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Awesome Songs: July 2023 [šŸ“·: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; cottonbro studio, Tara Winstead from Pexels]Awesome Songs: July 2023 features music courtesy of Billie Eilish, Dixon Dallas, Jung Kook, Olivia Rodrigo, Sampha, and Troye Sivan.Ā 

It’s that time! What time it is? Why, Monthly round-up time, of course! It is the time to select the best songs of the month! All the songs on šŸŽ§ā€ÆAwesome Songs: July 2023 were released as singles or as an album track in late June 2023, July 2023, or whereabouts (exceptions are possible). Musicians that made our ears perk up in July 2023 include šŸŽ™ Billie Eilish, šŸŽ™ Dixon Dallas, šŸŽ™ Jung Kook, šŸŽ™ Olivia Rodrigo, šŸŽ™ Sampha, and šŸŽ™ Troye Sivan among others. The musical styles are all over the map on this musical compendium. So, without further ado, here are those šŸŽ§ā€ÆAwesome Songs: July 2023! Also, feel free to check out the previous month’s awesome songs!  


1. Troye Sivan, ā€œRushā€Ā 

šŸ’æ Something To Give Each Other • šŸ· EMI Recorded Music Australia Production • šŸ—“ 2023Ā Ā 

Troye Sivan, Something To Give Each Other [šŸ“·: EMI Recorded Music Australia Production]ā€œI feel the rush / Addicted to your touch / Oh, I feel the rush / It’s so good, it’s so good.ā€ šŸŽ™ Troye Sivan embraces andĀ double down on his sexuality on the club-infused bop, šŸŽµ ā€œRushā€.Ā  ā€œRushā€ serves as the opener and lead single of his third studio album, šŸ’æ Something To Give Each Other.Ā  It’s fabulous and gay AF.Ā The music video seals the gay deal of ā€œRushā€.Ā  Still, even if Sivan had denied us a visual of appetizing shirtless men and sexual liberation, the sound of the record is giving gay club.Ā  This slick joint was produced by šŸŽ› Styalz Fuego, NOVODOR, and Zhone.Ā  To some extent, this sound is a change of pace for Sivan. Lyrically and thematically, sex is written all over this record.Ā  Sure, there’s dancing, but it’s dirty dancing 😈 šŸ•ŗ 🪩! ā€œTrust the stimulation, don’t you let it break / Every stimulation, promise I can take,ā€ Sivan sings in the first verse adding, ā€œWhat you wanna give? Boy, you better show me what / You’ve been schemin’ up.ā€ WOO 🄵 🄵 🄵! The heat continues in the second verse, where Troye asserts, ā€œPass your boy the heatwave,ā€ adding, ā€œKiss it when you’re done, man, this shit is so much fun / Pocket rocket gun.ā€ Clearly, while listening to the heat and surefire bop that is šŸŽµ ā€œRushā€, you should be some place where it’s okay if you get a little, um, turned on!Ā Ā Ā 


2. Olivia Rodrigo, ā€œVampireā€

šŸ’æ GUTS • šŸ· Olivia Rodrigo / Geffen • šŸ—“ 2023Ā 

Olivia Rodrigo, GUTS [šŸ“·: Olivia Rodrigo / Geffen]ā€œAs you sunk your teeth into me, oh / Bloodsucker, fame fucker / Bleedin’ me dry like a goddamn vampire.ā€ WOO! šŸ† Grammy-winning pop superstar šŸŽ™ Olivia Rodrigo returns in a big way with, šŸŽµ ā€œVampireā€, the ambitious lead single from her highly anticipated sophomore LP, šŸ’æ GUTS. Olivia doesn’t mince her words.Ā  A couple of f-bombs always adds pizzaz, don’t they? Rodrigo penned ā€œVampireā€ alongside šŸŽ¼ āœ šŸŽ› Dan Nigro, who also produces.Ā Early on, Rodrigo makes it crystal clear that she is not happy with her ex. ā€œSix months of torture you sold as some forbidden paradise,ā€ she asserts in the first verse, adding, ā€œI loved you truly / You gotta laugh at the stupidity.ā€ Day-um! ā€œVampireā€ fittingly commences as a piano ballad, adding instrumentation in the first chorus, where the intensity increases. Rodrigo shows off mad pipes during the chorus, capped off by the epic ā€œbloodsucker, fame fuckerā€¦ā€ lyric. By the second verse, also dramatic, drums enter the mix, adding even more intensity, establishing this toxic experience. At one point, she states, ā€œOh, what a mesmerizing, paralyzing, fucked up little thrill / Can’t figure out just how you do it and God knows I never will.ā€ As excerpted earlier, the centerpiece is the chorus, in all its vampirical thrills: ā€œYou only come out at night / I used to think I was smart / But you made me look so naĆÆve.ā€ As bad as the experience was for Rodrigo, she lets it all out on this thrilling comeback single.Ā Ā 

Ā 


3. Dixon Dallas, ā€œGood Lookinā€™ā€

šŸŽµ ā€œGood Lookinā€™ā€ • šŸ· Dixon Dallas • šŸ—“ 2023Ā 

Dixon Dallas, Good Lookin’ [šŸ“·: Dixon Dallas]ā€œI kiss him on his neck and then he kisses on my bussy.ā€ Hold up, say what?! Just in case you’re unfamiliar with gay slang, bussy – the combination of boy and pussy – refers to a man’s anus… For some, that may be a lot to take in on the innocently titled country song, šŸŽµ ā€œGood Lookinā€™ā€ by šŸŽ™ Dixon Dallas. Of course, dig deeper 😬 – or just listen to the lyrics – and it’s clear Mr. Dallas has given us a NSFW, gay country song.Ā  Also, it should be noted, Dixon Dallas is an alter ego of the talented šŸŽ™ Jake Hill.Ā Ā Focusing on the song outside of the social aspects, it fits the mold of country save for the queerness. Dixon sounds idiomatic of the genre, embracing twang and that truly southern sound.Ā  It’s not far-fetched for Hill considering he’s from the deep south – Alabama. He nails the aesthetic.Ā  Furthermore, instrumentally, nothing would make you believe ā€œGood Lookinā€™ā€ is anything other than a traditional country record.Ā  It’s the lyrics that make ā€œGood Lookinā€™ā€ progressive. The first verse plays it straight but the chorus – that’s where that bussy comes in!Ā Ā Ā 

ā€œHe’s bouncing off my booty cheeks, I love the way he ridesĀ 

I can hardly breathe when he’s pumping deep insideĀ 

I kiss him on his neck and then he kisses on my bussyĀ 

Call him ā€˜Daddy’ while I holler, man, that boy so damn good looking.ā€

After the chorus, ā€œGood Lookinā€™ā€ keeps it gay.Ā  The second verse is more about love, while, the chorus is something! Is this song comical, queer baiting, or shock value? Regardless, it’s a boatload of fun. Yeehaw gay cowboy 🌈 🤠! Ā 


4. Jung Kook, ā€œSevenā€

šŸŽµ ā€œSevenā€ • šŸ· BIGHIT MUSIC • šŸ—“ 2023

Jung Kook, Seven [šŸ“·: BIGHIT MUSIC]ā€œMonday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (a week).ā€ No, šŸŽ™ Jung Kook is NOT giving us a kindergarten lesson on the days of the week on šŸŽµ ā€œSevenā€! Sure, the chorus begins with the handsome K-pop standout singing about seven days, but ultimately, it’s what he vows to do in those days: ā€œEvery hour every minute every second / You know night after night / I’ll be fuckin’ you right / Seven days a week.ā€Ā Holy Fuck 😈!!! Further amplifying this naughty, no. 1 summery smash is female rapper šŸŽ™ Latto, who fits right in on this fuckin’ single.Ā The sexy single was penned by šŸŽ¼ āœ Andrew Watt and Cirkut (who also produce), alongside Latto, Jon Bellion and Theron Makiel Thomas.Ā  The lyrics aren’t filled with depth but are enjoyable and sexy. ā€œWeight of the world on your shoulders,ā€ he sings beautifully in the first verse, adding, ā€œI kiss your waist and ease your mind.ā€ That’s sweet and of course, S-E-X-Y.Ā  The second verse exhibits devotion too, while also being sensually charged. The naughtiness creeps in the pre-chorus, beginning with the suggestive line, ā€œIt’s the way that you can ride,ā€ and concluding withĀ ā€œfuckin’ you right.ā€ As for Latto, who appears in the third verse, she manages to be sexy without getting too dirty.Ā  ā€œSeven days a week, seven different sheets / Seven different angles, I can be your fantasy,ā€ she raps, adding, ā€œCome here, baby, let me swallow your pride.ā€ Woo! All said and done, šŸŽµ ā€œSevenā€ is a bop – a marvelous record to play throughout the summer and beyond.Ā Ā 


5. Billie Eilish, ā€œWhat Was I Made For?ā€

šŸ’æ Barbie The Album • šŸ· Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. • šŸ“… 2023Ā 

Barbie The Album [šŸ“·: Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.]ā€œI used to float, now I just fall down / I used to know, but I’m not sure now / What I was made for / What was I made for?ā€ When šŸŽ™ Billie Eilish and šŸŽ› FINNEAS release music, it hits different, doesn’t it? Most of the songs from šŸ’æ Barbie The Album are brief, energetic, groovy, and upbeat.  In the case of Eilish’s 🤩 šŸŽµ ā€œWhat Was I Made For?ā€ tempo slackens, the duration increases, and the tone is much more reflective.  As always, Eilish and FINNEAS concoct magic in the studio, penning this ballad. Producing alongside FINNEAS is šŸŽ› Andrew Wyatt and Mark Ronson.ā€Æā€œWhat Was I Made For?ā€ is absolutely beautiful.  It commences as a piano ballad. As the record progresses, there’s additional instrumentation that fills things out (the beauty of the synthesizer).  The melody is stunning, amplified more by radiant vocals by Billie Eilish.  Eilish sounds particularly strong in her upper register showcasing her versatility.  Besides her superb vocal performance, the vocal production is also a selling point. From a songwriting perspective, ā€œWhat Was I Made For?ā€ is well-penned – we expect no less from Eilish! It’s sad, mind you, but highly successful (ā€œWhen did it end? All the enjoyment/ I’m sad again, don’t tell my boyfriend / It’s not what he’s made for / What was I made for?ā€).   


6. Mike Taveira, ā€œSujoā€

šŸŽµ ā€œSujoā€ • šŸ· Mike Taveira • šŸ—“ 2023Ā 

Mike Taveira, Sujo [šŸ“·: Mike Taveira]ā€œTake my body / And share it with your friends / I’m your property / Now until the endā€¦ā€ Ooh-la-la, šŸŽ™ Mike Taveira 😈!Ā  The sexy pop musician makes objectifying him easy given the sexy cover art accompanying his hot 🄵 single, šŸŽµ ā€œSujoā€. ā€œSujoā€ (nasty, dirty, or filthy in Portuguese) is drenched in sex, further amplified by a sexy man, who, more importantly, has a terrific voice that is tailor made for naughty, sensual pop. ā€œSujoā€ is definitely NSFW – it’s quite a titillating joint from the pansexual šŸ³ļøā€šŸŒˆ hottie artist.

ā€œSujoā€ was slickly produced by šŸŽ› Jordan Palmer.Ā  The backdrop is fresh, and, given the Portuguese title, and some Portuguese lyrics, there is Latin flavor.Ā  The Spanish guitar and rhythm give the record a Latin pop identity.Ā  Taveira and Palmer penned this naughty, nasty record alongside šŸŽ¼āœ Paul Mauer and Skyler Cocco.Ā  In a tweet, Taveira asserts, ā€œI wanted to create a very grown up, very queer, very liberated version of the feeling I had dancing to that style of music [traditional fado music].ā€Ā  He adds, ā€œThis song is about some experiences I’ve had… let the lyrics speak for themselves.ā€ Ooh wee! As stated, the lyrics are muy caliente, much like Taveira šŸ˜. Nasty or not, it is impossible not to keep the two-and-a-half-minute šŸŽµ ā€œSujoā€ on repeat.Ā 


7. AUDREY NUNA, ā€œIdgaFā€

šŸŽµ ā€œIdgaFā€ • šŸ· Arista • šŸ—“ 2023Ā 

AUDREY NUNA, IdgaF [šŸ“·: Arista]When the title of a song is the acronym IDGAF, it’s clear the song is going to be bold, blunt, and unapologetic.Ā  On her brief single šŸŽµ ā€œIdgaFā€, New Jersey, Korean American rapper/singer šŸŽ™ AUDREY NUNA clearly don’t give a fuck.Ā  While this IDGAF attitude is NOT family friendly nor safe for work, it is fuel for the fire of a ferocious rap banger. Backed by a minimalist, skeletal instrumental (šŸŽ› Anwar Sawyer and Myles Williams), NUNA is on autopilot from the jump.Ā ā€œI don’t give a fuck ā€˜bout no lease on your Lambo / I don’t give a fuck, I will see like a scandal,ā€ she bites in the chorus, later adding, ā€œI don’t give a fuck, if you ain’t me / What you mad for? What you mad for?ā€ Facts! The colorful, for under consent of the king-filled chorus is the crowning achievement of ā€œIdgaF.ā€ Still, NUNA gives us one verse, which is less explicit than the chorus.Ā  ā€œThis shit ain’t no bandit, it’s a cloak,ā€ she asserts, continuing, ā€œThey finish at the bottom on this road (It’s so cold).ā€ While ā€œIdgaFā€ is not your traditional rap per se, particularly the verse, the bite, energy, and intensity are on full display.Ā  AUDREY gives us ample personality, plus, we get an ill instrumental.


8. TOMORROW X TOGETHER, ā€œDo It Like Thatā€

šŸŽµ ā€œDo It Like Thatā€ • šŸ· BIGHIT MUSIC • šŸ—“ 2023Ā 

TOMORROW X TOGETHER & Jonas Brothers, Do It Like That [šŸ“·: BIGHIT MUSIC]So, what goes down when šŸŽ™ TOMORROW X TOGETHER and šŸŽ™ Jonas Brothers join forces? A marvelous pop bop, of course! The K-Pop collective and American brother collective give us a summery smash with the short, but totally sweet and potent šŸŽµ ā€œDo It Like Thatā€. This joint right here is ripe, featuring lit production byĀ  šŸŽ› Grant Boutin and Ryan Tedder šŸ’Ŗ. ā€œDo It Like Thatā€ isn’t a deep song, but it’s fun, fun – did I mention, it’s FUN!Ā Ā šŸŽ™ Nick JonasĀ  and šŸŽ™ Joe Jonas get first blood on this groovy number.Ā  In the first verse, Nick sings about how this girl distracts him, positively, as well as reenergizes him.Ā As for Joe, he continues to tout how lit this lady, a clear 10, is: ā€œOn God, you the cover of a magazine / Got me feelin’ like damn, hey.ā€ The Jo Bros deliver the initial chorus too, emphasizing the titular lyric, ā€œDon’t know how you do it like that.ā€ TOMORROW X TOGETHER joins the action in the second verse, complementing the Bros before them: ā€œYou rockin’ that fit / That’s makin’ all the strangers smile.ā€ šŸŽ™ Taehyun and šŸŽ™ Huening Kai take the pre-chorus this round, with šŸŽ™ Soobin and šŸŽ™ Yeonjun delivering the chorus.Ā  All join forces on for the remainder of this exuberant record, which includes the post-chorus, a bridge (ā€œOh, my God / You blowin’ my mind like thatā€), chorus, and the final post-chorus.Ā  What more is there to say? I’ll just reiterate what has already been said: šŸŽµ ā€œDo It Like Thatā€ is fun, fun, FUN!

Ā 


9. Anusha, ā€œBurdenā€

šŸŽµ ā€œBurdenā€ • šŸ· Anusha Ltd. • šŸ—“ 2023

Anusha, Burden [šŸ“·: Anusha Ltd.]ā€œIs it shyness? / Or cowardice? / Do they intercept? Will you at least mourn the death of me? I won’t hold my breath.ā€ Wow – what thought-provoking lyricism! When šŸŽ™ Anusha sings, you can feel that she’s an artist who has nailed down and understands the importance of authenticity.Ā  The gifted singer/songwriter, who became sick and disabled in 2020, has both endured and overcome a lot.Ā  Her resolve is clear on her latest musical offering, the truly distinct šŸŽµ ā€œBurdenā€. Of ā€œBurden,ā€ Anusha asserts, ā€œThis song is for those who still practice COVID precautions. Who have to navigate friendships and risk losing them because they don’t value your life.ā€ MIC šŸŽ¤ DROP šŸ’§ moment!Ā Ā 

Honestly, ā€œBurdenā€ might be best described as just that – a song that is a gargantuan MIC šŸŽ¤ DROP šŸ’§ moment.Ā  The songwriting, a huge selling point, is honest, poetic, and real – authentic to the nth degree. Perhaps what stands out even more is Anusha herself.Ā  Ooh wee – her vocals are absolutely stunning ✨.Ā  She sounds fabulous in her lower register, with her upper register sounding utterly sublime,Ā truly popping out during that meaningful chorus.Ā  Adding to the pros of the song is the melody.Ā  It is tuneful from an initial listen, but grows even more tunefulĀ  after a couple of listens, where more magic is revealed each and every time.Ā  From a production standpoint, there are some terrific musical cues in play – love those keys! It sounds idiomatic of the singer/songwriter, alternative realm of music.Ā  The sound and production are a bit raw, but this rawness truly fits the emotion, theme, and vibe of the song.Ā  Listening to šŸŽµ ā€œBurdenā€, this terrific offering from Anusha is no burden at all!Ā Ā 

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10. Ryan Gosling, ā€œI’m Just Kenā€

šŸ’æ Barbie The Album • šŸ· Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. • šŸ“… 2023Ā 

Barbie The Album [šŸ“·: Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.]ā€œCan you feel the Ken-ergy?ā€ One of the best (if not the best) moments of šŸ’æ Barbie The Album arrives courtesy of šŸŽ™ Ryan Gosling on 🤩 šŸŽµ ā€œI’m Just Kenā€. šŸŽ¼ āœ šŸŽ› Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt pen and produce a bop where the actor, embracing his full-on Ken-ness, is in reflective mode.  It is interesting because we don’t associate Ken dolls (himbos) with having the self-awareness to be introspective – transcend beyond the six pack abs and perfect body most of us won’t have. But, Ryan, aka Ken, does just that… in his own way, mind you. ā€œI have feelings that I can’t explain / Drivin’ me insane,ā€ he sings, adding, ā€œAll my life, been so polite / But I’ll sleep alone tonight.ā€ Interesting, isn’t it? In the second verse, he admits to wanting love, asking, ā€œAnd is my moment finally here or am I dreaming?ā€ Of course, the chorus is a big deal, where Ken admits, ā€œAnywhere else I’d be a ten / Is it my destiny to live and die a life of blonde fragility? /… What will it take for her to see the man behind the tan and fight for me.ā€ Aww 🄰!  Basically, šŸŽµ ā€œI’m Just Kenā€ is that fierce pop joint you didn’t know you needed in your life! Shout out to Ryan Gosling! It’s giving #KEN!   

Ā 

Appears in šŸ”»:   


11. The Japanese House, ā€œTouching Yourselfā€

šŸ’æ In the End It Always Does • šŸ· Dirty Hit • šŸ—“ 2023Ā 

The Japanese House, In The End It Always Does [šŸ“·: Dirty Hit]ā€œNow, I’m picturing you and you’re touching yourselfā€¦ā€ Sooo, is that what we’re doing here, šŸŽ™ Amber Bain? šŸŽµ ā€œTouching Yourselfā€ is the second track from šŸŽ™ The Japanese House’s 2023 album, šŸ’æ In the End It Always Does. Bain sings, ā€œI had to go into the other room / She sent me something and I can’t think about anything else.ā€ Obviously, Bain’s girlfriend, who is not physically with her, texted – rather sexted – something colorful 😈.Ā  As a result, a flustered Bain goes elsewhere, more private, and thinks about her girlfriend pleasuring herself. WOO!Ā  Clearly, Bain loves her, adding, ā€œI wanna touch you but you’re too far away / And when you call me, I’m all over the place now.ā€ Honestly, Bain is being authentic, honest, and ultra-relatable.Ā  In this case, it’s a lesbian relationship but could be any relationship experiencing these same situations.

What is interesting about this fierce indie-pop joint (the vocals, and relatively light but rhythm and potent production shine) is how it shifts from longing for intimacy to stepping back from it.Ā  ā€œI had to go into the other room / She told me something and I had to go and sit by myself / Said she’d call me from a better place.ā€ Hmm, that’s an about face! Per Apple Music, Bain says of the song:Ā Ā 

Obviously, at the beginning I was far away from this person a lot – I was touring. And then suddenly, I was close to them all the time because it was lockdown yet felt so far away from them.Ā Ā 

Again, even though The Japanese House is a musician and the distance and space away is because of her craft, ā€œTouching Yourselfā€ can be applied to a long distance relationship.Ā  Furthermore, after the distance issue is eradicated, there’s a whole-new issue.Ā  This describes love and the ups and downs of relationship. šŸŽµ ā€œTouching Yourselfā€ is sensational. Ā 

Ā Ā 

Appears in šŸ”»:


12. David Archuleta, ā€œI’m Yoursā€

šŸŽµ ā€œI’m Yoursā€ • šŸ· Archie Music • šŸ—“ 2023

David Archuleta, I'm Yours [šŸ“·: Archie Music]ā€œAll day, all night, and forever / I think of all the ways that we can be together.ā€ šŸŽ™ David Archuleta, Ā once a cute and talented American Idol runner up turned into an absolutely fine man šŸ˜!Ā  A lot has changed since his Idol days, including coming out, definitely difficult as a member of the Mormon church.Ā  But, those dashing good looks , and his sexuality have nothing to do with his terrific single,Ā  šŸŽµ ā€œI’m Yoursā€.Ā  STILL, the way he moves his hips in the music video, not to mention how he rocks that tank top… WOO! Hard to focus on just the music!Ā Ā 

Ā 

But, the music is why Archuleta became a star, period.Ā  His voice is better than ever.Ā  ā€˜Archie’ never over sings, delivering a balanced performance and adding some more oomph when it feels natural.Ā  His falsetto is the most impressive part of the performance, shining in the chorus.Ā  Of course, the chorus is where he tells me – I mean, whomever he is addressing šŸ˜ – to ā€œā€¦give me some more / If you want it, come and get it, I’m yours.ā€ According to David, it is ā€œa song I wanted to get people dancing and smiling to. It’s all about letting yourself go and being happy with a feel good, summery vibe.ā€ Well, he successfully did that on this feel good joint, with some L-O-V-E thrown in (ā€œYou got that look in your eyes that breaks my heart open wide / You’re the one I’ve been wantin’ to findā€).Ā  Honestly, if the love experience is like this exuberant, feel-good pop song with Archuleta engaging in multiple ways, then that’s exactly how L-O-V-E should feel, baby! Mr. Archuleta, you have dropped a surefire pop bop with šŸŽµ ā€œI’m Yoursā€ – NO 🚫 CAP 🧢!

Appears in šŸ”»:


13. GRANT KNOCHE, ā€œLOOK AT ME RIGHT NOWā€

šŸŽµ ā€œLOOK AT ME RIGHT NOWā€ • šŸ· Grant Knoche • šŸ“… 2023

GRANT KNOCHE, LOOK AT ME RIGHT NOW [šŸ“·: Grant Knoche]ā€œThis is what hot shit looks like / Confident I don’t play nice.ā€ WOO! šŸŽ™ GRANT KNOCHE, you betta slay boiiiii! Indeed, the 20-year-old bisexual pop singer/songwriter is hot šŸ˜ 🤩 and exudes confidence on šŸŽµ ā€œLOOK AT ME RIGHT NOWā€.Ā  As easy on the eyes as he is, it’s his talent that shines the brightest. He sounds particularly fierce, playful, and sexy on this short but potent single.Ā  The backdrop is fittingly slick, digging into the bag of modern pop cues and tricks.Ā  The synths, the beat, and the overall aesthetic slaps hard!Ā So, why is Grant feeling himself – proclaiming he’s ā€œhot shitā€ and all? Vengeance, baby! Clearly, his ex was something else and Knoche has moved on: ā€œLast night / I cut off my feelings for you /… I hope I see you with someone tonight / Put me in both of your minds.ā€ Ah, the last part of that excerpt speaks to the vengeance, with Knoche clarifying that his ex-lover hurt him. Rather than crying, he’s powered up – ā€œI’m on fireā€ – ready to own the night, it seems.Ā  Again, going merely off of looks, Grant’s ex seems like a total fool! Regardless, of details of the situation that led to this vengeance, šŸŽµ ā€œLOOK AT ME RIGHT NOWā€ is a stellar, must-hear pop banger readymade for the sweltering temps of summer! Get it Grant!Ā Ā 


14. FIFTY FIFTY, ā€œBarbie Dreamsā€

šŸ’æ Barbie The Album • šŸ· Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc. • šŸ“… 2023Ā 

Barbie The Album [šŸ“·: Atlantic / Warner Bros. Entertainment, Inc.]ā€œWhen I close my eyes, it’s a fantasy / Perfect plastic life from a magazine.ā€ Yep, šŸŽ™ FIFTY FIFTY, it’s giving Barbie!!! The South-Korean girl group continues singing in the centerpiece, the chorus, ā€œThen I wake up, it’s reality / I can have it all, live my Barbie dreams.ā€ Sigh, those 🤩 šŸŽµ ā€œBarbie Dreamsā€ are giving #VIBES. The exuberant closing track from šŸ’æ Barbie The Album was produced by šŸŽ› Space Primates who puts in the work to make this joint shimmer something fierce šŸ”„. Of course, FIFTY FIFTY gets a lift from American rapper, šŸŽ™ Kaliii.ā€Æā€œBarbie Dreamsā€ isn’t deep, nor is it expected to be.ā€ÆšŸŽ™ Sio sings the first verse, asserting, ā€œPink Prima Donna, I’m feeling hot tonight / That pretty state of mind, because I’m with myā€¦ā€ Her, ā€œgirlsā€ of course, which šŸŽ™ Aran adds in the pre-chorus, expanding the pinkness prior to the chorus.  Adding to the exuberance are the carefree ā€œLa-di-da-da-da(s)ā€ of the post-chorus.  Kaliii, of course, gets her moment in the second verse (ā€œKen gon’ spend ā€˜cause I’m a ten / Pink Corvette, let’s paint the rimsā€).  While nothing substantive comes out of šŸŽµ ā€œBarbie Dreamsā€Ā it’s an ear-catching F-U-N bop.Ā Ā Ā 

  


15. Sampha, ā€œSpirit 2.0ā€

šŸŽµ ā€œSpirit 2.0ā€ • šŸ· Young • šŸ“… 2023Ā 

Sampha, Spirit 2.0 [šŸ“·: Young]ā€œTwo bodies on this mattress / Save me as it sinks / Automatic self-protection / Like airbags in my limbs.ā€ After six years, šŸŽ™ Sampha (Sampha Sisay) returns with a near five-minute single, šŸŽµ ā€œSpirit 2.0ā€.Ā  He produced ā€œSpirit 2.0ā€ alongside šŸŽ› El Guincho and Riccardo Damian. The sound – light, rhythmic electronic music cues, rhythmic drum groove, and keys – help fuel Sampha’s fire.Ā  There’s also warm strings (programmed) that add to the decadence.Ā  Of course, Sisay’s voice is distinct and fabulous as always.Ā  Early on in ā€œSpirit 2.0,ā€ the chorus is introduced (partially via the intro).Ā  Eventually, the chorus plays out as ā€œWaves will catch you, light will catch you / Love will catch you, spirit gon’ catch you, yeah,ā€ etc.Ā  There are three verses, including the poetic first verse, excerpted at the top. In the second, Sampha acknowledges traveling for healing, as well as a chain given to him by a special person. The third and final verse is totally different, taking on more of a hip-hop vibe with its quick lines.Ā  The ā€˜bars’ he delivers are alluring, commencing with the clever ā€œJust like Jonathan Livingston Seagull / Try catch the clouds as I free fall / I was caught by the wings of my people / Then you pick me up in your two-door.ā€Ā  So, what does this fine track all mean? Per Rolling Stone, Sampha states šŸŽµ ā€œSpirit 2.0ā€Ā is about ā€œconnection to both myself and others… acknowledging those moments when you need helpā€, and ā€œenjoy[ing] that feeling of someone being there for you, even if [they don’t] have the answers.ā€ All told, this is an epic comeback for Sampha!Ā Ā Ā Ā 


Honorable Mentions

With so many A-W-E-S-O-M-E songs released around July 2023, I also wanted to highlight some of the other fine tracks that made my ears perk up. Here they are in NO PARTICULAR ORDER!Ā 

  • Chris Pellnat, ā€œSuper Saiyanā€: A novel song I didn’t know I needed. After listening to it multiple times, I simply couldn’t stop.
  • Dallas Dixon, ā€œSleeping All Aloneā€: šŸŽ™Ā Jake Hill’s alter ego, šŸŽ™Ā  Dallas Dixon, covers a heterosexual song from previous year and turns it gay, and we totally STAN 🌈!Ā 
  • MKSM, ā€œBreaking My Rulesā€: Berlin-based, openly gay repatriateĀ šŸŽ™MKSMĀ (Maksim) entertainingly gives NSA on his singleĀ šŸŽµĀ ā€œBreaking My Rulesā€. Early on in this sexy song about aĀ boyĀ he’s changing his perspective onĀ romanceĀ versusĀ sex – breaking his rules!
  • Omar Rudberg, ā€œHappierā€: The handsome and talented šŸŽ™Ā Omar Rudberg, who’s received most of his notoriety lately as Simon from Young Royals, Ā delivers an enjoyable, relatable pop single about a bad brand of L-O-V-E.
  • Yavin, ā€œNow & Then.ā€: The queer pop singer/songwriter sounds incredibly alluring and sweet, flaunting his beautiful tone.Ā  A marvelous listen from the audience’s perspective, šŸŽµĀ  ā€œNow & Then.ā€ is painful for the heartbroken protagonist.

Awesome Songs: July 2023 [šŸ“·: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Anusha Ltd., Archie Music, Arista, Atlantic, BIGHIT MUSIC, Dirty Hit, Dixon Dallas, EMI Recorded Music Australia Production, Geffen, Grant Knoche, Mike Taveira, Young; cottonbro studio, Tara Winstead from Pexels]

 


the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.