of a song like that and pull it off takes both guts and skill and it should have clued me in to what he was going to do in the future. This dance/pop track featuring an awesome Nigerian singer is my favorite so far.
Ziggy Alberts – Runaway
This certainly isn’t a new release (2016), but after playing something similar for a friend, he recommended Ziggy to me. This is his most well known song, and it sure is a beaut. There is too much music in the world to find every good thing when it is first released and starts to resonate with listeners but as long as you’re always open to discovering new artists through any means you can still hopefully find great songs like the one below. Better late than never…
Sigrid – Strangers
Sometimes I think I’ve posted tracks and then months later realize that I haven’t. It’s quite frustrating and this is a good example, as I heard this song back in December or January and I’m just now posting it in May. Looking on Youtube recently it was only a week ago that she performed on the Tonight Show so I’d imagine the USA is just now starting to hear this track and will be enjoying it soon just like the rest of Europe and Australasia has for the past few months. There is something captivating about both the song and the singer and I honestly haven’t been able to put my finger on it. The timing of the song is unique for pop tracks in regard to the breaks, hits, and bridges, but there is also something deeper that resonates and keeps you hitting repeat. For months I haven’t figured it out, but maybe you will…
Dear Evan Hansen – Waving Through A Window
I’m really not sure how I come across music sometimes. This is a good example because despite Dear Evan Hansen and Ben Platt receiving multiple Tony Awards and passing the placard on Broadway as I was seeing another show, I never enquired about the music. One way or another I came across this track and was blown away. The emotion shown by Platt during the performance and the overall quality of a the song regardless of it’s connection to an award winning musical won me over. Take a listen and see for yourself, I’ve included both the studio release as well as a surprisingly hard to find example of Platt singing it live.
The Middle East – Blood (Gang of Youths Cover)
I first heard this track on Triple J’s Hot 100 countdown but I’m glad I did because while I enjoyed the Middle East’s track originally, this version adds a whole other dynamic and reinvents the enjoyment of the song for me. I encourage a listen. There is nothing like a good band nailing a song live.
ROAM – Playing Fiction
These newcomers from the UK are starting to headline the revival of the pop/punk scene across the pond. This track is a good highlight of their style with multiple singers and an attitude reminiscent of early Blink.
With Confidence – Better Weather
This newest album by relative newcomers to the pop/punk scene from Australia is really really good. I listed the album “Better Weather” instead of individual tracks as, despite listening to the album for weeks, I still haven’t figured out my favorite track. I’d also be doing the rest of the album a disservice by only recognizing one song. I’ve still only posted two of the tracks below, but if you enjoy the two, you’ll find a whole lot more where they came from.
Dekleyn – Ghost
This new Aussie group has a really solid track on their hands. Slowly building, mellow, but at the same time upbeat it’s a great mix of emotions and feelings evoked simultaneously. It’s been on repeat for me lately.
Hamilton – First Burn
A recent release from Lin Manuel Miranda as part of his #Hamildrop music releases. This “early draft” rendition of the song in the musical Hamilton by 5 women who all played Eliza Hamilton in releases in the USA and UK is both haunting and powerful. I can’t wait for more.