Bops That Pop: January 2024 | Playlist 🎧

Bops That Pop: January 2024 features music courtesy of Andra Day, Ariana Grande, Jamie xx, Peso Pluma, MGMT, and serpentwithfeet.

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 represent the best songs of a given month on The Musical Hype! All the songs on Bops That Pop: January 2024 were released as singles or as an album track in late December (2023), January (2024), or whereabouts. Musicians that served up the bops in January 2024 include Andra Day, Ariana Grande, Jamie xx, Peso Pluma, MGMT, and serpentwithfeet, among others. So, without further ado, here are those Bops That Pop: January 2024! 

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1. Lil Mabu & Fivio Foreign, “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL”  

🎵 “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL” • 🏷 YOUNG GENIUS ACADEMY INC. • 🗓 2023 

“Yeah, I got a white shooter, huh / And, no, I ain’t shootin’ no schools up.” Well, that’s a relief! If you didn’t catch the reference that rappers Lil Mabu and Fivio Foreign are making in the chorus of “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL”, Mabu, who is white, is a shooter, but not the stereotypical white male mass shooting perpetrator. Of course, that’s just one moment from this colorful, unexpected collaboration between a privileged, 18-year-old white rapper and a popular black drill rapper. “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL” shouldn’t work, but surprisingly, it’s a success!    

   

The personality of Mabu, who has unspoken rizz, along with acknowledging his privilege, whiteness, and not taken himself too seriously, gives him an edge in this ‘drill tutorial.’ The young’un allows Fivio Foreign to take him under his wing, into the hood and embracing the drill rap style.  The rappers trade bars, complementing one another in surprisingly successful fashion. See verse two: “He look like a singer, but white boy’ll get up on ‘em / He can’t say the word, I’ma say it for him / You not the biggest, I’m bigger / You just a broke lil’ —-.” WOO! The music video, which is even more entertaining than the song itself, amplifies the chemistry between the two, unlike artists.  Also fueling the fire on this rap banger is the hard-nosed production courtesy of GRKS, 808k antares, and Swamiq. “TEACH ME HOW TO DRILL” is novel, but it shows that (1) unexpected collaborations sometimes work and (2) Lil Mabu is creative.

Appears in 🔻:  

• 15 Songs Focused Only on ME (2024) 

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2. Ariana Grande, “yes, and?”

💿 eternal sunshine • 🏷 Republic • 📅 2024

“Now, I’m so done with caring / What you think, no, I won’t hide.” WORD. Grammy-winning pop superstar Ariana Grande surprises with  “yes and?”, the promo single for her 2024 studio album, eternal sunshine. While there are plenty of familiar aspects and moments, contrast comes into play in terms of style.  Rather than R&B-infused pop, “yes and” embraces more of a dance-pop vibe. It was written and produced by Grande, Ilya, and Max Martin. Ultimately, the results are positive.  Also, there is homage paid to pop icons and references to her relationship (“Your business is yours and mine is mine / Why do you care so much whose d**k I ride?”). Ooh-wee! Oh, snap!    

The sound of the record deserves a shout out. It begins with ample production gimmickry from the onset, followed by an infectious, danceable groove.  Beyond that beat, there are plenty of ear-catching instrumental moments that complement the always brilliant vocals of Grande.  Even before Ariana establishes the narrative of the record in the verses, the introduction is prolonged, lasting nearly 50 seconds in duration.  As always, Grande eats from a vocal perspective, singing with ease.  “Boy, come on, put your lipstick on / … Come on and walk this way through the fire,” she sings in the pre-chorus, embracing and promoting inclusivity. In the chorus, she drops a few swears for the sake of uplifting! “‘Yes, and?’ / Say that shit with your chest, and / Be your own fuckin’ best friend…” Woo! All in all, Grande brings the heat on the empowering, entertaining, and exuberant  “yes, and?”.  

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3. Billy Porter & Luke Evans, “Always Be My Man”   

🎵 “Always Be My Man” • 🏷 Island / Republic / Universal Music Operations Limited • 🗓 2023

The incredibly talented Billy Porter collaborates with Luke Evans – fellow actor, singer, and member of the LGBTQ+ 🏳️‍🌈 community – on  “Always Be My Man”. This touching duet appears from the motion picture, Our Son, which both actors star in. The first voice heard on “Always Be My Man” is Porter, with his distinct, raspy instrument. Evans contrasts, with his smoother instrument. After Evans’ turn, Porter initiates the vocal power-up section, unsurprising given the robustness and gospel-influence of his pipes.  Evans, likewise, rises to the occasion, matching his on-screen hubby’s power.  Grammy winner Robert Glasper produces this heartwarming, romantic, and thoughtful record, written by Porter, Connor Reeves, and Joseph Peter Michael Killington. Besides the standard rhythm section (keys, guitar, bass, and drums), strings add elegance to the mix, arranged beautifully by Derrick Hodge. All told, “Always Be My Man” is sweet. Furthermore, it’s rare to hear two men sing a duet about mutual love, even in 2024 with as much as the LGBTQ+ catalog has expanded. This song is a winner in my book. Kudos Mr. Porter and Mr. Evans!

 

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4. Jennifer Lopez, “Can’t Get Enough”

💿 This Is Me… Now • 🏷 Nuyorican Productions, Inc. • 🗓 2024 

“You got my engine runnin’ / You got the keys to turn me on and on.” Ooh-la-la, Jennifer Lopez! “Can’t Get Enough”, an enjoyable promo single from her 2024 album, This Is Me… Now, commences with unique, pummeling drums that catch the ear.  Post tone-setting drum riff, she begins to talk her stuff, asserting, “I just wanna / I just feel like, ooh / Every time I see ya / I just, ooh, hey.” J. Lo gives us ample personality early on. What is relatable is the theme – the modus operandi – love and sex.  “Can’t Get Enough” was produced by a star-studded cast: Rogét Chahayed, Angel López, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, and Hit-Boy. 

The backdrop is fresh – inspiration for Lopez, who is, shockingly, 54 years young. Inspired by the instrumental, with its stellar groove, and more inspired by love, Jennifer asserts, “You know I can’t get enough (I love that shit).” It should be noted that shit earns a positive connotation – we’re not talking poo! The dedication is real, so much so that (1) “Don’t wanna share you with no one else” and (2) “I’m still in love / With you, boy.” Noted.  From a vocal perspective, Lopez sings well, sounding clear and expressive.  Ultimately, “Can’t Get Enough” marked a pleasant return from Jenny From the Block.

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5. Jamie xx, “It’s So Good” 

🎵 “It’s So Good” • 🏷 Young • 🗓 2024

Three words: “It’s So Good”.  That’s right, Jamie xx (Jamie Smith) knew exactly what he was doing when he named his new single. The ear candy is decadent AF, PERIOD.  First and foremost, the groove is EVERYTHING.  That’s the expectation when it comes to an electronic song, and Smith does not disappoint. That said, it’s not all groove on this four-and-a-half-minute-plus, minor key gem! Beyond grooving hard, the synths and assortment of instrumental ideas are quite creative.  This drives the success and hypnotic nature of “It’s So Good” as much as anything. It’s easy to be mesmerized by the musical goodness Jamie xx concocts. Yes, it’s closer to five minutes than four, but Smith ensures he throws plenty of ideas at the listener to keep them engaged. Gradually, he brings in additional sounds, exhibiting top-notch, innovative spirit.  Furthermore, I love the way he ‘throws off the listener’ with interludes, before embracing familiarity once more, sometimes, with an extra wrinkle or two.  All told, “It’s So Good” exceeds the goodness of its title.  This electronic joint right here is the stuff!  

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6. Lost Frequencies & Bastille, “Head Down”

🎵 “Head Down” • 🏷 Lost & Cie Music SPRL / Epic • 🗓 2023 

“Don’t hang your head down.” That’s the key lyrical takeaway from “Head Down”, a groovy collaborative single from Belgian DJ/record producer, Lost Frequencies (Felix de Laet), and British indie-pop band, Bastille.  In the chorus, Dan Smith repeats the titular lyrics over and over, ensuring that the uplifting message and vibes don’t fall on deaf ears.  As always, Smith’s British accent is pronounced, part of the charm of his performance.  Notably, he highlights the happenings forcing him to keep his head down.  But, of course, he gets the advice and inspiration he needs to bring him up:     

“And you said  

‘Hearts break, life can knock you to the ground  

Don’t hang your head down, head down  

You’re still young, but know the best is yet to come  

Don’t hang your head down, head down.’” 

Word. As for Lost Frequencies, he puts in work on the instrumental.  To reiterate, the groove is lit – arguably the biggest selling point of the instrumental.  But also, the backdrop is colorful, thanks to the keys, synths, and the rhythm.  “Head Down” was produced by Lost Frequencies and Johan Lindbrandt. Furthermore, Smith, de Laet, and Lindbrant composed the record alongside Dag Lundberg and Nicklas Lif.  All told, “Head Down” is a winner – an electrifying dance joint to spin well into 2024.   

  

Appears in 🔻:  

• 11 Thrilling Songs Where It’s Going DOWN ⬇️ (2024) 

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7. Andra Day, “Where Do We Go” 

💿 CASSANDRA (cherith) • 🏷 Warner • 📅 2024 

“Where do we go? / How you been living? / I’m just passing through your neighborhood / From down on Woodman.”  Academy Award-nominated actress and Grammy-winning singer Andra Day returned in 2024 with the soulful “Where Do We Go”, an advance single from her third studio album, CASSANDRA (cherith). A five-minute-long record, “Where Do We Go” is a juggernaut – in a positive manner.  Day penned this song alongside Caleb Morris, Charles Jones, David Wood, Nando Raio, Shay Godwin, Spencer Guerra, and Zachary Moore. Similarly, Day, Jones, Wood, Raio, and Godwin produce. It commences with a soulful instrumental – think neo-soul.  The instrumental backdrop is sensational, including keys, organ, guitar, and drums when they enter the mix.  The most important piece of the song is Day who delivers authentic, expressive, nuanced, and refined vocals. Her tone is stunning. Furthermore, her runs are marvelous.  The melodies she sings are lovely.  Thematically, the record encompasses matters of the heart – a fitting topic for an R&B joint.  “Make me weak staring into my eyes / Quit trying to stare into my eyes,” she sings, continuing, “I knew I should’ve just driven by, gotta say goodbye / You’re all I want, boy.” Day lets it rip, upping the ante with dynamic, passionate vocals as she confesses, “You’re all I want boy.” At the end, she brings it back down after reaching a fever pitch.  All in all, “Where Do We Go” marks a magnificent song from an incredible talent.  

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8. Bring Me The Horizon, “Kool-Aid” 

🎵 “Kool-Aid” • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited • 🗓 2024

“We are the children of the devolution / The infamous martyrs, the scars on the sun / Asphyxiating with a smile on your face / While they pull your teeth out one by one.” Woo! Clearly, the “Kool-Aid” is hellish in the hands of Bring Me The Horizon. BMTH’s first single of 2024 is filled with ample angst.  Backed by strong production work, “Kool-Aid” commences with feedback. Furthermore, the record is heavy and incredibly menacing from the jump.  We wouldn’t have it any other way! Oli Sykes, fittingly, matches the heaviness of the music with his aggressive vocals.  He serves up a mix of pitched and un-pitched vocals. Furthermore, the lyrics are aggressive too: “I got my (hands around your throat, I love the way you choke) / ‘Cause I am yours and you are mine, I’ll never let you go.”  The section to beat is the chorus, which features a tuneful melody.

“‘Cause you got a taste now, drank the Kool-Aid by the jug 

So, suffer your fate, oh, come here and give me a hug 

Nobody loves you like I love you, oh, my dear 

But you should’ve known that this was gonna end in tears.” 

Besides the tuneful melody in the chorus, the underlying harmonic progression is a win too. All told, Oli and Bring Me The Horizon shine on “Kool-Aid”, quite the way to rock hard at the beginning of 2024. 

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9. Norah Jones, “Running” 

💿 Visions • 🏷 Capitol • 🗓 2024

“For you / Running and running / Running and running / Running and running.” Phew, that’s a lot of running, Norah Jones.  The versatile, Grammy-winning musician releases her ninth studio album, Visions, on March 8, 2024. In advance of the LP, Jones delivers the ear-catching single, “Running”, which she composed alongside producer Leon Michels. From the first note, “Running” is compelling with Jones serving up a jazzy brand of pop… or something like that. A superb groove is established at the onset of “Running.” Regarding sound, I adore the timbre of the piano here.  It’s not just drums and keys – the instrumental gets beefier beyond the verse.  Of course, the star of the show is none other than Norah Jones, who possesses one of the most distinct, recognizable voices in the game.  Those compelling pipes get a lift thanks to equally sweet backing vocals. The question is, why is Norah running? Love, of course!  That’s always the reason, right? “From the first time I felt the click in my heart / I keep running, oh, I keep running away.” Love is complicated, of course, and it makes you feel a range of emotions.  Here, the running Jones entices us the listeners.  Ultimately, on “Running”, Jones serves up tuneful melodies.  She’s true to self, yet, this song also sounds like a bit of contrast, which is a win. 

 

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10. Peso Pluma, Junior H & Oscar Maydon, “Rompe La Dompe” 

🎵 “Rompe La Dompe” • 🏷 Double P / Rancho Humilde • 🗓 2023 

“Rompe la dompe / La paca nunca se acaba.” Word. What happens when Peso Pluma, Junior H, and Oscar Maydon join forces? Why, a hit song, of course! “Rompe La Dompe”, written by El Chachito (Alexis Fierro), arrived at the tail end of 2023, in all its glory. One of the biggest selling points of regional Mexican music (Música Mexicana) is instrumental accompaniment.  On “Rompe La Dompe,” the rhythmic intensity of the backdrop is utterly sublime.  The guitars! The horns! The active, robust bass line! Even though the intensity is pronounced, it also feels a tad bit mellower, chiller compared to other tracks by Peso Pluma. Of course, “Rompe La Dompe” is exclusively recorded in Spanish. For those of us whose Spanish is rusty or sus at best, there are, of course, English lyric translations which provide insight. Even without comprehending the lyrics, however, “Rompe La Dompe” is a vibe. All three musicians perform soundly, collaborating well with one another. The melodies are tuneful throughout. Regarding form, “Rompe La Dompe” keeps things traditional, with verses, pre-choruses, and choruses.  Also, clocking in at a respectable duration, under three minutes, gives just the right amount of song.  Going back to the theme, it’s not far removed from the music from young American artists: drinking, smoking (more than cigarettes), partying, girls… The big takeaway, however, is that “Rompe La Dompe” is another fine example of Peso Pluma and company helping to popularize Regional Mexican music in the US and worldwide. Pretty F’N cool! 

 

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11. MGMT, “Nothing to Declare” 

💿 Loss of Life • 🏷 Mom+Pop • 🗓 2024 

“Nothing to declare / Not in the bags under my eyes.” Word. “Nothing to Declare” marks the third single, and sixth track from Loss of Life, the fifth studio album by Grammy-nominated alternative duo, MGMT – Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser. “Nothing to Declare” runs just north of three-and-a-half-minutes in duration.  It was produced by the duo alongside Patrick Wimberly. “Nothing to Declare” commences with folksy vibes. VanWyngarden serves up cool, calm, and collected vocals.  He does a marvelous job bringing tuneful melodies to life. Furthermore, the lyrics are compelling too, with both verses beginning with the titular lyric. There are two choruses, each contrasting. Even so, the chorus serves as the centerpiece: “If you let me go / I’ll fall as far as I can fall / Starlight ain’t never gonna bring me home…” Other notes regarding “Nothing to Declare.” As it progresses, the psychedelic touches enter the mix – it wouldn’t be MGMT without them, right? Also, what about that drum groove? It marks another win, complementing the rhythm guitar superbly. I do declare that MGMT brings the musical heat on the fine “Nothing to Declare”.

 

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12. Nick Rich, “I Know You Are (But What Am I)”

🎵 “I Know You Are (But What Am I)” • 🏷 Big Red • 📅 2023 

Who is Nick Rich – that is the question! The answer is, he is an American artist who patterns himself after British soul musicians.  And let me tell you, folks, he patterns himself after them like a boss!  “I Know You Are (But What Am I)” marks his first single of 2024.  Running north of four minutes in duration, it’s a fabulous four minutes-plus. Guitar is the first sound the listener hears in the intro, establishing a minor key (D minor to be precise). Rich offers up playful vocals during the intro, which draws the listener in and prefaces the excellence that is to come. Soon enough, we add keys, and a light, soulful groove, again, in the British soul/ pop-soul style. Beyond his fabulous vocals during the intro, throughout the course of “I Know You Are (But What Am I),” Rich gives us gorgeous and refined vocals.  He never over sings yet is potent with his emotional delivery.  He has tuneful melodies to work with, particularly the chorus. I love the way that he uses background vocals throughout, upping the ante, notably during that epic chorus. The bridge also deserves a shoutout, providing terrific contrast to the verses/chorus. Post-bridge, the instrumentation gets a slight tweak – subtle, mind you – bridging the retro-sound and the present.  There is so much to love about Nick Rich as an artist.  Quite talented, his pen and vocal skills are superb.  All told, he nails it on “I Know You Are (But What Am I)”. Bravo – bravissimo!  

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13. The Black Keys, “Beautiful People (Stay High)” 

💿 Ohio Players • 🏷 The Black Keys / Nonesuch • 🗓 2024 

“All of those beautiful people (Say ‘hey’)!” Be prepared for Ohio Players, the 12th studio album by Grammy-winning, duo extraordinaire, The Black Keys.  The album’s title was inspired by legendary, Ohio funk band. Furthermore, Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney are from the big midwestern state, specifically, Akron. Auerbach and Carney wow on the first single from Ohio Players, the hella funky “Beautiful People (Stay High)”. Prepare to tap your feet something fierce! “Beautiful People (Stay High)” keeps things relatively brief, clocking in under three minutes in duration. That’s plenty of time for The Black Keys to make our ears perk up.  The groove is nothing short of electrifying – the rhythm section is firmly ‘in the pocket.’ Gotta love the use of distorted guitars, old-school piano, and horns. The duo constructs an awesome blend of retro rock, bluesy, and funky vibes. The riffs, well, they kick ass and take names. Beyond the instrumental skill – Carney’s drumming and Auerbach’s guitaring – Auerbach serves up strong, commanding vocals. “Hard as it’s been, to begin once again,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “Just a friend on the wind seekin’ shelter.” Oh my! Furthermore, he gives us no shortage of playful moments: “Nah, nah-nah-nah-nah / Never coming back down.” Woo! The musical high is legit on “Beautiful People (Stay High)”, a must-hear by the beloved Akron duo. 

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14. Declan McKenna, “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine” 

💿 What Happened to the Beach? • 🏷 Tomplicated • 🗓 2024

“I found love for the little things in life,” singer/songwriter Declan McKenna asserts on “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine”.  “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine” appears as the fifth track and fourth advance single on McKenna’s 2024, third LP, What Happened to the Beach?. Running three-and-a-half minutes in duration, “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine” continues to showcase how talented the English musician is. So, what makes “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine” the stuff? For one, it’s groovy, featuring creative and picturesque production. Declan McKenna sings well, never forcing things, but delivering his vocals with a swagger. Furthermore, the melodies he sings are tuneful from start to finish. As always, the songwriting (McKenna, alongside producer, Gianluca Buccellati) is awesome, never failing to compel.  The verses are as intriguing as the pre-chorus and the chorus.  The chorus catches the ear especially thanks to dropping a bomb – a couple of bombs in the final iteration.  “I got a boring apartment, all of the drugs / I’m fucking dangerous, I get what I want,” he asserts, continuing, “Head’s up to Mulholland’s for dinner and wine / It’s fucking go-time, tell me to stop.” Woo!  All in all, McKenna, now 25 years old, continues to impress, much like he did as a teen with exceptional talent when he entered the game. “Mulholland’s Dinner and Wine” is a winner, PERIOD.

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15. David Kushner, “Skin and Bones” 

🎵 “Skin and Bones” • 🏷 David Kushner / Miserable Music Group, LLC • 📅 2024 

“I fantasize to feel you like a bullet / And all your layers to the fullest / But the heavens won’t condone it, mmm.” When you hear a David Kushner song, you KNOW it’s a David Kushner song, PERIOD.  The Chicago-bred, Los Angeles-based artist has a penchant for big, cinematic, and dramatic records. “Skin and Bones” is on-brand for him, with his strong songwriting, and excellent production by Rob Kirwin. The record is moody from the onset with dark, low, piano chords. While the accompaniment is cool, Kushner is the main attraction given the depth of his voice. He sounds utterly sublime in his lower register. That said, he brings contrast to the chorus, ascending higher.  Likewise, the backdrop feels slightly brighter during this section too: “Wrap me in your skin and bones, yeah, you’re electrical / Oh, I’m gonna lose control, yeah, as you pull me close.” The chorus, fittingly, is the most tuneful section. The second verse finds Kushner singing much higher, showcasing the cracks and nuances of his instrument. This stark contrast keeps “Skin and Bones” engaging.  Also, the songwriting in second verse two marks the best of the song: 

“As your flatter talk shivers down my spine 

I hear the Holy One exposin’ all the lies 

Lord, forgive me, I know my flesh needs to die 

She has the lips red as cherry wine 

A poisonous kiss, she’s part of the swine 

My salvation won’t be sacrificed.”  

Ooh-wee! Ol’ boy gets spiritual and yields not to temptation! The bridge also marks another awesome moment, finding Kushner flexing those talented, musical muscles. Those layered lines at the end are EVERYTHING. “Skin and Bones” = another fabulous recording by Kushner, PERIOD! 

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16. BNH Deluxe, “on the go” (Ft. Shiloh Dynasty) 

🎵 “on the go” • 🏷 Lofuu / CC • 🗓 2023

“So relax / ‘Cause I don’t know what’s been putting in,” BNH Deluxe (John Stephen RePass) sings on the brief but potent, “on the go”.  He continues, “Got it back / ‘Cause I don’t know if it’s there still / Want things / Want things on the go.” Word… I think.  The thing about “On the Go,” which runs under two minutes in duration, is, it’s more about the aesthetic, feel, and vibe. RePass samples Shiloh Dynasty (Ciara Nicole Simms), releasing the ultra-chill experience on ascending label, Lofuu. “On the Go” sort of floats along – its buoyant by all means.  The enigmatic, warm instrumental and beat gives off hip-hop vibes, but think lo-fi, indie hip-hop/pop. BNH Deluxe never gets too high with his vocals remaining easygoing and grounded. The excerpted lyrics are essentially the song, followed with the repeated titular lyric. Similarly, the Shiloh Dynasty vocals, sampled and looped throughout, are sung in an undertone. The marriage of RePass, Simms, and that super chill backdrop yields a hypnotic gem in “on the go”.  It’s not deep, mind you – there are spare lyrics – but, highly mesmerizing and a potent background soundtrack if nothing else.

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17. Chaz Cardigan, “Used to Care” 

🎵 “Used to Care” • 🏷 AntiFragile Music • 🗓 2024

“Kid, you don’t know what you got / Real life sucks in 3-D,” Kentucky-bred, Los Angeles-based musician Chaz Cardigan sings, adding, “This is the end, what’s your hurry? / I used to care so deep.” Those awesome lyrics hail from Cardigan’s first release of 2024, “Used to Care”. Those marvelous lyrics are only a snippet of the sheer excellence that is “Used to Care.” Cardigan put his foot in this one! “Used to Care” thrives for a variety of reasons.  First and foremost, it’s Chaz Cardigan! Chaz serves up a mean brand of vocals – clear, commanding, and expressive.  Besides putting in work on tuneful melodies, his riffs and ad-libs are fabulous to the nth degree.  As already mentioned, the songwriting – the lyrics – are a sight to behold. Well, a sight to hear… ear-catching! There’s never a dull moment between “Tasted it all on my tongue blood and cum and caffeine / Everybody’s a TV show,” and of course the chorus: “Now I can’t think / So I just stopped trying / And when I can’t sleep / At least, baby / You’re not on my mind.” Word! The final piece of the pie that makes “Used to Care” a surefire vibe? The production! It’s busy, but the rhythmic, dynamic nature of the instrumental provides fuel for Cardigan’s fire.  While Cardigan may not care so deeply, we care a lot about you, Chaz, and this fine musical offering, “Used to Care”.   

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18. serpentwithfeet, “Safe Word” 

💿 GRIP • 🏷 Secretly Canadian • 🗓 2024

“I’m your shelter.” That’s what serpentwithfeet (Josiah Wise) proclaims on “Safe Word”, the second single from his 2024 album, GRIP. Wise is feeling frisky, somewhat surprising given the title of song. Besides being the shelter for his partner, he is also “the safe word.” Wise penned this sub-three-minute, sensual joint, while I Like That produces.  I Like That gives the Baltimore musician a fine backdrop, characterized by the tasteful use of guitar and a sweet groove. Of course, it is serpentwithfeet that steals the show on “Safe Word.” Wise’s vocals are stunning; his falsetto is to die for.  The tone and approach on this contemporary /alternative R&B record is fitting.  Notably, the single cover art features Wise locking lips with his boyfriend.  Before even listening, it’s hinted that safeness hits a bit different.  “A penny saved might be a penny earned / But if you save that freaky shit for later, you’ll never learn,” Wise sings, serving up a slight variation in the next two lines.  “Safe Word” encompasses love, but also exhibits explicit passion: “Choke me now, fuck me now / Upload that dick into the cloud / I’m insatiable, make it conversational /… Oh, by the way, my nigga’s carryin’ a log.” Whoa, whoa, serpentwithfeet! Ooh-la-la! “Safe Word” is not safe for work, but it’s safe to say that it is a vibe – a sexual vibe – from the onset.   

 

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19. Jhené Aiko, “Sun / Son” 

🎵 “Sun / Son” • 🏷 Jhené Aiko LLC / Def Jam • 🗓 2024

“Sun son, sun son, sun son…” Oh, the homophones! More importantly, Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Jhené Aiko (Jhené Aiko Chilombo) is referencing her son, Noah Hasani (with rapper Big Sean) on her first single of 2024, “Sun / Son”.  “Cherish the days (Cherish the days), God bless the child…” Aiko considers Noah to be the center of her universe, embracing motherhood (“You charge me up (Sun son, sun son) / My solar power, I’m so in love”). Aiko penned the record.  She is true to self artistically and musically, while the results are positive and touching. “Your momma’s soul, and your daddy’s style / Wouldn’t you know, isn’t it wild…” Again, lyrically, “Sun / Son” centers around Noah and being the best parent for her child. Spirituality enters the mix, as she sings, “Shine on me, so I can be everything I am / Lay your lead, you’re takin’ me to the promised land.” Given the positive vibes of the songwriting, the instrumental matches the sunny vibes. The late August 08 (August Grant) and Derex Williams produce, providing a warm backdrop for Chilombo. Some of the ear candy includes the light, rhythmic drum groove and a robust bass line. Another selling point is the layered vocals (“sun son”), which serve as a great tone setter.  Speaking of vocals, throughout, Chilombo serves up chill vocals, singing with an easygoing approach. All in all, no deep analysis is necessary on “Sun / Son” as this touching song speaks for itself.    

 

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20. alex, “New Year’s Resolution” 

🎵 “New Year’s Resolution” • 🏷 BAILEY Music LLC • 🗓 2023 

“Fuck a New Year’s resolution / I’m fresh out of bad excuses / And one day I’ll wish I had started now.” Killer way to start a song, alex (Alex Cooper), if I do say so myself.  The f-bomb sets the tone for “New Year’s Resolution”, a brief, one-and-a-half-minute song released at the tail end of 2023, prior to the new year. Alex is brutally honest about how he feels about those resolutions, showing off the sheer beauty of his voice. Additionally, as he sings, he sounds authentic and vulnerable, the mark of an artist with the ability to connect with their audience. “Fuck a cheap easy substitution / For committing to follow through,” he continues, against the guitar-fueled backdrop, “Instead of this time next year / Saying you wish you had started now.” Beyond the centerpiece, in all its fuckery, alex mentions making art, the uncertainty of what pleases, and the algorithm. Of course, one of his biggest selling points is his self-deprecation, always a powerful tool in music.  Beyond those charming f-bombs and ample uncertainty, one of the best lyrical moments of “New Year’s Resolution” is certainly “Rage bait / Dopamine / I Don’t care / As long as you notice.” Ooh-wee! The new year may potentially be sus, but alex makes it thrilling. 

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21. DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD, “the first song of the rest of your life” 

🎵 “the first song of the rest of your life” • 🏷 dont make this weird • 🗓 2023 

“There’s a gift I’ve got to give to myself / Been around it trying to get it from someone else.” Ooh-wee, the opening lyrics from “the first song of the rest of your life” hit incredibly hard. Honestly, it’s the songs that exhibit authenticity, honesty, transparency, and vulnerability that tend to be the greatest and most moving. Welsh musician DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD gives the gift that keeps on giving at the end of 2023 with this reflective, somber, and thoughtful record. In the audio/lyric video caption, they state acceptance, forgiveness, the future and whatever you find. The musician comes to the realization that “Maybe I’m not the worstest person in the fucking world / I’m just a person in the world.” DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD penned this song, producing alongside Oscar Moos. So many of us are guilty of self-deprecation, which is incredibly unhealthy.  It can lead to incredibly dark places – those where one’s survival is uncertain. Depression can take you down a toxic rabbit hole. On “the first song of the rest of your life,” DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD chooses life, despite the issues they’re experiencing. Notably, they remember their mother – the fight she gave: “If I can’t make it right / I owe it to my mother to survive / Cos she had to fight / To build a life for us.” There is another variation of this chorus later, where DONT MAKE THIS WEIRD changes his tune to himself: “I owe it to my future to survive / Cos I once took a flight / Saw a sky above the storm.”  I could go on and on about “the first song of the rest of your life” but this marvelous tune is best experienced by listening.  It is stunning.  

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Bops That Pop: January 2024 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; AntiFragile Music, BAILEY Music LLC, Big Red, The Black Keys, Capitol, David Kushner, Def Jam, dont make this weird, Double P, Epic, Island, Lofuu / CC, Jhené Aiko LLC, Lost & Cie Music SPRL, Miserable Music Group LLC, Mom+Pop, Nonesuch, Nuyorican Productions Inc., Rancho Humilde, Republic, Secretly Canadian, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, Tomplicated, Universal Music Operations Limited, Warner, YOUNG GENIUS ACADEMY INC.; agoss, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Mohamed_hassan, OpenClipart-Vectors, succo from Pixabay]

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