Bops That Pop: July 2024 | Playlist

Bops That Pop: July 2024 features music courtesy of Artemas, Big Sean, Eminem, LISA, Rauw Alejandro, and The Scarlet Opera.

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: July 2024 were released as singles or as an album track in late June, July, or whereabouts. Musicians that served up the bops in July include Artemas, Big Sean, Eminem, LISA, Rauw Alejandro, and The Scarlet Opera. So, without further ado, here are those Bops That Pop: July 2024! 

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1. Eminem, “Tobey” (Ft. Big Sean & BabyTron)

2. LISA, “Rockstar”

3. Coldplay, “feelslikeimfallinginlove”

4. Quavo & Lana Del Rey, “Tough”

5. Childish Gambino, “Lithonia”

6. Teddy Swims, “Funeral”

7. Mark Ambor, “Our Way”

8. Vulfmon & Zachary Barker, “Disco Snails”

9. The Kid LAROI, “GIRLS”

10. ARON, “Invisibilidad”

11. Artemas, “mess of me, sexually”

12. Bright Eyes, “Bells and Whistles”

13. Leo Von Sol, “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom”

14. Denzel Curry, “HOODLUMZ” (with PlayThatBoiZay & A$AP Rocky)

15. The Scarlet Opera, “Slutty”

16. Big Sean, “Yes”

17. Al Coffey, “Lovesick”

18. Madison Beer, “15 Minutes”

19. Rauw Alejandro, “Déjame Entrar”

20. Mathew V, “Outgrown”

21. Ansel Elgort, “guestroom”

22. BOYR!OT, “ALL THE BEST, JESS!”

23. Erik Lenfair, “Pillow Prince”

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1. Eminem, “Tobey” (Ft. Big Sean & BabyTron)

The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce) // Shady / Aftermath / Interscope // 2024

“Tobey Maguire got bit by a spider, but see, me, it was a goat / If you want space, I hope you take your helmet off soon as you get up to Venus and choke.” Woo! “Tobey” marked the second single from The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce), the 12^th studio album by Academy and Grammy award-winning rapper, Eminem. Notably, Em’ enlists fellow Detroit rappers Big Sean and BabyTron for the assist. Eminem produced “Tobey” with marvy ayy, John Nocito, Daniyel Carlton McDowell, and Lyrical Lemonade mastermind, Cole Bennett.  All three rappers get the opportunity to spit ill shit. BabyTronx, the youngest, is the first heard, dropping the chorus followed by the first verse. In the verse, he agilely raps about being legally blind (“I’m allergic to rojo and legally blind, all I’m seein’ is ‘go’), smoking (“Up in my Tesla, I’m rollin’ up ‘Ishers, I stopped at Valero, think I should quit smoking”), and his drip.  Big Sean arrives for the second verse, dropping compelling one-liners and keeping the flow electrifying. “I’m the Ayatollah snatching your controller,” he spits, adding, “Bitch, I come from the D where they BMFing / Where they movin’ them keys like a chord progression.” The main attraction, the GOAT (“Yet, here I sit on your list though at five (Hm)”), Eminem, drops the third and final verse. Em’ drops plenty of lyrical gems and courts controversy. “Y’all thought you were sick, you were misdiagnosed (nope) / I’m dope, and you’ll never have this high a dose.” That’s cold ! He keeps it a buck towards the end of the verse asserting, “Cement my legacy, I definitely did controversy, I always fed on, I need it / Treat it like a truck, hit it head-on, I meet it.” Accompanied by colorful, hard-hitting, sleek production, Eminem, Big Sean, and BabyTron ‘do the damn thing’ on “Tobey”.

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2. LISA, “Rockstar”

“Rockstar” // RCA // 2024 

“Gold teeth sittin’ on the dash, she a rockstar / Make your favorite singer wanna rap, baby, la, la.” LISA comes in piping hot on her single, “Rockstar”. Although the Thai musician exemplifies the rockstar in the single, the sound is a mix of electronic, hip-hop, and pop.  The Blackpink standout raps and sings making an engaging and satisfying listening experience. “Rockstar” features sickening synths and a hard-hitting beat. Ryan Tedder and Sam Homaee produced crafting a fierce, badass backdrop. Can you say BANGER?! Likewise, LISA is badass bringing attitude from the jump.  After setting the tone with the infectious, rapped chorus, LISA finds her pitch, singing the pre-chorus. “Been on a mission, boy, they call me catch-and-kill / I’m stealing diamonds, make them chase me for the thrill.” Word! After another iteration of the unforgettable chorus and a post-chorus (“I’m a rockstar, I’m a rockstar / It’s not hype, hype, baby, make you rock-hard”), she drops the rapped verse that goes HARD (“Dippin’ outta big cities like a ponzu / It’s a fast life, it’s an attitude”).  Although brief, “Rockstar” is a BOP.  The vocals, the production, and the attitude are fire.

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3. Coldplay, “feelslikeimfallinginlove”

Moon Music // Parlophone // 2024

“I know that this could hurt me bad / I know that this could feel like that / But I just can’t stop / Let my defences [defenses] drop.” The Moon Music era has begun for Grammy-winning alternative band, Coldplay. The first piece of the puzzle is “feelslikeimfallinginlove” penned by frontman Chris Martin and fellow members Guy Berryman, Johnny Buckland, and Will Champion, in addition to Martin’s daughter, Apple, Max Martin, Jon Hopkins, and Tim Rutili.  Max Martin, Bill Rahko, Daniel Green, Michael Ilbert, and Oscar Holter produced. “Feelslikeimfallinginlove” is sleekly produced. Like many modern Coldplay songs, the electronic elements and textures are unveiled early. The beat is groovy. There are also acoustic elements, specifically strings, that amplify the overall timbre. Vocally, Chris sounds exceptional. Not only is his tone glorious, but the vocal production is elite.  He sounds polished and younger than 47.  When he ‘digs in,’ it’s awesome.  The songwriting is respectable as Martin and Company successfully convey the feeling and narrative of what it feels like to fall in love. “I know this kind of scene / Of two people there’s a spark between,” Martin sings in the second verse, continuing, “One gets torn apart / One gets a broken heart.” As troubling as it is, he gives into the feeling in the best moment of the song, the chorus:

“Oh, it feels like

I’m fallin’ in love

Maybe for the first time

Baby, it’s my mind you blow

It feels like

I’m fallin’ in love

You’re throwin’ me a lifeline

This is for a lifetime, I know.”

While Coldplay doesn’t ‘innovate’ on “feelslikeimfallinginlove”, the band delivers an enjoyable, relatable, and well-rounded alt-pop cut.

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4. Quavo & Lana Del Rey, “Tough”

“Tough” // Quality Control Music / Motown // 2024 

“Tough like the scuff on a pair of old leather boots / Like the blue-collar, red-dirt attitude…” Quavo and Lana Del Rey make an unlikely musical pair. However, “Tough” is a prime example of an unexpected collaboration that works out well. Somehow, the Grammy-nominated melodic rapper and the Grammy-nominated western-flavored, alt-pop singer/songwriter remain true to self stylistically.  There are multiple songwriters while Cirkut and watt produced it. Del Rey is the first voice heard, accompanied by a ‘characteristic’ backdrop (an alternative vibe). Musically and lyrically, it brings in a country-western vibe too.  After hearing the chill, relaxed vocals by Del Rey, my question was, how does Quavo fit? Once the beat drops, the hip-hop identity of the track is born.  He brings the heat in the first verse, mentioning “the 808s beatin’ in the trunk in Atlanta.” He also plays off the tough narrative, asserting, “Standin’ through the storm, still shinin’ like a diamond in the rough.” The pair joins forces in the second chorus. The chemistry is amazing.  More of that chemistry shines in the second verse where they trade lines. “Tell me how it’s hard for / Like the nickel on the strings in your good old Gibson guitar,” they sing, continuing, “Tell me what it feel like / Like the smoke in the drawl of your ‘Y’all’ and the way you talk slow.” Del Rey gets another moment to shine, nailing the bridge before they collab together once more in the chorus.  There’s also a playful outro where seemingly two opposing worlds collide.  “Tough” is a vibe readymade for summer and beyond.

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5. Childish Gambino, “Lithonia”

Bando Stone and The New World // RCA // 2024 

“Nobody gives a fuck.” In many cases, that’s a true statement, Childish Gambino (Donald Glover). It’s prevalent in “Lithonia”, an ambitious and engaging single from the Grammy-winning musician. “Cody LaRae / He had a break / He’s findin’ out / That nobody gives a fuck.” Who is Cody LaRae?  A character from the film and Glover’s album/soundtrack to the film, Bando Stone & The New World… “Lithonia” was produced by Glover, Ludwig Göransson, Michael Uzowuru, and Max Martin. The songwriting is captivating on this ‘conceptual’ song: “My sweet Lithonia / What have you done? / These are your children / I am your son.”.  Lithonia is a city in Georgia. Also, Glover was raised in Georgia. There is no question about the excellence of the sound.  The organ is a fabulous touch.  Also, the keys, synths, and rock cues are sweet.  “Lithonia” feels like it’s in the pop and alternative R&B realm. Childish Gambino delivers commanding, energetic, and powerful vocals.  He gets awesome support from background vocals. The melodies he sings are tuneful from start to finish.  With “Lithonia”, Childish Gambino is on fire as always.

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6. Teddy Swims, “Funeral”

“Funeral” // SWIMS Int. / Warner // 2024

“Turn your bed into my grave / Touch me, say goodbye.” That sounds both morbid and sexual, Teddy Swims (Jaten Dimsdale).  Dimsdale ‘does the damn thing’ on “Funeral”. In the pre-chorus, which appears at the top of the song, he continues, “‘Cause you know I’ll never be the same / After tonight.” Oh, snap! “Funeral” was written by Dimsdale, Jon Green, Julian Bunetta, Mikky Ekko, and Whitney Phillips. Green, Bunetta, and Matt Zara produced.

“Might as well be my last breath

You wore that little black dress to my funeral.”

Throughout his funeral, Teddy Swims serves up commanding, powerful, and soulful vocals. His runs are spot-on. He nails those ad-libs and riffs. Assertive, he is locked and loaded, baby! The songwriting is intriguing as well, and Jaten falls for her. “When you let me in, I swear I’ll only stay a minute / Singin’ famous last words, baby, listen,” he sings in the first verse. In the second, he adds, “Here as a man, a fool for you / Don’t make me wait at Heaven’s gate, just let me through.” Besides epic vocals, memorable songwriting, and tuneful melodies, the musical accompaniment and production are awesome. I love the distorted organ sound.  Additionally, there are sweet keys, strings, and a marvelous groove.  There is nothing morbid about “Funeral” in the hands of Teddy Swims.  The ‘homegoing’ rocks!

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7. Mark Ambor, “Our Way”

Rockwood // Mark Ambor, LLC / Hundred Days // 2024

“It could all go in an instant / Why wait when we could be living?” Life is meant to be lived. Pop singer/songwriter Mark Ambor enthusiastically expresses such in “Our Way”, the fifth track on his debut album, Rockwood. Ambor penned this ‘live-it-up,’ ‘feel-good’ gem. He produced it with Noel Zancanella and Ryan Hadlock. “Our Way” is simply irresistible! “Got no direction, that’s alright / Forget it all for just the night.” Yessir! Why worry when you can enjoy life? Ambor sings sublimely;  authentic and expressive. His personality shines through the audio.  The songwriting is sweet in the verses but the tuneful, sing-along chorus deserves the most praise:

“Singing under string lights, sipping ‘til the sunrise

Living like we only got today

Swearing off the dark times, cursing at the moonlight

Yeah, we might be lost, but we’ll find our way

Oh, we’ll find our way.”

The musical accompaniment marks another selling point.  The instrumental is as enthusiastic as Ambor.  The rhythmic nature is the song is awesome in its own right.  Ultimately, Mark Ambor released a summery gem in “Our Way” that deserves to be played well beyond summer.

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8. Vulfmon & Zachary Barker, “Disco Snails”

dot // Vulf // 2024

“Inside every snail shell is a tiny disco ball.” Say what? “Disco isn’t dead, instead, it turns out it just got small.” Okurrr… Vulfmon (instruments, vocals, and mixing) and Zachary Barker (vocals) unveiled the infectious “Disco Snails” in July 2024.  A song like none other, penned by Vulfmon and Barker, “Disco Snails” is ‘the stuff.’ It boasts a colorful, electrifying, and funky nu-disco groove.  Besides the groove, there are lovely strings, a lit rhythm guitar, and a robust bass line. The sound of “Disco Snails” is decadent – simply irresistible, baby! Of course, it’s not all the sleek instrumental accompaniment. The songwriting and the vocal performance both make “Disco Snails” the sugar honey iced tea.  The lyrics are ambitious, novel, and tongue-in-cheek. Disco snails? That’s who Vulfmon/Barker reference.  “Disco snails, they’re off to San Francisco where the disco’s off the rails,” they ‘sing’ (chant) in the second verse, adding, “They meet and dance to disco in disgusting garbage pails / The afterparty’s in your garden where they’ll eat your kale.” That’s on-brand… they are snails after all.  The fun continues with a third verse, though the section to beat is the chorus, which you won’t be able to get unstuck out of your head:

“Disco what?

Disco snails, they’re leaving silver trails

Disco where?

Current position’s third emission

Disco how?

They’re on the roof, they found the groof

Disco why?

The simple answer is, they’re dancers.”

Face it – this is one of the most fun choruses you’ve ever heard.  Furthermore, it’s one of the most fun songs you’ve ever heard. “Disco Snails” – LFG!

Appears in :

• Vulfmon & Zachary Barker, Disco Snails: Bangerz N Bopz 60 (2024)

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9. The Kid LAROI, “GIRLS”

“GIRLS” // Columbia // 2024

“Fuck your ex-man, I’m the man now / Think I feel bad, he was fanned out.” Hmm, those are loaded lyrics, The Kid LAROI. They are also part of the charm of his brief, summery single, “GIRLS”.  It features a radiant, dramatic string and piano intro.  The percussive groove is infectious – to die for. Rhythm plays a sizable role in the sound “GIRLS” produced by Rogét Chahayed, Tenroc, Pete Nappi, and Jon Bellion.  The sound is crucial to the vibe, but the star of the show is the handsome, rizz-filled Charlton Howard. The theme isn’t rocket science. “Girls just wanna dance, uh, ayy / Girls just wanna have fun,” The Kid LAROI sings, continuing, “I don’t know your plans, ayy / I just wanna, uh, get some.” Get some, huh? Slid that in there didn’t you Charlton?  However, that “fuck your ex-man” suggests there’s more to the story. The Kid LAROI may be dissing his girlfriend’s (Tate McRae) alleged cheating ex-boyfriend, Cole Sillinger … supposedly… LAROI won’t cheat on his girl or wrong her: “‘Cause, baby, you a ten and the one for real / You ran into some lames, but I’m for real.” Poetic… well, that’s an overstatement.  “GIRLS” is fun regardless of whether it’s a diss or not.  Howard continues to grow as an artist. He’s improved vocally, shining in the most melodic parts of this record. Ultimately, there’s no way you won’t rock your body to “GIRLS”.

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10. ARON, “Invisibilidad”

“Invisibilidad” // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2024

“Quisiera matarme, mi alma donarte, que de mí ya no quede na.” Oh, snap, that is deep, ARON (kill yourself, give her your soul so there’s nothing left )! The handsome and talented ARON (Aron Piper) shines on “Invisibilidad”, a bop readymade for summer. Performed exclusively in Spanish,  it was written by Piper, Benjamin Alerhand Sissa, and producer, Manuel Lara.

“Voy a usar, mi invisibilidad, pa que no me sientas y a tu lado poder caminar, pa estar a tu lado toda la vida y poderte observar,

no quiero que mi presencia te pueda molestar.”

Yes… now what did ARON sing? In English, Piper wants to be invisible, to be with her but not bother her. He sings beautifully, showing off his smooth, sexy vocals. The man is suave AF. Besides a strong vocal, memorable melodies, and respectable songwriting, “Invisibilidad” is sleekly produced.  The synths, groove, and fat, anchoring bass line are fire.  Adding to the allure is a sweet electric guitar solo. No deep commentary is needed for “Invisibilidad” which is a perfect bop for summer and beyond.

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11. Artemas, “mess of me, sexually”

yustyna // Artemas // 2024 

“Baby, know exactly how I like it / You know if I’m calling it’s a crisis / Go make a mess of me, sexually.” That is what the English-Cypriot singer, songwriter, and producer Artemas (Artemas Diamandis) asserts on “mess of me, sexually”, the 13^th track on his 2024 mixtape, yustyna. Who assisted Diamandis in the composition and production of the sexual mess ? That would be Daintree and Kevin White. “Mess of me sexually” is quick in tempo.  It features energetic, exuberant production.  Two of the best features are the lovely, detuned synths and the thumping beat.  The beat easily encourages the listener to nod their head. Beyond the instrumental, Artemas delivers solid vocals and engaging songwriting. “‘Cause, girl, you’re magic, such a savage / The way you wipe me like I ain’t somebody average,” Artemas sings in the first verse, continuing, “The way you cheatin’ on your man, gon’ do some damage / I should feel bad, I should feel bad, but.” He doesn’t feel bad, thinking with his… He makes this clear in the second verse where he’s far more assertive – more aggressive sexually: “Take a shot and do some blow, I fucked her like that / Carbon angel, fucked her halo / The way I bend you over up against the table…” Ooh-wee, Artemas! The section to beat in this sexually charged gem is the memorable, infectious chorus (excerpted above) that you’ll be unable to get out of your head.  Artemas brings the heat on “mess of me, sexually”.

Appears in :

• Artemas, mess of me, sexually: Midnight Heat 60 (2024)

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12. Bright Eyes, “Bells and Whistles”

Five Dive, All Threes // Dead Oceans // 2024 

“It’s hard now to imagine in / The currency was all counterfeit / Diana’s face was scattered to the mob / Expensive jokes and cheap thrills cost a lot.” Word. More like two words: Conor Oberst. What a talented singer/songwriter. Oberst and Alex Orange Drink penned “Bells and Whistles”, the promo single for Bright Eyes’ 2024 LP, Five Dive, All Threes. “Bell and Whistles” has all the bells and whistles when it comes to songwriting. Of course, Conor also brings those lyrics to life with an energetic and expressive vocal. Is he pitch-perfect? No, but a heaping dose of personality and memorable melodies go a long way.  “I was cruel like a president / I was wrong, but I ordered it,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “Lost some limbs in an accident / Playing God.” Clever given its references to particular events and previous songs like “When The President Talks to God” (“While they pick which countries to invade / Which Muslim souls still can be saved”). Throughout “Bells and Whistles,” Oberst mentions specific locations (Bleecker Street, SoHo, and Bay Ridge), as well as pop cultural references (“And you shouldn’t place bets on the New York Mets”). The bells and whistles appear in the final two choruses (“Bells and whistles, cheap thrills cost a lot”).  Every chorus is different, which helps make the song distinct. Besides the singing and lyrics, the instrumental is sweet.  “Bells and Whistles” grooves from the onset.  The rhythm section is locked in (drums, guitars, bass, keys).  The whistling is fitting.  “Bells and Whistles” is another winning song in the illustrious Bright Eyes catalog.  

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13. Leo Von Sol, “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom”

“Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom” // Leo Von Sol / Venice Music // 2024 

“Did you know there’s this dark flower / It’s called the Chocolate Cosmos.” I was unaware, Leo Von Sol, but thanks for educating me! Leo Von Sol (formerly Jxckson) continues his upward trajectory.  He embraces folk and bedroom pop on his sublime debut single, “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom”. He describes “Even the Flowers Still Bloom” as a “ballad about finding growth through our darkest moments.” Von Sol penned this floral gem while Jonah Bru produced it. The instrumental is divine. The plucked strings appearing in the intro signal the indie-pop aesthetic. There are also carefully selected synths that are delectable and essential to the vibe. The star of the show is Leo Von Sol, who makes us gag with his expressive vocals.  He engages us from the first note he sings, paying careful attention to each lyric and nuance.  “Did you know there’s this dark flower / It’s called the Black Satin Dahlia,” he sings in the second verse, adding, “But I can’t remember any of its fun facts.” We’ll forgive you, Leo. “Even the Darkest Flowers Still Bloom” benefits from a radiant, tuneful melody to match its poetic, reflective, and sincere songwriting.  The section to beat is the chorus!

“…Maybe I’ve lived all I can live

And now I’m longing for some kind of feeling

The only thing getting me through lately is

Reading facts that even the darkest flowers still bloom.”

That’s beautiful . Leo Von Sol, you sir have delivered a bop. Bravo!

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14. Denzel Curry, “HOODLUMZ” (with PlayThatBoiZay & A$AP Rocky)

King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2 // PH Recordings, LLC / Loma Vista // 2024

With “HOODLUMZ,” Denzel Curry drops an undeniable rap banger.  On the brief highlight from King of the Mischievous South Vol. 2, Curry gets an assist from PlayThatBoiZay and A$AP Rocky.  The rappers are backed by malicious, menacing production. The synth is nasty, and the beat knocks.  All three participants drop electrifying flows. PlayThatBoiZay raps the first verse, spitting “I’m ‘bout my profit if I rob plug, I’m the socket / Run that shit up, bitch, I’m Sonic / Feelin’ iconic, need my dick wet, I’m aquatic / My life a comic, bitch, I’m lit, electronic.” The chorus that follows is brief but potent:

“Sm-Smo-Smoke that ganja

That’s that loud pack, havе yo’ ass smacked (Uh-uh)

Click-clack, knock your shit back, no more chit-chat…”

Denzel Curry raps the second verse, asserting, “Never been these Hollywood (Niggas) / This goes out to the hood (Niggas) / Police pull up and pop (Niggas) / All they wanna do is drop (Niggas).” Instrumental contrast arrives near the end of the verse keeping things fresh. A$AP Rocky raps the third and final verse. He is on fire with the speed of his bars. “I’m sick without feeling no symptoms / Still ain’t no cure for the sickness,” he raps, adding “Feel like my sisters look better as strippers / All of my brothers is headed to prison / No love for the sick or the dead or no victims, nigga.” That’s heavy! All told, “HOODLUMZ” bangs hard AF!

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15. The Scarlet Opera, “Slutty”

Mirror Mirror (EP) // SRV LabelCo, LLC // 2024 

“It took a dirtbag lover and a five-foot gutter just to know I’m a sucker for you.” Oh, snap ! Los Angeles rock band The Scarlet Opera brings fierceness to “Slutty”, the third track from their 2024 EP, Mirror Mirror. “Yeah, it’s a long, cold summer that you spent with your mother, I was stuck in the Hollywood Zoo.” Animalistic! Per Queerty, their name is inspired by the famous Nathaniel Hawthorne novel, The Scarlet Letter.  The collective comprises Luka Bazulka (vocals), Colin Kenrick (keys), Daniel Zuker (bass), Justin Siegal (drums), and Chance Taylor (guitar). “Slutty” was produced by David Stewart. From the beginning, The Scarlet Opera brings exuberance and top-notch musicianship.  The keyboard (Kenrick) sounds awesome adding Elton John vibes.  The guitar riffs (Taylor) and the overall sound give Queen vibes. The articulated horns add a degree of funk that kicks ass and takes names.  Speaking of kicking ass and taking names, with his assertive lead vocals, Luka Bazulka reminds me of the likes of Freddie Mercury and Matthew Bellamy of Muse. He’s a dynamic frontman. He brings the rhythmic, tuneful melodies to life like a champ.  “Brand new city, prissy club / This is not beginner’s luck,” he sings in the pre-chorus, continuing, “Whisky bar, the boys are rough / I’m not always like this, but…” Guess what the boy makes him? “You make me so slutty.” Word! The chorus and keyword get fun, playful, and ‘over-the-top’ treatment.  The outro of “Slutty” is as fun to listen to as everything else. After the skit, Luka ‘does the damn thang,’ wowing with his powerful pipes, while those horns help fuel the fire. “Slutty” by The Scarlet Opera is the sugar honey iced tea.  Fire !

Appears in :

• The Scarlet Opera, Slutty: Beaming with Pride ️‍ 44 (2024)

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16. Big Sean, “Yes”

Better Me Than You // FF to Def Entertainment, LLC / Def Jam / UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2024 

“You a yes man, I’m a rich boy (Throw some Ds on her) / I’m a breast man, I’ma skeet on her, make a mess.” Ooh-wee! Oh, Big Sean, never change! The Grammy-nominated rapper drops a sickening banger with “Yes” which appears on his sixth studio album, Better Me Than You. “Yes” has lots of cooks in the kitchen: 11 producers (including Big Sean).  Notably, the ‘verse’ from part I interpolates “Throw Some D’s” by one-hit wonder, Rich Boy.  The first part of this two-parter is soulful.  It is comprised of the intro and the sole, unapologetic verse. Big Sean is on autopilot early on.  His flow grows even more confident in part II.  A hard-hitting, knocking beat following signals the new section, comprised of three verses and choruses. Starting with the chorus, it’s repetitive and infectious, centered around – wait for it – YES! In the verses, Sean stays aggressive.  “Niggas really think they cutthroat ‘cause they talkin’ out they necks,” he spits in first, adding, “Why don’t you get out your feelings? Middle fingers to these niggas / They wanna see me turn to the villain, either way though, I’ma kill ‘em.” WORD! Other lyrical gems include, “Stupid niggas been like, ‘What you been on’ / I said, ‘A fuckin’ rocket, bitch, I’m ‘bout to go take off’ (Take off)” and “Might take a piss off your rap Mount Rushmore after I scale it.” Damn! You’ll nod your head to this “Yes”. Big Sean serves up some epic trap.

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17. Al Coffey, “Lovesick”

“Lovesick” // Al Coffey Music // 2024

“Doing all I can to catch your eye / Try to make you jealous, but I fail every time.” Al Coffey wants him back; he’s “Lovesick”.  While we don’t wish love pain on the handsome, talented queer UK pop singer/songwriter, his pain is our listening pleasure on “Lovesick.” It was written by Coffey and producer, Michelangelo.mp3 (Michelangelo Dousis). “Dancing with a stranger, am I still on your mind?” Coffey asks his ex, though he doesn’t appear to get an answer.  Later, he sings, “The world is burning down, and yet, you’re still on my mind.” The lyrics are self-explanatory, and Al’s emotions are easily perceptible.  He ties things all together in the chorus:

“Oh, I’ve been lovesick ever since you’ve been gone

Oh, holding on cause I thought you were the one

And I’m never satisfied on the borderline

But I know

I’ve been lovesick ever since you’ve been gone.”

Coffey sings fabulously. Generally, he takes a smooth, easygoing approach, especially during the verses.  He ups the ante during the chorus but still never forces things. He’s supported by sleek production.  The musical accompaniment is driving and rhythmic.  Al concludes on “Lovesick”, “I’ll never get you back.” Seems true.  The good news is, there’s nothing to be sick about this song because it’s a surefire vibe and relatable.

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18. Madison Beer, “15 Minutes”

“15 MINUTES” // Epic / Sing It Loud // 2024 

“15 minutes ago, I was layin’ in bed / Then I had a crazy thought in my head,” Madison Beer sings in the chorus of “15 MINUTES”. She continues, “So, I took the keys and got in the car / Don’t know how I got here, but baby, here we are.” Indeed! “15 MINUTES” marked her second single of 2024. It was penned by Beer, Leroy Clampitt, Lucy Healey, and Lostboy (Pete Rycroft). Beer, Clampitt, and Lostboy produced. There’s lots to sink one’s teeth into on “15 MINUTES.” The sounds are sweet: warm, reverb-heavy piano, a nice thudding, danceable beat, and light synths. Regarding the sound, the chorus grows more electronic-driven and more overt.  Beer gives us cool, calm and collected vocals in the verses.  “Show me around this place,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “and / Take me in your embrace / It feels so right, but ain’t it strange?”  She maintains coolness in the chorus, even as the instrumental packs more punch. The melodies are tuneful in the verses. The second verse adds lovely vocal harmonies while the beat expands, becoming more danceable.  “Show me how much you care / Touch me and pull my hair,” she implores, adding, “Never forget I made you mine.” Word.  Adding to the allure and sheer excellence of the song is a fabulous instrumental section, showing off the sleekness of the synths.  All told, “15 MINUTES” is a sweet song by Madison Beer. It benefits from its hypnotic sound and vibe that draws in the listener.

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19. Rauw Alejandro, “Déjame Entrar”

“Déjame Entrar” // Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC // 2024

“Cambiamo’ la pose y me pide feroz / Llevamo’ to’ el día fumando (Oh-oh) y chingando (Oh-oh).” Ooh-wee, Rauw Alejandro! Roughly in English, these lyrics from the first verse of his single, “Déjame Entrar”, translate as “We change the position, and she asks me to do it rough / We’ve been smoking all day (Oh-oh) and fucking (Oh-oh).” Tyler Spry, MAG, El Zorro, and Mick Coogan assist the Latin Grammy-winning Puerto Rican singer with production.  Matching the steamy lyrics, the single cover art is muy caliente (a shirtless, tatted Alejandro in the bathtub). “Déjame Entrar” benefits from its mellow, slick, smooth production. Rauw delivers gorgeous, boyish vocals, possessing a sweet sound.  As lovely as his vocals are, he’s ‘all man’ bringing ample swagger to the track.  He sings, but also incorporates melodic Latin trap – more rhythmic pitched melodies. Once the beat drops, it’s ‘on.’ After the steamy first verse, he tones it down a bit in the second (“Mami, espero que estemos juntos hasta el otro verano”). The chorus marks one of the best moments:

“No puedo descifrar lo que dice su mente (Eh)

Pero su cuerpo pide algo diferente (Oh)

Cuando se pega al mío ya no es tan inocente

Y yo quiero ponérselo entero solo si ella me deja (Oh).”

In English:

“I can’t decipher what her mind says (Eh)

But her body’s asking for something different (Oh)

When she sticks to me, she’s not so innocent anymore

And I want to put it all on only here if she lets me (Oh).”

All told, “Déjame Entrar” is sweet, whether you understand a lick of Spanish or not!

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20. Mathew V, “Outgrown”

“Outgrown” // Mathew V Music // 2024

“I’ve outgrown.” Canadian singer/songwriter Mathew V (Mathew Van Vooght) is incredibly talented.  That’s an understatement.  Part of the reason V is ‘the bee’s knees’ is because of his versatility, shifting through musical styles seamlessly.  On “Outgrown”, Mathew is firmly in the pop lane delivering a reflective and thoughtful ballad. V penned “Outgrown” alongside producer Ryan Worsley. What makes “Outgrown” a pop song we’ll never outgrow? It begins with Mathew singing exquisitely.  His tone is warm and inviting, particularly in the verses.  He never over-sings and has great intuition when to ‘dig in’ more.  His runs are decadent, and overall, he delivers fabulous nuances.  V has tuneful melodies that he sublimely brings to life and introspective lyricism (“The person that you want is someone that I’ve outgrown”). The chorus is the section to beat where Van Vooght and the instrumental accompaniment rise to the occasion. Speaking of the instrumental, it’s warm and locked in from the beginning.  The keys are ear-catching while the organ takes us to church! V keeps things engaging by differentiating with melodic tweaks in the second verse.  He also shines in the bridge, where “I’ve outgrown” is sung in the background while he sings lead. Ultimately, “Outgrown” is stunning.  Great vocals, sincere songwriting, and magnificent production.

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21. Ansel Elgort, “guestroom”

“guestroom” // ansel’s records // 2024

“In the guest room, remember all the trouble we made?” By trouble, Ansel Elgort, we assume sex.  And sex, my friends, is what “guestroom” sounds like. “Guestroom” marks the first solo single by the handsome and talented singer, songwriter, producer, and actor since 2018 (“Supernova”). This smooth cut, written and produced with Angel López, finds Elgort reigniting his music career. There is lots to heart. The minimalist production and sexy vibes are sweet. Vocally, Elgort is on point.  He sings the first verse in an undertone that is ear-catching. He doesn’t break a sweat but it’s hot! He opens his voice more in the pre-chorus, singing, “This love is keepin’ me so cautious, oh / ‘Cause usually, my heart is darkness (woo) cold.” Ooh-wee! He’s at his best in the chorus:

“I remember when I met you

I can see it clear as day

Soakin’ wet in the guest room

You remember all the trouble we made?

A Dolce swimsuit, body had me blown away

On the grass where the buds bloom

Remember all the places we laid?”

“Guestroom” is brief but potent. Purely from a musical perspective, Elgort delivers awesome summery vibes.  It’s sexy without crossing the line.

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22. BOYR!OT, “ALL THE BEST, JESS!”

“ALL THE BEST, JESS!” // BOYR!OT / Venice Music // 2024

“My therapist / Said you were a narcissist / I guess I’m just a masochist / Craving the taste of our lips.” Los Angeles-based queer alt-rock/pop-punk duo BOYR!OT (Greg Driscoll and Brendan Eprile) keep it a buck on their electrifying, rocking single, “ALL THE BEST, JESS!”.  Jess is something else, as Greg and Brendan tell it. Driscoll, Eprile, and Marlo Berberian penned this spirited song. NKLAI and Taylor Morrow produced. “Soulsucker / You found a different lover / You always kept me down / And now I’m looking for an upper.” Sigh, love will make you do crazy and risky things… and drugs… BOYR!OT, specifically Driscoll in the first verse, tries to convince us they’re unbothered, but the chorus confirms being bothered.

“Even though you’re just a

Hot mess

Such a fucking

Actress

Was I just a conquest

Use someone else

I guess

I just failed

Your Chem test

Wish you all the best, Jess

Use someone else…”

‘Jess’ deserves the “Go fuck yourself” by BOYR!OT that concludes the lengthy but potent chorus. Brendan shines in the second verse, taking over the lead vocals. Greg and Brendan serve up high-flying, energetic vocals – you buy what they sell.  The lyrics are believable – emotional and honest.  The instrumental rocks. What more can you ask for? “ALL THE BEST, JESS!” is the best!

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23. Erik Lenfair, “Pillow Prince”

“Pillow Prince”// Erik Lenfair // 2024 

“I came on a mission tonight / (With a craving deep inside) / I need the right type of guy / (Who’ll get the job done right).” Oh, snap ! Handsome and talented Brazilian pop artist Erik Lenfair gets down to business on the sexy “Pillow Prince” which is about craving dick. Lenfair penned “Pillow Prince” while Elisio Freitas produced it. The modus operandi: SEX. “Come and get my love,” he sings, continuing, “Better get warming up / Then baby you gots to take charge.” The desire and hunger are real as Lenfair lets this smoldering hot hottie dominate him. “I’m just gonna lie down / Super cute,” he asserts, “Scream your name / Watch you rock it / I’ll be your pillow prince for the night.” Lenfair not only excels at his role as the submissive pillow prince but shines vocally. He charmingly, sexily, and sweetly expresses his desires, amplified by a heaping dose of autotune, perfectly suited for this song.  It also doesn’t hurt that he’s composed tuneful melodies, particularly in the chorus, the crème de la crème of the pillow prince-ing. Freitas’ production is bright, and bubbly, signaling the willingness to… The bass line is a thick…boy ,  while the synths are sugary sweet sans being saccharine. Lenfair uses his influences fabulously on “Pillow Prince”. Pillow Princes everywhere have an anthem!

Appears in :

• Erik Lenfair, Pillow Prince: Beaming with Pride ️‍ 35 (2024)

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Bops That Pop: July 2024 [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Aftermath, Al Coffey Music, ansel’s records, Artemas, BOYR!OT, Columbia, Dead Oceans, Def Jam, Epic, Erik Lenfair, FF to Def Entertainment, LLC, Hundred Days, Interscope, Leo Von Sol, Loma Vista, Mark Ambor, LLC, Mathew V Music, Motown, Quality Control Music, Parlophone, PH Recordings, LLC, RCA, Shady, Sing It Loud, Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC, SRV LabelCo, LLC, SWIMS Int., UMG Recordings, Inc., Venice Music, Vulf, Warner; agoss, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, James Smith, Mohamed_hassan, Rudolph Hattingh, succo from Pixabay]

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