Benson Boone – Beautiful Things

US rising star Benson Boone has kicked off what is to be a massive year for him with one of his most impressive releases yet. Following in the footsteps of “NIGHTS LIKE THESE” and “In The Stars”, his new single “Beautiful Things” packs a powerful hook full of raw emotion that immediately captivates. Reminiscent of the likes of Noah Kahan and Zach Bryan, the song begins with an acoustic guitar accompanied by an emotionally fuelled vocal delivery. As the song steers into the chorus it ignites with a full rock inspired production. The romantic track hears him proclaiming his love for someone, and explaining that he’s terrified of the idea of ever losing her. “And I thank God every day for the girl he sent my way. But I know the things he gives me, he can take away. And I hold you every night, and that’s a feeling I wanna get used to. But there’s no man as terrified as the man who stands to lose you” he sings. “Beautiful Things” elevates everything he’s released before, and welcomes him into this mature pocket that genuinely excites me to see where he’s going to go next. 

Meg Smith – jesus christ in a mini skirt

Meg Smith is here to become your next pop obsession. Following a breakout year, the Brooklyn based artist has steered into 2024 with one of her most infectious tracks yet. “jesus christ in a mini skirt” doesn’t hold back in serving you exactly what you need, and that is pop perfection. Reminiscent of Chappell Roan, the track has this playful energy that feels chaotic, bold, and hones a sense of fun. Led by big pop synths (think Robyn), and nostalgic early 2000’s melodies, she then adds in a saxophone solo before the bridge which cements its arena-pop status. Lyrically it’s quite dark in a cheeky way of trying to get someone’s attention who is dating someone else. “And I’m trying to be someone you’d want. All this timе I believed if i could just be Jesus Christ, then you’d want me” she sings. One listen will simply not be enough for “jesus christ in a mini skirt”, and you’ll find yourself hitting replay over and over again. 

Blusher – Rave Angel

Melbourne based pop trio Blusher are ready to follow up their impressive debut EP “Should We Go Dance?” with a fierce new single. “Rave Angel” opens a new chapter for Miranda, Jade, and Lauren by taking the dreamy pop sound you have come accustomed to from them and adding in an edgy hyper-pop influence which is clearly inspired by their nights out in Los Angeles. Following touring with Tove Lo, Aurora, Daði Freyr, and showcasing at SXSW Sydney, this song feels pointed towards their live set. The pulsating synths drive the baseline of the track with their dreamy melodies gliding over the top so perfectly. And then as they reach the chorus they switch things up with a glitchy breakdown which gives the song a unique texture. The euphoric track is all about not letting moments get by and just living in the present, and it really creates the perfect soundtrack to do just that. “Don’t let it pass you by rave angel. Crashing into the light, so graceful. Spinning around around till morning comes. Never know, never know when you’ll fall in love” they sing during the carefree hook. 

Amy Shark – Beautiful Eyes

“If you spend enough time with someone, chances are, you’re probably gonna fall in love” Amy Shark sings during the opening moments of her new single “Beautiful Eyes”. And honestly, she’s right. The honest pop song is being touted as her favourite song she’s ever written, and lyrically it holds up with its romanticism and introspective nature. “Don’t hold back when your legs start moving. Try to react, don’t think, just do and darling don’t let the days go by” she proclaims. The production hears her returning to classic Amy Shark form with the indie-pop structure led by an acoustic guitar that is built up with atmospheric production, strings, and drums. It’s a festival ready moment that will see you holding the people you love the most close while you scream the beautiful lyrics out for dear life. 

Noah Kahan & Sam Fender – Homesick

Noah Kahan has just touched down in Australia for a massive sold out national tour, and he’s really just out here delivering all the goods at the moment. Following collaborations with Gracie Abrams, Hozier, Kacey Musgraves, Lizzy McAlpine, and Post Malone where he reimagines songs from his critically acclaimed record “Stick Season”, he’s enlisted Sam Fender for another one. “Homesick” has always been a fan favourite, but now its got even more star power behind it in cementing it as a centre-piece on the record. The original production already felt like a Sam Fender song, so now having him sing on the track just feels right and makes total sense. It makes us want to hear more from them together as their vocal tones intertwine so perfectly, so let’s manifest that. 

CXLOE – Chloe Enough!

CXLOE is back and she’s ready to share her intrusive thoughts with the world on a new pop gem. “Chloe Enough!” brings us into her inner monologue in the most honest way, while also finding a way to poke fun at herself. “I’m tryna tell you what goes in the head of a perfectionist. Are you listening yet?” she highlights to the listener as she delves into all of the thoughts that rush her brain. “Talking to yourself again, haven’t you had enough? You know everybody else has already given up. Hey, anxiety, why do you lie to me?” she sings. For the production she returns to her dark-pop roots and gives you slick synths intertwined with lush pop beats and melodies. It feels like an elevated addition to her EP “Heavy, Pt.1” with its strong writing and dreamy pop hooks, and will have you pressing replay over and over again. 

San Cisco feat. Nicholas Allbrook – Summer Days

Australian indie darlings San Cisco are welcoming their fifth studio album “Under The Light” into the world on March 1. So far they’ve dropped the dreamy stylings of “High”, “Honeycomb”, “Horoscope”, “Lost Without You” and the title track “Under The Light”, but now it’s time to add one more to the list. “Summer Days” is by far the strongest track from the upcoming record yet. It’s the perfect addition to your playlists for the final month of summer as you embrace those lush beach days, long car rides, and sweaty sun baking afternoons. This song feels like a return to form for them, with one of their catchiest hooks I’ve heard from them in years. While the song feels quite anthemic, it’s a romantically melancholic song about loss. “I never thought I’d get so lonely in the middle of a disco but, woah” they sing during the dreamy hook. “Summer Days” is a warm hug in song form from San Cisco, and it’s an embrace you will keep heading back to.