In this week’s edition of LITM Pop Picks we bring you an eclectic pop mix with music that spans across dance-pop, indie, blues and Scandinavian pop genres from artists John Conlin, Dani Hagan, Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions, Mick J Clark and Army of Lovers.
John Conlin - Months and Months
‘Months and Months’ by Toronto-based musician John Conlin blends pop with dance, electro, and synth elements, evoking the infectious energy of 2000s pop music icons like Enrique Iglesias and Justin Timberlake. Lyrically, the song delves into the emotional journey of post-breakup healing, offering reassurance and empowerment to those who habitually extend unwarranted second chances. The track boasts a sonic landscape with vivid synthesizer music, layered vocal harmonies, emphatic singing, and groovy rhythms. The chorus radiates energy, the kind that is needed to move on to better things in life. "Months and Months" is lively and compelling in expressing the narrative of resilience and self-affirmation.
Dani Hagan - Kissing You
‘Kissing You’ by Los Angeles based musician, Dani Hagan is the title-track of her upcoming album. It is a lyrical journey about being tantalized by forbidden love and the battle against succumbing to desire. Hagan's voice, reminiscent of Christina Aguilera and P!nk, adds a compelling dimension to the song. The track itself is a fusion of rock n roll and blues, characterized by sultry singing, driving drumming and suave guitar riffs. Blooming piano notes are embroidered throughout the musical fabric adding texture to the track. This track gives off a dingy rock-music bar, whiskey glasses and regrettable choices vibe.
Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions - Scooter
‘Scooter’ by Grand Rapids-based band, Jack Droppers & The Best Intention, is the title track of their latest album. It offers a unique listening experience, by being simple yet stratified. It delivers a riveting musical experience, in the likes of artists like Of Monsters & Men and The Lumineers. Lyrically, it delves into themes of self-discovery and self-realization, making it a song that resonates personally on multiple levels. The song begins with cheerful guitar strums, light percussion, and slender vocals, gradually building up to an explosive finale with wind instruments, harmonic choir, atmospheric synths, flickering xylophone, and thumping percussion. It’s the sonic equivalent of witnessing a majestic and vibrant sunset, setting off goosebumps all over your skin.
Mick J Clark - At Last
Singer song-writer Mick J Clark’s song ‘At Last’ is a narrative-driven musical gem. This track, released back in 2010, is making a well-deserved comeback, especially in the present context of Israel's war on Palestine. It spreads one critical message- love; love for all humankind. Lyrically, the artist conveys loud and clear— that the killing and injuring of women and children in wars must stop. It is outright cruel and cowardly, and more than anything it’s wrong. Allowing the doleful yet passionate vocals to take center-stage, the artist places soft guitar melodies, emotive piano notes and gentle percussion in the musical backdrop. This indie track mixes country, rock and soulful elements to give us an emotional rendition of the lyrical narrative.
Army Of Lovers - Love Is Blue
After a 10-year hiatus, Army of Lovers is back with ‘Love Is Blue,’ a flamboyant dance-pop track. The Swedish dance-pop sensation has teamed up with Ukrainian star-singer Olya Polyakova to deliver a blast from the past, with their authentic dance-pop sounds. The song's musical arrangement pays homage to legends like ABBA, offering a genius blend of orchestral choirs that soar and dip, pulsar percussion that beats with your heart, celestial synth melodies that serenade, and an infectious rhythm. Dramatic singing gracefully traverses the safe plains all the way up to tall dangerous cliffs of vocal range. This song is a vivid and exhilarating musical journey. Army of Lovers effortlessly marries their nostalgic dance-pop sounds with modern sensibilities. It's a testament to their enduring talent and a welcome return for fans of the scandipop genre.
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