Bringing to you songs capturing the joy of the Xmas season to songs that are all about choosing to be your authentic self, this edition of LITM Pop Picks has seasonal to perennial essentials. The list features East of Hearts, Ava Valianti, Victor Longato, and more.
East of Hearts - Thinking of You This Christmas
Starting off with a happy piano tune, ‘Thinking of You This Christmas’ by East of Hearts might just be your next favourite Xmas song. The instrumentation in the beginning incorporates a sweet piano tune coupled with a gentle acoustic guitar riff, and after the first verse and chorus, a solid bassline and steady, subtle drums come in. The drum pattern changes slightly during the bridge section, bringing in a new and yet complementary flavour to the track. The song is achingly beautiful, and is the perfect song to play as you make yourself a cup of hot chocolate and sit by the window watching the lights outside your window, reminiscing.
Ava Valianti - Hot Mess
Opening with a pop groove that is very much 2020s, ‘Hot Mess’ by Ava Valianti might just make you feel good about the “hot mess” that you are. The instrumentation makes use of a generous amount of electric guitars and groovy drums, creating a sound that will have you hitting on the like button within seconds. The vocals are insanely dynamic, and move beautifully with the instrumentation. They simply have no space for monotony. Lyrically, the song paints a contrast between the life that is lived for the show and the life that is lived in authenticity, and urges the listeners to own up to and embrace their messy but real selves.
Victor Longato - Freaked
Perfecting the electronic pop genre, ‘Freaked’ by Victor Longato captures very realistically the current digitally dependent dating culture in the world, specifically the mechanics of ghosting. The musicality takes on a somewhat chaotic as well as smoothly groovy sound, which complements the moments of confusion and satisfaction and contentment within the dynamics of dating. The vocals and their edited takes are in itself function like an instrument, offering a very different and interesting texture to the overall soundscape. Who knows, the song might just put into words your own unfortunate experiences with regards to dating in the now, which has become unnecessarily mentally tiresome.
Intercontinen7al - Love is everywhere
A guitar riff reminiscent of the vibrant Latin lands, ‘Love is everywhere’ by Intercontinen7al will feel like your personal dose of sunshine in these cold days of winter. The sound the song takes on is very much inspired by Latin-folk sound. The song is largely mandolin driven, which evokes a very warm, sweet vibe that you cannot help but find yourself smiling in response to. Vocally, the song is richly laden with beautiful, soulful harmonies that elevate the warmth in the song. There is a lovely sense of comfort and quiet that the song gives off, and if that is something that you are searching for in a song then look no further.
Hanne Leland - It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas
A beautiful, contemporary rendition of the timeless classic, ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas’ by Hanne Leland does justice to the original while bringing a new flavour to the track. The song starts with sounds of real life, which brings in an intimacy to the song. The soundscape of the song incorporates a distinct pop sound, with short electric guitar riffs spread throughout, with the classic Christmas musical elements. Leland’s vocals are beautiful, and wonderfully capture the joy and wonder of the season in a very much modern flair. There is simply no chance that you will not absolutely love this rendition of the long-loved original.
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