These LITM Pop Picks are everything from experimental and defiant to ethereal and funky – coming to your from artists like Natural Right, barDe, LIMAVII, and more!
1. Natural Right – Anna
Natural Right’s Anna is funky and experimental in its upbeat, high-energy sound. It’s more performed than delivered – the kind of song that’d slot neatly into a satirical musical. It leans into chill hop without ever losing its edge, as it dives deep into reflection. The band is self-described as creating “their own unique blend of original reggae ska with an indie and Balkan influence,” and this is showcased perfectly through this track. Natural Right creates an atmosphere that’s laid back and relaxed while simultaneously inviting you to maybe shimmy your shoulders, tap your feet, wiggle around a bit until you can’t resist it. Listen here!
2. barDe – C U Next Tuesday
C U Next Tuesday thrives on the delicious contrasts it creates – between the soft acoustics and dancey beat, the restrained backing and explosive arrangements, barDe’s smooth vocals and the grounded percussion. Rooted in the centre of it all is barDe’s voice, delivering a snappy, straightforward message of self-love, defiant acceptance, and putting yourself before anyone else. The transitions between each section are fluid and intentional, and the production is overall suave without becoming predictable and boring. The song’s accompanying music video is equally self-assured – it isn’t afraid to experiment with format while keeping things simple and easy to absorb. Check it out here!
3. LIMAVII – Electric Moon
If you close your eyes and lie down while listening to LIMAVII’s Electric Moon, it’ll be sure to transport you to another world. With ethereal vocals and soaring instrumentals that wrap around you completely, it creates an atmosphere that invites you to reflect, creating the space for you to figure yourself out within it. Every element of the track is intentionally placed where it is to create a certain delicacy and gentleness that lays a soft foundation for the vocals to rest on. Its feeling remains steady throughout – there aren’t any sudden dips or jarring spikes, allowing you to get completely lost in it.
4. Stefan Lalchev – Won’t Let Go
Won’t Let Go is the kind of song that, from its first moments, creates an openness that’s both refreshing and inviting. With lyrics like “Every night I would dream of the flame of your kiss / But now it’s clear to me it’s been all a fantasy… Still I’m standing here ‘cause my heart does not believe,” Lalchev explores the ache of love – whether unrequited or unreachable. It’s about the perseverance and strength you need to stand your ground even when love doesn’t work out, and Lalchev surrounds this message with soaring strings and a smooth percussive rhythm. Check Won’t Let Go out here!
5. Henry Lees – Smoke
Henry Lees’ Smoke is a funky pop reflection on the struggles of dating in today’s day and age – superficial connections seem to be the new normal, and Lees pours his frustration into this song. The central refrain, “Smoke, smoke, smoke / go away like so many ashes in the wind… like waves washing sand off my skin… like a bad punchline to a joke / want you to disappear like smoke,” perfectly encapsulates this annoyance – the want for bothersome things to just disappear is universal, and Lees captures it with simultaneous grace and fire. This has all the elements that a song needs to become a pop hit – catchy melody, creative effects, and a punchy production – listen here!
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