These LITM Pop Picks explore heartbreak, survival, and longing; featuring William Locks, Francesca & The Apostrophe, Matthew Phillips, and more!
1. William Locks – Better off alone
Opening with acoustic guitar and light percussion, Better off alone is a reflection on heartbreak, choosing loneliness, and exhaustion. “I'm tired of carrying the heartache / Tired of losing sleep for love / Maybe I'm better on my own now / At least I know that's safe enough,” sings William Locks, voice brimming with sorrow, emotion, and fragility. It’s a universally understandable, if not relatable, theme: making the choice to walk away, not due to anger or hate, but self-respect and knowing that it’s the right thing to do, no matter how difficult. The track isn’t overtly dramatic or loud – it’s cathartic in its subtlety. Listen here.
2. Francesca & The Apostrophe – The Apostrophe
Quiet, understated, and minimal, The Apostrophe by Francesca & The Apostrophe is a raw and open account of her journey of surviving cancer, and the survivor’s guilt that accompanies it. “This song is for survivors, for those who never seem to belong, for those [who] never felt like they could fit in,” she writes, explaining the feeling of learning to cope with such an experience, something that runs like a current throughout the song. “Should be grateful, should be happy / That the doctors saved the day… Do I even have the right / to be feeling broken-hearted?” she questions, and it’s a question that’ll stay with you.
3. Matthew Phillips – Till It’s Over
“It's not over till it's over, but it's time to get over you,” sings Matthew Phillips – a sentiment everyone can resonate with. A song that doesn’t follow the typical structure of a breakup anthem, it’s all about dealing with heartbreak and recognising when it’s time to leave a relationship that breaks you, and being brave enough to make that choice. As the song progresses, it swells into an atmospheric soundscape, with drums and guitars that fill every inch of the space available. Phillips’ vocal delivery is fragile and breathy, yet strong and confident – perfectly showcasing the thematic as well as sonic contrasts that play through the whole track. Listen here!
4. Jamie Alimorad – Santa Sucks
Santa Sucks flips the all-permeating festive cheer on its head – opening with the usual Christmassy cheer, it quickly becomes a pop-rock-inspired take on the state of shock you go into when you wake up on Christmas morning, see no presents for you, and realise you may not have been as nice all year as you thought you were. It’s upbeat and playful in its sound, and the fact that it doesn’t take itself too seriously is what gives it an odd charm that you can’t look away from – this contrasts beautifully with the ironic, disappointed lyrics, amplifying the humour of the situation. Give it a listen!
5. FJELIZI – Good Luck
Built on synth and shimmer, FJELIZI’s Good Luck sounds like watching dark noir cinema. Every second of it feels intentional and deliberated upon, as the track meanders through its slow, almost sensual rhythm. FJELIZI’s vocal delivery is lush and rich, twisting and turning in a way that feels just unsettling enough for you to drop everything and pay full attention to it. Good Luck is full of intimate, personal longing, which sits beautifully on the contrasting electronic instrumentals and melody. It’s hauntingly beautiful in its digital-sounding melancholia, creating a striking statement in the form of moody electronic pop. Check it out here!
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