In LITM Pop Picks this week, Lapenzi, Kärma Sounds, Joe Lington and others deliver emotionally charged ballads, soulful melodies, and dancefloor hits

In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, we take you on a musical journey from heartfelt love songs to club hits from artists Lapenzi, Johnaé Elease, NEO & NEO, Kärma Sounds, and Joe Lington.

Lapenzi - Pretend

Australian singer-songwriter Lapenzi’s latest release titled “Pretend” is an emotive musical outpour of a dejected lover. The penetrative tonality of the singer’s voice shines bright over soothing piano melodies. It immediately reminds you of the vocal texture and writing style of artists like Miley Cyrus. Lyrically, the track is a hymn for broken hearts; traversing topics of loss, yearning and attachment. The song has a tendency to wring your heart strings, emanating a sense of melancholy and emotional release. Towards the end, the song beautifully culminates into pure and raw singing and solitary piano keys that linger in your mind long after the song’s over. 

Johnaé Elease - Headphones

Singer-songwriter and mental health advocate, Johnaé Elease’s new track titled “Headphones”  provides a musical companion to all those feeling overwhelmed by society, burnt out and experiencing the anxiety of infinite choices. Her heart-felt vocal rendition of the lyrics convey the beauty and power of music to offer a safe haven to anybody feeling anxious. She draws from her own experience of finding immense joy in “never-ending playlists” on an unsettling day. With vibrant peppy guitars, bubbly rhythm and soft harmonies this song feels like the gentle morning sun hitting your skin. If you’re having a not-so-okay day and are in need of a mood-lifter, then this is the song you need.

NEO & NEO - Stone In My Heart (Live At Hardstudios)

Stone In My Heart is NEO & NEO’s new indie release. With emotive chords, grounding beats and grunge vocals that deepen and soften in waves emphasizing the lyrical narrative, this song is meant for those times when you find yourself drawn into the current of introspection. As the song takes shape, sustained piano sounds surround the track driving feelings of melancholy and separation deep into your heart. This track’s musical expression is reminiscent of sounds from Coldplay, Kodaline and others. The lyrics allude to gloomy days that bring an air of contemplation. It addresses the weight of one’s inner chasm and explores concepts of attachment and absence. 

Karmä Sounds - Mysterious

Mysterious is a high-energy club-banger type of a song released by Kärma Sounds, the moniker of Karina Morin, a Vancouver based artist. The electro-pop track is a shot of adrenaline packed with dance beats, funk and synth elements. The singer’s emphatic voice and sonic range clearly exhibits her vocal influences by artists like Erykah Badu, Sade and Chaka Khan. Through the lyrics we hear a story about being curious, impulsive and free in love.   As the song progresses, slinky guitar riffs, squiggly bass notes and electronic pulses merge together, creating a dreamy cosmic soundscape. This song sonically paints a picture of what it might feel like to be transported to a dance-club in another planet, where you have just locked eyes with a potential beau. Because why not, “Life’s too serious” and you want to “Keep it mysterious”.

Joe Lington - You & Me 

With “You & Me” Joe Lington renders a groovy sonic narrative on love. The song’s twangy acoustics, bass notes, passionately husky vocals, and soft rock beats draws listeners in and never loses their attention. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of love and togetherness, while the music's suave melodies and unhurried tempo enhances the song's nostalgic charm. If you enjoy the French language, then you’re in for a treat– a French verse in the second half vocally delivered with raw authenticity. The instrumental arrangement is tastefully understated, allowing the vocals and lyrics to shine. This track is sure to strike a chord with anyone who's ever been in love.

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