Kehlani – Vegas

Kehlani has just dropped their fourth studio album “Crash” which is a departure from the stripped back melodic sound of “Blue Water Road” and steps into a more upbeat rhythmic leaning soundscape. The whole record as a body of work is impressive, and will be an instant favourite for any fans of SZA’s “SOS” album. One of the albums standouts is “Vegas” which is a sensual mid-tempo track that ignites a little bit of fiery passion on the album. The catchy three and a half minute track pulls you in with its rhythmic production and guitar riffs that feel so organic. And then you add a provoking lyric like “What happens here stays here, it’s just like Vegas” and it’s all of a sudden even more fiery. Other clear standouts on the record are “Crash”, “8”, “Deep”, “Lose My Wife”, and “Tears”. A must listen record, honestly. 

Griff – Anything

Griff is really out here quickly becoming your new favourite pop star. Over this weekend she opened for Taylor Swift in London at Wembley Stadium, and was just announced as support for Sabrina Carpenter in North America. And on top of that – in August she is returning to Australia for a headline run of dates with Melbourne already sold out. This all revolves around the release of her debut album “Vertigo” on July 19, and to keep the momentum rolling she has dropped a catchy and anthemic new single. “Anything” follows in a similar vain to lead single “Vertigo” with an alt-pop production that builds into this cinematic singalong you know is going to feel even bigger live. The atmospheric vocals are layered with these 808 drums that have a pulsating and airy feeling to them. It’s a song about being so enamoured by someone that you would’ve done anything for them no matter have detrimental to yourself it would’ve been. “You know if you told me to run, jump, throw my body right off of a highwire bridge cause you’d meet me at the bottom. I woulda done anything you wanted” she sings. 

Charli XCX & Lorde – The girl, so confusing version with lorde

Charli XCX and Lorde really did just set the internet on fire with the unexpected collaboration of the year. “The girl, so confusing version with lorde” is a remix that acts as a reply to Charli’s song from her most recent critically acclaimed sixth studio album “BRAT” where she sings about what feels like a fake friendship with a fellow peer. With rumours going around that it was Lorde, the two have jumped on a remix of the track to clear the air and make peace, and we are GAGGING. It’s an incredible and powerful move that sees the two superstars airing their truths and explaining the misunderstanding of both of their actions. Lorde’s verse is so raw and honest and on a first listen I had chills listening to her being so vulnerable on what was kind-of a diss track towards her. “I was so lost in my head, and scared to be in your pictures. Cause for the last couple years I’ve been at war in my body. I tried to starve myself thinner, and then I gained all the weight back. I was trapped in the hatred, and your life seemed so awesome” she sings before echoing “cause I ride for you, Charli”. And honestly, this may just be THE pop moment of the year. 

jnr. – 2CLOSE

jnr. has spent the first few months of 2024 showing listeners different the sides of his artistry, and he’s finishing the trio of singles with his boldest pop song yet. “2CLOSE” welcomes the Sydney based one-to-watch into a pulsating dance-pop soundscape reminiscent of recent Troye Sivan, as well as a bit of Artemas and UK Garage pop. The floor-filling track is immediately infectious and commands your attention with its pulsating production that feels so carefree and uplifting. Reflecting on falling for someone, the shimmery hook echoes the sentiment that you just want to be in their orbit no matter what. “I think that you know, I need you too close” he sings. The accompanying music video directed by Zoe Debuc is out of this world (literally) with a sci-fi love story at the helm told through choreography, which is both visually stunning and captivating. There’s no one in Australia doing pop videos like this right now, and it’s so exciting. 

RÜFÜS DU SOL – Music is Better

It’s been three years in-between releases for RÜFÜS DU SOL but the Australian trio have finally returned with an ambitious new single that echoes an empowering sentiment that its title shares. “Music is Better” is an exciting first taste of what’s to come from this new chapter and it picks up where their last record “Surrender” left off with brooding electronic-pop production at its core, but uplifting pop melodies intertwined so perfectly. Capturing the themes of hope, intimacy and connection, this euphoric song is all about bringing people together in a time where it’s hard to sometimes see the positive light. “As I lie in the sun on the edge of a dream, you play me a song. Before I knew what you’d done I was up on my feet dancing along” lead vocalist Tyrone Lindqvist sings. “Music is Better” already feels like a classic RÜFÜS DU SOL song, and it’s one you are going to have on repeat for the rest of the year. 

UPSAHL – Summer so hot 

We got a little used to UPSAHL’s constant drip of new music, and we’ve been a little dry since the finale of the “THE PHX TAPES” A side/B side drops. But it’s okay because just in time for the US summer she has returned with a melodically strong new anthem to get stuck in your head. “Summer so hot” is the perfect beginning to a new era as it melds together a smooth new melodic sound with UPSAHL’s signature attitude-filled delivery. The nostalgic tinged song is all about missing summer days as you reminisce about all the good times you spend in the sun with your friends and loved ones getting into so many different shenanigans. “Yeah, the summer’s so hot, so we take our clothes off. And the water’s so cold, but the party don’t stop. Everybody’s so wet and I know we just met but you kiss who you want when the summer’s so hot” she cheekily sings. I am HERE for new UPSAHL music, and something tells me she is only just getting warmed up. 

Maren Morris & Julia Michaels – cut!

Maren Morris has really just decided to casually waltz into our lives with the news of as brand new EP “Intermission” dropping August 2 along with a relatable banger of a song, and I’m totally ok with it. “cut!” hears her teaming with an A-list of collaborators including Julia Michaels, Joel Little and Caroline Ailin, and honestly what a dream team. The result is a punchy 2 minute alt-pop track packed with a whole lot of emotions that celebrate healthy boundary setting and being open about your feelings, and this is the sort of energy we all need to embrace in 2024. “I’ve got clear skin from all the sleep. Clear mind from therapy. Yoga four days a week. How does she do it?” she sings during the opening verse. It’s also so nice hearing Julia Michaels’ voice again on a song and will have you itching for her to make her solo return. I could genuinely listen to this song repeat for hours, it feels like a nice little group therapy session.