Sophie (Chanko) Dare

Mean It – Lauv and LANY

https://open.spotify.com/track/3GRSqlALWISqLeNncZMbpX?si=6py6nc6QTnqho1dtJLCI2w

This collaboration makes a lot of sense – Lauv and Paul Klein of LANY have very similar vocal styles, as well as an affinity for synth-filled chill pop with melancholy lyrics. This single is incredibly catchy, as are most of LANY's melodies, and it's been in rotation on my playlist ever since it was released.

Kissing Other People – Lennon Stella

https://open.spotify.com/track/2x3HyOx0Jd9MnlnAQRtIL3?si=ie4rNlnHRyiCHhgaqSyY2A

I finally got around to listening to Lennon Stella, as it seems that every other twenty-something girl loves her, and I am happy to join the ranks as another one of those fans. She occupies the same vein as Fletcher or Alessia Cara: alternative pop music with honest lyrics and a distinctive vocal style. She shows off her vocal range with easygoing melody lines and some nice background harmonies to round out the song.

Cut My Lip (Brooklyn) (Location Sessions) – Twenty One Pilots

https://open.spotify.com/track/45fUF3bnIRO5mrg7FSYQ1P?si=EzN178WxS06IgpPlRkUlXA

This alternate version of a song off of TOP's latest album, Trench, is arguably better than the original, and I can't get enough of it. It's got a great DIY, one-man-show vibe to it, since it is just a live session. Tyler Joseph really makes good use of the synth and vocal effects he has in front of him, and I'm always a sucker for the layering of the harmonies during the bridge.

Original Material – Colony House

https://open.spotify.com/track/6EoY35YW52CNMtqBNccfoE?si=o8A6LthNSsm3wqQ8oOerTg

I have to say, I didn't quite expect this musical style as Colony House's next move, but they are able to pull it off. Groovy pop-rock, reminiscent of COIN or MisterWives, accompanies a more lighthearted vibe than the majority of their older songs, which are usually focused on making it through life's struggles and inspiring hope and perseverance. This is more of a fun, dancing single about individuality, plus a pretty nice bass line.

Sad Songs In The Summer – Olivia O'Brien

https://open.spotify.com/track/1MijKOgtIl3uK70qYrZnoy?si=skIS2KqMSu-EHAKO27LCMA

There's something about Olivia O'Brien that I just love- probably the fact that she writes her songs herself, and it shows. They all have the feeling of being written in her room at night, when she was finally alone with her thoughts. This single has the usual ambient electronic pop elements, but it really picks up on the choruses, with double time and a frantic list of the things that remind her of a past lover.

One Too Many – Fletcher

https://open.spotify.com/track/0zhGp6rH3Em8VTS44hTOmT?si=_OusNOZiTE2wHKFMAw4faA

Can you tell I'm enjoying moody, female pop singers lately?? Fletcher has quickly shot to the top of my favorites in that genre, with her tongue-in-cheek storytelling and impressive vocal abilities. She seamlessly goes back and forth in her lyrics, between being honest about heartbreak and partying the nights away.

everything i wanted – Billie Eilish

https://open.spotify.com/track/3ZCTVFBt2Brf31RLEnCkWJ?si=z_zM_mL3RPykfUshkHevVw

I really like this latest release from Billie because I think that it stands well on its own to bridge the gap in style between her old and new music (the don't smile at me EP versus her first LP release, when we all fall asleep, where do we go?). This single leans mostly on a piano as its primary backing instrument, but still has deep bass as its undercurrent, the pulse of a heartbeat driving the song forward. It reminds me a lot of ilomilo, a song off of when we all fall asleep.

Drops of Jupiter – With Confidence (Cover)

https://open.spotify.com/track/4sLflKbSXbWqjOeho1AzzN?si=x1k7ViNaQKSrdWZuKNYZPA

First of all, I'm still a sucker for this song, even though it's been around for almost as long as I've been alive. There's something grand and romantic and wonderful about its quirky, simple lyricism, and this cover is no exception. I enjoy the beginning of it the most, where the whole first verse and chorus are stripped down to just a midi drum pad and some guitar. A lo-fi cover of a Train song is apparently the next thing the world needs.

It's Nice To Have A Friend – Taylor Swift

https://open.spotify.com/track/1SmiQ65iSAbPto6gPFlBYm?si=J-pLo6aQTcSOzaQMiGdWag

Taylor is short, simple, and sweet on this track, telling snippets of a story of young friendship, young love, and a quaint picture of being at home with the one you'll love forever. It's just plain cute and lovely.

Slip The Noose – The Maine

https://open.spotify.com/track/1486QFD9f09RdHaFGIbwp5?si=9g4blGmOQXuLsSfS21lHeA

Finally, I have a newfound love for this song after seeing The Maine in concert recently and them playing this live. Stacked harmonies, meaningful lyrics you can sing along to (more like shout along to), and large dynamic shifts from quiet interludes to driving rock sections make this song a great way to open a show.