In an attempt to keep these posts from being too long, there are less than 10 artists every week. If you see a recent comeback missing that you would like my feedback on, feel free to comment and I’ll try to get it in next week’s post.
Disclaimer: I am studying music production and often talk about the production of songs. I also mention other songs or artists that come to mind. This isn’t to compare talent, but to provide a reference point to what I’m hearing or describing. I will often critique, but please don’t confuse this with being negative or hating on anyone. If I honestly dislike something, it won’t be featured on the site because I’m not in the business of being mean.
Also, I apologize for the delay in posting this week, catching up on school and my internship took longer than expected. With all that said, pull up a chair with your coffee or tea and let’s dive in!
Hany by AJAA
The track gives Astro vibes, in the vein of When You Call My Name, not the same, just similar vibe. It’s such a fun P-Pop track. Tagalog sounds so lovely; I really need to add more P-Pop groups to my playlists. For now, it’s just AJAA. The wind instrument sounds right out the gate set the tone really well. And the vocals are so pleasantly in line with the airiness of the track. If you need a fun and light track that you can’t help but bob your head to, definitely give this one a listen.
Boyfriend by Johnny Orlando
He has a newer release, so if you like this one, I’d recommend checking out A Man Like Me. I didn’t like the F-Boi vibes in it, but I’m sure some of my readers will. I really enjoy Boyfriend though! It has such a groove-heavy beat. And his voice sits right in that pocket. This song is so easy to replay again and again because of that lazy rhythm that draws you in. This song almost has Mikky Ekko vibes going on. And the lyrics are interesting, I’m not entirely sure if I like them, but I do like the way he sings them, if that makes sense. It’s going on a playlist as soon as I decide where it belongs.
Baila Conmigo by ONEUS
I would love more Latin inspired K-Pop songs. This is a little more K-Pop focused than Kard, but in a similar Latin vein and I appreciate it. The diversity in the music video was such a breath of fresh air, but all that glitter made me feel sorry for the clean-up crew. Something about the production on this song reminded me of their 2019 track Twilight. Especially at the break towards the end. But between the choreography and the instrumental and the vocals, this song is going on a playlist.
Wake me up by AVOKID
I think anyone who loves Taylor Swift would click with this track. I love the weight of her voice throughout this song. She is light as a feather and heavy as a rock to not only match the mood of the song, but also the weightiness of the instrumentation. Such a beautiful song to match an absolutely stunning vocalist. All I can say is that you should listen to it to understand what I mean.
IDWLU by HotSauce featuring DeepShower & LAVEEN
This song just feels like regret. The vocals feel desperate and lonely. The harmonies in this track really add depth to that feeling as well. Like you’re sinking while you listen. One of those songs best played with headphones, lying on the bedroom floor, while it rains outside. Try it and report back on how it elevates the song.
(TW: Flashing lights and blood)
Other Side by PLAZA
Michael Jackson meets The Weeknd in the song by PLAZA. This track went on the playlist I dance to immediately after listening to it for the first time. It’s smooth with punchy moments. The production isn’t really all that busy, but the song still feels full. I love the layered vocal harmony tracks. This track could easily be in James Bond style movie. The lyrics are interesting as well. The things people do in the name of curiosity and infatuation.
Vision Getting Blurred by BÉBE YANA
This is the sort of song that gets played at the club after a string of fast party beats, to give the club a moment to chill and vibe before they pick back up again. Not that this song is slow, but her vocals give a chill vibe despite how up tempo most of the track actually is. Maybe it’s just me. I love the effects they added towards the end of the song to keep the music from feeling too repetitive though.
(TW: Flashing lights)
Chasing That Feeling by TXT
Be still my 80’s heart. This track has David Bowie all over it. And the lyrics remind me of Labyrinth, which was a staple movie in my childhood. So obviously I added this to a playlist before it was done playing. I really appreciate these smokey vocals they used here on top of that undeniably 80’s beat. But I like the choreography perhaps more than anything else. Because I have seen a lot of discussion about Idols and Dance in terms of dancing to the lyrics vs music. And it feels like TXT decided to show they can do both and the choreography is just so fun to watch.
(TW: Flashing lights)
I’m Not Ok by CHANMINA
Chanmina channeling Haley Williams for a Paramore vibey chorus is bringing out all the nostalgia. And if you’ve been here for a while, you know I love chants in songs. That chant just accentuates her claim that she’s not okay. The lyrics to this song are so overwhelming the feelings of the collective energy of the world right now that it’s hard to pass this song up. The way the song feels dominated by her voice for the verses and then she shares space with those rock drums for the chorus helps pound home her point as well.
Thank you for joining me! I hope you left a little lighter than when you arrived.
