This edition of LITM Pop Picks brings in a whole spectrum of themes, as it delves into mirroring humanity at large while delving into dark, confident anthemic tracks. The list features artists Amara Fe, Nathaniel Earl, Juliet Dawn Music, and more.
Amara Fe - Eyes on me
Brimming with sass and groove from the very first note, ‘Eyes on me’ by Amara Fe is the kind of song that you simply can’t get enough of. The soundscape is heavily electronic pop, making the song a sure play for the dancefloors. Lyrically, the song is quirky, drawing upon modern associations of romance. The lyrics are done complete justice through Amara's vocals, which are oozing with confidence, attitude, and edge, making the song an anthem for young girls in a way. Unapologetic and full of energy down to the last note, this song will have you coming back to it many, many more times after the first listen.
Nathaniel Earl - shoes
Bringing to you an immersive soundscape, ‘shoes’ by Nathaniel Earl feels like falling through lights in slow motion. The indie art pop track brings in elements of psychedelic pop, and also is cinematic owing to the dramatic shifts that the song moves through. The song starts out with heavy psychedelic tones and towards the middle takes on a stripped down sound and then once again moves into its hypnotic sound. The shift is back and forth, coming in unexpected, keeping you on an edge. Lyrically, the song is about realising the need to let someone go, but finding it hard to do so, and this idea complements the back and forth shifts that the song undertakes.
Juliet Dawn Music - Arise and Shine
Starting off with a blend of folk and jazz sounds, ‘Human Greed’ by Juliet Dawn Music will make you feel like you’re watching a theatrical production. The song along with its dramatics and theatrics, has a vintage touch to it, owing to the vocals, which makes you feel like you’re watching a heroine from the black and white films. The instrumentation is lush and indulgent, where all the layers complement each other beautifully. Lyrically, the song is all about hope and rising up against all odds, and this gives the song a worship song sound. Bright, both lyrically and musically, this song is the kind you need to listen to at the start of the day.
Xy Gala - Human Greed
Hypnotic vocals layered equally hypnotic riffs and bits introducing the track, ‘Human Greed’ by Xy Gala is a critique on humanity at present. Instrumentation wise, the song is intense and in a way brings two worlds together. The song has piano and violins, which are reminiscent of the past and then the electronic components in the song that are symbols of the present. Human fallacies remain the same, then and now. The blend of instruments brings the song in line with dark pop, hiphop and also rock. Brilliant in its thematic message and its music, the song is an easy must listen.
Ula - Danger
Funk, fun and sass characterising the track from the very first second, ‘Danger’ by Ula will bring out the main character energy in you. The beats in the song exude a sense of restless energy that comes from suppressing something for way too long, and thereby the confidence that comes from breaking free. There is a sultry, seductive nature that the song imbibes, giving it a dark, fun, exciting energy. The vocals also align with the energy that the instrumentation choices give out. If you’re feeling low, then give this song a listen right away, because it is definitely going to change that feeling.
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