Pop music has a way of carving out entire worlds—some familiar, some uncharted, all emotionally charged. This week’s LITM Pop Picks lineup brings that range to life. Evan Isaac masters the balance of vintage and fresh, JILIAAN strips emotions down to their rawest form, Cat Mayel constructs an atmosphere that’s both haunting and hypnotic, James King blends nostalgia with introspection, and Chayne turns confidence into an art form. Each of these tracks stands on its own, but together, they paint a full picture of what pop can be.
Evan Isaac - Takes Two
Evan Isaac knows how to craft a hook. “Takes Two” is indie-pop at its best—classic vintage synths, crisp electric guitars, and a midtempo beat that pulls you in instantly. The Pittsburgh-born, New York-based artist has a voice that’s clear and inviting, carrying a hint of melancholy beneath the upbeat instrumentation. But it’s the chorus that seals the deal. The moment the anthemic melodies hit, you’re in—only to be brought back down as the track carefully returns to its grounded, dreamlike atmosphere. This is bedroom pop with weight, nostalgia with momentum. Isaac is making waves for a reason, and “Takes Two” is undeniable proof.
JILIAAN - Lonely
Some songs whisper. “Lonely” doesn’t—it sits with you, makes you feel every second of its weight. JILIAAN’s voice is its own instrument, weaving through a minimal but intentional arrangement of soft piano, distant synths, and a rhythm that pulses like a quiet heartbeat. The track captures solitude in its purest form, not just the absence of others, but the presence of longing. There’s no rush to resolve it, no forced optimism—just emotion, laid bare. And that’s exactly why it works.
Cat Mayel - Free
“Free” isn’t just a song—it’s a place. Natural, tree-knocking percussion echoes through a soundscape that feels misty, almost untouchable. Cat Mayel’s voice trembles and soars, carrying a theatrical intensity that makes every note feel deliberate. There’s an unease beneath the beauty, a sense of something lurking, something watching. The percussion—reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s worldly beats—adds to the feeling of movement, of uncertainty, of being stalked by an unseen force. And yet, Cat keeps singing. Her voice darts and dives, mechanical harmonies appearing like shadows before fading into the distance. The song ends not with a grand finale, but with a quiet, eerie finality. “Free” feels like something ancient and new all at once. It’s haunting, cinematic, and unlike anything else you’ll hear today.
James King - Firefly
“Firefly” sounds like a memory. A song that drifts between nostalgia and self-discovery, built on dreamy synths, shimmering guitars, and James King’s effortless vocal delivery. There’s warmth in the melody but weight in the lyrics—King turns personal struggles into something hauntingly beautiful. The track moves like a late-night drive with nowhere to be, the kind of song that lingers long after it ends. It’s pop, it’s indie, it’s deeply human.
Chayne - Don’t Make Me Laugh
Confidence. Attitude. Playfulness with just the right amount of bite. “Don’t Make Me Laugh” is a song that walks into the room and takes up space. Chayne delivers razor-sharp lyrics over a beat that refuses to sit still, flipping between swagger and vulnerability like it’s second nature. It’s catchy without trying too hard, bold without losing its sense of fun. The production is crisp, letting the vocals cut through with a clarity that makes every line hit harder. If you’ve ever needed a soundtrack for not taking anyone’s nonsense, this is it.
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