This edition of LITM Pop Picks brings to you shimmering guitar driven tracks, poignant lyricisms, genre-blending pop, and much more. The list features artists Boey, SMK, Nata, and more.
Boey - When Will It End?
A poignant commentary on the state of affairs in the world at present, ‘When Will It End?’ by Boey will have you sit quiet and truly reflect instead of the easy detachment that we sometimes chase. The instrumentation builds and gains momentum, reflecting the rise in intensity in the lyricism. Stripped and not overtly crowded, the song does not make use of a large number of instruments and instead makes use of simple layers of guitars and percussion. This allows for the attention to be upon the lyrics and Boey’s vocals that are steeped in honest vulnerability. An important song given the times that are full to the brim with upheaval and violence, this song is one you shouldn't miss out on.
SMK - DOPE
Blending genres and sounds, ‘DOPE’ by SMK in collaboration with Rubin Kind upholds the modern sound of pop while carving out its own path. The instrumentation makes use of the larger 2020s pop elements and also some Afropop elements, bringing about an interesting groove that is hard to not get absolutely addicted to. The lyrics are bilingual and the vocals blend the essence of the two languages seamlessly, maintaining the emotion quotient of the song and keeping it intact. This is the kind of song that if you play once you best believe it will rule over your playlists for a long time to come.
Nata - J'aurais Dû
Bringing together moods and musical elements, ‘J'aurais Dû’ by French artist Nata will be new favourite for the dancefloors. The instrumentation is heavily influenced by the 2010-20s synth pop melodies, and leans towards a soft electronic pop sound that doesn’t feel forceful upon your senses. It instead allows the listeners to settle into its magnetic grooves with ease. The synth movements in the track are so very smooth and yet very dynamic at the same time, bringing about the creation of perfect, lush textures. If you are into synthpop then you shall be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t listen to this song asap.
Salam Noir - So Called Game
Bringing back old-school hip-hop to the contemporary hip-hop scene, ‘So Called Game’ by Salam Noir feels like driving with the windows down a pleasant summer’s evening by the coast. The instrumentation is characterised by typical hip-hop coded beats and smooth piano progressions that add great textures to the track. Noir’s flow is impeccable and gets you hooked to the song’s rhythms and grooves. Her rap makes it impossible to not get consumed by the chill, the ease which the song embodies. This song is the real gem in the current hip-hop scene – where everything feels overdone, this one stands out and holds its own.
Euplasia - Hidden Power
Shimmering, vibrant guitars opening the track, ‘Hidden Power’ by Euplasia is sunshine and warmth and all things nice encapsulated in a song. Soothing and upbeat at the same time, the use of defining soft drum patterns, and dynamic guitars seal the song’s atmosphere. The warm, rich, velvet-like vocals feel like a real treat, a real cherry on top of the cake that the instrumentation in the song is. The guitar solo that comes in the second half of the song is enchanting and magical. Comprising all things hopeful and bright and sunshine-y, this song is for you if you seem to be buried under the glooms of the season.
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