Bops That Pop: March 2024 | Playlist 🎧

Bops That Pop: March 2024 features music courtesy of Ariana Grande, Ben Platt, SZA, St. Vincent, twenty one pilots, and Vampire Weekend. 

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: March 2024 were released as singles or as an album track in late February/ March 2024 or whereabouts. Musicians that served up the bops in March 2024 include Ariana Grande, Ben Platt, St. Vincent, SZA, twenty one pilots, and Vampire Weekend, among others. So, without further ado, here are those Bops That Pop: March 2024!

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1. SZA, “Saturn” 

 “Saturn” // Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA // 2024  

“If there’s a point to losing love / Repeating pain (Why?) / It’s all the same (Same) / I hate this place.”  Grammy-winning R&B artist SZA has outer space on her mind in her single, “Saturn”… to an extent.  Essentially, she needs a change of pace, one that doesn’t seem like an option on earth or in her current trajectory.  In the pre-chorus, she asserts, “Stuck in this paradigm / Don’t believe in paradise / This must be what hell is like.” Ooh-wee! She adds that she’s “Sick of this head of mine / Intrusive thoughts, they paralyze.” True, true.  Getting inside of your dome – it can mess you up! What isn’t a mess in the least is “Saturn” from a musical perspective.  SZA penned this standout alongside Carter Lang, Rob Bisel, Solomonophonic, and Scott Zhang (Lang, Bisel, Solomonophonic, and Monsune produce). The lyrics and instrumental are fabulous.  The backdrop matches the introspective nature of the lyrics with a recurrent, string-like rhythmic synth, robust bass line, and soulful groove.  The melodies are tuneful and rhythmic in the verses, where SZA is critical of her current status and has questions.  In the second verse, she asks, “If karma’s really real / How am I still here?” As she sings, she sounds radiant, with that signature, expressive and warm tone.  The centerpiece is the chorus, where Saturn arrives, ‘rings’ and all: “Ooh / Life’s better on Saturn / Got to break this pattern / Of floating away / Ooh / Find something worth saving / It’s all for the taking / I always say.” Ultimately, “Saturn” is nothing short of delightful.

 

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2. twenty one pilots, “Overcompensate” 

Clancy // Fueled by Ramen LLC // 2024

The Grammy-winning, alternative band twenty one pilots return in 2024 with Clancy, concluding a narrative spanning multiple albums. Leading the charge on Clancy is single, “Overcompensate”, written and produced by Tyler Joseph and Paul Meany. As always, Joseph’s partner in crime, Josh Dun, supports his bestie and packs a punch on the drums. While the conceptual cut is complicated, the ambitious nature of the song at hand speaks volumes. “Overcompensate” commences with warm piano. Soon enough, smoother keys transform into edgier synths – an industrial sound. So begins the lyrical intro with lines in German, French, and Spanish.  The groove is electrifying, setting up “Overcompensate” as an alternative banger. Prior to the first verse, there’s a transitional ‘break’ section that leads to an epic beat switch. Joseph raps/sings with an epic cadence/flow and strong tone beginning in the first verse. Here, the titular lyric first appears: “Earned my stripes, three hundred track sin my Adidas track jacket / Bless your ear holes while you react, acting / Gobsmacked, don’t hesitate / To maybe overcompensate.” The second half of the first verse also closes with the line regarding overcompensating. The titular lyric reappears in the tuneful chorus:  

“I said I fly by the dangerous bend symbol (Wait, what? Wait, what?) 

Mm, don’t hesitate to maybe overcompensate 

And then by the time I catch in my peripheral (Wait, what? Wait, what?) 

Mm, don’t hesitate to maybe overcompensate.” 

The second verse moves beyond explicit mention of overcompensating. Joseph mentions Clancy explicitly: “If you can’t see, I am Clancy, prodigal son / Don running, come up with Josh Dun, wanted dead or alive.” There is also a bridge, which separates itself from the rest of the song. There’s lots going on with  “Overcompensate” but at its most basic, the single is an engaging musical gem.  

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3. Pharrell Williams & Miley Cyrus, “Doctor (Work It Out)”  

“Doctor (Work It Out)” // Columbia // 2024

When Pharrell Williams and Miley Cyrus join forces, plenty of magic is unleashed.  These Grammy-winning standouts bring the heat on “Doctor (Work It Out)”. This three-minute and change joint was penned by Williams, Cyrus, and Michael Pollack. Pharrell hands the work behind the boards, kicking things off with his signature, four count.  From there, over a minimal but potent instrumental, following the tone-setting, introductory bar, Miley gets to work! “I could be your doctor / And I could be your nurse / I think I see the problem / It’s only gon’ get worse,” Cyrus sings, in all her ‘medical’ glory in the tuneful chorus. She continues, “A midnight medication / Just show me where it hurts / I need to rock you, baby / Before your body bursts.” Ooh-wee! In the post-chorus, for good measure, she asserts, “Let lil mama work you out.” Gah-day-um! The record only features a sole verse, but Miley makes it worthwhile whenever and whatever she sings.  Her lead vocals are expressive and playful, while the background vocals add to the fun and allure with their tongue in cheek vibes. The songwriting isn’t deep, nor is it intended to be – “Are you on the fence? / Still playing on the side / Are you on the fence? / Don’t waste my damn time” – but ultimately, “Doctor (Work It Out)” is entertaining… also, groovy.    

 

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4. Vampire Weekend, “Classical”  

Only God Was Above Us // Columbia // 2024 

“Untrue, unkind, and unnatural / How the cruel, with time, becomes classical.” Mic-drop moment, Ezra Koenig.  Koenig’s Grammy-winning collective, Vampire Weekend, return in 2024 with their fifth studio album, Only God Was Above Us.  “Classical”, marks the third advance single from the LP.  The ambitious, well-rounded four-minute-plush record was written by Koenig.  He produced it alongside Ariel Rechtshaid with top-notch results. The music is nothing short of brilliant. It is groovy from the onset. Furthermore, “Classical” boasts a unique sound palette that is on brand for the band.  The instrumentation includes guitar(s), string bass, piano, organ, synthesizer, bass, wailing tenor saxophone, and programming. Beyond the dazzling instrumental, we get sweet lead vocals by Koenig. The verses feature a beautiful, tuneful melody, as well as distinct, thought-provoking lyrics. “In times of war, the educated class knew what to do,” he sings in the first, adding, “In times of peace, their pupils couldn’t meet your baby blues.” In the second, he mentions “A staircase up to nothingness inside your DNA / Well, that’s a bleak sunrise.” Indeed.  In addition to the verses, the pre-chorus (excerpted at the top) and the chorus is tuneful and memorable as well (“It’s clear something’s gonna change / And when it does, which classical remains?”). As ambitious as “Classical” is, the form is straightforward. After the second verse, there is an extended instrumental break, prior to the return of the fantastic pre-chorus and chorus. “Classical” marks an elite alternative song from Ezra Koenig and company – the bomb dot com!

 

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5. Charli XCX, “Von Dutch” 

“Von dutch” // Atlantic // 2024 

According to Charli XCX, “I’m just living that life / Von Dutch, cult classic, but I still pop.” “Von dutch” arrives as the promo single from her sixth studio album, Brat. It references the clothing brand, yet it’s not really about the brand.  This electro- / hyperpop banger was written by Charli and produced by EASYFUN, who puts his foot into this one. From the jump, its groovy, the synths picturesque, and the overall vibe giving #DANCEFLOOR. Besides the banging instrumental, the biggest reason for the success of this banger is Charli.  She has no shortage of personality, pointing fingers at the haters early on. Prior to “living that life / Von Dutch,” she asserts in the verse, “It’s okay just to admit that you’re jealous of me / Yeah, I heard you talk about me, that’s the word on the street.” Essentially, she reads this person something fierce, adding, “You’re obsessing, just confess it, put your hands up / It’s obvious I’m your number one.” Woo! Continuing with the chorus, excerpted earlier, XCX continues with the Von Dutch vibes: “Von Dutch, cult classic in your eardrums / Why you lying? You won’t fuck unless he’s famous / Do that little dance, without it, you’d be nameless / It’s so obvious I’m your number one.” What more is there to say? Charli XCX sounds as fierce as she ever has on this infectious, attitude-laden pop single. 

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6. Matt Champion & JENNIE, “Slow Motion”  

Mika’s Laundry // RCA // 2024 

“Like moving in slow motion, yeah.” Noted, Matt Champion. Post-BROCKHAMPTON, Champion unveils his own solo album, Mika’s Laundry. “Slow Motion”, a collaboration with JENNIE of Blackpink, serves as the 12th track and third single from the LP. The alternative track is a refreshing, welcome change of pace for both Champion and JENNIE, who penned it with Henry Kwapis, Romil Hemnani, Reske, ​Dijon, and Ging.  Champion, Kwapis, and Dijon produced this intriguing sounding cut. While new to listeners, “Slow Motion” has been in the works for years. Following that Champion intro, JENNIE beautifully sings much of the first verse. “You’re my escape from reality,” she sings, adding, “You know what you mean to me.” Aww! There is more collaboration in the chorus, where the song transforms from balladry to incorporating a drum n bass groove.  Specifically, they sing together in the lines, “Would make it any easier for me to love you? / ‘Cause you know I’m shy for you still / So bad that it kills / And I can’t help but feel.” Champion takes over the second verse, keeping the love lit with his masculine, dedicated pipes (“Even when we in the rough / I remember when we met / Was it a blessing or a curse? / Another memory I kept to keep you always on my mind”). Clocking in sub-three minutes, Matt and JENNIE give listeners lots to sink their teeth into with “Slow Motion”.   

 

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7. St. Vincent, “Broken Man”  

All Born Screaming // Total Pleasure // 2024

“On the street, I’m a king-sized killer / I can make your come.” From the jump, “Broken Man” is an alluring gem from St. Vincent (Annie Clark) – it’s ear-catching to the nth degree! The song serves as the promo single from her seventh album, and first, self-produced affair, All Born Screaming. St. Vincent ‘brings it’ on this high-energy, ear-catching tour de force. “Broken Man” engages from the onset.  The instrumental is unique – distinct, intriguing, and minimal.  This minimalist sound is hypnotic, serving as the perfect accompaniment to her. Clark delivers colorful, distinct vocals atop the backdrop.  She brings ample attitude and personality to the table.  “Hey, what are you looking at? / Who the hell do you think I am?” she asks in the memorable chorus, adding, “Like you’ve never seen a broken man.” Woo! After establishing the minimalism in the opening verse, “Broken Man” gets fuller instrumentation in the second, led by the lyrics, “Lover, nail yourself right to me / If you go, I won’t be well…” That’s a moment in itself.  Notably, boisterous, distorted guitars (and synths) kick some serious ass… AND TAKE NAMES! By the conclusion of “Broken Man,” it has transformed into this epic, hard rocking alternative cut bearing some industrial influence.  St. Vincent is one of a kind, something she flexes hard on the must-hear “Broken Man”.

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8. Luke Hemmings, “Shakes”  

boy (EP) // Arista // 2024

“Your touch is deadly and I wanna call / Is it better to feel this or feel nothin’ at all?” That is the question, Luke Hemmings! Hemmings, the lead vocalist of 5 Seconds of Summer, steps out on his own once more with his EP, boy.  Leading the charge is the radiant single, “Shakes”. Hemmings penned “Shakes” alongside producer Sammy Witte.  Witte ‘puts his foot’ into the production, crafting a warm and inviting backdrop for Luke to sing over.  “Shakes” proves to be a fabulous ballad for the handsome Australian singer.  Luke matches the warmth of the backdrop, delivering smooth, nuanced vocals. He sounds especially refined in the verses, singing with poise – more of a cool, calm, and collected performance.  In the chorus, he continues to wow, showing off his upper register, in all of its glory.  As to be expected, the chorus ‘ups the ante’ with more rhythm and energy, as well as the most memorable lyrics and melody of “Shakes”: 

“Honey, I just wanna be yours, wanna be yours 

Inside your dreams tonight 

Oh, no, oh, no 

Can’t shake this feelin’.”

And for good measure, there’s a post chorus, which emphasizes the word – wait for it – SHAKE! Thematically, loneliness and matters of the heart affect Hemmings (“Oh, I can’t help but chase you, my butterfly”).  All told, Luke Hemmings impresses on “Shakes”.   

 

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9. Kacey Musgraves, “Too Good to be True” 

Deeper Well // Interscope / MCA Nashville // 2024 

“Made some breakfast, made some love / This is what dreams are made of.” “Too Good to Be True” marks the reflective, second single from Deeper Well, the sixth studio album from Grammy-winning country musician, Kacey Musgraves. “Too Good to Be True” was penned by Musgraves alongside Daniel Tashian, Ian Fitchuk, and Anna Nalick. Musgraves produced the mellow number with Tashian and Fitchuk as well.  Initially, this sub-three-minute cut features rhythmic guitar accompaniment. Upon the arrival of the second verse, the instrumentation grows fuller, including an anchoring drum groove and synthesizer. The sound is fabulous but the biggest claim to fame are those signature calm, cool, and collected vocals by Musgraves.  The melodies she sings are memorable too. Also, throw in some harmonized vocals at select moments and the listening experience is – wait for it – too good to be true. Thematically, after seeing the worst of love (divorce), Musgraves is opening herself up to love again. “Summer’s gone and you’re still here / For both of us, it’s been a year,” she sings in the first verse, continuing, “A tidal wave without a warning.” In the second, she adds, “I’ll admit that I’m in deep / that I don’t know how else to be / And I don’t wanna slow down.” The chorus, of course, is the crème de la crème:

“Please don’t make me regret 

Openin’ up that part of myself 

That I’ve been scared to give again 

Be good to me and I’ll be good to you 

But please don’t be too good to be true.” 

“Too Good to be True” isn’t a dynamic record, but marks a beautiful, enjoyable, and well-rounded offering.  

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10. Benedict Cork, “Nice Guy” 

Notes on a Hopeless Romance // Benedict Cork // 2024

“Nice Guy” appears as the second track from Notes on a Hopeless Romance, the debut album by British pop singer/songwriter, Benedict Cork. Cork penned this advanced single alongside Jonny Wright and produced it with HOOST.  The sound is alluring and quite ear-catching, with the combination of guitar and colorful keys, and anchored by a driving drum groove.  Of course, the main reason why “Nice Guy” shines is Benedict Cork. 

Cork ‘brings the heat’ from start to finish on “Nice Guy.” Vocally, his tone is pure and while he’s energetic, he never overreaches or over sings.  The melodies in the verses and chorus are memorable, while the songwriting earns high marks too.  “We’ll stay up all night, if that’s the way that you want it,” he sings in the first verse, continuing, “Set this bed on fire, if that’s the way that you like it.” That’s the nice guy part of Cork, who sings in the same verse he could “Rip your pretty heart out and then tear it in two.” Of course, he doesn’t, as the crème de la crème, the chorus, makes crystal clear: 

“But you know, I’ve always been the nice guy 

Never hurt you back, tried to treat you right 

But, baby, I know I could be the man of your dreams 

If I learn to fuck you over just like every other guy that you’ve been with 

Or could you love a nice guy like me? 

Like me.”

Good guys always finish last, unfortunately.  Regardless of whether his nice guy ways pay off in love, they pay off well on “Nice Guy”.  Sound all around, Cork excels on this pop cut.   

 

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11. Ben Platt, “Andrew”  

Honeymind // Interscope // 2024

“His hair falls in cool careless waves without tryin’ / Goes days without cryin’ / But still treats me kind.” Oh, “Andrew”! Talented actor, singer, and songwriter Ben Platt penned the single/third track from his third studio album, Honeymind, alongside Alex Hope. Hope also produced the four-minute gem alongside Dave Cobb.  The sound is celestial, giving off folk-pop vibes with instrumentation comprised of guitar, keys, bass, drums, and layered vocals. As always, Platt delivers gorgeous vocals. He sings expressively, with ease, never forcing things.  The inspiration is a boy he had a crush on.  The songwriting superbly captures Platt’s feelings for him.  In the second verse, he sings, “He floats through the air unaware of the damage / A hard right of passage for soft-hearted boys.” The pen game is awesome! See the pre-chorus for more excellence: “One look in his eyes and I’m gone / Helplessly dumb / My senses go numb / My brain is on fire / They say wanting someone is supposed to be fun / That’s because they never loved an Andrew.” The perspective will resonate with many in the LGBTQ+ community, crushing on someone who is impossible to attain. See the EVERYTHING chorus for clarity:

“Honey, I know there’s no one to blame 

But honestly, damn you 

It’s just a cruel joke that chemicals play 

You don’t wanna kiss me, ‘cause I’m not at all 

Like the girls in the posters that hang on your wall 

What a time wasting heartbreak to fall 

For an Andrew.”

Notably, the final chorus has a slight variation, but the effect is the same.  All told, “Andrew” is a distinct, singer/songwriter pop record by Platt. He deserves plenty of love for this authentic, superbly penned and performed number.  

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12. Cigarettes After Sex, “Tejano Blue” 

X’s // Spanish Prayers / Partisan // 2024 

“And when you drag me on the floor and blue tejano’s on / You keep your eyes on me.” Alternative and ambient pop collective Cigarettes After Sex, led by Greg Gonzalez, return with their third studio, X’s, in 2024. Leading the charge is the marvelous “Tejano Blue”. Gonzalez ‘puts his foot’ into this gorgeous cut which he penned and produced. “Blue Tejano” features a lovely, dreamy instrumental, led by its warm guitars. Greg serves up a calm, cool, and collected brand of vocals, even with those dirty, profane lyrics that appear in the first verse. “We wanted to fuck with real love / We wanted it sweet, so pure and warm,” he sings, adding, “Never only sleeping over / We wanted to fuck like all the time…” Ooh-la-la! His tone is beautiful, f-bombs, and all, while the melodies in the first and second verses, as well as the chorus are memorable.  In the chorus, he sings:  

“So, get in the waves, swim in your leather 

I always will make it feel like you were the last one 

Get in the waves like it was the first time  

Bless your heart, make you part of my life forever.” 

Stunning! Gonzalez eschews profanity in the second verse, still delivering a delightful, potent performance.  All in all, “Tejano Blue” is stupendous thanks to a strong pen game, sensational vocals, and utterly sublime production. 

 

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13. BRONZE AVERY, “SPRING BREAK” 

“SPRING BREAK” // BRONZE AVERY // 2024 

“I’ve been counting the days / Til I take, take you / Take you all the way.” Ooh-la-la, BRONZE AVERY! Prior to that assertion, in his single, “SPRING BREAK”,  the handsome, talented pop artist makes it clear, “All roads are leading to me at the start.” What is clear from the start of “Spring Break” is that it is a surefire vibe that not only ushers in the spring – beachy, poolside vibe – but also hints at the possibilities for some sweet S meets E and then they X. AVERY wrote and produced this groovy, carefree Spring gem. Dancing is highly encouraged! HOWEVER, it’s more than dancing that’s encouraged! In the second verse, he sings, “Take off your top like it’s boys gone wild / Steady and doing it with a smile.” If you’ve got, then you should flaunt it, right? DAMN RIGHT! And we can’t stop staring at BRONZE AVERY, topless on the single cover artwork… Just saying 😍! Of course, we’re most enamored by his musical talent. The crème de la crème, as to be expected, is the chorus.  Avery sings, “The clock is ticking / I need a Spring break / My body’s melting / Escape to the rave / Don’t care ‘bout anything / I just wanna feel the sun / Spring break.” Need the perfect song for your Spring / spring break endeavors? Look no further than “SPRING BREAK” courtesy of BRONZE AVERY! 

Appears in 🔻:  

• BRONZE AVERY, SPRING BREAK: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 No. 11 (2024) 

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14. d4vd, “My House is Not a Home”  

“My House is Not a Home” // Darkroom / Interscope // 2024 

“Hello, I’m at your door again / I just need a friend, but now I share a bed with you.” Teen alternative pop musician d4vd (David Burke) is authentic and honest on “My House is Not a Home”.  In the first verse, he comments about the adult decisions he’s made, pushing 19 years old  (“I’m not a little boy no more, I’ve made stupid choices too / Tell my mother that I’m sorry, tell my father just the same”).  Born and bred in Houston, he’s moved to “spacious LA / Where the grass is always greener, and the world can scream my name.” Burke penned this four-minute ballad alongside Lucio Westmoreland and producers Jack Hallenback and Scott James.  Also producing is Silent Sky.  The results are stunning. Throughout the record, d4vd serves up beautiful, expressive vocals.  His tone is intimate and warm. Specifically, his falsetto, which appears in the chorus, is EVERYTHING. The melodies are tuneful throughout, as he speaks about his life and a questionable relationship (“You get drunk then start to curse me out” and “But baby, you can call me when it’s over / I talked to your therapist, he said you were getting sober”). The centerpiece is the chorus:  

“But you never really cared about the way that everything turned out 

You didn’t wanna fall in love, you’re looking out for yourself now 

It’s starting to piss me off, I thought I had you figured out 

Never thought you would call my bluff, guess who belongs to someone else now.”

Besides a marvelous vocal performance, and honest songwriting, the production – the backdrop is gorgeous too. D4vd has perfect accompaniment to reflect upon. And reflect he does on the stunning “My House is Not a Home”.  

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15. Ariana Grande, “the boy is mine” 

eternal sunshine // Republic // 2024

“How can it be? You and me / Might be meant to be, can’t unsee it / But I don’t wanna cause no scene.”  Ariana Grande is fierce AF on the 90s-inspired “the boy is mine”, the eighth track on her critically acclaimed, 2024 LP, eternal sunshine.  In this song, written and produced by Grande alongside Max Martin, Shintaro Yasuda, and DaviDior (ILYA also produces), Grande accepts the controversy she receives being in a relationship with this man. In the first verse, she adds, “I’m usually so unproblematic,” but of course, the power of the boy has driven her to the dark side (“And God knows I’m tryin’, but there’s just no use in denying”).  Despite being devilish, she sounds angelic from a vocal perspective. In the second verse, she makes it clear the way this relationship has gone down wasn’t as intended. Still, she’s confident that “My girls, they always come through in a sticky situation / Say, ‘it’s fine.’” In the bridge, she takes accountability for the mess, but also states, “I can’t ignore my heart, boy.”  In the chorus, Grande embraces her lustful side: “The boy is mine / I can’t wait to try him / Le-let’s get intertwined / The stars, they aligned.” Messy love or nah, the Grammy winner brings the heat on this one.  

Appears in 🔻:  

• Ariana Grande, the boy is mine: Midnight Heat 🕛 🔥 No. 24 (2024) 

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16. Justin Timberlake, Drown 

Everything I Thought It Was // RCA // 2024 

“And you let me drown / You didn’t even try to save me.” That’s horrid! Abysmal! Justin Timberlake returned in 2024 with his sixth studio LP, Everything I Thought It Was. “Drown”, the second single from Everything, is both dramatic and emotional. Timberlake penned this ‘watery’ single alongside Amy Allen, Henry Walter (Cirkut), Kenyon Dixon, and Louis Bell. He produces with Bell and Cirkut. The trio delivers a warm, slick backdrop, with bad ass syncopated drums and pulsating synths leading the charge.  Adding to the drama, “Drown” is set in a minor key. Backed by a sound instrumental, Timberlake sounds sensational. Vocal harmonies accentuate his performance, adding another dimension to “Drown.” The verses feature supremely tuneful melodies.  In the second verse, Timberlake’s runs shine, showing him taking more liberty with the tune.  The centerpiece, of course, is the chorus. “You showed me exactly who you are, and I should’ve believed it (Believed it) / You left me alone out in the dark with all of your demons (Demons),” he sings, emotionally. He adds, “Got caught up in the tide of all the tears you cried / Yeah, you know I was blinded by my heart, sinking from the start / Should’ve never followed you this far, now I’m in the deep end.” During the bridge section, “Drown” benefits from a dramatic contrast which includes a key shift, and a change of music cues.  No worries, as things shift back afterwards.  The electronic sounds during the final chorus/post-chorus and outro (“It’s about to break”) are scintillating. Timberlake sounds top-notch on “Drown”.

 

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17. Cardi B, “Enough (Miami)”  

“Enough (Miami)” // Atlantic // 2024 

“One bitch, two bitch, old bitch, new bitch / None of y’all bitches not gon’ do shit.” Ah, the gospel according to Grammy-winning rapper, Cardi B.  On “Enough (Miami)”, Cardi is NOT playing around.  Backed by a malicious, minor-key backdrop produced by OG Parker, Romano, and DJ SwanQo, she’s energetic from the opening tip, as evidenced by the intro where she gasses herself up. Serving up a badass, compelling cadence and flow, Cardi rides the beat hard and doesn’t let her foot off the gas. “When I step, it’s a stampede / Foot on neck, can’t breathe,” Cardi asserts in the pre-chorus, continuing, “Lucky Charm, Van Cleef / Diamonds on the dance team.” As excerpted above, she’s unapologetic with his rhymes, giving no Fs whatsoever. “Give me one shot and I’m raising the glass / Give me two shots and I’m shaking this ass,” she spits, confidently in the second verse, adding, “Give me three shots and I’m ready to fuck / Five, four shots, I be ready to splash.” Woo! The chorus is tough – a selling point by all means: “I see my opps linkin’ up, I’m like, ‘What in the fuck?’ / If you scared, then just say that, ho, enough is enough…”  All told, “Enough (Miami)” is a fun rap banger.

 

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18. ZAYN, “What I AM”  

ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS // Drop Zed Music, LLC / Mercury / Republic // 2024

Sometimes, a departure is just what the doctor ordered. For the handsome and talented ZAYN, he takes a departure on “What I Am”, the promo single from his fourth studio album, ROOM UNDER THE STAIRS.  He penned this ‘alternative’ single – a blend of pop, country/folk, and R&B – himself.  He produced it alongside an unlikely producer, given his previous releases, in Dave Cobb. While it’s a different sound and vibe, the results are stunning. “What I Am” commences with a super brief intro before he jumps in. As always, his tone is beautiful. Furthermore, I like the rawness he exhibits at times, particularly in the second verse.  Ultimately, he sounds nuanced and soulful.  Initially, he’s accompanied by guitar, which is the perfect backdrop for his reflective brand of songwriting. In the first verse, he sings, “I’ve had enough of running ‘round this board game / You can know your own name, I won’t give it up.” In the second, he adds, “I’ve been readin’ old shit, and I can’t make sense of it / Ain’t no conspiracy that can save me.” Word.  The pre-chorus is gorgeous, with the initial pre-chorus ‘upping the ante’ instrumentally.  Fuller instrumentation and vocal layers arrive in the section to beat, the chorus:

“If I told you I loved you 

Would you say that it’s fucked up? 

If I told you they’re flyin’ 

Would you say that you looked up? 

Don’t take me for what I’m sayin’ 

Just take me for what I am 

‘Cause this is where I’m stayin’ 

My two feet are in the sand.”

Ah, gotta love it when ZAYN slips in an f-bomb! He brings welcome contrast during the bridge, specifically with the harmonic progression. “What I Am” is a winner.  

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19. Sexyy Red, “Get It Sexy” 

“Get It Sexxy” // Open Shift / gamma. // 2024 

“Slim, thick, chrome skin / 5’5”, this bitch a ten (Yeah) / Hair done, bills paid / Catch me slidin’ in a Benz…” Sexyy Red is something else! Ultimately, it’s how unapologetic and outlandish that the rapper is that makes her interesting, even if the bars she spits lack transcendence.  There are far better and more talented rappers, but songs that ‘go stupid’ like “Get It Sexyy”, are entertaining to listen to.  Stitching up the track is her go-to producer, Tay Keith, as well as Jake Fridkis. They give her a malicious, minor-key backdrop that is perfect fuel for her fire. She’s true to self with simple, highly sexual bars, and ample confidence. Beyond the chorus (excerpted above), Sexyy Red delivers a sole verse with no shortage of wild bars. “Yeah, boy, you know this ass super fat (I ain’t lyin’, though),” she brags, continuing, “Fuck me good, I’m throwin’ that shit back (I’m his favorite hoe).” There’s more, with the likes of  “Big Sexy blood, love the hoes / Bounce that ass, touch them toes / Booty shorts, coochie swoll / Thong all up my booty hole.” Woo! She also manages to flip a nursery rhyme and make it, ratchet: “Little miss Sexyy walkin’ down the street (Beep beep) / I don’t know what to do ‘cause the niggas after me (Yeah, yeah).” Like many of her other records, there is clapping because, why not? Even as ‘stupid’ as “Get It Sexxy” goes, there are some enjoyable, melodic moments in the backdrop. Furthermore, even though this banger lacks class and depth, and has no shame, but it’s incredibly entertaining. 

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20. Chris Grey, “LET THE WORLD BURN”  

“LET THE WORLD BURN” // Rebellion // 2024

“I shouldn’t have fallen in love.” Famous last words, Chris Grey.  The adverse effects of the universal four-letter-word have put the Canadian R&B singer in a bad, bad way. He adds in the first verse of “LET THE WORLD BURN”, “I let you get too close / Just to wake up alone / And I know you think you can run…” Hmm, somehow, the ending doesn’t seem great… Regardless, Gray pens (alongside Allegra Jordyn Maizels) and produces an entertaining, minor-key vibe with “LET THE WORLD BURN.” The supporting instrumental is perfect fuel for his fire. In the spirit of Canadian contemporary R&B, the sounds are dark, dramatic, and lush.  Even as Grey becomes a hellish arsonist post-break-up, the backdrop remains celestial.  Vocally, he also sounds angelic, particularly when he dips into his falsetto, despite his assertion in the chorus: 

“I’d let the world burn 

Let the world burn for you 

This is how it always had to end 

If I can’t have you then no one can 

I’d let it burn 

I’d let the world burn 

Just to hear you calling out my name 

 Watching it all go down in flames.” 

That’s some deep, obsessive stuff, Chris.  Of course, love will make you do crazy things, particularly if you are obsessed.  The good news is that “LET THE WORLD BURN” is merely an epic song and not actually a crazed, obsessed, heartbroken guy willing to destroy us all to keep his ex from being happy elsewhere.  This song right here = BOP!  

 

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Bops That Pop: March 2024 [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Arista, Atlantic, Benedict Cork, BRONZE AVERY, Columbia, Darkroom, Drop Zed Music LLC, Fueled by Ramen LLC, gamma., Interscope, MCA Nashville, Mercury, Open Shift, Partisan, RCA, Rebellion, Republic, Spanish Prayers, Top Dawg Entertainment, Total Pleasure; agoss, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Lynda Smith, Mohamed_hassan, succo from Pixabay]

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