This week's LITM Pop Picks shows off pop music as a powerful vehicle for emotional expression featuring artists like Grant Brown, DEWAR, Christian Dolan and others

In this edition of LITM Pop Picks, embark on diverse musical journeys through love, liberation, self-discovery and more with artists Grant Brown, DEWAR, Alexa Villa, Taylor Ravenna and Christian Dolan.

Grant Brown - Low

"Low" by Grant Brown is a refreshing love ballad that delicately navigates the allure of new romance. The music unfolds with a graceful dance of moving melodies, guided by a slow-rising rhythm that builds into a euphoric swell of ambient tunes. The song grows in intensity until the very end, where the listener is met with a gently grounding acoustic guitar section, ending on a refreshing note. Grant Brown's vocals, rich and resonant akin to Sam Smith, passionately convey lyrics exploring the immersive experience of love. The song delves into the intense desire to savor every moment with a beloved, all while maintaining a discreet romance away from prying eyes. "Low" emerges as a captivating and beautifully nuanced ode to new love.

DEWAR - Influence

“Influence” by Scottish musician DEWAR is a powerful rock-pop fusion track, characterized by looping guitar riffs, bold bass rhythms, and surging melodies. The singer's powerful vocals, delivered with genuine passion, elevate the music, particularly in the soaring vocal melodies that encapsulates the angst and state of being overwhelmed by the strong hold of a lover. Exploring the profound force of attraction, the track delves into the vulnerability of succumbing to immense influence. It's a weighty, validating anthem resonating with those suffering such a fate. However, amidst the intensity, there's a subtle undercurrent—a desire for liberation from the captivating hold, a plea to break free from an influence that lacks legitimacy. “Influence” is a musically rich exploration of love's captivating yet tumultuous dynamics.

Alexa Villa - MySpace

"MySpace" by Alexa Villa is a nostalgic nod to the punk-pop sounds of the 2000s, with a fresh, contemporary touch, evoking memories of Avril Lavigne and channeling Olivia Rodrigo's spirit. Villa's arrangement skillfully incorporates wobbly piano melodies, vibrant guitar riffs, acoustic tones, robust basslines, and driving drums. Her vocals, at times textured and distorted, infuse vitality into the track. Beyond its musical gravity, the song explores themes of self-acceptance, urging listeners to embrace their journey and love every facet of themselves. In a world grappling with imposter syndrome and self-esteem issues, "MySpace" becomes a powerful anthem, proudly chanting a self-love slogan that goes like this– “trying to love this place, my body, my mind, my space”.

Taylor Ravenna - Taking My Luv

"Taking My Luv" by Taylor Ravenna immerses listeners in a dark and foreboding soundscape. With evident EDM influences in the texture and tonality of the musical ambience, this song transports the listener to a deeply emotional world that the artist has constructed. The track’s melancholic yet reassuring chorus stands out, while looping vocal melodies and heavily distorted tones intensify the emotional tension as the song progresses. Ravenna takes the audience by the hand, guiding them through a somber narrative of gaining strength through adversity. The lyrics portray a fearless individual unafraid of dark places, navigating challenges with an open heart. Ravenna artfully captures the emotional turbulence of navigating tumultuous relationships.

Christian Dolan - A Memory and Your Versace

"A Memory and Your Versace" by Boston-based musician Christian Dolan featuring Cole Blundin is a pop phenomena, pulsating with the energy, reminiscent of music from Troye Sivan and Harry Styles. The track boasts ethereal distorted melodies, pulsing drums, and noodly electronic sounds, creating a sonic experience that mirrors the feelings of euphoria that infect your being, after a tantalizing romance. The singer’s hazy voice adds glittery pops of emotion to the song, morphing into a bright swaying aurora as the vocal harmonies emerge. Lyrically, the song narrates the story of an intense, joyous chance encounter that is not bound to last long, just like meteors, which lights up the sky briefly, leaving only invisible dust. Despite the fleeting nature, the memory lingers, capturing the beauty of something transient, much like the song itself—a vivid portrayal of the ephemeral nature of love.

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LITM Pop Picks this week serves a strong brew of dance-pop, indie, blues and scandipop sounds featuring artists John Conlin, Dani Hagan, Army of Lovers and others

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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