Bops That Pop: February 2024

Reading Time: 23 min read

Bops That Pop: February 2024 features music courtesy of Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Conan Gray, Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, and Usher.

It’s that time! What time it is? Why, monthly round-up time – time to acknowledge those Bops That Pop, like boom 💥! Bops That Pop represents the best songs of a given month on The Musical Hype! All the songs on Bops That Pop: February 2024 were released as singles or as an album track in late January, February, or whereabouts. Musicians that served up the bops in February 2024 include Beyoncé, Billy Joel, Conan Gray, Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, and Usher, among others. So, without further ado, here are those Bops That Pop: February 2024!

1. Megan Thee Stallion, “HISS”

“HISS” // Hot Girl Productions LLC // 2024

“I feel like Mariah Carey (Mariah Carey), got these niggas so obsessed (Damn).” Damn, indeed, Megan Thee Stallion. Post- “Cobra”, the Grammy-winning rapper releases “HISS”. “HISS” was produced by LilJuMadeDaBeat, Bankroll Got It, and Shawn “Source” Jarrett. They give her a hard backdrop to rap on. Notably, the record is comprised of two verses with no chorus. Thee Stallion gives us an intro at the beginning (“I just wanna kick this shit off by sayin’ fuck y’all”), and an interlude between the verses. Most importantly, as to be expected, there is no shortage of ear-catching bars. “My pussy so famous, might get managed by Kris Jenner next,” Megan asserts in the first verse, following that epic, Mariah Carey / “Obsessed” lyric. She doesn’t stop there, in the same verse, spitting, “These hoes don’t be mad at Megan, these hoes mad at Megan’s Law,” and “Bitches swear they G, but the G must stand for goofy.” Shots fired at Nicki Minaj. The second verse is also fierce, with the likes of “Don’t speak on my body count if the dick ain’t worth comin’ back for seconds.” Ooh-wee! Her ex, Pardison Fontaine receives her wrath: “I’m way too fuckin’ cocky to take him back if he been cheatin’ / I can’t let none of you raggedy bitches think that y’all my equal.” On “HISS”, Thee Stallion confidently and unapologetic goes TF off. Fire!

2-3. Beyoncé, “Texas Hold ‘Em” & “16 Carriages”

Act II // Parkwood / Columbia // 2024

“This ain’t Texas (Woo) / Ain’t no hold ‘em (Hey) / So lay your cards down, down, down, down.” Ah, let Act II commence! The return of Beyoncé comes sooner than later.  Following Renaissance in July 2022, Act II arrives less than two years later. In advance of Act II, the Grammy-winning superstar released two singles: “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” with the common thread between both being country/western music! On “Texas Hold ‘Em,” Queen Bey comes through strong! She penned the record alongside Lowell, bülow, Raphael Saadiq, Nathan Ferraro, and Killah B.  She produced it alongside Killah B and Ferraro.  The country flavor is apparent from the onset. As always, the voice is top-notch. She exhibits ample personality as she references the card game in the memorable chorus.  Besides her fabulous lead vocals, the background vocals are sweet too! Oh, the harmonies! Less explicit than some of her recent songs, Beyoncé still musters up profanity, whether it’s “There’s a tornado / In my city / Hit the basement / That shit ain’t pretty” (verse one) or “Don’t be a bitch, come take it to the floor now / And I’ll be damned if I cannot dance with you (chorus).” Overall, the four-minute-long “Texas Hold ‘Em” which features banjo (!), is a pleasure to listen to, reminding us of her versatility and the fact that black artists can sing and excel at country music.    

“Sixteen carriages drivin’ away / While I watch them ride with my dreams away / To the summer sunset on a holy night / On a long back road, all the tears I fight.” Beyoncé penned “16 Carriages” alongside Ink, Raphael Saadiq, and Dave Hamelin. She produced it alongside Ink and Hamelin. Arguably, “16 Carriages” is the grandest of the two singles. Furthermore, the songwriting is deeper, integrating the personal touches of the best country songs. “At fifteen, the innocence was gone astray / Had to leave my home at an early age,” Beyoncé sings in the first verse, adding, “I saw Mama prayin’, I saw Daddy grind / All my tender problems, had to leave behind.” The second verse is penned in a similar style, with the pre-chorus featuring more rhythmic, but equally tuneful melodies. “I might cook, clean, but still won’t fold / Still workin’ all my life, you know / Only God knows,” she sings in the pre-chorus. Of course, the chorus is the section to beat, featuring robust accompaniment matching its dynamic nature. Beyond well-rounded songwriting, memorable melodies, and solid accompaniment, the biggest triumph is… Beyoncé! Her voice sounds utterly sublime as she authentically delivers this stunning ballad, another surefire winner for Bey.

4. Usher & Pheelz, “Ruin”

Coming Home // mega / gamma. // 2024

“Babe, you broke me and took your time with it,” Usher sings on “Ruin”, a single from his ninth studio album, Coming Home. On “Ruin,” Usher is assisted by Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Pheelz, who produces and lends his vocals as well. “Ruin” sounds sweet to the ears thanks to its smooth sounds. The groove is chill and relaxed. It sounds fresh yet also fits the ‘grown and sexy vibe’ for Usher, who is, believe it or not, in his mid 40s. His vocals are as smooth as the instrumental. He sings with incredible warmth, flaunting his radiant tone. The lyrics capture the ruin he’s experienced thanks to her. In the chorus, he asserts:

“Wake up in the mornin’

A different girl be on my line

Constantly be callin’ every day, I still decline

See? This is exactly what you did

You ruined me for everybody.”

Notably, after the second verse, the second chorus finds Usher singing more dynamically. After the centerpiece, the post-chorus shines too with its rhythmic nature and sensational vocal production (“Bye-bye, good riddance for the last time / So you can try, try, maybe get it right next time…”). Notably, Pheelz performs the first half of the second verse, contrasting and complementing Usher. All in all, “Ruin” is a winner.

5. Kacey Musgraves, “Deeper Well”

Deeper Well // Interscope / MCA Nashville// 2024

“My Saturn has returned / When I turned twenty-seven / Everything started to change.” Grammy-winning country artist Kacey Musgraves serves up hypnotic vibes on “Deeper Well”, the promo single and second track from her sixth studio album, Deeper Well (arrives March 15, 2024). Musgraves wrote and produced the song alongside Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk. It feels and sounds like a Kacey Musgraves song from the jump. She’s accompanied by a simple backdrop, led by rhythmic acoustic guitars, bass, and light drums. During the chorus, there are some additional, colorful music cues, but they’re presented with subtlety. Musgraves delivers her typical calm, cool, and collected vocal performance, sounding as if she never breaks a sweat. While she’s a reserved vocalist, her tone is beautiful. Furthermore, when her vocals are harmonized, the radiance is even more pronounced. Also, Kacey works with tuneful melodies, both in the verses and the chorus. Additionally, the songwriting is reflective, signaled by the excerpted first verse. There are even more interesting lyrics: “I used to wake and bake / Roll out of bed, hit the gravity bong that I made /… Everything that I did seemed better when I was high / I don’t know why.” Word… Of course, the chorus is the centerpiece:

“So, I’m getting’ rid of the habits that I feel

Are real good at wastin’ my time

No regrets, baby, I just think that maybe

It’s natural when things lose their shine

…I found a deeper well.”

A mature song from a maturing, evolving artist feels right.

6. Benedict Cork, “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think Of One)”

💿 Notes on a Hopeless Romance • 🏷 Benedict Cork • 🗓 2024

“I made a list of the reasons I loved ya / And all of the shit that you did that was wrong.” Well, damn! English singer/songwriter Benedict Cork comes out swinging on the marvelous “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)”, a single that graces his 2024 album, Notes on a Hopeless Romance. His lead vocals are radiant, characterized by ample expression and nuance. In the intro – the eventual chorus – he gets a lift courtesy of locked-in background vocals. He continues singing, “The bad came so easy, when I think of the reasons, I want ya, I can’t even think of one.” Word! What makes “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)” the sugar honey iced tea? The songwriting earns high marks, courtesy of Cork and Martin Luke Brown. Driving the narrative is those pesky matters of the heart. “You were kind, and I was young, how was I supposed to know? / I thought I was a fool to let you go,” Benedict sings in the first verse, later adding, “You were cruel, manipulating, every move we made / And I took it for love, it’s such a shame / Now I feel like a fool over again.” Love’ll make you do some stuff. At least Cork arrived at his senses, something captured superbly. Beyond the lyrics, the melodies are tuneful in the verses as well as the centerpiece, the chorus. The instrumental also earns high marks, particularly the warmth of the keys – that organ is epic! Cork produces alongside HOOST, yielding top-notch results. All in all, Cork ‘puts his foot’ into “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)”. Apologies for his love pain, but many thanks for turning that pain into music that makes me/us beam with pride!

Appears in 🔻:

Benedict Cork, Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One): Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 5 (2024)

7. Dua Lipa, “Training Season”

“Training Season” // Warner // 2024

“Are you / Someone that I can give my heart to? / Or just the poison that I’m drawn to?” Legitimate questions that Dua Lipa asks in the first verse of her single, “Training Season”. In the second verse, the Grammy winner makes it clear, “Don’t wanna have to teach you how to love me right,” adding, “I hope / It hits me like an arrow / Someone with some potential / Is it too much to ask for?” Ooh-wee! Dua Lipa penned “Training Season” alongside Carolin Ailin, Tobias Jesso Jr., Danny L Harle, and Kevin Parker. Parker, of Tame Impala fame, also produces this electrifying pop single. In the chorus, she sets her expectations: “Need someone to hold me close / Deeper than I’ve ever known / Whose love feels like a rodeo / Knows just how to take control.” For good measure, post-chorus, she makes it crystal clear, “If that ain’t you, then let me know, yeah / ‘Cause training season’s over.” Essentially, she’s NOT going to raise a man – he’s gotta be ready and up to the task. All told Dua Lipa brings the heat. She sings superbly, flaunting off that sensational tone, readymade for pop superstardom. Furthermore, the supporting instrumental is rad, with Parker incorporating ample groove, colorful keys and synths, and a lit bass line. Capping off the excellence is the songwriting. The melodies are memorable in all sections, as well as being rhythmic.

8. Conan Gray, “Lonely Dancers”

Found Heaven // Republic // 2024

“Tonight, you’re mine.” Noted! “Lonely Dancers” marked the first single of 2024 for the handsome, ultra-talented Conan Gray. This skinny, two-and-a-half-minute song is the fourth single from histhird studio album, Found Heaven (arrives April 5, 2024). While “Lonely Dancers” musters up a short duration, it’s ample and sufficient time for Gray to put in work. He penned this ear candy alongside Ilya Salmanzadeh (ILYA), Max Martin, and Oscar Holter. ILYA, Martin, and Holter handle production duties, responsible for a decadent, picturesque backdrop, including some epic, rhythmic synths. The instrumental is potent, but the star of the show is none other than Gray. He serves up commanding, marvelous lead vocals. The first section of “Lonely Dancers” heard is the epic chorus:

“We’re lonely dancers

Join me for the night

We’re lonely dancers, baby

Dance with me so we don’t cry

We’re lonely dancers

There’s no need to hide

I know the answer, baby

Dance we me so we don’t cray

La-la, la-la, la, cry

La-la, la-la, la.”

Self-explanatory what’s going on. But, there’s further clarification on the verse, where he spills the tea: “Your lover left you, broke up tonight / My lover’s busy kissin’ other guys, oh.” Oh, indeed. What else should they do but join each other in their misery and dance it out! “Lonely Dancers” thrives off its tuneful melodies, which recall the 1980s. Another bright spot, beyond the chorus and sole verse, is the bridge, which provides contrast and maintains the engaging nature of the song (“Wait, stop, forget that guy / He don’t know love, I hope he dies…”). Does Conan Gray ever miss? Nope! “Lonely Dancers” is terrific.

9. Billy Joel, “Turn the Lights Back On”

“Turn the Lights Back On” // Columbia // 2024

After 17 years, iconic, Grammy-winning musician Billy Joel released a new song, “Turn the Lights Back On”, which proved to be well worth the wait! Joel penned “Turn the Lights Back On” alongside Freddy Wexler, Arthur LaFrentz Bacon, and Wayne Hector. Also producing this awesome comeback is Wexler. It doesn’t sound like Joel has missed a beat. From the onset, he sounds fantastic. His tone is clear, he sounds commanding, expressive, and incredibly nuanced. He brings plenty of authenticity and personality to the lyrics, which are impressive in their own right. In the second verse, he sings, “Here, stuck on a hill / Outsiders inside the home that we built,” continuing, “The cold settles in / It’s been a long winter of indifference.” A long winter of indifference? Now that’s a lyric right there. Beyond the fine pen of the verses, what about the centerpiece, the chorus:

“I’m late, but I’m right here now

Though I used to be romantic

I forgot somehow

Time can make you blind

But I see you now

As we’re layin’ in the darkness

Did I wait too long

To turn the lights back on?”

The melodies are tuneful throughout, while the instrumental, led initially by piano, gives Joel ample fuel for his vocal fire. As “Turn The Lights Back On” progresses, so does the music, incorporating full rhythm section and strings. All in all, Billy Joel makes a marvelous return on the reflective song. It’s excellence speaks for itself.

10. Lainey Wilson, “Country’s Cool Again”

“Country’s Cool Again” // This Is Hit, Inc. d/b/a Broken Bow // 2024

Per Lainey Wilson, “Everybody wanna be a cowboy / Drive a jon boat, whip a John Deere.” Yee-haw, ooh-wee, hot damn, that sounds country to the nth degree! The Grammy-winning country musician asserts, “Country’s Cool Again”. She isn’t wrong, being honest. The musical genre has experienced a resurgence, including among non-country musicians. Wilson penned this entertaining, well-rounded song alongside Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, and Aslan Freeman. Jay Joyce produces. Wilson is true to self, employing ample twang and singing expressively with plenty of personality. She never compromises or deserts from her roots. “My crooked drawl, the way I sung / My mama’s genes sure stuck out like a thumb / In a Metro City crowd.” In the second verse, she kicks things off with a southern-tinged bang: “Once you get a taste, you’ll lick the spoon / Learn every word to “The Dance” and “Neon Moon”. (Garth Brooks and Brooks & Dunn gems respectively).” Of course, the chorus confirms the coolness of country as there “Must be something in the water flowing out of the holler / Blue collar musta caught a new wind / Doggone, dadgum it, didn’t see that coming / Country’s cool again.” Also, cool is the backdrop with its mix of guitars (acoustic, electric, pedal steel), and keys. Wilson excels on this ‘cool’ country track.

11. Khruangbin, “A Love International”

A LA SALA // Dead Oceans, Inc. // 2024

Lyrics are swell but an instrumental track can speak volumes too. Houston trio Khruangbin make terrific music together, with or without a vocalist. The trio is comprised of Laura Lee (bass), Mark Speer (guitar), and Donald “DJ” Johnson (drums). Ahead of their 2024 album, A LA SALA (arrives April 5, 2024) Khruangbin spoil the listeners with “A Love International” composed by the trio, with Speer and Steve Christensen producing. The results = surefire excellence! It commences with an awesome groove – always a satisfactory way to get things started. Johnson’s drums are soulful, while Lee’s bass line is robust and fat! Of course, Speer’s guitar, which carries the lead melodic lines, is rad to the nth degree. Beyond the core instruments, there are some other fabulous touches that make “A Love International” shine including background vocals and a dash of strings. Other selling points include a jazzy harmonic progression which plays a key role in maintaining engagement. There is also modulation (key changes), which also maintain the allure of the record. Also, shout out the exceptional intensity towards the conclusion of the record. All in all, “A Love International” is da bomb diggity!

12. Marcus King, “Fuck My Life Up Again”

“Fuck My Life up Again” // Marcus King / Republic // 2024

“Fuck My Life up Again” may be profane, but Marcus King serves up a marvelous song. Honest – brutally so – the Grammy-nominated musician penned this f-bomb gem alongside Dexter Wansel. = Rick Rubin produces. The sounds are nothing short of… fucking awesome! It commences with an epic groove. Furthermore, electric piano serve as a perfect accompaniment. If that’s not enough ear candy, what about the gorgeous strings, not to mention other touches that make this song a triumph. The instrumental backdrop is fabulous, but the star of the show is King. His voice is distinct, expressive, and nuanced. He sounds authentic to the nth degree. The songwriting is terrific, and the melodies – sensational! “The problem’s always me / Just taking years for me to see,” he asserts in the second verse, adding, “You didn’t call again last night / Maybe I’m just not worth the fight.” The chorus is the section to beat. “Come fuck my life up again / Don’t deserve to live without pain,” King sings, continuing, “Destroy my confidence again / Watch me lose control and feel the shame.” Ooh-wee! Highlighting the instrumental once more, there is a delicious guitar solo following the second chorus, performing over the lush backing vocals and dramatic strings. Also, the outro marks another stupendous moment (“Hope you’ll never let me go through the years / Hope your madness starts to grow”). “Fuck My Life up Again” is a surefire winner from start to finish.

13. JVKE, “Lavender” (Ft. Pink Sweat$)

“lavender” // JVKE MUSIC LLC / AWAL Recordings America, Inc. // 2024

“You got me singing like lavender / I can never stay mad at her /Lavender / I can never stay mad, mad, mad.” Word, JVKE (Jake Lawson), word. JVKE has a knack for delivering pop bops and “lavender” is no different. Letting that lavender calm him, he and featured guest, Pink Sweat$ (David Bowden) can’t stay mad at their respective girls. Lawson continues singing in the centerpiece, the chorus: “Baby we’re a mess, but it’s all okay / Reverse stress when you call my name / Like lavender / I can never stay mad at her.” JVKE penned “lavender” alongside Bowden and his older brother, Zac Lawson. Both Lawson bros produce this surefire gem. “Lavender” commences with a rhythmic keyboard loop that plays a key role throughout. Furthermore, the warmth of the keyboard (chords) within the backdrop help make this song sound inviting. Stylistically, this is R&B-infused pop, all the more heightened by the appearance of Pink Sweat$. JVKE sings fantastically, exhibiting plenty of charisma and swagger. Not only is he awesome in the memorable chorus, but he also excels in the first verse:

“Drop out teach me how to love

It’s a classroom

Hot for the teacher

With a question I gotta ask you

Girl what’s the move?”

Beyond JVKE, Pink Sweat$ brings the heat in the second verse, showcasing his own beautiful pipes: “She my butterfly, my honey bee / She my lemon, she my apple treat (sour and sweet) / For no reason, I’ll be cheesin’ / She look me in the eyes, and I can’t breathe in…” All in all, JVKE drops another hit with “lavender” – a calm, romantic addition to any playlist.

14. MAX, “Say Less” (Ft. Duckwrth)

Love in Stereo // Colour Vision // 2024

“Uh huh / Say less, say less / Cuz you already got me baby.” Word, MAX, word! The talented pop singer drops a pop bop with “Say Less”, which appears on his 2024 LP, Love in Stereo. Although brief at just over two-and-a-half-minutes in duration, the track is straight up fire 🔥! Furthermore, the pop star gets a rad assist from Duckwrth. MAX and Duckwrth penned “Say Less” alongside Tia Scola, Mayer Hawthorne, Michael Cody Dear, and Jacob Ray. Providing the kick ass, picturesque, and hella slick backdrop is MAX, Dear, and Ray. Throughout “Say Less,” MAX is taken with her – infatuated. “Do you believe in love at first sight,” he asks her, continuing, “Or should I walk on by again.” She (who is nameless) later responds, via him, in the pre-chorus, “She said, baby what you talkin’ about / Let’s do something else with that mouth.” Ooh-wee – it’s getting hot in here! Of course, those lyrics provide perfect context to the title. Duckwrth gets into the mix and gets a little dirty: “I’m a gentleman baby and a dog with a bite / I just wanna nibble on your ass all night.” Whoa, whoa! He caps off his verse with a ‘bang’ too: “And if you can’t groove she don’t want it / Great sex, say less.” All told, MAX shines on “Say Less” , a song best experienced via listening, and amplified by a fun music video.

15. Jennifer Lopez, “This is Me… Now”

This Is Me… Now // Nuyorican Productions, Inc. // 2024

Four words: “This is me now.” This is Me…Now marks the ninth studio album by Jennifer Lopez. Fittingly, the album commences with… wait for it… “This Is Me… Now”. There is plenty to fawn over regarding this four-minute-plus opener, penned by Lopez alongside a star-studded team: Ink, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Rogét Chahayed, Angel López, Kaydence, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, and Scott Storch. “This Is Me…Now” samples a 2002 Justin Timberlake classic, “Cry Me a River”. Chahayed and Angel López produced the ballad.

The sound is a big deal. The record begins with sophisticated, plucked synths in the intro – a win! The instrumental intro evolves into warm, fluty sounds which exude amour. With a sensational backdrop behind her, led by electric keyboard, Jennifer Lopez delivers a solid, appealing brand of vocals. She sings with sincerity – the authenticity is through the roof. “But here in the darkness, it’s not the future nor the past,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “And ‘cause it’s meant to be with you, boy, it will last / You met me halfway.” Aww! The second verse has a similar vibe – no surprise! In the pre-chorus, which brings some contrast to the sound, Lopez highlights the progression to the nowness. And, as expected, the chorus, which embraces the modern pop/R&B sound, is chocked-full of self-love:

“This is me now

This is me now
And I took my time, lot of winters, summers, baby

And I healed my heart, but I love who I am lately,

This is me now.”

The melodies are tuneful throughout – a selling point! The bridge contrasts the verses and chorus, including J. Lo ‘rapping’ in an undertone. The closing instrumental is slick. All in all, “This Is Me…Now” is a refined, reflective adult contemporary pop/R&B record that suits Lopez’s artistry.

16. Jason Derulo & Michael Bublé, “Spicy Margarita”

Nu King // Derulo, Inc. / Atlantic // 2024

Who saw a collaboration between Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé coming? No one! Despite this unlikely pairing, Derulo, an R&B-infused pop artist, and Bublé, an easy listening, traditional pop/jazz artist, join forces on the spicy single, “Spicy Margarita”, which appears on Derulo’s 2024 album, Nu King. “Spicy Margarita” keeps things short and sweet. Notably, this refreshing alcoholic drink – I mean, single – features multiple songwriters. Even with many cooks in the kitchen on the writing end, there are three producers: duo Mac & Phil, and Stryv. There are plenty of colorful production touches. It commences with a sultry Latin jazz sound. Bublé sets the tone, singing an excerpt of the chorus:

“You’re my spicy margarita, babe

Burn my tongue, make me shake

Mix it up or give it to me straight

Turn me on, make me say.”

“Spicy” turns into Latin-tinged pop, with Derulo taking over lead vocal duties. Like Bublé, Derulo sings with an excellent tone. Lyrically, the innuendo, and sex are pronounced! In the first verse, he sings, “Snuck into the bathroom / She might be a problem / I should probably stay away.” Oh, my! Then there’s the pre-chorus, where he asserts, “Girl, you crazy, couldn’t even wait for the room / Shakin’, shakin’ tryin’ to keep up with you.” Woo! Perhaps the most memorable moment hails from the second verse: “She think I’m Jordan / But she scream, ‘Derulo’ (Derulo) / My ego enormous / Fillin’ up your body, babe.” Oh, snap! Fabulous singing, steamy lyrics, and colorful production make “Spicy Margarita” a fun and sexy pop song. This is the collaboration we didn’t know we needed!

17. Kim Petras, “Gag on It”

Slut Pop Miami // Amigo / Republic // 2024

“G-g-g-gag on it / Sucky suck, eat it up / Get a rush, make ya bust.” It doesn’t require deep analysis to understand what Grammy-winning pop artist Kim Petras is getting at on “Gag on It”. “Gag on It” appears as the second track on her 2024 album, Slut Pop Miami, which was released on Valentine’s Day. Petras is fully invested in sex positivity. She adds, naughtily in the chorus of this brief, steamy, dance-pop number, “Take it deep, make it skeet / On your knees, make you weep.” Wow 😮! This ‘deep’ cut was penned by Kim Petras alongside Aaron Joseph, Ryan OG, Rocco Did It Again!, lil aaron, and producer, Dr. Luke. Dr. Luke puts in serious work behind the boards, giving Petras an energetic backdrop to fuel the lust. The chorus is the centerpiece, but there’s also a verse and pre-chorus that appears post-verse where Petras unleashes her naughtiness. In the verse, she asserts, “I wanna hear that sound when you gag, OD / Push it through your lips, swallow it real deep…” In the pre-chorus, she keeps it 100, sexually: “Uh, bitch, gag on it / I’ma hit it raw, no bag on it.” “Gag on It” doesn’t require deep analysis, or any analysis. Kim Petras said what she said.

Appears in 🔻:

Kim Petras, Gag on It: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 14 (2024)

18. Benjamin Ingrosso, “Kite”

“Kite” // Universal Music AB // 2024

“I can fly, it’s the real thing / I’m a kite, I, I get high on you.” The handsome, talented Swedish pop musician, Benjamin Ingrosso, is back with another hot track! The ‘high-flying’ “Kite” was written by Ingrosso alongside Jon Shave, Salem Al Fakir, Vincent Pontare, and Anya Jones. Handling production duties are Shave and Vargas & Lagola. Clocking in just under three minutes, Benjamin totally puts his foot into this one! First and foremost, he delivers a sensational vocal performance. He is exuberant, filled with ample personality from the opening tip to the final note. Notably, we hear him deliver vocals in his lower, middle, and upper register, showing off his versatility. Perhaps his best moments are his dynamic falsetto. Of course, it helps when you have tuneful melodies to work with, not to mention memorable lyrics. The section of the song to beat, unsurprisingly, is the chorus (excerpted above), where Ingrosso adds, “I fall in love on the ceiling / Now, call you mine, it’s all I want to do.” The infatuation is real: “You’re sweet like chocolate on my tongue / Let’s dig in deep, while we’re still young.” Yeah! Beyond the pipes and the lyrics, the backdrop is on-point too! Those hard hitting drums at the onset set the tone with their heaviness and percussiveness. That bass line – EVERYTHING! And, fitting for the chorus, the backdrop is backdropping at its best! Benjamin Ingrosso does the damn thing on “Kite”.

19. Binoy, “Villain Arc”

“Villain Arc” // Binoy Zachariah // 2024

“Got the bad taste of heartache in my mouth / Want to act out / I look so good, wow.” WOW, indeed! Binoy (Binoy Zachariah) makes sickening music, PERIOD. Born and raised in Kenya, and embracing his Indian roots, Zachariah’s brand of pop has no boundaries. Once more, the handsome, talented musician, wows with distinct, ear catching songs. On “Villain Arc” his ambition and innovative music spirit shine bright as a beacon. What makes it special? The sound and production (Binoy) play a sizable role. The synths sound mean, embracing an international flavor. Furthermore, the beat bangs. Besides the instrumental, the vocals are unique too. Binoy gives us a mix of traditional and pitch-shifted vocals. A nonstandard pop track, it’s nonconformity is part of its charm! Binoy is aggressive throughout – to be expected, given the title and embracing a villainous arc. Honestly, he seems to be flexing, despite inopportune happenings, particularly when it comes to those matters of the heart. He’s confident AF (“Bitch, I move like art, Rakakaka / In my villain arc / I am at one with my body”), profane, and of course violent and villainous. “Bang, bang, bang / Three white twinks in a ditch / I am that bitch / Itching for violence,” he asserts during the production switch, later adding, “And I don’t give a / And I don’t give a fuck.” Ooh-wee! I suppose those white twinks rubbed him the wrong way! Zachariah penned the fierce, spirited “Villain Arc” alongside Arthur Besnainou. This Kenyan, LGBTQ standout slays!

20-21. Vampire Weekend, “Capricorn” & “Gen-X Cops”

Only God Was Above Us // Columbia // 2024

“Can’t reach the moon now / Can’t turn the tide / The world looked different / When God was on your side.” The moon and spirituality? Intriguing thought provoking lyrics from the first verse of “Capricorn”. “Capricorn” marks the first of two singles released in advance of Only God Was Above Us, the fifth studio album by Grammy-winning alternative band, Vampire Weekend. It was written by front man, Ezra Koenig. Koenig produces the track, alongside Ariel Rechtshaid. “Capricorn” is interesting from start to finish. Koenig delivers solid vocals. He’s expressive, but never gets too high nor too low. Beyond the singing, the music is another winning factor for “Capricorn.” The accompaniment game is on-point including acoustic guitar, piano, and orchestral touches. Additionally, it’s anchored by a robust bass line, and features ear-catching, noisy, synthesized sounds. Still, where the ‘bread is buttered’ is the songwriting, which is elite. The section to beat is the clever chorus. Here, Koenig sings, “Capricorn / The year that you were born / Finished fast / And the next one wasn’t yours…” The verses catch the ear too with references to life, spirituality, and time. In the third verse, Koenig asserts, “Good days are comin’ / Not just to die / I know you’re tired of tryin’ / Listen, baby, you don’t have to try.” All told, those alternative darlings, Vampire Weekend strike gold again on “Capricorn”.

“The curtain drops, a gang of Gen X cops assembles / Trembling before our human nature.” “Gen-X Cops” marks another sweet moment from Vampire Weekend in 2024. “Gen-X Cops” was written by front man, Koenig and Chris Tomson, with Koenig and Tomson producing with Rechtshaid. The songwriting is a big selling point on “Gen-X Cops.” The verses feature unique, thought-provoking lyrics. In the second verse, Koenig explicitly mentions the Gen-X cops that grace the title (“The curtain drops, a gang of Gen X cops assembles / Trembling before our human nature”). However, the third verse may be the most intriguing: “Welcome back, my oldest friend / Are you cursed to depart again? / Your ways and means, eternally obscene / And always looking for obscenity and hatred.” Woo! And of course, there’s the chorus, which features the banger lyric of all lyrics: “Each generation makes its own apology.” The music and the vocals shine. The guitars are distorted, noisy, and raucous in the introduction, setting the tone. Things settle in when Koenig sings, with the harp, keys, and more refined sounds replacing the jagged, uncouth guitar (it does return, however, in all its intense glory). Koenig is refined vocally throughout, never overreaching in his performance. The tempo is quick, the groove driving, and the energy elevated on “Gen-X Cops” and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

22. Luke Markinson, “Vitamin D”

“Vitamin D” // Luke Markinson // 2024

“Dizzy and I’m weak, goddamn, my sugar’s low,” Luke Markinson sings, sharing his illness, later adding in the first verse, “Fuck the diagnosis, I already know…” He already knows? Is he diabetic since his sugar is low? He shouldn’t play around with low blood sugar, so I’m giving the pop singer/songwriter the side-eye with that fuck the diagnosis lyric… He adds some context though: “It’s an emergency, the doctor’s calling me / He tells me that I need / To get some more, a taste of your…” wait for it – “Vitamin D”! Per the Mayo Clinic, ‘Vitamin D is a nutrient your body needs for building and maintaining healthy bones.’ The Vitamin D Markinson needs is phallic – he needs to get some! He sings in the chorus, “Vitamin D, come on and give it to me / I know what my body needs / I’ll get down on my knees and savor all your…” Ooh-wee! Throughout this fun record, he excels delivering naughty, innuendo-laden lyrics. The crown jewel of the song is the chorus, where the listener gathers his needs are purely sexual. During the verses, the production is ‘seedy sounding,’ matching the naughty nature of the lyrics. In the chorus, the production grows more robust with the pounding beat and the sharp synths. “Vitamin D” is F-U-N!

Appears in 🔻:

Luke Markinson, Vitamin D: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 16 (2024)

23. John Conlin, “Love Me Just A Little”

“Love Me Just a Little” // John Conlin // 2024

“Only asking you for one thing / I just want it to mean something, oh.” Honestly, that doesn’t seem like too much to ask, John Conlin. Unfortunately, love is often NOT that simple. The Toronto musician delivers a relatable, well-rounded pop song with “Love Me Just a Little”. He penned the record alongside Suzie Buist, with top-notch results. Furthermore, the talented Canadian produced “Love Me Just A Little” alongside Olle Romo. Sweet! The sound of “Love Me Just a Little” is a huge selling point. The groove sho’ nuff grooves early on, while those picturesque keys are everything. Conlin has a fantastic backdrop to sing over and sing he does! His vocals are strong, characterized by an authentic and expressive performance. As previously referenced, “Love Me Just a Little” is relatable, thanks to not only Conlin’s vocal performance but also, the love-driven lyrics. “Always telling me how I’m so fine, say anything to get that invite / Know you’re gonna waste my time,” he sings in the first verse, adding in the second, “Lonely nights, I wanna give in / Someone touching my skin / But I been there, and it doesn’t make sense, link up just to have it all end / Never hear from them again.” Nobody likes a ghost 👻! The melodies are tuneful throughout, especially in the chorus:

“Oh my god, I’m bleeding every single feeling out

Love me just a little

No one wants to slow dance, what happened to romance?

Love me just a little, just a little right now.”

The ending of the record is particularly grand, given Conlin’s ad-libs and vocal riffs, as well as the level of energy. All told, John Conlin brings the heat on “Love Me Just a Little”.

Appears in 🔻:

John Conlin, Love Me Just a Little: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 6 (2024)

Bops That Pop: February 2024 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Amigo, Atlantic, AWAL Recordings America Inc., Binoy Zachariah, Colour Vision, Columbia, Dead Oceans Inc., Derulo Inc., gamma., Hot Girl Productions LLC, Interscope, John Conlin, JVKE MUSIC LLC, Luke Markinson, Marcus King, MCA Nashville, mega, Nuyorican Productions Inc., Parkwood, Republic, This Is Hit Inc. d/b/a Broken Bow, Universal Music AB, Warner; agoss, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Mayur Makwana, Mohamed_hassan, succo from Pixabay]

Bops That Pop: February 2024 | Playlist 🎧

Published by the musical hype on February 28, 2024February 28, 2024