In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, each track uses different elements across genres, each taking on unique characteristics. From seductive commitment to empowering optimism, each song tells a story rooted in pop’s cross-genre cross-pollination. Featuring River Toussaint, Evelí Ray, Majka_hp and more!
1. River Toussaint - Put Down For Love
‘Put Down For Love’ by River Toussiant takes on this viscerally seductive tone, with its groovy rhythms with horns accenting the melodies with slow ease. Its melodies pull at this listener, with this percussive build that captures the dense, sensual hold the song seems to have on both the narrator and their lover.
Our narrator is smittened, taken by their lover, “...yes, I’m puttin’ down for your love…”. This seductive build is realised by its expansive rock bridge the simply ramps up the emotion, while doubling down on the narrator’s pull towards their lover.
Sensual, seductive and solid.
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2. Eveli Ray - Particles
‘Particles’ by Eveil Ray takes on a more mysterious air, characterised by synths that build quietly, and pattering percussion that allows the track its space and positivity. Its mood is mostly kinetic and quick-paced, building towards a refrain that slows a bit, drawing focus to its core theme. Settled in belonging: “....Maybe you finally found your home…you remember where you belong….”.
The beat trickles in to build this sense of tension. This mysterious trickle sounds like sand beating against a drum, sparking with energy driven by rhythm. The melodies scatter before slowing to come together, much like particles when they’re forced together to create energy.
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3. Steve and Dolapo - Early Morning Glow
‘Early Morning Glow’ by Steve and Dolapo pulls on melodies with a slightly blues-like feel, with horns and percussion that subtly builds. This with a shuffling melody that feels quiet, as though it's only beginning to open up, with bits of optimism that slowly build and build.
“...Early morning glow, light up where we go…”.
It holds in its shuffling rhythms and piano melodies that feel unique while embodying a character. There’s a sense that these vocal melodies will only continue to ramp up in intensity as awareness builds. The listener is simply privy to this sense of building optimism as it builds.
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4. Caroline in the Garden - This Peak
‘This Peak’ by Caroline in the Garden takes on a dark synth and piano sound while building tension with phrases that progressively build into full, flowing sentences. The sounds take their time to build, while the narrator uses the lyrics to empower their seemingly difficult climb to somewhere better. “...How will I summit this peak?...”.
“...Doubts creep…” but there’s this empowered sense of resilience that feels strong and deeply held onto. “...I hope that you will see…that I can go it alone…”. The song has a lot to prove, with declarations that hope to push forward regardless and hold true.
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5. Majka_hp - The Beat Goes On
‘The Beat Goes On’ by Majka_hp is a groovy tune that takes on an almost playful and funky beat. Its chill groove questions endurance, seemingly challenging the listener asking them, “...would you stay hyped while the beat goes on?...”. There’s this quiet build-up of intensity that keeps pace with the rhythms that seem to roll past.
Momentum keeps us steady on the track while our narrator presses on, with sass and attitude that feels in line with the chill groove we’ve been marinating in. “...Do you stay hyped when you lose control?...”. Fun, with a bit of sass and energy.
Listen here:
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