tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51615765253483847002024-03-05T18:16:24.734-08:00Nonstop On Top PopUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger263125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-85491729112422075602018-12-25T12:03:00.001-08:002018-12-25T12:22:20.908-08:00NSOTP's Best Songs of 2017<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well it’s that time of year again: Q4!!!!!!! 2018 just might have beat out 2016 in being a pretty horrible year of life. Just look at any news story these days and, as Dua Lipa has prophesized, you will see that men are essentially canceled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Luckily, pop remains a shining beacon of hope in these dark times. So what better time than RIGHT NOW, to finally tell you guys the NSOTP BEST SONGS OF 2017. (To be quite honest, this doc was lying on my computer all year and I was just too lazy to upload it. C’est la vie.) From the return of long lost girl pop duos to Norway edging out Sweden for best Scandinavian pop country, a lot of twists and turns have led us into 2018. With it, comes many pop tunes, some sad, some happy, some delicious, and some absolutely batshit insane. And listed below are 10/10 singles that have become my soundtrack of the year and without a doubt are the best songs to be released in 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Okay, it’s time to CUT TO THE COUNTDOWN, so here are the 50 best singles of 2017. This is #content in 2018 guys, get into it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">50. "Slow Hands" by Niall Horan</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you asked me which boy band member would make the successful transition to adult country-tinged pop that also doubles as an outstanding example of guitars being used for good, I would have said <b>Gary Barlow</b>. Instead, the blond twink from <b>One Direction</b>, aka <b>Niall Horan</b>, managed to release this subdued belter. From the knocking at the door at the beginning to all the brilliant whoop’s throughout the song, “Slow Hands” treads that fine line of sounding effortless without being boring. There are at least two other songs like this on Niall’s poorly titled album so congratulations to him for exceeding all expectations and making the 50<sup>th</sup>best song of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Niall has been pretty quiet in 2018. With some rumored tracks seeming to drop any second, all we have is a cute little track for some new movie about dinosaurs.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">49. "Ciao Adios" by Anne-Marie</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The newest trend to take over the radio is Balearic pop tinged with Latin beats and guitars. It’s been Despacito this and Mayores that since the summer. Luckily, this is a pop trend I can get behind, as long as we don’t push it to the tropical house edge. The one song from this genre that I have enjoyed the most is the multilingual breakup bop “Ciao Adios”. <b>Anne-Marie</b> has refined her songwriting to create this signature single, a song telling off a cheating fuck boy and saying bye for the final time. A feeling I’m sure we can all relate to in 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Anne-Marie has been having the best year of her career. Half lies in her genuinely catchy <b>Marshmello</b> collab where she clearly misspells “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzD_yyEcp0M">Friends</a>”. The other lies in her historically incorrect “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il-an3K9pjg">2002</a>” off her debut album, which has its highs and lows. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">48. "Love You Like That" by Dagny</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ballad bangers have become a big staple here at NSOTP. <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/682J1pKLlwHlbKmSYudu8j?si=6qLRYkBeTiCB5dk9rUK0_g">Here is a playlist </a>with the best and it’s quite clear to see they are all 10/10s. This year, superstar in the making <b>Dagny</b> ended her dry spell of average pop tunes with this belter of a track and reignited all the love I had for her in 2016. “Love You Like That” is a romantic’s dream and this battle cry of falling in love more than deserves its place on this list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Dagny has been slowly churning out singles and covers in 2018. The best by far is another ballad banger “Used To You” that just might end up on the best songs list this year…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">47. "C.A.P.I.T.A.L.I.S.M." by Rein</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever wondered, “how can I take down the oppressive system of the elite while also jamming to some rave-pop that sounds like a garbage disposal set off in a European sex dungeon?” Well, German singer <b>Rein</b> is here to solve that issue with her ode to disestablishmentarianism that doubles as the perfect Girls Aloud single that never was. Warning: this one is a lot, but most bangers are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Rein has not been up to anything this year. Oh well. You gotta love a girl who can spell. Imagine if this was Fergie’s comeback single?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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46. "Chained To The Rhythm" by Katy Perry featuring Skip Marley</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When <b>Katy Perry</b> announced her new era of political pop, it made me worried at just how far into cringe worthy self-affirming pop she would make. With a little help from <b>Sia</b> and <b>Max Martin</b>, she managed to get rid of all my doubts on the exquisite “Chained To The Rhythm”. A throwback, slightly tropical disco jam about falling into the comfort of ignorance, it will surely go down as the most underappreciated single in Katy’s discography. Though it didn’t help that Katy followed it up with a pair of ridiculous bangers about oral sex and vogueing. Oh well, we all can’t have political bangers like number 46.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: As far as I know, Katy has been doing her best to make the Witness Tour a thing. Unless, it comprises of 80% old hits, I would suggest to cut her losses and gear up for a solid 2020 album after teaming up with Max Martin and Sia again, with a little help from Justin Tranter perhaps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">45. "Issues" by Julia Michaels</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve pretty much been hailing <b>Julia Michaels</b> as the premiere hitmaker of the past three years, but now everyone else does thanks to this brilliant piece of understated electropop that sound like nothing else out there. Working with her best friend <b>Justin Tranter</b>, “Issues” takes its time to show you how brilliant it is and puts Julia’s voice front and center. By some miracle, radio helped make it one of the biggest songs in the world and thus began Julia’s journey as one of the best pop acts in history. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Julia continues to write hits for pretty much everybody in the industry. Her last single “Jump” was an underrated bop of the year however.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">44. "Symphony" by Clean Bandit featuring Zara Larsson</span></span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In what should have been the year <b>Zara Larsson</b> took over the world, it ended up being this rousing <b>Clean Bandit</b> single that became the highlight of the year for the Swedish songstress. You have to love songs about songs, but songs about love songs have to be in their own echelon of amazingness. Coupled with one of the best videos this year, Bandit and Larsson were not messing around and their number one was more than deserved. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Clean Bandit have racked up another number one so far this year with “Solo”. Based on how many songs are going to end up on the best songs list, their next album (which they recently tweeted about) is a strong contender for album of the year. As for Zara, her new single “Ruin My Life” is predictably earth-shattering.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">43. "Improvise" Viceroy featuring Tom Aspaul</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Slowly but surely <b>Tom Aspaul</b> is becoming a major force in pop music. His songwriting throughout 2017 reached an all-time high and his podcast Bottle Pop proves that he has that X Factor to be a global superstar. This brings us to “Improvise”, one of Tom’s many features from this year and a brilliant summer disco track that pulses along politely. Sometimes a simple feel good track with a well-sung topline is all you want and at this point, any track from Tom is a joy to have. Congratulations on making the song of the summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT'S UP IN 2018</b>: Tom continued Bottle Pop into the year, which includes an Origibabes update that you should definitely listen to. Along with a quick trip to the hospital for appendicitis, Tom released the melancholic holiday banger “Going Down”, likely to be Tom’s best single so far.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">42. "Crazy Crazy" by Yasutaka Nakata featuring Charli XCX and Kyary Pamyu Pamyu</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first truly amazing song of the year ends up being one of the very best also! “Crazy Crazy” also reintroduced us to the greatest pop star of the decade, Ms. <b>Charli XCX</b>. Sounding like a Nintendo love song, the song shows off Charli’s amazing songwriting skills as well as the hyper-pop style that she refined throughout the year. It makes sense that a collab with Japanese pop stars would set off Charli’s descent into PC music-meets-mainstream electronica and all this time later it still goes off. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: I have not kept up with the Japanese artists, but Charli has been having a great year. Full of co-writes, features and singles, it’s just another casual XCX year of pop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">41. "Wild Thoughts (Dave Audé Dance Remix)" by DJ Khaled featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A good year in pop would not be complete without <b>Rihanna</b> and this is definitely her brightest moment. “Wild Thoughts” also pools together 2017 tropes like that Santana guitar riff and tropical-lite beats with classic pop moments. The dance remix is clearly superior because who doesn’t want to get down to a four on the floor remix with a house piano? Sorry basics, but this is the only version I listen to.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: <b>DJ Khaled</b> continues to make singles, including collaborations with Justin Bieber, Jennifer Lopez, and Stefflon Don. As for Rihanna, she has become the top entrepreneur in almost every facet of the fashion and cosmetic industry. It would be nice for her to go back to being a pop star but oh well. Maybe in 2019?</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">40. "Such A Boy" by Astrid S</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Astrid S</b> has been knocking around for the past 4 years but nothing truly hit it out of the park until this song, the fourth track off her stunning Party’s Over EP. “Such A Boy” is a wobble-pop masterpiece that shows off her Norwegian sensibility while also bringing to attention how men can be just as irrational in relationships. I wasn’t lying when I said Norway was truly hitting it out of the park in 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Astrid has remained exceptionally quiet this year, although she popped up with a brilliant new single paying homage to our lord and savior Carly Rae Jepsen. Perhaps we’ll see Astrid S pop up in 2019 with a debut album.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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39. "1UL" by Danny L Harle</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">From making the most listenable tunes out of PC Music to working with actual pop deities like Charli XCX and Carly Rae Jepsen, <b>Danny L Harle</b> always felt like he would break out on his own at some point. His work last year was building up to this oddmazing gem of a track about rejecting a false love. “1UL” sounds like nothing else on this list and pop that pushes boundaries deserves to be recognized. But to be quite honest, if Danny had credited the mystery vocalist (who I still think is Charli being shy), this would be at least 5 places higher on the list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Danny has been chilling in 2018. After releasing “Blue Angel”, Danny has mostly been on remixing duty, including some stuff with Superorganism and Clairo. It will be nice to see where his own solo career goes but more hits like “1UL” would be better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">38. "Lust For Life (Bloodpop® Remix)" by Lana Del Rey featuring The Weeknd</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2017 brought back <b>Lana Del Rey</b> in peak form and ready to show off her newfound Lust For Life. The title track is the best song Lana has made since her debut and bringing in <b>The Weeknd</b> and adding Max Martin’s touch brought out the brilliance of the song. Though to be fair, the Bloodpop remix is where the true magic is and the reason why it’s on the list. Maybe focus on this kind of pop music and less on Joanne-esque gay country next time Mr. Bloodpop?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Everyone involved in this song has had a slow but strong 2018. The Weeknd surprise released a dark and dramatic EP as well as made the breakout song for the Black Panther soundtrack. Bloodpop has also been in the soundtrack game with “Capital Letters” alongside Hailee Steinfeld. He also released a very touching collaboration with John Legend. As for the queen Del Rey, she has recently and quickly returned to scene with a double single release before a 2019 album, aptly titled “Norman Fucking Rockwell”. Certainly an album of the year if I have every heard one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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37. "Last Dance" by Rhys</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here to represent Sweden is newcomer <b>Rhys</b>. She has been working with some big names in the business, people who made Britney Spears and Kelly Clarkson the global icons they are today. The first fruits of their labor was “Last Dance”, and no it is not a Dua Lipa cover. Tropical house finally lost its momentum this year but this last push brought some of its best. “Last Dance” is a shining example, where Rhys details the end of a relationship and dealing with the symptoms of newfound singledom. Between this, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/1j1jQsZiALerNr8XnRngic?si=xVpqJKCpQb-ms85ysJk8lA">this brilliant Loop single</a>, and that brilliant Becky Hill track from last year, it seems tropical house may have actually done some good during its time on the radio.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Rhys has released another two singles this year. The sparkling ballads “No Vacancy” and “Maybe I Will Learn” show Rhys’s diversity and her newest “Starfish” affirms her place as a bright light for Sweden.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">36. "Strangers" by Sigrid</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have been very off my game when it comes to reporting new artists that are gonna be the next big thing. Considering how on point I was with Zara and Dua, I will try to focus on it more this 2019. But if anyone deserved a special mention in 2017 it would be Norway’s own <b>Sigrid</b>. Serving up one of the best EP’s this year was not enough for the budding super star, so she went ahead and made a sweeping and majestic electro banger that would have Annie seething with jealousy. “Strangers” does an amazing job of showing off Sigrid’s voice while also bringing you onto the dancefloor. 2018 is sure to be a big one for this up and comer and I am proud to say that I am already a Sigrid stan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Sigrid slowly released an EP this year that did not live up to the songs from 2017. However, “Schedules” and the newest single “Sucker Punch” show the promise that Sigrid could still release a stunning debut album.</span></div>
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35. "Bad Liar" by Selena Gomez</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Selena Gomez</b> had a very strange year for sure but it’s safe to say that she has had a happy and healthy 2018. Even with her medical issues and lack of promo, Selena showed us why she has taken the crown as the best princess of pop in the Disney sphere. The dance features and soap eating was fine and all but “Bad Liar”, crafted with the dream team Michaels & Tranter, shows that Selena is a true artist when it comes to her brand of whisper-pop. For all the jokes about her vocal range, Selena’s ode to resisting a trash person was on nonstop and never got boring after all these listens. A new album would make 2018 even better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Selena has also been quiet in 2018 although it seems like she is slowly working away at what could be a modern masterpiece. Her single “Back To You” has also been dubbed by many as the song of the summer but I think Calvin and Dua might have a word with that honor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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34. "Set Me Off" by Magdalena Bay</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Along with Sigrid, pop duo <b>Magdalena Bay</b> really shone in 2017, crafting sleek disco-tinged 80s pop that could double as Kelly Clarkson singles. For being in such early stages of their career, it is wild just how amazing “Set Me Off” sounds. Another song dealing with the end of a relationship, this millennial breakup bop has so much charm and elegance to it before the chorus hits you upside the head. One of the best surprises you will listen to on this whole list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Magdalena Bay remains unsigned as far as I know, despite HOW AMAZING THEY ARE. This is evident on their single “Waking Up”, another brilliant electropop song to add to their repertoire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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33. "Cruel Summer" by Daniella Mason</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Daniella Mason</b> has some very strange connections to the Jonas brother family, including horse rides with Joe and appearing on a Target exclusive Nick album track. But what we really need to focus on is her truly wonderful take on bouncy dream pop. Her whole album is a real treat but it’s bittersweet synthpop banger “Cruel Summer” that deserves a place on this list and was the song that started the whirlwind love affair I have with Daniella’s music.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Daniella is slowly churning out singles that have been hit or miss, the hit being “Public Places”. We’ll see what happens after her recent EP but until then, take a listen to Daniella’s truly amazing album.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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32. "Feels" by Calvin Harris featuring Pharell Williams, Big Sean and Katy Perry</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The feature pile up on the <b>Calvin Harris</b> album worked to his benefit. His new take on dance music involves chilled out funky beats while his friends to the heavy lifting. To be quite honest, it is probably his best collection of work but “Feels” is the one single that also allows the features to shine. <b>Pharrell</b> manages to sound at home over the island beat while <b>Big Sean</b> has his most listenable rap to date. Finally, <b>Katy Perry</b> sings with such a leisurely tone that you wonder just where Witness went wrong when she is capable of this. Good job to Calvin for exceeding all expectations and proving just how to be a proper male pop star in 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Calvin has abandoned the funk wave sound in 2018 for more of a house revival. Teaming up with the biggest names in the industry like Dua Lipa and Sam Smith, Calvin continues his reign as the best pop producer in the business. As for Pharrell, he had a lot of influence on the newest Ariana Grande album, though I could have used less of him and more Max Martin if we are being honest…</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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31. "Move Slow" by Magdalena Bay</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It takes a lot to be featured twice on my end of year lists but “Move Slow” proves that <b>Magdalena Bay</b> have what it takes to be true pop behemoths. The shimmery guitars and disco bass makes you feel on top of clouds and the frustrated lyrics contrast wonderfully with the production. It will make you wanna get down at Studio 54 or just groove on your way to work. And we all know the best pop is versatile. I cannot wait to see what Magdalena Bay has up their sleeves in 2018 because so far, they have two 10/10 singles and that’s more than Louis Tomlinson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: We have already covered Magdalena’s 2018, but just to repeat the sentiment, they are AMAZING. Their newest single “The Girls” truly solidifies their image of sexy 70s beachside pop. <a href="https://twitter.com/MagdalenaBay">Follow them on Twitter</a> for updates, which includes teasing new music!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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30. "Don't Take The Money" by Bleachers</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While Charli, Dua, Julia, and many others might have won our hearts with their impeccable pop, the title of <b>Pop Person of 2017</b> really goes to <b>Bleachers</b> frontman <b>Jack Antonoff</b>. This will become more apparent in the album list, but Jack has helped push so many artists into dangerously brilliant pop territory that 2017 would have been abysmal without him. But writing for others don’t make you Pop Person of the Year alone. Jepsen-esque dream bangers like “Don’t Take The Money” do. Congratulations to Jack and to all the future pop productions he will be involved in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Bleachers has taken a year off in 2018, other than providing some great songs for the Love Simon soundtrack. As for Jack himself, he has been on production duties for Troye Sivan, MØ, Amy Shark as well as producing the brand new Lana Del Rey album!</span></div>
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29. "Crybaby" by Paloma Faith</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Paloma Faith</b> is a true treasure to have in these dark times. Her ode to abolishing toxic masculinity starts off like “The Boy Is Mine” before transitioning into the most upbeat Paloma track we have heard in a while. But the lyricism is really why “Crybaby” sits at 29. Pop can often be the most honest form of therapy our artists can offer and the soothing reassurance Paloma gave us made 2017 just a little more bearable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Paloma has continued to release singles from her last album, which includes <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhS6mXUKYAc">this stunning disco remix of “Til I’m Done”</a>. Along with that, Paloma has released a brilliant cover of “Make Your Own Kind of Music” and been featured on Sigala’s “Lullaby”. Good job Paloma!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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28. "I Don't Want It At All" by Kim Petras</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Considering the past few years have proven that both the gays and lesbians make some of the best pop ever, it is about time a trans pop star comes along to prove how amazing pop can be. Although, I certainly do not want that to be the whole narrative of <b>Kim Petras</b>, as her whole discography is pretty extraordinary. The realization of chunky 80s synth with all the commercialism of LA is astounding and “I Don’t Want It All” is the type of escapist pop that people forget we might need from time to time. But more than anything, we can see that this girl can SING and 2018 is looking bright for Kim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Kim has been doing an amazing job by releasing a new single pretty much every two months this year. Along with a bona fide hit single in “Heart to Break”, Kim is touring with Troye Sivan. Furthermore, Kim has released the best EP of the year with her collection of Halloween bops!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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27. "Get Low" by Zedd and Liam Payne</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a very strange twist of events, it was <b>Liam Payne</b> who has made the best post-1D single of the group. I always thought Liam might make the type of typical house music that would give him brief fame in the dance scene but “Strip That Down”, one of the worst songs of the year, really shook my confidence. But his collaboration with <b>Zedd</b> is a wonderfully modern banger. “Get Low” has all the typical metaphors about SEX that Liam wants you to know about but the drums and light electronica makes it destined for future years as a wedding conga banger. It seems that the rest of the 1D boys are going to have to catch up to Liam, something I never would have said before 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Zedd has had another great year thanks to a pair of hits. I am still waiting for all the demo versions of “The Middle” with Carly, Charli, etc. As for Liam, his 2018 might have been rough personally (RIP Liam and <b>Cheryl</b>) but he has produced a couple of great songs plus an EP. However, it would be nice to hear something as good as “Get Low” on his debut.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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26. "Malibu" by Miley Cyrus</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Miley Cyrus </b>and I have a complicated relationship as she constantly gets my hopes up before bringing them crashing down. This time around, she managed to get two great singles out before releasing another disappointing album. Nonetheless, “Malibu” is definitely her best song since “Party In The U.S.A.” and perfectly mixes her country heritage with the type of breezy pop that we need this year. But the best part about Malibu is that, if you changed the production on all of the instruments, it would make an almost <b>Kylie Minogue</b>-esque tears on the dancefloor ballad banger. Who knew we could get such an avant-garde single from Miley Cyrus?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Miley has remained the quietest Disney girl of the bunch, with nothing so much as a cover to talk about. However, she struck gold by teaming up with Mark Ronson to release one of the best Q4 singles to ever be released “Nothing Breaks Like A Heart.”</span></div>
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25. "I'm Poppy" by Poppy</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, this is the song I will probably be given the most grief for including, but <b>Poppy</b> has made a robotic technological pop masterpiece. The self-referencing and planned out concept did not really take off with the album, but Poppy stands with Troye Sivan as being a successful and enigmatic social media pop star. “I’m Poppy” is ridiculous in every sense of the word but sometimes pop is supposed to make you think, “What the fuck is wrong with music?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Poppy has not taken a break this year. She has released a synth banger cover of <b>Gary Numan</b>’s “Metal” as the lead single off her newest album <i>Am I A Girl?</i> for release in Q4. Her new single “Time Is Up” is also brilliant.</span></div>
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24. "Uh Huh" by Julia Michaels</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While “Issues” made me take notice of Julia’s potential, it wasn’t until “Uh Huh” came out that I truly fell in love with her minimalist aesthetic. A lot of interviews show that working with Julia is more like a therapy session that she works into music. So, a love song like “Uh Huh” stands out as being something that is signature Julia. Her wordplay remains her strong suit and it’s exciting to think that “Uh Huh” is probably not even her at her best yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: We have covered Julia’s own endeavors, but it’s worth it to say that her songwriting remains stunning. Years & Years, 5 Seconds of Summer, Shawn Mendes, and Christina Aguilera have all benefitted from working with her and “Make Me Feel” by <b>Janelle Monae</b> could be the song of the year thanks to Julia. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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23. "Too Good To Be True" by Rhys</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a rare breed of pop song on a different caliber of amazing that you actually avoid listening to it sometimes to avoid losing its magic. “Too Good To Be True” is one of those songs. <b>Rhys</b> manages to make hopeful romance sound painful over one of the best choruses you’ll hear on this list. If all her songs are as good as this and “Last Dance”, we may have another Swedish superstar to add to our enormous list of favorites in the genre.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: We have also covered Rhys earlier, but I would like to mention the producer behind these songs <b>Jorgen Elofsson</b> continues to help her along to stardom in 2018. With a quick Google of his discography, she is in safe hands to make the best pop. Rhys recently released her debut album so check that out!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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22. "Long Time" by Blondie</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you think that <b>Blondie</b> wake up, look at themselves in the mirror, and decide “it’s time to be a planet-destroying force of pop again”? Because seriously, “Long Time” is an elegant new wave banger that somehow takes all the parts of Blondie we know and love and modernize it for 2017. 30% of this lies in <b>Dev Hynes</b>’ production but we know in our hearts Blondie is the core of what makes this song an absolute monster.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Blondie have unfortunately not produced new material in 2018, but that’s okay because “Long Time” is a tune and a half. As for Dev Hynes, he has released a new album under his <b>Blood Orange</b> project as well as working with Empress Of on her new material.</span></div>
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21. "Body 2 Body" by Dragonette</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s officially been a decade since <b>Dragonette</b>, the best pop band in the universe, decided to be the best pop band in the universe. With their last album, it’s clear that they have kept the caliber of their music at such a high level, I wonder if everyone else should just give up and hand it over to them. “Body 2 Body” was the crown jewel of that collection and would have made it on the 2016 list if they weren’t faffing around so much. But it’s here, and all I have to say is… THANK. GOD. FOR. DRAGONEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTEEEEEEE!!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Dragonette has produced many collaborations this year, which we know have produced some great results in the past. The best of the lot is “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T692utQOQvI">Tokyo Nights</a>”, a song made infinitely better thanks to Dragonette. </span></div>
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20. "Cyber Stockholm Syndrome" by Rina Sawayama</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With the world of music being more and more inclusive of global pop, <b>Rina Sawayama</b> is poised to be a driving force of pop. It’s evident on her mini-album of the past year but “Cyber Stockholm Syndrome” really hits the spot. A song that evokes the best of early 2000s R&B mixed with the best electropop of the 2010s, the song could have been an amazing Solange or Rihanna single. Thankfully, it all came from Rina and seeing what is up her sleeve is an exciting prospect for the next few years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Rina has been busy promoting her new single “Cherry” with her first American tour, alongside her modeling. Based on its stunning video, Cherry has earned its place on the best songs of 2018 list and Rina just might be the best new popstar of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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19. "Green Light" by Lorde</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lorde</b> has found her masterpiece in this Frankenstein of a song that even had <b>Max Martin</b> scratching his head and thinking “What the fuck is happening?!”. From the slow ballad-esque introduction to the house piano bridge and the shouting chorus that would make <b>Icona Pop</b> proud, “Green Light” has everything you could want in a package that sounds like nothing else happening in pop right now. In any other year, Lorde would have found herself in top 10 territory but as you will see, pop really outdid itself in 2017. But then again, when has pop music ever let us down?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Lorde has mainly just been supporting Melodrama on tour in 2018. After a Grammy nomination, I think Lorde has earned a nice break from music. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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18. "Scared Of The Dark" by Steps</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone has their dream of legendary groups reuniting. Some people dream of the <b>ABBA</b> reunion, some people dream of the <b>Spice Girls</b> returning (both of which will be a reality in 2019, thank god). I personally dream about the <b>Girls Aloud</b> reunion (#NEVERFORGET #DREAMSTHATGLITTER) but <b>Steps </b>were a close second. With golden euphoric bangers like "5,6,7,8" and "Tragedy", it was a no-brainer for the group to come together and create disco bangers that put every other song from Eurovision to shame. “Scared Of The Dark” is the finest and when it came out, for a brief moment, it was like pop had come around in its purest form.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Steps has taken the time to promote their last album and have not done too much in 2018. However, the return of <b>All Saints</b> means that my dream of another pop reunion (Girls Aloud, Sugababes, I’ll take what I can get) may come true in 2019.</span></div>
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17. "Boys" by Charli XCX</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s safe to say that <b>Charli XCX</b> is this decade’s best pop star. Whenever she’s around, pop feels like it’s pushing the boundaries of what hooks, lyrics, and bubbly production can achieve. Charli has truly been an ingénue this year when she decided to drop not one, but two mixtapes that were essentially albums, a bunch of features, and bringing PC music to the forefront. However, she was missing one essential component of being a legendary pop star: the gay anthem. Then “Boys” came around, with a music video so iconic and homoerotic, and it all came together. Some might say that it is not a true XCX song since technically she did not write it, but guess what? SHE’S CHARLI XCX. SHE CAN DO WHAT SHE WANTS. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Charli’s own singles in 2018 have been stellar. From the chunky 80’s synths on “No Angel” to the Madonna-esque party banger “Girls Night Out” to the monstrous “Focus," Charli XCX seems to slowly but surely on her way to making another game-changing album/mixtape/sonic moment. And her duet with <b>Troye Sivan</b> “1999” might just take the cake for song of the year.</span></div>
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16. "Disco Tits"by Tove Lo</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With the best title of any pop song since “This City’s Local Italo Disco DJ Has A Crush On Me”, Tove Lo is giving Charli a run for her money. "Disco Tits" continues Tove’s descent into the sweaty dark techno that <i>Lady Wood</i> was known for. However, Disco Tits adds a glossy sheen to the Cool Girl formula, and the way that Tove delivers that chorus proves that there is a new Queen of Swedish pop.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Tove has continued to be one of the best pop artists around thanks to her discreet song choices. She has an underground feature with Karma Fields and appeared on a new Phoebe Ryan tune. A pop lovers’ dream radio version of her new single “Bitches” featuring all our faves has been the highlight of 20Toveteen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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15. "Island" by Stockholm Noir</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of dark moody club bangers, <b>Stockholm Noir</b> came out swinging this 2017. The mysterious collective were able to revive my love of underground rave music with emotional bops that sound like the <b>Pet Shop Boys</b> gone evil. “Island” was certainly the best of the bunch, and in a year where pop took some unexpected turns, it lands in the perfect place to lose your mind. Hopefully, we get another 4 of these from S. Noir before <b>Robyn</b> decides to do a collab that becomes an international sensation and reignites the career of one of the world’s greatest pop star.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: The Robyn collab never came to be, although perhaps she could still be influenced by the Noir on her new album. Stockholm Noir have released three new singles but have relaxed on the release front. We’ll see where they go but until then, listen to Island again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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14. "Someone" by Anna Of The North</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Norway has proven its abilities in creating hands-in-the-air slap-you-in-the-face pop bangers but have they truly mastered the art of creating a dream-pop pensive banger? With the new <b>Anna Of The Nort</b>h album, it is clear the Nordics get it. Anna has created the perfect sequel to Shura’s killer album from last year but her saccharine vocals have never sounded better on the epic “Someone”. From the 80s drum kicks to the layers on layers of vocals, “Someone” is a shining beacon of hope that love still exists. And what more can pop do REALLY?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Anna has stuck to just releasing acoustic versions of her own songs in 2018. However, she has appeared on the new Honne single along with remixing Dua Lipa’s IDGAF. What a multitalented act The North are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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13. "Best Behaviour" by Louisa (Johnson)</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The nocturnal Eurovision banger that <b>Louisa Johnson</b> put out as her second single might just be the most underrated song I have ever added to my end of year lists. The track came and went without much fanfare despite being an absolute BOP as you can tell by the first chorus (THERE IS A PAN FLUTE). Not only did “Best Behaviour” put Louisa on an upward trajectory in terms of pop, it managed to throw the whole idea of an X Factor winner’s single out the door. Which just might make her the best winner the show ever had (sorry Leona!).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Louisa has dropped the last name this year, which is possibly not the best career move. However, her newest single “YES” is definitely a positive step forward. A song that sounds like Britney and Christina wrapped in one can only be a good thing.</span></div>
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12. "Do It" by Rae Morris</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Raeturn of Ms. Morris was not the huge star comeback that most of us expected in 2017. That honor would go to Steps. However, <b>Rae Morris</b> managed to quietly release three singles that set up her stunning 2018 album very nicely. While Reborn served its purpose as a reintroduction, “Do It” was the shining star of 2017 for Rae. A minimalist Ellie Goulding-esque twinkle-banger, “Do It” was born out of the love Rae had for her producer <b>Fryars</b>. With such a simple message, the couple really hit it out of the park on this and if more music sounded like this in the coming years, NSOTP would be very happy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Rae Morris has quietly conquered 2018 as her album <b><i>Someone Out There </i></b>has not been trumped by anything so far. One of the most forward thinking and fresh bodies of work released in years. Good job Rae and excited for anything else she has in store.</span></div>
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11. "Disconnect" by Clean Bandit featuring Marina and the Diamonds</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hearing <b>Marina</b>’s voice is like a breath of fresh air and “Disconnect” feels like one of the greatest pop stars in the world casually hooking up with one of the greatest bands in the world to give the greatest gift to their fans: a sparkling polite disco pensivebanger that perfectly captures the exhaustion that comes with progress. Not only does the song represent how nuance can lead to brilliance in pop, it is another sign that <b>Clean Bandit</b> are inching closer to releasing an album of certified hits while Marina feels closer to releasing new music!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Clean Bandit continued their string of hits in 2018 with "Solo". After teasing their album being finalized, the tracklist itself is a gay’s dream come true and “Baby” sees them all uniting once again. After being an absolute joy on Twitter, Marina has also confirmed that her next record is progressing well. Hopefully those rumors of her dropping the diamonds is not true (as it seems to be on Spotify, because that would be the true end of an era. But we’ll support Marina regardless.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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10. "New Rules" by Dua Lipa</h3>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Pick up the phone, sign to <b>Lana Del Rey</b>’s A&R based on undeniable charisma and strong songwriting<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Release hits slowly at a time to build up a large fanbase before releasing the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEOyePhElr4">BEST SINGLE OF 2016</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Don’t listen to anyone who wants you to rush release your album because you know it’s perfect and has the perfect big single with the perfect video<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dua Lipa</b>’s New Rules for becoming the biggest pop star in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Dua Lipa is killing it in 2018. One Kiss and Electricity are two of the best songs of the year and continues Dua’s reign on the charts. At this rate, her second album might be out by 2019 and is sure to be another knockout.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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9. "Mermaid" by Skott</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps it is my taste evolving with age, but a good piano ballad can really knock your socks off when done right. That is just the feeling I got when I listened to Swedish pop witch <b>Skott</b>’s Piscene anthem “Mermaid”. A twinkly ode to overpowering love that would have Celine wailing in her Canadian mansion, Mermaid builds to such a climactic end that balladry for the rest of the year was pretty much cancelled. Skott is another one to watch in 2018, but most of the people on this list fall under that category.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Skott started off the year strong. Her newest EP shows Skott’s newfound mainstream edge on “Stay Off My Mind” and she had a strong showing at the Swedish Grammis. However, not much has come out since then. She recently popped up on the new <b>Petit Biscuit</b> track so that’s something. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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8. "Touch" by Little Mix</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a time when girl groups are slowly losing steam, <b>Little Mix</b> could have called it in and made some <b>Chainsmokers</b>-esque bop to tide over the fans. They did nothing of the sort. Instead, we got the <b>MNEK</b>-produced tropical-tinged conga banger that is “Touch”. It is simply one of those songs that hammers into your head, and the genius of the wordplay easily places Touch as the gem in Little Mix’s discography. Considering they’re the only girl bands around these days, it will be up to them to make the best girl group song of 2018 as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Little Mix have appeared on the newest <b>Cheat Codes</b> song, which is likely the lowest point they will ever achieve in their stellar career. However, they released their new single “Woman Like Me” from LM5. A new era is upon us but another “Touch” or “Black Magic” would be great thanks.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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7. "Friends" by Bloodpop® and Justin Bieber</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bloodpop®</b> as an artist project was a sure shot at being fantastic. A quick look at his discography would affirm this prediction. But what a knock out of the park with “Friends”. Teaming up with <b>Julia Michaels</b> and <b>Justin Tranter</b> was also a master stroke in this song. Luckily, <b>Justin Bieber</b> does the trick in the same way that “Sorry” became a hit. The best part about this song is that it could have been a <b>Robyn</b> comeback single. Regardless, this will go down as a forgotten hit. But what a song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Bloodpop is slowly making hits for other people but another single would not hurt anytime soon. As for the Biebs, he seems to be a little too busy planning a wedding to be a proper pop star at the moment. </span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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6. "Bon appétit" by Katy Perry featuring Migos</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> So many things about this song went wrong. From the fact that it was not well promoted, to Migos remaining terrible and dragging the song down, a lot of people might consider “Bon Appetit” as <b>Katy Perry</b> and <b>Max Martin</b>’s biggest misfire. However, when you get down to it, the song is a forward thinking banger that pulls off the “Biology” trick: a chorus that does not truly go off until the middle of the whole song. It’s the sonic equivalent of a chef’s kiss so bravo Katy for making the best song you’ve ever had.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Again, Katy is pretty quiet this year. Max has had a hand in Ariana’s better music as well as <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dpjhcQr0RM">this absolutely killer <b>Noah Cyrus</b> song</a> that no one gave a fuck about because the listening public can be idiots sometimes.</span></div>
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5. "Tease" by Ralph</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s a new Canadian songbird in town and she loves 70s synthpop and Cher. <b>Ralph</b> is another star on the rise but her past singles “Cold To The Touch” and “Busy Man” are a testament to her pop sensibility. But what she needed was a balls to the wall pop explosion. Then came “Tease”. Ralph effectively and romantically shuts down every fuckboy’s predictable moves with this summery ode to shutting down men’s shit. The real brilliance is that the one sentence chorus and the psychoanalysis in the bridge set it apart from any other pop song on this list. The perfect 2017 single.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Ralph recently released her debut album A Good Girl and it’s one of those Q4 treasures chock full of brand new material. “Bedroom Eyes” is particularly stunning. Though it could have used some of her old songs off her amazing EP, I am sure we have not seen the best to come from Ralph. </span></div>
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4. "Hair Down" by Mollie King</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It has been almost a decade now since we have listened to a full-fledged Girls Aloud album helmed by <b>Xenomania</b>. We will probably never get back to the magic of that time but one bright gem brought us right back there. <b>Mollie King</b> proudly declares herself as the best member of T<b>he Saturdays</b> by releasing this bold, brash, and frankly ridiculous ode to removing hair bands. The nonsensical lyrics belie the bizzare brilliance that a lot of pop songs lack these days. “Hair Down” sounds like a brilliant Girls Aloud or Florrie song, and it shows that Xenomania have not lost their touch. I mean seriously, how could you not lose it once those horns come in?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Mollie has done absolutely nothing this year, which is quite a shame because an album of Hair Down’s would be just what we need in 2018. Xenomania have worked with new singer <b>Liv Lovelle</b> and <b>Saara Aalto</b> on some amazing songs so there is still hope yet.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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3. "Anywhere" by Rita Ora</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is a pop fact that <b>Rita Ora</b> is the most underrated pop star the world has ever seen. With public expectations at a laughably low point for all her releases, she could have just knocked out a basic Spotpop banger and called it a day. Instead, she came out with “Anywhere”, a forward thinking yet timeless bop about escaping the world. Between the dreamy guitar to the iconic stuttering breakdown, Rita truly showed us she will never let us down and we will always remember the track as her absolute best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: After a rather controversial single release with the bisexual anthem “Girls”, Rita has brought everything to a head with the release of her long awaited sophomore album <b><i>Phoenix</i></b>, that posits her as pop juggernaut the world might never be ready for.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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2. "Waking Up Slow" by Gabrielle Aplin</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The best songs from pop often come out of nowhere. Remember when <b>Tegan & Sara</b> casually decided to become proper global conquering superstars? Well this year <b>Gabrielle Aplin</b> made that decision with the release of “Waking Up Slow”. A serene electrobanger that shifts from staccato beats to sweeping string bits. But the key to knowing your way around a good pop song is the sound of a good “OH”. And as you can hear with every chorus, Gabrielle has done her homework and with that we award her the second best song of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Gabrielle has been very chill this year. Apart from popping up on a bubbly techno track, Gabby has released a very sad somber piano ballad called “My Mistake”. Perfect for the cold holidays of 2018.</span><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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1. "Cut To The Feeling" by Carly Rae Jepsen</h3>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fact that the best song of the year comes in the form of a reject from an entire album of rejects proves 2017 to be wild beyond belief. However, the fact that it comes from one of the greatest pop organisms in the sentient universe <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b> is very unsurprising. “Cut To The Feeling” captures all the euphoria, happiness, and pure EMOTION that 2017 had been composed of. It was a time of the unknown taking over, but this song came charging through as a beacon of hope for so many people. And in a lot of ways, that’s what pop music is here for. To be a reminder for everyone that things will be okay with a good drum machine and female vocal. Thank you for reminding us Carly. Thank you for everything.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHAT’S UP IN 2018</b>: Carly quietly but confidently returned to us this year with “Party For One”. In a lot of ways, it acts as a quieter more mature cousin to all of Carly’s Emotion material but in another way it seems too self conscious for its own good. Still, 2019 can only signal great things for Team Jepsen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So there you have it. The best songs of 2017. In 2018… Don’t worry, I have this year’s list in the works. Until then, listen to this perfect little Spotify playlist that has all these amazing songs! HOW FUN IS THAT?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-41036227776822318022017-11-19T18:49:00.002-08:002017-11-19T18:49:12.490-08:002018's Next Big Things<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<b>Dua Lipa</b> is the success story NSOTP is proud of.</div>
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It's peak holiday season, aka the end of Q4, aka the end of pop Christmas, and the beginning of real Christmas. It's been a pretty great Q4 by most standards, not least of all because of <b>Rita Ora</b>'s "Anywhere" and the new <b>Tove Lo</b> album. As 2017 winds down, this is around the time that blogs line up their stars with the biggest expectations to be the break out star of the next year. The BBC Sound of... poll used to be a pretty good decider of who would actually make the hits for next year, but I blame them for making Sam Smith a thing and the past couple of years have been disappointing. I take the credit for the recent global pop superstardom of Dua Lipa, although her songwriting and pop savvy might have had something to do it also. So it's time to break down my picks for the biggest pop acts that I hope will become truly amazing things in the upcoming year.</div>
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Each day I'll try to break down each of the fifteen acts and go over their already killer sound and what I hope to see from them in the next year. It's in alphabetical order, but I'm sure you can tell who will have a better shot than others (aka the Norwegians). They all have not yet to release a full album but have amazing potential and some have certifiably made some of the best songs of the year! Follow this page for updated links!</div>
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The acts are as follows:</div>
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<b>Dagny</b></div>
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<b>Fickle Friends</b></div>
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<b>Michaela May</b></div>
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<b>Ralph</b></div>
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<b>Sigrid</b></div>
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<b>Sofi Tukker</b></div>
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<b>Stockholm Noir</b></div>
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Until next year, here's Dua Lipa's "New Rules".<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-5889195521407403112017-10-21T08:55:00.000-07:002017-10-21T08:55:01.070-07:00NMF Thoughts from THE GREATEST NMF- featuring Rita Ora, 2 Jonas Brothers, 2 1D Members, KELLY CLARKSON, and more!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Rita Ora</b> continues to NEVER LET US DOWN and made song of the week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today is without a doubt the best NMF of the year, which makes sense as pop Xmas aka Q4 is in full swing. There are plenty of miracles you will notice but are not limited to ANOTHER MARIAH CHRISTMAS SONG. </span></div>
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That <b>Mariah Carey</b> song is kind of shitmazing isn't it? Like it would fit in perfectly with her movie Glitter, which is the actual definition of shitmazing. We are truly unworthy of Mariah.<br />
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The <b>marshmello</b> song is sparky for a Friday morning but at least it isn't as boring as that <b>Noah Cyrus</b> song. Still, it's about time we get that one he did with the Queen of Never Letting Us Down Rita Ora.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>Sigma</b> single sounds like nothing they have done before, which is good since most of their songs sounded identical. If they just binned off <b>Quavo</b>, it would be a lot higher on the list. </span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you thought feat. <b>Sean Paul</b> was a thing of 2016, <b>Valentino Khan</b> is here to prove you wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fifth Harmony</b> pop up on the same soundtrack as Mariah with new song "Can You See". It's a rather beautiful and quiet mid tempo ballad that surpasses every song on their last album. Another Q4 miracle.</span></div>
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That <b>Frida Sundemo</b> album doesn't get any worse does it? But we're not gonna talk about that right now. Instead, I'm here to discuss the new track she appears on with <b>Lindstrøm</b> for his new album. "Sorry" pumps along a bumpy synth beat that would make <b>Robyn</b> proud but Frida's voice truly makes it worth while.</div>
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Off-kilter pop purveyor <b>Cuckoolander </b>used to be in <b>Charli XCX</b>'s live band but she is continuing her journey as a solo star with a new EP! It's through Charli's Vroom Vroom Records label too so you know it's good. If you need a place to start, 2015's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKBKup0-2P8">Mother Nature</a>" is a solid pop moment.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In terms of an unnecessary pop miracle, the new <b>MGMT</b> single "Little Dark Age" is quite listenable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was quite happy to never hear another <b>Kygo</b> song with a bloody tropical tambourine for the rest of my life. But as I mentioned with those Q4 miracles, the title track for his new album "Kids In Love" is an elegant and polite banger that is more trance than tropical. If the creator of tropical house has moved past it, is it a sign music is FINALLY moving forward. </span><br />
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<b>Jaira Burns</b> continues to try to be a good pop star and her new single "High Roller" feels like the first sign that she might accomplish that. Considering <b>Allie X</b> and <b>Leland</b> have helped her write songs, it will happen sooner rather than later. The second verse is the best and includes the line "I fuck with yoga so I can keep that shit tight". Same Bitch.</div>
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<b>Kelly Clarkson</b> has been a Q4 staple for quite some time and this time around she has dropped the title track of her newest album. "Meaning Of Life" keeps up her new gospel direction, but if only the music hit a little harder. Good thing we get more than one Clarkson song today...</div>
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The new <b>Thea & The Wild</b> single "Paved The Way" sounds like a <a href="http://nonstopontoppop.blogspot.com/2017/10/nmf-thoughts-from-friday-13th-featuring.html">St. Vincent reject track</a>. Did I mention how much I liked that last album? </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sad song singer <b>morgxn</b> is back with a new single called "bruised" that feels like one of his more signature songs, aka its slow and sexy but quite depressing as you think "we HAVE all been used". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jolan</b> is apparently a young singer who was on the Voice UK but that's all a bit boring so let's just list the exciting stuff. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">NEW EP. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">FIRST SONG WRITTEN WITH <b>MNEK</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PRODUCED BY <b>XENOMANIA</b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">IS RATHER GOOD. That is all you and I need to know about Jolan's new EP. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's another 1D blow out and luckily Louis is nowhere to be found. <b>Liam Payne</b>'s new song is leaps and bounds above the absolute garbage that was "Strip That Down". "Bedroom Floor" is a polite and sensual dance track that does not establish Liam as the best member of solo 1D stars but he has the best potential of giving us the actual pop hits right? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are two songs involving Jonas brothers today. Another Q4 Miracle. <b>Nick Jonas</b> has contributed a banger ballad called "Home" to the "Home" soundtrack which as far as I can tell is about a gay anthropomorphic bull. The best part is the first word of the chorus when everyone shouts "HOME". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Back and Forth" by <b>Bormin'</b> is Spotify pop gone right and clocking in at under 3 min feels like the perfect time for music like this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sälen</b> has apparently made a short film... whatever that entails, it does involve some new music. Both "I'm In Love With My Best Friend" and "I Am Champagne" are their best songs in quite some time but I only included the latter as it includes FRENCH. </span></div>
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It's fair to say no one gives a shit about that new <b>P!nk</b> single but at least the remixes are great. After the spectacular Barry Harris one from last month, <b>Tiesto</b> has come along and done his usual thing to "What About Us".<br />
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As I suspected last week, <b>off bloom</b> are adding new tracks to their EP and the new title track is the best one by far. Maybe I'll do an EP review when it's all done. </div>
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The new <b>Taylor Swift</b> single sounds like <b>CHVRCHES</b> produced it. "Gorgeous" is about a guy who's so hot you can't talk to them. While that's a stupid mindset, we've all been there so Sound the Relatable Swift siren. Could have exploded a bit more in the chorus but oh well, it's better than the last two.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just based on her cover art, I know I'll like new artist <b>Woodes</b> quite a lot. Luckily "Dots" is bouncy, full of percussion, ominous, and orchestral. I am 99% sure she is Scandinavian so that explains most of why this song is amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Canadian duo Kids In Despair or <b>K.I.D</b> have made their fair share of absolute bops including "Errors" and the <b>Cupcakke</b> collab "Boy". Their new single "Elevator" isn't as noisy as the others but it is about getting fingered or blown in an elevator so you know they haven't lost their magic. Another act to watch out for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hayley Kiyoko</b> has been toying with the idea of being a huge pop star but it feels like now is her time. "Feelings" has a lot of interesting sonic twists but keeps all of Hayley's classic moodiness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Pray" by <b>Natives</b> is a big in your face arena-sized pop banger. And that is a Q4 fact. </span></div>
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<b>Jessie Ware</b>. What a woman. Her third album <b>Glasshouse</b> is another breathtaking album full of songs about yearning and falling in love. Jessie has always had a way at tugging the heartstrings and it's nice to see she hasn't lost her touch. Again, WHAT A WOMAN<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I mentioned, the other queen of Christmas <b>Kelly Clarkson</b> is back with a bell-filled, horn-heavy FESTIVE AS FUCK single. "Christmas Eve" feels like a holiday classic already but to have such a good one in 2017 feels like a Q4 MIRACLE. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Esther Vallee</b> has been playing around with being a top pop star for a while but the Swedish singer is coming out with guns blazing on "Numbers". Seriously, that chorus is EVERYTHING. Esther can officially be the first pop star with a self-proclaimed code! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other Jo bro, incidentally named <b>Joe Jonas</b>, appears on the new <b>Naughty Boy</b> single. "One Chance To Dance" has a cool Indian beat and Joe sounds like a superstar on the track. Good job to everyone involved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've never heard of <b>Handsome</b> before but their new single "Late Night Ball Game" takes its time to build into a beautiful mess of majesty. The quieter moments are just as powerful as the big choir-filled chorus and that's a sign of great music.</span></div>
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As far as boys with guitars albums go, <b>Flicker</b> by <b>Niall Horan</b> is quite lovely. The mix of more forward thinking sleek pop songs with classic ballads and country is a nice touch. I thought that Niall was a Q4 miracle based on "Our Town" but he has proven to be a solid 2017 success story. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Q4 miracles have still not stopped because Swedish superstar <b>FEVER RAY</b> IS BACK. You might know her better as the female from<b> The Knife</b>, but back in 2009 she made a sad dark album of downtempo pop that was beautiful and anyone who says it wasn't can fuck off. Well she's back with a song much happier and full of squelching electronics that is a complete 180 from OG Fever Ray. "To The Moon and Back" makes me more excited about this Fever Era and the lyrics prove she has something major to say. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I may not have talked about her much on the blog (BUT I WILL SOON) but new singer <b>LOOP</b> is amazing, came out with a killer EP earlier this year and understands all the little bits that make a great pop songs. Her new single "Maybe I'm a Liar" is slightly tropical, very rhythmic, and 100% amazing. One of the brightest hopes for pop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Q4 wouldn't be complete without an unnecessary but spectacular single edit of a 10/10 song. This time 2017 queen of music <b>Julia Michaels</b> pops up on the <b>Bloodpop and Bieber </b>single "Friends". Although considering she wrote the damn thing, those are probably the original vocals mixed with Justin's and then they gave it to us as a pop Xmas present. Thank you Santa Bieber!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The best song of the week happens to be one that is not a true Q4 miracle. As prophesied by her own 2014 single "I Will Never Let You Down", <b>Rita Ora</b> has still NEVER LET US DOWN. Her new single "Anywhere" sounds like a hit but is also not a boring hit like many of the 2017 chart toppers. It has a slight ABBA esque melody and takes the prize for the best pensivebanger of the year. So while this NMF exemplified all the surprises Q4 has to offer, "Anywhere" is just another major pop moment for a major pop star, and anybody that disagrees can frankly fuck right off.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Anywhere" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits.</span></i></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-32487798477839488972017-10-15T09:19:00.001-07:002017-10-15T09:19:04.269-07:00NMF Thoughts from FRIDAY THE 13TH- featuring Dagny, St. Vincent, Fickle Friends, and more!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dagny</b> returns to form and makes the SONG of the week!</span></span></div>
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After "Just Like You", it's safe to say <b>Louis Tomlinson</b> is the one from <b>One Direction</b> who should just quit music. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Consistent house music makers <b>The Knocks</b> team up with hitmakers themselves <b>Captain Cuts</b> on "House Party". It's a cool enough dance song but never really goes off like you want it to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a weird mix of old man screaming with a guitar/piano and trop-pop on the new <b>Tom Walker</b> song. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dillon Francis </b>wins the creepiest cover art of the week prize for "Hello There". Too bad the track itself is another trop-pop piece of shit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a minute since we heard from <b>kiiara</b> but "Wishlist" is a generic departure from her past choppy glitch-pop. Oh well. </span></div>
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Apparently every dance producer made a song this week. <b>Peking Duk</b> return with "I Love It" superstars <b>Icona Pop</b> on "Let You Down". It's too much of a Spotify-ish single for me to get behind it no matter how much the girls try to save it. </div>
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The amazingly titled band <b>Laser Dreams</b> have an amazingly titled debut single called "Stupid Lovesong". It's the most un-2017 song you'll hear all week, and that's mainly because it's straight from the 80s. Thank god for the Swedes. </div>
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The new <b>Ella Vos</b> single about crying mothers is not as boring as you would expect. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Rihanna</b> collaborator <b>Mikky Ekko</b> is back to promote a new album with new single "Blood On The Surface". There is a pleasant Beach Boys quality about it before it erupts into an industrial mess. But at least the lyrics are spot on. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those in the spooky mood this Friday the 13th, the new <b>Tears for Fears</b> song "I Love You But I'm Lost" has some ghost-like synths in there, but it's quite anthemic in its own right. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's around the time when new acts try to release good music so they are tipped for big things next year. <b>Bishop Briggs</b> definitely fits this category, as her stomping new single "Dream" makes quite evident. We would love to see pop artists like <b>Dagny</b> and <b>Ralph</b> on some lists but they're too unpredictable to hope for too much. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mahalia</b> has a song called "Hold On" that feels perfect for the autumn weather that is creeping up on us. Aka it's a chill R&B lite pop song. </span></div>
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<b>Mabel</b> has gone and done a cool upbeat pop song that sees her move beyond the synth-drenched R&B she is known for. "Begging" is the first taste of her MIXTAPE, which in 2017 terms means we got a Mabel album. </div>
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<b>Leo Kalyan</b> is back with another banger that actually puts him as more of an ethnic-leaning <b>Hurts</b>-type artist. "No Man's Land, Pt. 1" hopefully has a dance remix as part 2. </div>
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"Hide Away" songstress <b>Daya</b> is back with a "New" single, called "New". Did we mention it's NEW?! Beyond the puns, it's your standard Daya track, uninteresting until the chorus when everything falls into place.</div>
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As I feared, that new <b>P!nk</b> album is quite inessential. The only real highlight is the <b>Max Martin</b>-written Kylie-esque "Secrets", which does a pretty good job of mixing elegant electropop with P!nk's wailing. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>MNEK</b> has sort of let me down with his last couple of releases featuring his voice. UNTIL TODAY. The <b>Riton</b> collaboration "Deeper" is the deep house song I needed in my life and the addition of a FUCKING GOSPEL CHOIR is the cherry on top. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Emily Warren</b>'s singles continue to get better and better, with "Poking Holes" having some real moments of brilliance in the chorus. Considering she helped to write <b>Charli XCX</b>'s "Boys", Emily as a solo star may not be a bad thing after all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As far as boys with guitars go, the new <b>Will Joseph Cook</b> song is quite bouncy for a Friday afternoon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So the last <b>Niall Horan</b> single wasn't up to much, but luckily Lana's favorite remixer <b>Cedric Gervais</b> has put a drum machine and chopped vocals to the ballad and made it a solid 7x better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sorry to <b>Harry Styles</b>, but the dream-pop cover of "Sign Of The Times" by <b>LANY</b> is the type of single I wanted Harry to come out with when he went solo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Silk Cinema</b> might have the best band name I've heard in a while and their new song "Disappear" feels like the perfect come down song for winter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>GRANT</b>, <b>VIGGO</b>, and <b>ABISHA</b> have used capital letters to stand out from the CROWD. Luckily, their new music is on the spectrum of good to great so it's all for the benefit of us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The nostalgic romance of the new <b>Band of Gold</b> single warms my Piscene heart. </span></div>
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In a complete turn around from their terrible Demi Lovato collaboration, <b>Cheat Codes</b> have a wonderfully heartwarming new single called "Feels Great". As <b>Fetty Wap</b> puts it, "it feels great motherfucker" to be surprised during NMF. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After releasing and re-releasing the same singles, budding pop singer <b>FRANKIE</b> is finally back with something new. "Paper Doll" is pretty immediate in how awesome it is but in-your-face pop is in rare quantities at the moment so good job FRANKIE for not being your stereotypical Spotify singer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In strange pop news, one of the best and most forward-thinking pop songs of the week comes from <b>Beck</b>. It goes to show pop can come from anywhere. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Vamps</b> have returned to being a proper good boy band with new single "Personal". It helps that Youtuber-turned-proper popstar <b>Maggie Lindemann</b> helps out. But the best part of the song is the actual PROPER chorus. Good job to everyone involved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't mean to alarm you but the new <b>Mallrat</b> single has a COW ON THE COVER. "Better" also happens to be better than most songs this week. </span></div>
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<b>Steve Angello</b> and <b>Pusha T</b>'s collaboration "Freedom" is the type of song stadium speakers were made for aka it's a galactic banger.</div>
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Your favorite mystery Swedish rave-pop outfit <b>Stockholm Noi</b>r is back with another BANGER with a capital B. "Frozen Ground" features <b>Peta & the Wolves</b>, starts off sparse and ominous (to match the date obviously), but once that drum machine kicks in, you know it's about to get wild. If anyone deserves to be on the Next Big Thing lists for 2018, it's Stockholm Noir. </div>
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One of the best bands of this decade is<b> Fickle Friends</b>. They have outdone anything on their last EP with "Hard To Be Myself" which sees them refine their electropop to the best I've heard them. An album from this lot would be quite enjoyable.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just like the excellent <b>MY</b> song from last week, <b>Scavenger Hunt</b> pay homage to our lord and slayviour <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b> on their new single "Eyes Wide Open". If this is a trend for 2018, pop will be at an all time high. </span></div>
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Brazilian superstar <b>Anitta</b> continues her English takeover on the new <b>Alesso</b> single. It's a breezy tropical-ish dance hit that has a lot of unexpected twists and turns for a post-EDM song. If anything breaks her into the world market, it should be this song. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is always one Q4 album that comes out of nowhere from a non-pop singer that completely destroys the bar on how amazing pop can be. This year it goes to <b>St. Vincent</b> and her absolutely brilliant album <b>Masseduction</b>. It's the <b>Ladytron</b> meets <b>Clare Maguire</b> album we never knew we needed to happen. "Pills" is one example of how bonkers she has gone for music and I love every second of it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We all know<b> Dagny</b> is one of the best pop singers/human beings on the planet, but in all honesty her past couple of singles did not have the same magic that her EP had. I had almost lost hope, seeing someone so amazing fall below the high bar she set herself. Until today that is. As if feeling the imbalance in her pop output, Dagny just released a song that could count as three 10/10 songs. "Love You Like That" is such a simple yet powerful song telling the age old sentiment that nothing else matters but LOVE. It's good that see Dagny go back to the basics and return to the amazing standard of "Fool's Gold" and "Too Young". And that's all you want from your favorite singer: wow moments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Love You Like That" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits.</span></i></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-6406678419080688162017-09-23T06:52:00.001-07:002017-09-23T06:52:55.379-07:00NMF Thoughts for Sept 22 - featuring Bree Runway, Steps, Yelle, and more!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bree Runway made song of the week (and there she is twerking with Olly from Years & Years).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hot off the heels of the<b> FO&O</b> going on a hiatus, we have lost the last great boyband out there. As if to add insult to heartache, that shit boyband <b>Why Don't We </b>have made their version of a sex anthem called "Invitation". For some reason, prepubescent boys singing about not needing an invitation to sex doesn't sound like a jolly time to anyone, does it?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whoever this <b>Reego</b> person, he thinks that just because he is throwing out a Latin pop single, it'll get famous. Newsflash: it has to actually be good music too. Cc <b>Becky G</b> whose new single/remix is GREAT. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bhad Babie</b>, I'm gonna need you to cash me outside cause your music sounds like a child rapping over farts. Stick to reality show appearances honey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Indian and Norwegian singer <b>Samsaya</b> is back with a slow slice of sultry mystical pop. Based on how much I absolutely loved her last album, I'm hoping that she keeps making fun electropop alongside the new stuff like this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In these days of dwindling tropicalness, it's ridiculous that <b>Kygo</b> releases not one, but two singles today! They are from his new EP that includes the Selena and Ellie songs also. "This Town" by <b>Sasha Sloan</b> is thankfully devoid of his usual tropical antics and is quite lovely in how understated it is. The "Stargazing" song on the other hand sounds like all his other songs, complete with the repetitive chopped up vocals. Sometimes less is more, Mr. Kygo. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It pains me to say this, but the new <b>Fergie</b> album is an absolute mess. That's to say that it has its moments, but the whole thing sounds so desperate. The best song is obviously "Enchanté" as it feels like the only song that doesn't make you go "Yikes". I hope she takes the time for herself before struggling to push out another album. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>BEAUX</b> and <b>Michi</b> song is the definition of Spotify pop but in a week where there is so much other shit going down, this feels like a nice breather. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following the absolute monster of a song "Ciao Adios", <b>Anne-Marie</b> retreats to safety on "Heavy", a innocent and rather boring tropical pop song. I won't lose hope in Anne-Marie just yet but she's gonna need to turn this around if she wants to conquer the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">French star <b>Charlotte Gainsbourg</b> has strangely released a slinky modern electropop song with the brilliant title "Deadly Valentine". The French are really stepping up to the plate today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Wanderlust" by<b> Una Sand</b> is an electroclash song that would be great on the new <b>Taylor Swift </b>album. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I haven't heard from <b>Death Team</b> in a while but they're new single "Weekend" is a lowkey bop that would have restarted <b>Alunageorge</b>'s career, and the cover art is certainly something I can get into. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whoever <b>Elk Road</b> and <b>LDRU</b> are, they have made a rather sparky dance single, although the drop leads to a disappointing pseudo-chorus.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Miley</b>'s promo of her gay country album continues with "Week Without You", a breakup anthem about her ex-ex. It's another piece of the story that makes "Younger Now" one of the better albums to be released this Q4. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hot off the heels of her album last year, <b>Emeli Sandé</b> of "Heaven" fame is releasing an EP later this year. The single "Starlight" is the exact opposite of what you may expect from the soul balladeer. It's a jungle-infused club banger that honestly would have made an amazing Rihanna single. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scandinavian star <b>Marlene</b> has released a new single after her brilliant EP this summer. It's called "Miss You A Little" and it's a harder hitting slice of electropop but Marlene controls the heartbreak with the talent of a true pop veteran. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>off bloom</b> EP is pretty great and "Golden Dreams" is their best song by far. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Hold On To Me" makes me think this <b>Hurts</b> album will be a solid 7.5/10. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>Macklemore </b>song is quite touching, but <b>Kesha</b> is definitely the highlight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>DJ Snake</b> is back with another banger of a trap-pop single. "A Different Way" features up and coming NYC pop star <b>Lauv</b> who could have a couple hits of his own on his hands from what I hear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kronic</b> has a knack for making slinky club-tinged R&B and Restriction is just as good as his last great single. He could work on the repetitive choruses but one step at a time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maggie Rogers</b> has returned with another off kilter pop track, although "Split Stones" feels like a radio hit in the making of there was enough traction. She is an interesting one to watch for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"I took a DNA test and it told me I'm 100% that bitch". This is why the new <b>Lizzo</b> song is amazing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Noah Cyrus</b> finally steps away from the country-tinged pop that made her sister so famous with a moody electroclash song "Again" that I imagine could be a Reputation reject. With a better chorus, this could have been a real wow moment for Noah. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dej Loaf</b> has knocked two singles out of the park. I haven't heard better rapping from a femcee this year than on "Changes". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Generous" by<b> Olivia Holt </b>feels like the <b>Selena Gomez</b> hit that never was. In other words, it's very modern and very good. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's always a cause for celebration when a new <b>Cut Copy</b> album comes out. <b><i>Haiku From Zero</i></b> is no exception, one of the best albums this year. After a decade, Cut Copy still has that pop X Factor that made me fall in love with them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If the Cut Copy album didn't have enough rave pianos for you, "Harlem" by <b>DJs from Mars</b> will quickly solve that problem. For a Friday morning, it's pretty bonkers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Demi Lovato</b> has FINALLY delivered a good song. "Sexy Dirty Love" should have been the lead single for the new era and it feels both nostalgic and forward thinking. We can always count on her for at least one great song per album cycle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ecca Vandal</b> has a jungle infused pop-rock song about rejecting fairytale romances called "Future Heroine". A fusion of <b>Avril Lavigne</b> and <b>MIA</b> sums it up pretty well. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I mentioned earlier, the remix of <b>Kideko</b>'s "Dum Dum" with <b>Becky G</b> and <b>Tinie Tempah</b> is quite bombastic in the best way. It's like every party in the world collided to make the ultimate conga anthem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WALK THE MOON</b> have somehow made another amazing single. "One Foot" will surely be a big hit on the charts and it will be nice to genuinely be a fan of something popular for once. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kim Petras</b> is back with not one, but two absolute bangers! After her last amazing single that made it to song of the week, "Hillside Boys" follows up with the same chic and stylish 80's take on electropop. The second single "Hills" is a much more laid back jam that is actually the better song today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my consistent favorites of the past year has been <b>Youngr</b>. It's very exciting to hear him sign with a major label and his first single with them is "What's Next", another full-throttle electropop jam. That debut album will be GREAT<span style="font-family: inherit;">!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"OLLA" is a big surprise for <b>Jhené Aiko</b> but a welcome one as you can hear it is an <b>Aaliyah</b> esque breezy banger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following the retro soul feeling of most of the songs today, <b>Faux</b> has released a single called "Take Back Time" that sounds like <b>Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Whitney</b> had fought to record it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">French superstars <b>Yelle</b> have returned with a straight on synthpop song that hits the right spot in this weird time between summer and autumn. "Romeo" is their best single in quite some time and I'm sure will sound amazing live (can confirm this next weekend). </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a surprise twist, <b>Whales & This Lake</b> (that band name though) have released a big pensive electrobanger called "Alphaboys and Alphagirls" (that song title though!). They even include a pan-gender symbol in the actual title. I didn't even know you could type that! It's a pretty big song and if they more of this up their sleeve, I'm gonna have to go whale hunting more often. (There is apparently a whole album full of weird symbols so that might be worth checking out!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ALMA</b> has been flirting with big hits for a while, and while "Dye My Hair" got my attention, the new single "Phases" is the perfect mix of dreamy synths and badass attitude that appears to be her thing. It helps that <b>Charli XCX</b> helped write it, another knock out of the park for her too.</span></div>
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In an unexpected miracle in 2017, <b>Steps</b> have become the greatest pop band in the world. After their huge triumphant return earlier this year with the gayest album I've ever heard "Tears On The Dancefloor", they continue their onslaught with a rerelease of the album and new music! To continue the theme of dancing and heartbreak, they have a new single that matches up to their past brilliance this year. "Dancing With A Broken Heart" is amazing on its own, but when you realize it's a <b>Delta Goodrem</b> cover it becomes that much better. When the key change hits, I lost my mind. Now this, this is what music should sound like from now on. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you ever wanted to hear the perfect blend of all the pop trends, look no further than "Too Good To Be True" by Swedish singer <b>Rhys</b>. It takes all the best part of trop-pop, soul and the country resurgence and puts them all together in a magical way. Rhys is also one to watch considering her last single "Last Dance" was the perfect trop-pop song. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bree Runway</b> is a brand new singer who has a song out called "What Do I Tell My Friends?" that has me in awe. It feels like all the music of today but with a filter of 2030 on it. It sounds like an MNEK production but her personality and swag pervades the whole track in a way that would make Rihanna jealous. It's sassy and fun but also signals that Bree could be one of the biggest stars in the wild one day. </span><br />
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<i style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "What Do I Tell My Friends?" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits.</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-26509714768286187292017-09-16T08:17:00.001-07:002017-09-16T08:17:58.629-07:00NMF Though†s from Sep 15 - featuring Hannah Jane Lewis, Sofi Tukker, Donkeyboy, MUNA, and more!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hannah Jane Lewis </b>made the best song this week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Listen up people, <b>Bjork</b> has a new single and as usual, it is unintelligible synthpop with amazing cover art. If anyone can name the languages she is singing in, let me know.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The surprise <b>U2</b> album was one of the worst things to ever happen in pop music history. Tropical house is slowly doing the same. These two forces of evil have collided on the <b>Kygo </b>remix of their new single. It's not full on tropical, but that makes it worse if possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>Toni Braxton</b> single is lovely in how timeless it sounds.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a new <b>Sia</b> song on the <b>My Little Pony</b> soundtrack!!!! It's a standard midtempo Sia ballad, and the line "I can see a Rainbow in your tears" is AMAZING, but compared to her other bangers, "Rainbow" doesn't quite hit the S(ia)weet spot. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To fight the great Zia ballad from last week, <b>Niall Horan</b> has released his own called "Too Much To Ask". It's your standard piano and guitar affair but the album announcement (Flicker out in October) is exciting enough. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Oscar and The Wolf</b> continue their streak of moody dance pop with a breezy undercurrent on the new "Runaway". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All right, I know I've spent the past 3 years shitting on<b> Jessie J</b>, and in many ways it's justified. Have you seen the Tuc biscuit ad?! Well, I have to say that her new understated single "Think About That" is great and it brings me great joy to see her on the right side of pop once again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been wary of <b>Grace Vanderwaal</b>'s music after seeing her tote that ukelele on AGT but her single is a perfect starting point for an acoustic pop career. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"The Answer" by <b>William Hut</b> is what all indie pop boys should sound like in 2017. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whoever <b>Huntar</b> is, his song "Be My Girl" is absolutely brilliant and would be a number one if any male pop star sang it. Preferably <b>Harry Styles</b>, but definitely any male pop star. His new album might be worth checking out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Leo Kalyan</b> is an amazing British singer whose use of Indian beats and emotive lyrics prove he is one of the better male singers out there. His friendship with NSOTP favorites <b>MNEK, Becky Hill, and Tom Aspaul</b> also means he's got a good sense of pop in general.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The remix of <b>Lorde</b>'s new single "Homemade Dynamite" is pleasant enough, and who doesn't want to hear<b> SZA </b>on every pop track, but she couldn't have included her friend<b> Tove Lo</b> who helped write the song? Or a mashup with last week's best song called "Dynamite Tits" ? Just thinking out loud for you Lorde. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Toves continue to coordinate their pop releases. This week, <b>Tove Styrke</b> has a straightforward pop hit with Mistakes that has a wonderfully breathy chorus. They really are the best, those Tove's. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>Galantis</b> is full of hits and misses but songs like Love On Me make you remember how great the dance duo can be. The best song is probably "Hey Alligator", as it was written and most likely features <b>Bonnie McKee</b>, an NSOTP favorite. Hopefully they work out all the kinks by album three<span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The mysterious <b>Anna Naklab</b> has returned with another mega trance banger. She was one to watch a couple years ago but hopefully she will make more of these dance hits soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">I mig</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">ht have called every song <b>Jessie Ware</b> releases a masterpiece but in all honesty, they are some of the most emotional and heart wrenching songs in pop. Her new single "Alone" is an earnest call for love that has me in tears as I write this. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Whoever <b>Now, Now</b> are, they have kind of made a perfect little synthpop song called "Yours". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Confidence Man</b> have, in a brilliant way, made a Girls Aloud album track that would have sat perfectly between Graffiti My Soul and Here We Go. Glad to see their influence is not lost. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Swedish soul-pop has never found a better voice than <b>Léon</b>. Her new single "I Believe In Us" is equally as moving as her last 2 years worth of music. Seriously, my heart is breaking while hearing her confessions of a broken relationship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Nick Jonas</b> has made his best single to date with "Find You". It seems like a logical progression from his older work, but the double chorus is an ingenious move. It would also make a great <b>Ladyhawke</b> single and that's truly a sign of something special. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As if making one of the best albums of this decade wasn't enough, the girls of <b>MUNA</b> are back with a new single "In My Way". I've never been a bigger fan of guitars than with them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That <b>P!nk </b>single didn't do much for me but there is an absolute monster of a remix by Barry Harris that unlocks it's true potential as a polite banger. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sofi Tukker established themselves with bass heavy Portuguese trance music but it's amazing to hear them with a potential radio hit in "Best Friend". They have worked with other pop duos NERVO and The Knocks and someone named Alisa Ueno. Big fans of everyone involved. (And Tucker, hit me up gorgeous ;D )</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Popjustice 20 Quid Music Prize went down yesterday where <b>Little Mix</b> and <b>Steps</b> completely demolished the competition, which you can follow through my Twitter. One of the songs nominated was "Reborn" by <b>Rae Morris</b>, one that didn't blow me away and probably should have been replaced by a <b>Dua Lipa</b> single. However, she has decided to show up everyone with a new single today that easily trumps everything she has done before. "Do It" is just as quirky as we're used to from Rae but it has much more of a bounce to it and a big singalong chorus. Most importantly, "Do It" makes me like "Reborn" more and that is a truly extraordinary thing. Welcome to true pop stardom Rae. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I cannot express this with more excitement but <b>DONKEYBOY</b> ARE BACK. The synthpop Norwegian band have been a favorite of mine for almost a decade and their new single "Kaleidoscope" is another slice of dreamy heaven that's a little harder hitting. If you're a fan of <b>St. Lucia</b>, and you should be, Donkeyboy 4.0 will be a great fit for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hannah Jane Lewis </b>made some very good pop singles last year ("Hide & Go Seek"</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> was a BANGER) but her new record deal means she's not playing around this year. She could very be well the next <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b> as you can hear on the bubbly "Raincheck". Count myself as your biggest fan Hannah!</span><br />
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<i style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Raincheck" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits.</span></i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-35415002947931850552017-09-09T09:30:00.002-07:002017-09-09T09:30:37.341-07:00NMF Thoughts from Sep 8 - featuring TOVE LO, NADINE FROM GIRLS ALOUD, AND KELLY FREAKING CLARKSON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we ramp up to Q4, <b>Tove Lo</b> has pulled out all the stops to make song of the week.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Q4 aka Pop Xmas has come early this year as big and small superstars from around the world have decided not to fuck around and release some killer new tracks. Here they are!</span></div>
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Mega awesome dead pop stars have unfortunately made the worst songs this week... Sorry George and Michael. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>Klingande</b> single involves a child singing "Pumped Up Kicks" over a dance beat... make of that what you will. </span></div>
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The new <b>Sam Smith</b> song "Too Good At Goodbyes" is predictable but inoffensive so I suppose that's progress. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hailee Steinfeld</b> has recruited a small army of people to help her out on new single "Let Me Go". Unfortunately, it's Spotify and tropical house put together. Both of these trends should be over by now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This new <b>Demi Lovato</b> era is worse than the last one and Confident was not great. "You Don't Do It For Me Anymore" is not her "Cool For The Summer" of this era but I'm holding out hope that maybe there's something up her sleeve. </span></div>
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<b>TOMI</b> has a song called "Long Time Coming" which basically sets the bar for "good song" status in 2017. A solid 6/10. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Based on "Frontline", pop<b> Kelela</b> isn't going anywhere and I see this as a positive career move. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Beatrice Eli</b> has a new EP out and it sees the Swede embrace synthpop very much. Good for Beatrice for realizing the light. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kelly Clarkson</b> is taking a page from <b>Kesha</b>'s book and releasing a brassy and sassy single called "Love So Soft" with an absolutely killer music video. As if that wasn't good enough, she has another track today, the slow burning and very emotional "Move You". This era of KC feels like it's gonna be great!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In crazy collaboration news, <b>TIEKS</b> has brought <b>CHAKA KHAN </b>and <b>Popcaan</b> along for a rather bouncy new dance song. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of you itching for that new <b>Bjork</b> single, I hope it sounds like anything off the new <b>Tori Amos </b>album. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Princess Nokia</b> has a good song called "Saggy Denim" that would have been a great <b>Aaliyah</b> single. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a move I did not expect, dark-pop songstrel <b>Skott</b> has made something quite upbeat with her collaboration with <b>Grey</b> called "Crime". It's a little too Spotify sounding for my liking but her voice is like butterflies across silk and it's nice to know she is a versatile pop star. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Out of My Head" by <b>Loote</b> sounds like a <b>Hey Violet</b> single and if you knew how much I like Hey Violet, you will know that that is a great compliment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even though it came out on SATURDAY, I've included the new <b>Taylor Swift</b> single because it is quite good and <b>Max Martin</b> helped make it. The "In the middle of the night, in my dreams" bit is what it's all about. </span></div>
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If you need a double dose of <b>Popcaan</b>, fear not. He joins up with the true star of <b>Drake</b>'s "One Dance" <b>Kyla</b> for her new single "You Ain't Mine". This is island pop done right.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Nina Nesbitt</b> has made a great breakup anthem that showcases her new raw yet still pop sound. The artwork also sees her throw a TV into a swimming pool. So it's a party all around with Nesbitt. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Brazilian hometown star <b>Anitta</b> is working to break out worldwide and her first English language single (apart from her helping <b>Iggy Azalea</b>) is the breezy and sultry <b>Poo Bear</b> collab "Will I See You". She definitely has the voice to take over the world. </span></div>
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Norway has once again saved music this year. There are new albums by both <b>Anna of the North </b>(joyous icy electropop) and <b>Susanne Sundfør</b> (organic depressing orchestral pop) representing the polar opposites of what Scandinavian pop can accomplish. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since most of the guitar toting boys are in the dumpster at the moment, <b>The Tide</b> could very well be our greatest hope. Their new single "Naked" is a step in the right direction, and apparently some of their music is with <b>Xenomania</b> so their definitely on the right path. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lao Ra</b> has a new single with a little Spanish, an unexpected trance beat, and proves her to be another big up and comer, especially with the big Latin music trend at the moment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Priest</b> were a cool pop group back in 2014 and after an ok album they appear to be back with a breezy and smooth dance track called "White Wing Dove". If all goes well, they could make the best Kylie album we never knew could happen. </span></div>
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<b>DAGNY</b> IS BACK AND SHE'S GONE AND DONE DISCO. Disco Dagny has covered the "More More More", the iconic single from the 80s. It's actually quite good but an original Dagny single would be great anytime now. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>St. Vincent</b> has unsuspectingly made a <b>Ladytron</b> song with "Los Ageless". One of the best of the week actually. Pre-Q4 is wild. </span><br />
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<b>Zayn</b> has finally continued to promote his new album thanks to a new single "Dusk Till Dawn". While it isn't a<b> Ladyhawke</b> cover, it is a ballad with <b>Sia</b>, who essentially takes over the whole song. But that's ok, who wouldn't love a Zia ballad?!</div>
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This actually came out last week in the rest of the world, but <b>INGRID</b> has a new song called "1234" that would have made the top 3 last week, but does quite well this week too. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maty Noyes</b> really outdoes herself with her new single "Say It To My Face". It's pop but sinister and dark. In a world without a <b>Natalia Kills</b> or <b>KLOE</b> making music, Maty feels like a good pop person to have around.</span></div>
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<b>Nadine Coyle</b>. Ex <b>Girls Aloud</b> member Nadine Coyle. Now just <b>Nadine</b> (very <b>Cheryl</b> of her). She's back for her third shot at pop solo stardom and she does it with "Go To Work". This is particularly special as it reunites her with the man behind the Aloud, <b>Brian Higgins</b> of<b> XENOMANIA</b>. It's a big old gay house piano filled rally cry to all the unemployed. It is actually bringing a tear to my eye to hear something so similar to the Aloud after all these years. If the new Xenomania can keep giving us bops like this and "<a href="http://nonstopontoppop.blogspot.com/2017/09/nmf-thoughts-from-sept-1-featuring.html">Hair Down</a>", pop could be saved after all. </div>
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<b>Tove Lo</b> wasted no time proving just how amazing she is. After dropping her second short film, she is back a week later with the best named song ever "Disco Tits". DISCO. TITS. DISCO + TITS! And can I just say that it's kind of ridiculous how well Tove knows her pop image. It's another sexy and horny club single that proves she is the absolute coolest. It mixes all of the best raw lyrics from her first album with the detached melodrama of Lady Wood. In the past four years, Tove has become the foremost queen of Sweden and her next album <b>Blue Lips</b> is sure to be another masterpiece. Stay High with one of the best pop singers of the century.<br />
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<i style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Disco Tits" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-66424125717324543762017-09-04T08:52:00.001-07:002017-09-04T08:52:03.205-07:00NSOTP Best Albums of 2016<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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This is quite late since we've just finished half of 2017, but this definitive list of the very best pop albums of 2016 had to be made. So here it is. It took a very special album to follow the godly precedent of <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b>'s divine odyssey known as E•MO•TION. But some very amazing music was released last year and some of the best album artwork that has ever been made, so let's get to it and find out who was killing the pop game in the dark year that was 2016.</div>
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Honorable Mentions</h3>
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Lion Babe- Begin</h4>
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<b>Lion Babe</b>'s unique brand of future R&B and soul made their debut albums sound like nothing else out there. With some harder beats and a little more pop sensibility, this could have paired their insane live charisma to some serious bangers.</div>
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Empire Of The Sun - Two Vines</h4>
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Dream-pop purveyors of fantasy <b>Empire of the Sun</b> have remained pretty consistent in keeping their unique ethereal music at top quality and their third album shows they have mastered this art. While some tracks hit the spot, a few leave you wanting more to be desired. But tracks like "Friends" and "Welcome To My Life" remind of you why you fell in love with the Empire way back when.<br />
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Gwen Stefani - What The Truth Feels Like</h4>
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Gwen's successful return to solo stardom was largely due to her partnership with global superstar in the works<b> Julia Michaels</b> and her partner <b>Justin Tranter</b>, who idolized Gwen throughout his career. The love and passion was injected into almost every track and with a little more oomph, it would have been a no brainer to include Gwen in the top 33. Still, songs like "Make Me Like You" and "Misery" have wonderful Swedish sensibilities that we could see Gwen turning into masterpieces on her next collection.</div>
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All Saints - Red Flag</h4>
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As if 2016 couldn't be reviled anymore than it already has, almost every girl band album this year was subpar. The first example would be <b>All Saints</b>' comeback album. While lead single "One Strike" was the perfect way to start off the era, the album's cohesion led to a lack of defined hits. It was a welcome return to the fray for such a legendary group and like Gwen, was only a little bit off of being one of the best of the year.</div>
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Fifth Harmony - 7/27</h4>
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The horribly titled <b>Fifth Harmony</b> album was a huge improvement from their confused and misguided debut. With singles like "That's My Girl" and "Work From Home", it's no surprise that they were the best girl group in the world for a hot second. But their forays into trop-pop and island beats diluted all the special moments found throughout the collection. Without Camila, maybe they can fine-tune their style even more as 4H?<br />
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Little Mix - Glory Days</h4>
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<b>Glory Days</b> just barely missed out on this list. <b>Little Mix</b> did their best to mix in those Britpop hits that made them famous with some 60's swing music thanks to some help from joke-pop masters <b>Meghan Trainor</b> and <b>Charlie Puth</b>... Unfortunately, they lacked what the All Saints album accomplished: cohesion that would have boosted some of the weaker tracks and made the stronger ones stand out more. But Glory Days is filled with potential hits and knowing Little Mix, hopefully all of them get the single treatment. </div>
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Finally, let's get onto the BEST 33 ALBUMS OF 2016!!!</div>
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33. Lady Gaga - Joanne</h4>
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<b>Lady Gaga</b>'s newest reincarnation as the guitar-wielding country loving Americana diva might be her most confusing move to date. But what you can always expect from Gaga is the unexpected. Mark Ronson's input on Joanne is fairly inconspicuous as is most of her collaborators' but that just makes the high points along this dirt road another Gaga signature. Most importantly, Joanne is hopefully just a stepping stone on Gaga's journey to creating the disco album she has always promised and we have always deserved.</div>
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While it's not her usual assortment of insanity, the most convincing part about Gaga's new understated look began with the pink hat.</div>
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32. Rihanna - Anti</h4>
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The transition of <b>Rihanna</b>'s career from chart-topping singles to avant-garde pop artistry was a slippery slope. From random singles involving Paul McCartney and album leaks everywhere, <b>Anti</b> was certainly not an easy listen. But maybe that was the point. While Rih Rih could have taken the same advice for Gaga about editing, her new take on R&B and trip-hop makes the album a unique each time you listen to it. But Rihanna truly soars on the balladry, which has quickly become her strength in the years since her banger days.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? MEH...</b></div>
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Rihanna has never really had that much great artwork and I'm sure Anti's has something to do with her newfound artistry. Too bad it wasn't obvious right away. </div>
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31. Gemini - Wanderlust</h4>
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<b>Gemini</b> may have made some pretty dodgy dubstep back in the day but traveling the world and falling love certainly had a profound effect on his music (as it would do to any good pop star). Wanderlust is a truly magical experience that takes ethereal electronica and pairs it with a romantic experience. In a lot of ways, I wish this was the debut album by Harry Styles but oh well...</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Yes.</b></div>
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The art tells the whole story of the album in a single image. So quite effective.</div>
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30. The 1975 - I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it</h4>
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Along with the most pretentious title on this list and possibly ever in the history of insane album titles, <b>The 1975</b> managed to embrace the pop essence I first heard on "Girls" to create a frankly bizarre collections of intelligent guitar pop. Some of its finest moments happen due to lead singer Matty's charisma and lyrics that could have some Shakespearean scholars transfixed. If not for the 6 minute long atmospheric tracks stuck in the middle, this would be much higher on the list.<br />
<b>Is the artwork amazing? Not really...</b><br />
No one loves neon signs as much as me but considering you can barely read what they say and the album certainly can't be called minimalist, we're going to have to give this one a C-<br />
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29. Ekkoes - Elekktricity</h4>
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<b>Ekkoes</b> are a UK based band whose music resembles their recent tour mates <b>The Human League</b>. With both a male and female vocal and a high-paced mix of guitars and synths, it makes sense that their music resonates with a wide group of people. But the real reason why <b>Elekktricity</b> has hit number 29 on this list is the unexpectedly amazing sense of romance and euphoria that so many of their songs accomplish with ease.<br />
<b>Is the artwork amazing? Nope...</b><br />
But honestly, that's part of the reason why the album is amazing. There are no expectations going in and Ekkoes certainly exceed them.<br />
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28. Elliphant - Living Life Golden</h4>
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Swedish singer <b>Elliphant</b> has slowly climbed the pop ranks thanks to a couple of timely collaborations as well as creating one of the greatest singles of 2015 with "Love Me Badder". Her debut international album sees her continue with her just left of center take on reggae and electropop plus some notable production from hitmakers Joel Little, Major Lazer, and Dr. Luke... Ignoring that bit, the whole album is undoubtedly Scandinavian without losing Elephant's unique pop sensibility.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? DEAR GOD FUCK YES!!!</b></div>
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The best artwork on this list features Elliphant laying in the lap of a giant Furby in the middle of a suburb. HOW AMAZING IS THAT?!?!</div>
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27. ZAYN - Mind of Mine</h4>
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Listen, I'm not under the same 1D fuck-the-twunk spell that most of the world is under when it comes to the boy band members. But you have to give credit where credit is due. And Mind of Mine is a fully realized work of R&B that fulfills all of <b>ZAYN</b>'s desires without losing its uniqueness. While "Pillowtalk" remains the only dud, ZAYN weaves his way through the journey of a womanizer and you can see that he has a clear vision of who he wants to be and the music he wants to make. </div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? It's all right...</b></div>
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Not much to say about his one. Kids on albums have been done before. The deluxe version has a shirtless Zayn on it so that's better for sure.</div>
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26. Clare Maguire - Stranger Things Have Happened</h4>
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Much like most of the songs on <b>Stranger Things Have Happened</b>, my love for <b>Clare Maguire</b> has been quite slow burning. But once you put the album in the context of enormous depression ballad "Elizabeth Taylor", you understand that Clare is just here to tell you about the struggles of life on top of some cool acoustic top lines. The frankness of her lyrics would make Amy Winehouse proud and it's great to see Clare find her place on the pop there. Like she sings, she just wants "someone to laugh at my shit jokes".</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Sure.</b></div>
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Black and white will always be timeless so Clare was smart to pair that with her music. An element of surprise wouldn't have hurt but maybe we'll get fireworks and confetti next time?</div>
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25. Pet Shop Boys - Super</h4>
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We're on our thirteenth <b>Pet Shop Boys</b> album and Jesus Christ, they still got it! The 90's rave vibes are abundant on tracks like "The Pop Kids" and "Groovy" but you still get your bits of baroque, bits of new wave, and even a trop-pop influenced banger with "Say It To Me". <b>Stuart Price</b>'s production value can be felt on most tracks but the lyrics that reference everything from Donald Trump to millennial behavior are the real highlight as they're as strong as ever. Don't you just love pop stars who love pop music as much as you?</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? For a PSB album, yes.</b></div>
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They aren't much for images at the Pet Shop...</div>
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24. The Knocks - 55</h4>
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The debut from <b>The Knocks</b> took a LONG time to get here but thankfully, it's just as amazing as we expected. Taking their dance background and morphing it into something new with every track, The Knocks paint a beautiful picture of pop and soul on the New York City dance floor. Thanks to collaborations with <b>POWERS, Phoebe Ryan, Justin Tranter, and Carlegend Ray Of Light Jepceptional</b>, the vocals add the killer hooks to their immaculate production.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Yes very much.</b></div>
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I like to think that they got one of their pop star friends (my money is on <b>MØ</b>) to go into the kitchen of a random restaurant in Chinatown and said "This is it".</div>
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23. Sia - This Is Acting</h4>
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It's a testament to <b>Sia</b>'s strength as a songwriter to be able to create an entire album made from popstar reject tracks. That the album spawned number one hits and some of Sia's best songs of her career is just the cherry on top. While Adele, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Shakira missed out, Sia was able to continue on her streak as a master balladeer and weirdly enough, have some bangers like "Move Your Body" and "Cheap Thrills". Imagine if Charli and Tove released an album like this?!</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Hard to tell but I guess so.</b></div>
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The puckered face does not seem to make sense immediately. But the wig evolution is nice.</div>
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22. Olly Murs - 24 HRS</h4>
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You know, it's been an uphill journey for <b>Olly Murs</b> to reach his full pop potential. After 5 albums and many almost amazing singles, Olly set up the <b>24 HRS</b> era with a "Run Away With Me" -esque lead single and worked with extraordinary songwriters <b>MNEK, Camille Purcell, and Ina Wroldsen</b>. The result is a smart collection of elegant electropop that goes from his usual brand of soul and doo-wop to genuinely romantic sadbangers and everything in between. It's a surprise to be getting such a good album from Olly but I guess that's what pop is all about.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Meh, not really.</b></div>
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But we can't be too hard on him, let Olly focus on the quality music.</div>
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21. Banks - The Altar</h4>
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You can always count on <b>Banks</b> to make some quality minimal electropop with a sinister and dark atmosphere. Her ability at storytelling and getting to the fucked up heart of relationship have only improved since her debut. <b>The Altar</b> shows her signature heartbreaking ballads sitting right next to pop monsters "Gemini Feed" and "Trainwreck". I hope this is upwards trajectory that would lead to Banks getting some chart hits to reward her songwriting skill.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Yes.</b></div>
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The rawness of the art matches that of the music, so well played Banks.</div>
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20. Busted - Night Driver</h4>
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Somehow, <b>Busted</b> went from the poster boys of British pop punk to new wave 80's heartthrobs. Seriously, John Hughes is rolling in his grave not being able to incorporate any of these synth-tastic jams for his movies. While the title track and "New York" pay an obvious homage to hits of the past century, it is the incorporation of these elements into modern tracks like "Kids With Computers" and the sax-filled "On What You're On" that make this album worthy of a top 20 spot.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Yes!</b></div>
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The purple haze and neon hue sums up all the romance and youthful fantasy that made 80's pop music so special.</div>
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19. Lauren Aquilina - Isn't It Strange?</h4>
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Do you know what the saddest thing might be in pop music? When a pop star decides it is time that why stop making music to pursue another interest. Such is the case with <b>Lauren Aquilina</b>, whose debut album captures all the intimate details of a broken relationship and a broken heart. It's truly sad when you hear how well Lauren's expertise at songwriting pairs with her unique brand of power pop. From the catchy Clarkson-esque "Hurt Any Less" to the bitter banger "Kicks", it is hard to let go of such an amazing pop star. However, I wish Lauren all the best in future endeavors and will be listening to this album many times in the future.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Not really...</b></div>
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If anything, another Aquilina album could be made to redeem her artwork reputation at the very least.</div>
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18. Bright Light Bright Light - Choreography</h4>
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I can always get behind a new album by my favorite male pop star <b>Bright Light Bright Light</b>. It just gets better when this album was inspired by iconic movie soundtracks and is a brass-filled pop extravaganza. While some of the crystalline pop structure that made me fall in love with Rod's earlier material is lost here, there are some pretty magical moments on uplifting love songs "Running Back To You" and "Little Bit", which has the best use of sax since Carly's own anthem. Alongside his ongoing cover EPs, this album era appears to be good for BLBL and his ability to evoke romance and emotion has never faltered.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing?</b> <b>Really amazing!</b></div>
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The rainbow paints, the pose, the handsome man. It has everything you could want!</div>
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17. Foxes - All I Need</h4>
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Foxes mixing of organic beats with tribal and magical synths has been a delight to see grow since she first popped up in 2012. In <b>All I Need</b>, <b>Foxes</b> strips everything back even further to create an album of timeless pop tunes that will slowly work their way into your heart for years to come. The best tracks are synth pop anomaly "Body Talk", the chopped vocals of "Cruel" and the heartfelt balladry of "If You Leave Me Now". Despite the acoustic-themed production, All I Need shows Foxes' diversity at its peak and makes me very excited for whatever she comes up with next!</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Unfortunately no.</b></div>
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Whatever weird stripped back aesthetic Foxes was going for with this tight tank and jeans, it fails to work. Get a new stylist next time around honey.</div>
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16. Beyoncé - Lemonade</h4>
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Okay, this might be an unpopular opinion but #16 is the exact place that <b>Beyoncé</b>'s visual odyssey <b>Lemonade</b> should be. Don't get me wrong, if this was a list of visual albums Beyoncé would be at number 1 & 2 but the songs themselves have a lack of cohesion, which is actually compelling. The small army of writers and producers that helped to craft Lemonade definitely related to the narrative of a woman slighted and Beyoncé delivered every lyric, every heartbreak, every deception with the professionalism that we have come to expect and adore. The only question left is: what will Beyoncé do next?<br />
<b>Is the artwork amazing? Adequate.</b><br />
Living for the jacket and braids but it would be nice to see Yoncé's face.<br />
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15. Broods - Conscious</h4>
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<b>Broods</b> off-center electropop has always been on the brink of genius but for the first time they managed to jump off the edge (OF GLORY). On their sophomore album <b>Conscious</b>, Broods take a darker turn into more brooding (I'll stop) territory that veers into dramatic on "Free" and "Are You Home" but balladry finds a natural place on this collection. The New Zealand duo deserve much more attention and it's exciting to see where they will head from here.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Quite good.</b></div>
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The use of black to match the sonic atmosphere was a nice touch, and who doesn't love symmetry?</div>
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14. Tegan and Sara - Love You to Death</h4>
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Remember in the glory days of 2013 when <b>Tegan and Sara</b> came out of nowhere with a sugary-sweet synth pop album that put almost every other musician to shame? Well, they came back to do it again!!! <b>Love You to Death</b> is much more succinct than Heartthrob but their work with <b>Greg Kurstin</b> produced more pop gems that still have all the bright energy they have come be known for. Although "Boyfriend" might have been too perfect of a lead single, the introspection on whose fault led to the end of a relationship has much more of a bite to it than before. The romance and joy are still present on "Stop Desire" and "BWU" so hopefully the twins just keep popping these albums out for the next century.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? For the smoky eye alone.</b></div>
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It's not one of the best on this list but Tegan and Sara do a good job with coordinating looks. Maybe it's the twin aspect...</div>
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13. Kaiser Chiefs - Stay Together</h4>
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<b>Kaiser Chiefs</b> made some pretty great music in the mid-2000s. <b>Xenomania </b>also made some pretty great music in the mid-2000s up until the mid-2010s. It only made sense that uniting the two would create a crash of pop elegance. While we are used to females fronting Xenomania hits, the majority of the best songs on this Kaiser Chiefs album are essentially <b>Girls Aloud</b> songs with a man singing over them. I mean, "Parachute" is essentially a mix of "The Loving Kind" and <b>Florrie</b>'s "Little White Lies", two of the greatest songs to have ever been written. But the best songs on the album are when the Chiefs' guitar sensibility overrides production, as seen on "Hole In My Soul" and "Happen In A Heartbeat". It would be nice to have a constant stream of Xenobangers but one nice album every now and then would be fantastic as well.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Nope, sorry, no way.</b></div>
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Come on guys, you have an album full of elegant floor-fillers and you decided on some randomly colored lines? </div>
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12. St. Lucia - Matter</h4>
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The New York based band <b>St. Lucia</b> released <b>Matter</b> at the very beginning of 2016 and its relentless optimism and 80's sensibility kept it at the top of my list every quarter. Honestly, the very first track sets the tone for an ecstatic set of top-notch pop. It's nice to hear a man sound so excited to sing over electropop and even on some of the slower songs there is a lot of pop enthusiasm. I'll end by saying that it is physically impossible to not dance to this record and that is the greatest thing you can ask from a popstar.<br />
<b>Is the artwork amazing? Very much so yes.</b><br />
Cartoon versions of themselves in a Brooklyn loft with a husky thrown in for kicks? Yes, we like this cover very much.<br />
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11. Ariana Grande - Dangerous Woman</h4>
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All the greatest stars have done drastic reinventions of their image to signal the arrival of some of their best material. Just ask Christina or Beyoncé. Here we have <b>Ariana Grande</b> straddling almost every genre as a S&M rabbit superhero. While it could have made more sense in the context of a story, <b>Dangerous Woman</b> is full of pop hits from cabaret bangers, to brass filled funk on "Greedy", the elegant electropop of "Touch It" and the absolute monster of a club track with "Into You". The best part is that we can see Ariana going on to top this quite easily and it's nice to see a pop star still reaching for their peak.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Yes, Danger Bunny is amazing.</b></div>
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Ariana is giving Elliphant a run for her money on the crazy cover front but at least Ariana knows she is here to entertain.</div>
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10. The Weeknd - Starboy</h4>
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Who knew that <b>The Weekn</b>d would be one of the biggest pop stars in the planet while simultaneously releasing a collection of moody pop music that takes number 1 pop hooks and matches them with his unique R&B sensibility? But then Starboy happened. With help from <b>Daft Punk and Max Martin and LANA FREAKING DEL REY</b>, it was clear The Weeknd would have a hit album just from production alone. But it's actually songs like "Secrets" and "Die For You" that push the pop envelope in ways I had never anticipated. And over the course of 19 tracks, it's easy to tell why Starboy has made the top 10 list.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Through consistency, yes.</b></div>
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The lighting and color composition is very pleasing to the eyes, I see that The Weeknd took an intro to photography class.</div>
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9. Carly Rae Jepsen - EMOTION SIDE B</h4>
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First there was Godney. Then there was Goduilera. And Godga. We've gone through some pretty big superstars in this crazy world of pop but no one has ascended higher than that of <b>Carly Rae Godsen</b>. After releasing one of the greatest albums that will forever shape history as we know it, Carly had mercy on us all to release 8 tracks that never made it onto the original opus. In the end, we have a collection of rejects that exceeds the vast majority of pop music released in history. It only gets better when you realize half the tracks are also <b>Kylie Minogue</b> titles!!!! Thank goodness for our Canadian savior and who knows what she has in store (I'M JUST GOING TO THE STORE) for 2017.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? Yes, but it doesn't matter because it is CARLY RAE JEPSEN.</b></div>
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No explanation needed.</div>
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8. Britney Spears - Glory</h4>
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Speaking of <b>Godney</b>, it would take a lot for our queen to come back after the mess that was Britney Jean. But damn, did Britney do the damn thing. Entering the <b>Glory</b> hole was one of the best moments of 2016 as her crew of songwriters including <b>Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter, and Mattman & Robin </b>managed to create the perfect baby to Britney's best albums In The Zone and Blackout. She still has bedroom bangers (I mean "Slumber Party"...) but the crazier songs finally show the geeky charisma that makes Britney easy to love. I mean we get bilingual Brit on "Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortes)" and a pseudo-Xenomania banger in "If I'm Dancing". But by the time you get to "Coupure Electrique" it's amazing to see how witty and smart this self-referential Britney collection has been.</div>
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<b>Is this artwork amazing? Unfortunately no.</b></div>
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The Britney promo shots alone would have killed it instead of this messed up Photoshop job.</div>
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7. Josef Salvat - Night Swim</h4>
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In a year where the men of pop didn't exactly represent the best of the best, <b>Josef Salvat</b> rose to the top with an album of edgy, off-center synth pop. Lyrically, Josef details his life as a pathetic casanova using some emotive imagery that would have Bieber shaking. What's really astounding is how compelling the ballads are in conjunction with the elegant bangers. From the majesty of "Punchline" and "Open Season" you have some of the best electropop this year in "Paradise" and "Constant Runners". If you think this couldn't get any better, some of the songs have FRENCH versions. This seems like the beginning of a long and beautiful career for Josef and it will be interesting to see what's next.</div>
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<b>Is this artwork amazing? In it's own weird way, yes.</b></div>
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Josef appears to be fondled in the arms of a person, which based on his bisexuality could be anyone. It's raw and perverse, but so is most of the album so good job.</div>
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6. Niki & The Dove - Everybody's Heart Is Broken Now</h4>
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The sultry summer funk of the <b>Niki & The Dove</b> album was one of the best things to soothe your soul during the darkest parts of 2016. Taking on influences from Prince and classic beach pop, the Swedish duo have outdone themselves across the impressive 17 track opus. "So Much It Hurts" and "Play It On My Radio" set up this sunny era nicely but when you listen to the whole album, it's clear that they have taken care in creating a carefree but wistful atmosphere. The true gems on EHIBN are when the Dove experiments with the weirder side of their sound, as the 7 minute "Ode to Dance Floor" makes clear. Niki & The Dove have established themselves as one of the best forces in pop around and this is one of the rare collections you'll be listening to for years to come.</div>
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<b>Is this artwork amazing? YES!</b></div>
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From a marketing standpoint, it's brilliant. I want at least 5 of these necklaces for myself.</div>
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5. Ladyhawke - Wild Things</h4>
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You know what the key to making a full on, guns blazing, synth screaming, pop comeback? A major life change for the better. That's exactly what happened to my favorite New Zealand pop star <b>Ladyhawke</b>. After an underwhelming and frustrating sophomore album, Ladyhawke took the time off to stop some unhealthy habits, fall in love, and come back to the pop world in a marvelous way. Wild Things is all of what made me fall in love with Ladyhawke's 70's New Wave sensibility so many years ago but her happiness exudes across almost every track. The joy and heart on tracks like "The River" and "Golden Girl" is what we all live for in this thing we call "pop". Congratulations to Pip Brown for this majestic collection of pop hits and further congratulations on the pregnancy!</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? For Pip, YES!</b></div>
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It's nice to see Ladyhawke's real face on an album and it's a classic image so it's a win-win all around.</div>
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4. Petite Meller - Lil Empire</h4>
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The enigmatic and wonderfully bizarre French pop phenomenon <b>Petite Meller</b> made a huge impact after her insane piano banger "Baby Love" worked its way as one of my favorite songs ever. She has followed up the hit with a nonstop string of piano-driven pop hits that shows off Petite's ability to mix in sounds from across the world with her unique style. Her surprise album <b>Lil Empire</b> takes us across the globe, from Mongolian flutes to African beats, saxophones and strings, Petite Meller has truly been an astounding addition to the pop world. Now that she has told her unique story, it'll be interesting to see what's next but Petite seems like the type of long-lasting pop star that we will enjoy for a while. Vive la Meller!</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? For a debut, yes quite good.</b></div>
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With her signature blush and some foreign dress, Petite establishes herself as a worldly bard.</div>
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3. Tove Lo - Lady Wood</h4>
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From conquering the heavens as the <b>Queen of the Clouds</b>, our favorite Swedish sad girl <b>Tove Lo</b> has descended to become the Lady of the Wood. Early descriptions of Tove's new sound as "dark techno" were proven true as <b>Lady Wood</b> is full of minimalistic pop tracks that sound like nothing around. They are also jam-packed with Tove's signature "Cool Girl" aesthetic as lyrics of drug-fueled romance and hopeless heartbreaks drive the theme of Lady Wood's self-satisfaction. Tove never stops delivering and if we do get a part 2 of Lady Wood this year, the pop orgasm will just keep on going.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? YES!</b></div>
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If there's one thing Tove does well, it's that she just goes for it unapologetically. The masturbatory photo with the vaginal font seals the deal on Lady Wood's legacy.</div>
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2. Dragonette - Royal Blues</h4>
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You want to know what's ridiculous. In over a decade of being in pop, one band has risen above it all, with consistent bangers, high grade production, and a unique style that can't be touched by 98% of the pop acts out today. 4 albums, 10 years, 1 word: <b>DRAGONETTE</b>!!!! <b>Royal Blues</b> has come after some pretty dramatic band history but the rebirth of Dragonette comes with a series of go lucky pop hits. "Let The Night Fall" "Lonely Heart" and the various collaborations set up this new phase well but it didn't prepare me for the solid gold songs that are on the album. "Body 2 Body" and "Darth Vader" are two of the best songs Dragonette have ever made and the other songs on the album fit perfectly in the sonic landscape of today without losing any of Dragonette's charm. Based on a past promise, we should be in for at least 3 more perfect albums but I will forever be a fan.</div>
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<b>Is the artwork amazing? For Dragonette, always.</b></div>
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It's just nice to see Martina's face again, even if it's covered in multi-colored circles.</div>
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1. Shura - Nothing's Real</h4>
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<b>Shura</b> was a shining beacon of hope during this dark year and <b>Nothing's Real</b> clearly established itself as the best of the best. The Madonna-esque bedroom recording treads across all the best new wave synth pop and sensitive balladry that Shura has clearly studied well. But what makes it album of the year is how well the album was produced and cared for. The lovelorn lyrics, the interwoven clips of childhood soundbytes, the nostalgic love with which Shura, <b>Greg Kurstin, and Joel Potts</b> created the album, it's perfect. The transition from Kidz N Stuff into Indecision is pure magic, What's It Gonna Be? and What Happened To Us? question all the best parts of love and having the epic banger "White Light" end the opus was a master stroke. It's a worthy follow up to all the best albums from Kylie and Girls Aloud, to Charli and Carly. Congratulations Shura! We can't wait to hear more!<br />
<b>Is the artwork amazing? A very definitive yes on this one.</b><br />
If you know Shura like I know Shura, you will see that this is a very good Shura artwork.<br />
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Here is a playlist with all the best album tracks from each of these amazing albums! And don't worry there have been some great albums in 2017 too!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-62902649616445119872017-09-02T09:32:00.001-07:002017-09-02T09:32:06.156-07:00NMF Thoughts from Sept 1 - featuring Mollie King, Paloma Faith, possibly Patrick Wolf and more!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mollie King</b> made song of the week and cover art of the year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember that horrible show about creating a boyband to take over now that 1D is gone? Well the band they created has a horrible name (<b>In Real Life</b>) and an absolute disappointment of a debut single. "Eyes Closed" should have been better based on their resources and how desperately America wants to launch their own boyband...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As if one bad boyband wasn't enough, <b>Why Don't We</b> has decided to add on top of the shit pile with "These Girls". Seriously boys, do better next time, we don't have all year here. </span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jason Derulo</b> has decided to copy the hook from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT2owtxkU8k">Shawn Mendes's last single</a> and make a mediocre pop single with it. It even has the lyric "I'm selfish for you", whatever the hell thats supposed to mean. So business as usual. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Galantis</b> have finally credited their vocalist on the <b>ROZES-</b>featuring "Girls On Boys". Unfortunately, there are two things wrong with the song. The first is that it isn't very special and I expect a lot from Galantis. The second is that they don't mention "boys on boys", so I cannot relate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not really sure what's going on in the lyrics for <b>Alex Cameron</b>'s "Runnin Out Of Luck", but the new wave anthem is very nice for a Friday morning. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tayà</b> (with an accent) has a new EP out today. I really loved her last single "When Ur Sober" but there is a lot to like on the EP, with "5432" being another highlight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Poppy</b> reminds me a lot of those enigmatic electro pop stars from 2009 but her status as a YouTube icon makes her just as exciting. Luckily, her streak of techno imagery and odd pop continues in "My Style". She could have a Bad Romance up her sleeve and one to watch for sure. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Isac Elliott</b> was poised to be<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTGlOrq_Xq0"> the next Bieber</a> albeit of Scandinavia and he continues to follow his journey with the Latin-tinged trop-pop banger "AYO". At least there are more synths than usual which makes it all the more Swedish aka amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Both <b>Matoma</b> and<b> The Vamps</b> have been quite banal this year despite <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DFApjlqANs">both having been amazing</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dT2owtxkU8k">in their past</a>. After their last collaboration "All Night" (it wasn't very good), they have decided to do it again with "Staying Up", a marked improvement that would have made me mental if it was released in 2014. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>KLP</b> is slowly becoming my favorite singer out of Australia (excluding Kylie obviously) and she continues to build on her signature 90's electro-house sound with the sensuous bop "Melt". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The best twins in pop (when <b>Say Lou Lou</b> are taking a break) <b>Tegan & Sara</b> have popped up on the new <b>Matthew Dear</b> track. It's a slow burning chugging synth track that wouldn't feel out of place on a <b>Robyn</b> album. A new album from either Tegan & Sara or Robyn would be great right about now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The second most bonkers song of the day is called "Satan, Luella & I" by some act called <b>HMLTD</b>. Is it me or is that Patrick Wolf singing?! (UPDATE: it is not Patrick Wolf, but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/apr/23/one-to-watch-hmltd-interview">it seems like a band he would be in</a>) A new album from him would also be great. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maroon 5</b> has surprisingly made a lowkey breezy bop with their <b>SZA</b> collab "What Lovers Do". At least one band of boys is doing something right. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my all time favorite Swedish singers <b>Frida Sundemo</b> has a new single out today called "Gold" and it's another orchestral and majestic pop masterpiece that swells and ebbs beautifully. There is a new album on the way! It's good to have Frida in our lives. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was eagerly awaiting the new <b>Tove Lo</b> single (more on that later) but to fill the Swedish dark pop slot this week, <b>Skott</b> is here to save the day. One of the more enigmatic and captivating singers of the year, Skott already made one of the best songs this year with "Mermaid". She continues her run of singles with "Remain" , an ode to falling out of love. Its just as twinkly and sinister as her best songs but come on, "Mermaid" is her masterpiece. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Grace Hughes</b> has a pretty lovely electropop anthem on her hands with "Habit." I really like this one. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been quite some time since a full on banger from <b>Hurts</b> but "Ready To Go" has all the house pianos and lovelorn lyrics with a bit of disco that I love from the gloompop boys. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>George Maple</b> is known for her dance collabs but her new single "Hero" is the type of Swedish chugging electropop slowburner that made me fall in love with pop in the first place. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jessie Ware</b>'s last single was a new twist on the Benny and the Jets hook but her new song "Selfish Love" is a beautiful pop bossanova. She literally cannot make a bad song.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>ARY</b> has teased that she was possibly brilliant but her new song "Already There" properly introduces her as a Big Pop Thing™ to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>NONONO</b> single "Masterpiece" is like a pirate theme song and follows up on the band making organic pop that's just a little off-kilter and very much brilliant. A masterpiece indeed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>PALOMA FAITH</b> IS BACK! Her new single "Crybaby: is her first after becoming a mother and it's a retro funk number that has bits and pieces that sounds like "The Boy Is Mine". An ode to letting the tears out, potentially on the dance floor, and it's by far her best single and reminds me just how much I missed a little Paloma in my playlists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Mollie King</b>. Ex <b>Saturday</b>. Strictly Come Dancer. And now, a proper pop superstar. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed Mollie's debut semi-ballad "Back To You" but let's not mess around: "Hair Down" is one of the most insane and genius songs I've heard in years. It's pop in it's purest form. Crafted with <b>Xenomania</b>, the team behind<b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPrZ4yAdj8I">Girls Aloud</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdtIfp7WB0w">The Saturdays</a></b>' biggest songs, "Hair Down" is beyond anything we deserve this year. It has a ridiculous sax hook full of nah nah nah's, cowbells, stupid lyrics, a double chorus, and Mollie killing the vocal. It's a mix of Girls Aloud, <b>Florrie </b>(WHO APPARENTLY PLAYS GUITAR ON THIS SONG!!!), and <b>Alesha Dixon</b> at their best and if there is any justice in the world, this will be a number one for the rest of the year. Regardless, Mollie is officially my favorite ex girlband solo star (at least until Nadine's single next week)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">.</span></span></div>
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<i style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Hair Down" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</span></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-64903863350710951462017-08-16T14:48:00.001-07:002017-08-16T14:48:13.495-07:00NMF Thoughts from Aug 11 - featuring Gabrielle Aplin, Maja Francis, MAUSI & more!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Gabrielle Aplin</b> made song of the week!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Persistent pop joke<b> Jessie J</b> has teamed up with M&M's to create "Real Deal", a sorry excuse for a comeback that shows none of the talent that made me think she could conquer the world in the first place. After the Tuc biscuit fiasco, she should have learned her lesson but here we are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fifth Harmony</b>'s new song "Angel" confirms my suspicions that this will not be their Chemistry era. </span></div>
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One of Norway's finest people ever <b>Dagny</b> has popped up on a very basic dance track by NOTD. After her live show, I can't wait to hear "Tonight" and the sooner it comes the better. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Eurovision "Euphoria" superstar<b> Loreen</b> has a new song from her new EP called "Jungle" that sees her teaming up with equally amazing superstar <b>Elliphant</b>. Let's just say that the sum of its parts is much less than the artists' past output. </span></div>
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<b>The Horrors</b> have made a nice pop song that sounds a bit like a chill version of <b>The Killers</b>. Together, the bands might make a great horror movie. </div>
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<b>Ryan Blyth </b>and friends made a bonkers song that's a little too much for a Friday morning but maybe it'll be better by Sat night. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cut Copy</b> have announced their new album due out in Q4 and released a new single for hype. It's another above average electronic song that only makes me think of how amazing they have consistently been for the past decade. </span></div>
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Newcomer <b>WESLEE</b> has quite a hypnotic single out today about sipping "Bathwater".</div>
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<b>Suzi Wu</b> seems like a cool new pop singer for all the people who like Lily Allen but think they're above the amazing pop music Lily makes. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">That <b>Kesha</b> comeback article is still in the works but damn, this album is amazing. "Finding You" has quickly become a favorite. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ida Corr</b>'s ode to "The Morning After" is an all too real story set to a banging tune. </span></div>
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<b>Becky Hill</b> is continuing to be a completely reliable source of forward thinking pop music. Her new single "Unpredictable" comes with signing to a new label so maybe an album is closer than we think. Think of how amazing a Becky Hill album would be. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Swedish up and comer <b>Ida Da Silva</b> has a hardcore banger with "Throw Your Love". She could easily be the next Zara Larsson. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>P!nk</b> single is a poignant if slightly underwhelming subtlebanger for all our problems in 2017. Regardless, it's nice to have her back.</span></div>
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While you all may know that the ultimate pop deity <b>Kylie Minogue</b> is making her new album at the moment, you will be excited to know that another Minogue has returned to us with a new tune. That's right, I'm talking about the Neon Nights superstar <b>DANNII MINOGUE</b>. Her new single Holding On is your standard dance floor filler but unfortunately the drop is your standard 2017 disappointment. Regardless of all of this, we should be grateful to have Dannii back with us and she is always one to surprise so who knows what could happen.<br />
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The last <b>ROOM8</b> song was more about the <b>Sound Of Arrows</b> then themselves (For the record, that is an amazing compliment). However, their new single "Midnight" is much more harmonious with their own style as well as vocalist's <b>morgxn</b>'s own brand of dark pop. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is at least one good song on the new half of <b>Bebe Rexha</b>'s album. That song is "(Not) The One". One of her best actually. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>Vero</b> single is very beautiful and sounds like a lot of the best Brit pop of the mid-2000s. </span></div>
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<b>Emily Vaughn</b>'s last single "Mood" was a fierce kiss off and her new track "Priority" continues to show off her confidence. It helps when the song itself is also an unapologetically pop beast. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes all you want from pop music is melancholic lyrics paired with a breezy electro production. That's exactly what <b>Sara Diamond</b>'s "Unsure" does. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Actress <b>Priyanka Chopra</b> returns to music on the futuristic and edgy <b>Will Sparks</b> single "Young & Free". One of the most unexpectedly cool songs on this NMF. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Liz Huett</b>'s brilliantly titled "STFU & Hold Me" is the type of single I wanted from Fifth Harmony today. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Strangely, <b>Tori Amos</b> has made a song that sounds like <b>Kyla La Grange</b> doing a <b>Lykke Li</b> song and you may not know what that means, but it's amazing. </span><br />
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<b>Bomba Estereo</b>'s "Quimica" is the type of global pop music that everyone should try to make. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Avicii</b> has a new EP that is quite boring except for a new song featuring distorted vocals by your favorite singer and mine <b>RITA ORA</b>. She continues to never let us down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After her boring yet successful Sigala collaboration, <b>Ella Eyre</b> has properly returned with a quite surprisingly amazing single called "Ego". I've waited a long time to be wow'ed by Ella and it feels like she just might do it soon. </span></div>
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After multiple features, <b>Stefflon Don</b> has released her debut single "Hurtin Me". It solidifies her status as one of the coolest MCs around but also as a legitimate pop star. It's a seriously banging song and there is sure to be more to come. </div>
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The new <b>Alice Glass</b> single is low key the best alt pop banger so far this year. Imagine if Annie made a comeback with this?! The video is quite good as well.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once upon a time, Italian pop group <b>MAUSI</b> made perfect summer electropop with a distinct European feel. And it was brilliant. After a couple years away, they have returned to bless us with more of the same beautiful music in "Famous". </span></div>
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So <b>MNDR</b> songs appear to just be a weekly occurrence now. This time she pops on the new <b>Oliver</b> single "Chemicals" and somehow pop master <b>Justin Tranter</b> is involved so you know it's good. The funky beats and Mndr's quirky vocal make it her best offering since her album in 2012. And that chorus: absolutely incredible. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Maja Francis</b> has a brilliant song out today called "I'm Not A Disco" that sounds like Robyn on ecstasy. Honestly, what if you were a disco? Constantly playing euphoric electronic music while many gay men fornicate inside of you. Wait... Am I a disco?! Wow Maja, you did that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There's a funny thing about musicians. Once you fall in love with one of them, you'll always believe that they can redeem themselves and reach their former glory that drew you in the first time. It's the feeling I had with Lady Gaga and Rita Ora. But for musicians that have never impressed you, it's a lot harder to break through. You need a monster of a song that changes </span>your entire perception of what pop music can make your feel and that's no easy feat.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> However, every now and then someone does it and today that person is <b>Gabrielle Aplin</b>. Her new single "Waking Up Slow" is easily one of the best songs this year, a smart and elegant pop banger that would make Carly and Kylie jealous, perfectly tailored for 2017's pop radio trends, and over the course of its 3 minutes and 22 seconds, Gabrielle becomes the best pop star in the entire world. </span></div>
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<i style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "I Don't Want It At All" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="color: #4d469c; text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-3575871211347923702017-08-06T06:34:00.001-07:002017-08-06T06:34:21.742-07:00NMF Thoughts from Aug 4 - featuring Kim Petras, Stockholm Noir, Camila Cabello and more!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kim Petras </b>made song of the week!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a while since I reviewed the week's best pop but it hasn't stopped being amazing. So I'm back to let you know what's worth checking out. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bebe Rexha</b> has been one of the most frustrating pop stars to emerge since <b>Bonnie McKee</b>. The singer-songwriter's 2 part album is ridiculously underwhelming and her new single "That's It" doesn't do her any favors, in fact it's the worst song this week. But her feature on the <b>Louis Tomlinson</b> single proves just how good of a songwriter she is. I just hope she doesn't get lost in the ether like Bonnie is right now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Captain Cuts</b> have produced many amazing songs for people like Tove Lo and Marina. Last year they launched their own artist project with a very good song that just missed out on the singles of the year list. They have come back with a boring song about falling in love with a drug dealer. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Phoebe Ryan</b>'s new feel-good breakup anthem is not her worst tune but man, her songwriting is almost as bad as Katy Perry's. But we'll always have "Man On The Moon" </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Felix Jaehn</b>'s "Hot2Touch" remains one of the best songs this summer and it's follow up "Feel Good" is a pleasant if too predictable single. </span></div>
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<b>Kele</b> from<b> Bloc Party</b> and <b>Olly</b> from <b>Years and Years</b> have made a bouncy piano gay duet. Olly's new documentary is also wonderful so that Y&Y comeback should hopefully be soon!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The songwriter of the moment is <b>Starrah</b>, the woman behind songs by <b>Rihanna</b>, <b>Halsey</b>, and most of the new <b>Calvin Harris</b> album. She has teamed up with <b>Diplo</b> for her new track that sees her rapping over a standard hip-hop beat. One to watch but more for her writing than her own music for now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Cruel" by <b>BOSCO</b> sounds like a Solange deep cut. Atmospherically pleasant indeed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Horribly named artist <b>snny</b> uses guitars in an interesting way on his single "Young Boy". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jaira Burns</b> has a lot going for her, with support from Allie X and Leland written songs. She seems a little underdeveloped based on her two singles so far but may surprise us all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>TOFFE</b>'s "Kayak" is quite sparky for a Friday afternoon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>MNDR</b> is having a pretty big revival this year based on collaborations with Charli XCX, RAC, and THE BLOODY SCISSOR SISTERS. Her newest is a song with <b>TOKiMonsta</b> that is her usual brand of great off-kilter electropop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kesha</b>'s return to music deserves a longer post but "Hymn" is another good song from a dearly missed pop star. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Swedish fashion blogger turned decent pop star <b>Sophie Elise</b> has returned with a song about getting revenge by fucking all of her ex's friends. A new take on things but good for Sophie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Steve Angello, Mike Williams, and Tom & Hills</b> have all turned in some very good dance tunes today. Good for all of them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Amazing remixer <b>Kat Krazy</b> has a new single "Something In The Water" that sounds very radio-ready. It would be better to have a woman singing on it but that can be said about most songs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Camila Cabello</b> has decided to release a double single today. I had high hopes for "OMG" as <b>Charli XCX</b> and <b>Noonie Bao</b> helped write it, but the standard hip hop beat and "Quavo" ruin it. Still enjoyable but let's focus on "Havana" which sets up Camila as a mix of old Rihanna and new Selena. And I think that's a very good place to be. </span><br />
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<b>Grace Mitchell</b> seems to be readying her debut album and she seems to have finally found her sound, somewhere between Ladyhawke and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. This will make perfect sense when you listen to her new song "Capital Letters". </div>
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Some woman named <b>Nakita</b> (apparently she's making waves in New Zealand) has made a pensive banger called "In The Water" that's very good indeed. </div>
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<b>Kelela</b> has a new album coming out and it's first single "LMK" is the most pop thing she has ever done. Thankfully it's also better than a lot of pop songs this year.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rock band <b>Pvris</b> have unexpectedly decided to be pop stars. Their last song "What's Wrong"</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is a belter and "Winter" out today is the perfect mix of angsty lyrics and pop hooks. I imagine the song will work even better in the winter so can't wait for that.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
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<b>Thomas Gold</b> and <b>Mimoza</b> have a romantic monster of a track with "Dreamer". There's a line about dancing with sinners and saints and tightropes between the sun and moon that's all really great. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The forever amazing <b>Le Youth</b> has teamed up with <b>Ava Max</b> for his new single "Clap Your Hands" and it's another silky smooth disco hit in the making. Really wish he would release an album but what can you do. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Swedish mystery project of pop perfection <b>Stockholm Noir</b> have made some of the best electropop this decade despite them just starting out. "Boy Like A Girl" already blew my mind earlier this year but "Island" proves they have more than one immense electrobanger behind them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>Kim Petras</b> single is stupidly catchy and sets up the trans star for big things. It's deceptively simple structure only shows off how sassy Kim can be but her vocals are quite astounding. The only thing that taints "I Don't Want It At All" is the Dr. Luke production... We hope Kim makes better decisions in the future but this song is driven mainly by Kim's charisma so we'll see what comes next. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "I Don't Want It At All" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</i></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-1501569853725596492017-06-07T16:36:00.001-07:002017-06-07T16:36:18.884-07:00THE GREATEST NMF OF THE YEAR (May 2nd) - featuring Dua Lipa, Bleachers, Halsey, and so much more!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<b>Dua Lipa</b> just did everything this week!!!</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's finally here, the greatest NMF of the year. Major pop people have decided to release so many albums and singles that it is somewhat overwhelming. And just like last year, this year's best NMF is courtesy of <b>DUA LIPA</b>!!!! So let's dive right in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>AronChupa</b> obviously made the most ridiculous song this week. It's called "Llama In My Living Room" and features some woman named <b>Little Sis Nora</b>. It's a Eurotrash banger that slows down for the chorus and is full of stupid lyrics. Unfortunately, it becomes the worst song this week for all the potentially amazing reasons I listed above. The video does get some points for actually having a llama in a living room.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fifth Harmony</b> have comeback with "Down" feat. <b>Gucci Mane</b> and sans <b>Camila Cabello</b>. They had a lot to say with this single since losing a member can spell disaster for most bands. Unfortunately, the result is a little too-Spotify sounding and a little too boring to make a statement. On the bright side, Lauren seems to belting more often now. We'll have to see if Fifth Harmony can even make it to the second single, but they were too amazing in 2016 to give up on. </span></div>
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<b>Phoenix</b> have released "Goodbye Soleil" as the follow up to the fantastic "J-Boy". While not as instantly catchy as that song, "Goodbye Soleil" stands out from the crowd for having the chorus sung in FRENCH. Smart move there Phoenix.<br />
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<b>Lion Babe</b> are back after their underwhelming last single "Rockets". With "Hit The Ceiling", Lion Babe have managed to hit that sweet spot between cool R&B and summery pop. They still need to work on making hits like "Impossible" but they have too much pop potential to not produce something amazing soon.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>Major Lazer</b> EP is full of the typical island bangers, although they are more straightforward with the delivery this time. "Particula" and "Know No Better" are highlights but they could have used Camila's voice better. Oh well, she'll find her place in pop soon. </span></div>
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Nashville based singer <b>Mags Duvall</b> is slowly becoming a name in the game. Her newest single "Plain Jane" continues to show off Mags's instant charisma and sassiness. With more songs like this and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDFtiy4as8w">Pink Cadillac</a> " we could be in store for the bratty reincarnation of early <b>Lana Del Rey</b>!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>Veronicas</b> have come back from a triumphant 2016 with a new ballad. "The Only High" is lovely and sweeping but nothing too special on its own. Hopefully the album puts everything in context. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have no idea who this <b>Force Major</b> is or came from, but their new single "Glow In The Dark" is a great quiet pensive banger for the rainy June days that are sure to come this summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another special pop feature comes from <b>Alunageorge</b> on the new <b>Peking Duk</b> single "Fake Magic". The track pops off as a rocking dance song before the chorus turns into a cool bass heavy funk. After that disappointing album last year, it's nice for Aluna (and George) to be on the right side of pop again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I had forgotten about <b>Sinead Harnett</b> for a while after her string of dance features years ago. But apparently today she has released an entire ALBUM (but she's calling it a mixtape). It's a subdued house album that would make great lounge music. "Unconditional" is an immediate standout in being another great pensivebanger for this summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Who wants another<b> LANY</b> promo track?!?! With their debut due at the end of the month, LANY have released their millionth song called "13" today. It's a simple lamenting love song with an acoustic guitar and drum machine that's deceptively full of pop hooks. It's fair to say this debut will also be quite incredible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Olly Murs</b> is continuing to promote his quite good album from last year. He has done the genius move to add another X Factor alum to a new version of highlight "Unpredictable". He chose well as <b>Louisa Johnson</b> sounds perfect for the summery song and it would be nice for Louisa to get on the charts more, especially when no one foolishly fell in love with "Best Behaviour". That was a banger. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">German synth pop starlet <b>NINA</b> has come back after her<a href="https://open.spotify.com/album/4pOwkuNBuXzoNZK8qcpsiU"> stunning EP</a> from last year. "One of Us" is another space-tinged mystical pop song that sounds too ethereal and sublime to be heard by that many people. But I'm hearing it and it's great so it gets to be on the NMF playlist. </span></div>
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The new <b>Kat Graham</b> album is a big surprise. After the underwhelming Roxbury Drive, the funky edge of her sophomore effort actually hits the spot multiple times. It's a little too disparate and genre-jumping to have a lot of cohesion between tracks but if you imagine it as a Pussycat Doll solo album, it sounds much better than expected. "Time = $" is a good place to start (the "when the moon's on your mind" line is great) but there are at least 2 other really good songs on <b><i>Love Music Funk Magic</i></b>. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After the incredible "Saw You In A Dream", <b>The Japanese House</b> has returned with "Somebody You Found". It's not as effortless as her last song, but it's a step in the pop direction and it's nice to be surprised by an act you thought was boring but actually has a lot of potential. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The big voice of <b>Betsy</b> is back with her new single "Little White Lies". While it isn't a <b>Florrie</b> cover, it's just as powerful with a gospel influence that makes Betsy one of the better pop stars out there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best Scandinavians I have ever known is back: <b>SUSANNE SUNDFØR</b>! After her one-off single with<b> Royksopp</b> that ended up being the 4th best song of 2016, Susanne has announced her new album <b><i>Music For People In Trouble </i></b>in August. She has released the sparse and beautiful ballad "Undercover" as the first single. It's classic Sundfør sadness but by the end the chorus erupts. It's sure to be a good year for Susanne and I'm excited to see what comes next. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scandinavian newcomer <b>Julia Kedhammer</b> has released her debut single "Everywhere". It's an uplifting disco-tinged bop with the most euphoric strings I've ever heard. It's very vanilla but who doesn't love a good straightforward pop song? Idiots, that's who. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>VÉRITÉ</b> is also on the promotion bandwagon for her new album coming at the end of this month. Her new track "Saint" is the same menacing electronica as her past couple of songs. This one has a lighter chorus that shows off VÉRITÉ's vocals much better. Another album I can't wait to hear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Norwegian singer <b>Anna of The North</b> has announced her first album entitled <b><i>Lovers</i></b>. The title track is being released as it's debut single and it's the same featherlight electropop Anna has become famous for. Between Anna, <b>Dagny</b>, and <b>Sigrid</b>, Norway is really killing the game in 2017. </span></div>
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<b>Cherryade</b> have jumped on the political pop bandwagon and released the critical "Theresa May (Bullshit)". It's a typically fun and crazy rave-rap-pop hybrid and could be a big hit in Britain with the right coverage. Cherryade might be one of the most fun acts of 2017 and it would be good to see them get famous for their talent.<br />
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Dance outfit <b>Release The Woolves</b> have released a new EP today that has some dramatic eastern influenced dance bops on it. The last track is the best by far, mainly because vocalist <b>Maribelle</b> brings the dark sass we all want from "Shotgun". This is the type of song that would make for a great <b>Freemasons</b> remix, if only they did that sort of thing anymore.<br />
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Iamamiwhoami's <b>ionnalee</b> is back with another track as part of her "solo" adventure. "Not Human" lines up with the arctic synths of her past work so the song is actually Scandinavian perfection. It would even work as a Robyn comeback song, and nothing is a higher compliment than that.<br />
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The legendary <b>Saint Etienne</b> have released their new album <b><i>Home Counties</i></b>. It's an album from a different era, mixing 50's rock guitars with odd lyrics and medieval elements like harpsichords for no reason. It makes no sense in 2017 but maybe it will grow on me like most Saint Etienne records. However, there is a clear gem on the album: the stunning "Out Of My Mind" produced by <b>Richard X</b>. The pair of Etienne and X have made<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEWEAqNR2XQ"> some of the best</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi0OvJkLiww">songs ever created</a> so it makes sense that this elegant banger is amazing on several levels. After almost two decades, Saint Etienne remains one of the best pop forces around.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Australian radio personality turned pop singer <b>KLP</b> released one of the best pop EPS of last year (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJNj6dxC6kM">"Back In The Room"</a> remains amazing). Today, she returns with a new single "Changes". It continues her quest of mixing R&B influenced pop with 2000s dance beats, sort of like a more pop version of <b>The Knocks</b>. It's pretty great and I can't wait to see what else she has up her sleeve. </span><br />
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The newest X Factor alums to release a single are the boy band <b>5 After Midnight</b>. They were so exciting on the show, being the first boy band to DANCE in years, so their debut single should be just as heart racing. Luckily, "Up In Here" is just that. A recognizable sample, cool individualized locals, and production from <b>MNEK </b>make this a very promising start to a desperately needed British boy band. </div>
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Like Cherryade, <b>Haiku Hands</b> are the type of odd pop outfit that would make Charli XCX fans go crazy. Their rave beats and nonsensical raps are what pop music was made for. I already want a greatest hits album from them after one listen of "Not About You". </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Rae Morris</b> had made one of the best albums back in 2015 but her return this year came very quietly. "Reborn" quietly creeps towards majesty but by the time it gets going, it's clear Rae has made her best song yet and stood out from many of the big names on this incredible NMF</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lorde</b> has a new song to promote Melodrama, coming out very soon. "Perfect Places" is another stunner from this era, mixing Lorde's honest lyrics about youth with a more direct production. I can't wait for the album and also for the <b>Tove Lo</b> written song on it because obviously that will be the best one. </span></div>
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Remember <b>ROOM8</b>? The production duo behind the greatest pensive banger of all time "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gc-cFaAnQLo">No Hard Feelings</a>" in 2015? Well they are BACK WITH ANOTHER ONE! And to make this even better, they got <b>The Sound of Arrows</b> on vocals! It's a match made in heaven on "Just You & I" as the Dream pop singers make ROOM8's productions shine over the prom slow dance beat. It's good to have them both back and hopefully 2017 will have an album from both of them. </div>
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Former <b>Ladytron</b> singer <b>Marnie</b> has released her second solo album today and it's something of an obscure pop jewel. <b><i>Strange Words and Weird Wars</i></b> take Marnie's icy vocals and layer it across synths that remind me of early <b>La Roux</b>, <b>Little Boots</b>, and a touch of <b>Kylie</b>. The album is marvelous in that it sounds like nothing anyone is making right now, and if you're a fan of intelligent electropop, this will be one of your favorite albums this year. Previous singles "Alphabet Block" and "Lost Maps" are a good place to start but "Little Knives" is my favorite album track after one listen.<br />
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Against all odds, the <b>Halsey</b> album is brilliant on many levels. Despite the horrible title, <b><i>hopeless fountain kingdom</i></b> acting as a concept album of forbidden love akin to a modern Romeo and Juliet is accomplished with the drama and modern pop persona that Halsey brought on her debut. This time around, everything is much cooler, production is perfect for 2017, and Halsey feels more comfortable on every track. While "Strangers" remains the shining star, there are a lot of other songs that play well including the self-deprecating "Bad At Love" and "Alone". This will hopefully be the last time I underestimate Halsey but if she keeps surprising us like this, I'm okay with it. </div>
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<b>Julia Michaels</b> continues her journey towards being the best pop person in the world. Her second single is called "Uh Huh" and is another 10/10 song. Starting off with a sparse guitar hook, the chorus explodes with a sassy and charismatic flair. Thanks to Julia, <b>Justin Tranter</b>, and <b>Mattman & Robin</b>, this song is sure to be one of the year's best. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>Bleachers</b> album that <b>Jack Antonoff</b> has been teasing for a while now has been unleashed. It is the quintessential soundtrack to any 90's movie you can think of, with woozy nostalgic synths paired with uplifting guitars. While some of the tracks could use with a little extra oomph, songs like the purely romantic "Let's Get Married" show why big names like Lorde, Carly, and Taylor come to this man for the hits. Overall, a great pop album from a great pop person. </span><br />
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After so many delays and false starts, the <b>Dua Lipa</b> album has become a mythical icon for pop fans. But today, it is finally with us. And man, did she deliver. It's a nonstop stream of grade A bangers that all have single potential. While the track listing could use some rearranging, her debut is brimming with potential that explodes from past and future songs. There are too many gems to go through right now but of the new batch, "Dreams" is definitely my favorite with the most single potential, catchy factor, and after hearing it live so many times it's amazing to hear the studio version. It's a 10/10 debut from Ms. Lipa.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Dreams" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</span></i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-63016658684708638692017-05-26T12:04:00.001-07:002017-05-26T12:04:08.192-07:00NMF Thoughts from May 26 - featuring CARLY RAE JEPSEN, RITA ORA, and DAGNY!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a pretty amazing NMF for many reasons. One of them involves <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b> and the other involves there being no absolutely horrible songs this week! So buckle up. </span></div>
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Australian pop star <b>Samantha Jade</b> is getting ready for a new era. Her new single "Circles On The Water" starts off boring before the drum machine kicks in. Unfortunately there is no chorus so the tropical breakdown puts it at the bottom of this list. Nonetheless, it's one of Samantha's more sophisticated pop songs so good job Ms. Jade. </div>
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<b>Margaret</b> is really turning up the promotion for her album out next week. This week she pops on a tropical song with <b>VAX </b>called "6 in The Morning" that is inoffensive but not very exciting. Let's just listen to "Cool Me Down" again. </div>
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After that disaster of a single with <b>Demi Lovato</b>, <b>Cheat Codes</b> have returned with "Stay With You". The singer <b>CADE </b>does a great vocal job especially on that falsetto and the dubstep breakdown is something I haven't heard in a while. Perhaps these boys might be interesting after all. </div>
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Swedish power-pop trio <b>The Magnettes </b>have decided to go downtempo on their new anthem "So Bad", a commentary on the sexism and double standards that pervade society. It could go very heavy but luckily they haven't forgotten the catchiness. It would make more sense on an album so hopefully that is coming soon. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Silence" by <b>Grace Carter</b> is a rousing piano pop anthem that sounds like a more soulful <b>Natasha Bedingfield</b> single. </span></div>
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Swedish dream pop band <b>Postiljonen</b> have released the first single from their third album called "Crazy". After suffering from the sophomore slump, it's nice to hear the magic back in their music. If you get the chance, their debut album is one of the best albums of 2013 and definitely worth a listen. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Illusion" by <b>Matilda</b> is a nice companion song to <b>Noonie Bao</b>'s "Reminds me" from last year. Which means it's a beautiful piece of dramatic baroque pop. </span></div>
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Move over "G.U.Y.", there is a new power bottom anthem in town and it's from <b>Little Mix</b>. "Power" is one of Little Mix's weaker singles but the addition of <b>Stormzy </b>helps out a lot. And Leigh-Anne's verse remains fire so get those bussys popping this summer. </div>
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<b>Grace Mitchell</b> has returned from her still amazing single "Now" with a new sinister pop song called "Cali God". It's definitely more in your face than her previous single but loses some of the magic that makes her best songs sound like nothing else out there. In the end, Grace made a pretty good Halsey song but it would be nice to hear more songs like "Now" in the future. </div>
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<b>Mabel</b>'s new EP successfully straddles that line between hazy R&B and sexy electropop. It's always nice to be surprised by someone you thought didn't have the X factor but Mabel is nothing if not consistent across her first release. </div>
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<b>Sia</b> has released a song with <b>Labrinth</b> for the new Wonder Woman movie. "To Be Human" takes a little to get going but the chorus is a classic Sia slam dunk. And who doesn't love a new Sia song?</div>
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Swedish hometown hero <b>Eric Saade</b> has slowly transformed into an enigmatic electropop artist but the songs that came with this were boring tropical tracks. Until now, because "Another Week" is sublime, romantic, has a strange distorted chorus, and is perfect for the summer. </div>
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"Waterslides" by <b>Pixx</b> has some pretty insane artwork. Luckily, the song is equally as bonkers, sounding like long lost <b>Santigold</b> single. Maybe one to watch. </div>
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<b>Troye Sivan</b> follows <b>Bebe Rexha</b> and <b>Dua Lipa</b> in being recruited by <b>Martin Garrix</b> for an emotional dance track. "There For You" doesn't have the best breakdown from Martin but Troye sounds amazing, especially the line about tears on pillows being rivers. Tears and rivers are always good pop metaphors.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Allie X</b> is back with another track from her debut album. "Need You" is a much more chill affair for Allie but it's silky smooth bass line matches Allie and <b>Valley Girl</b>'s vocals well. There are sure to be plenty of bangers on Collxtion Vol. 2 so there is nothing to worry about. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Magic" by <b>Kleo</b> sounds magical and exotic without any effort. It's just a lovely pop song. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The hundredth <b>Bleachers</b> promo song "I Miss Those Days" sounds like a perfect mix between the best hits of <b>ABBA</b> and <b>Pnau</b>. It's just very euphoric and includes BELLS. This album should be quite amazing. </span></div>
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<b>Noah Cyrus</b>'s new single "I'm Stuck" is definitely the best thing she has released. But after this country banger, it's becoming clear that Noah is basically turning into another Miley. Oh well, her PR team is gonna have their work cut out for them. </div>
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I was skeptical about <b>Camila Cabello</b>'s solo career being anything to care about. But after last week's brilliantly titled "Crying In The Club" and this week's "I Have Questions", her effort to bring back the mid-2000s makes a lot of sense. The balladry of "I Have Questions" doesn't have nearly as many Sia-isms as her first single, so it sounds more authentic to what Camila might be trying to do. With all the star power going into her, Camila should be able to pull out a decent debut. </div>
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The new <b>Shakira</b> album is a splendid mix of mystical electropop and Latin pop beats. All the previous singles are great but I've been listening a lot to the <b>Julia Michaels</b> & <b>Justin Tranter </b>written "When A Woman". The line "Only a woman can get this dark, only a woman can cause these scars" is one of the best of the entire year. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What happens when you the singers behind "Under You", "Ciao Adios" and "Cooler Than Me" come together? You get "Remember I Told You", the new <b>Nick Jonas</b> single featuring <b>Anne-Marie</b> and <b>Mike Posner</b>. It does a really good job at mixing Nick's original smooth R&B vibes with some cool guitars and synths, with the song sounding more like a comedown track than a party anthem. Anne-Marie gets the short end of the stick but everyone sounds great so good job to everyone involved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NEIKED</b> had a worldwide hit last year with "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzUrUQfgTjE">Sexual</a>". It would take a big song to follow up but his new track "Call Me" featuring <b>MIMI</b> is just the right breezy summer track to be another smash. The "you give me feels" part is really great, as well as the instrumental breakdown in the chorus that sounds like someone going crazy on a sitar. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Norwegian superstar of 2016 <b>Dagny</b> made the best EP of last year with songs that take classic guitar hooks to make immensely great pop songs. And she's back today with a new song that does the same thing! "Wearing Nothing" is the sister to her masterpiece "Too Young", a rousing pop anthem with a bouncy bass line and strong vocals. If the chorus exploded as opposed to just coming and going the song would be a solid 10/10 but I have a feeling Dagny might be holding back on purpose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Night Vision" by <b>Charlotte Hatherley</b> is amazing on various levels. It's a maelstrom of synths in your face before settling into an ominous 80's groove but the pop element remains strong throughout. This appears to be a relaunch of Charlotte's career but if all her new material is like this, she could take over the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Guess who has come back and decided to never let us down? <b>RITA MOTHERFUCKING ORA</b>. After her successful stint on reality TV, Rita has decided to get back to her part time job as a pop star with "Your Song". The song apparently involves <b>Ed Sheeran</b> but luckily it's a smart electropop song that sounds perfect for 2017 radio and could relaunch Rita's career. You got to love songs about singing songs, just another way that Rita will never let us down. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Don't You Forget About Me" is the debut single by new pop singer <b>Robinson</b>. Its minimalistic balladry is magical, her voice is killer, and will send chills down your spine. If all of Robinson's songs are this lovely, she could become the best newcomer this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Halsey</b>'s promo single with Fifth Harmony's <b>Lauren Jauregui</b> is by far the best thing she has ever released. "Strangers" is an LGBT love anthem and sounds like a <b>t.A.T.u.</b> single. It's made even better because both girls are bisexual themselves. If any song deserves to be a single from the HFK era, it's this one so come through Halsey. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All right, the best song of the week would obviously come from the actual deity in human form that is <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b>. I've already discussed <a href="http://nonstopontoppop.blogspot.com/2017/04/nsotp-and-carly-rae-jepsen-are-back.html">my initial thoughts</a> on "Cut To The Feeling" but today we get an official release. While the original version's structure of being 90% chorus was everything you could want, the new version is a proper pop song. Those verses, the chorus, the bridge, the <b>Madonna</b> sample, the self reference to our holy scripture E•MO•TION, the line about playing with angels, "Cut To The Feeling" could not get any better. In fact, it's one of the best songs of this year, of this decade, of this millennium. It's the kind of song that deserves to be played at every club, graduation, wedding, and celebration across the world. The chorus is itself one of the most perfect pop moments I've ever heard and Carly's lyricism remains as strong as ever. It's the kind of song that will never stop making you happy and if anyone knows how to do that it's Carly. How she could have passed this song up TWICE is beyond me but it's with us now and for one brief moment, everything is perfect in the world</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px;"><i>Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Cut To The Feeling" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</i></span><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-84027815230643759202017-05-15T06:09:00.001-07:002017-05-15T06:09:52.293-07:00NMF Thoughts from May 12 - featuring FO&O, Felix Jaehn, and a man named JIM!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>HAIM</b> have released a promo track that was actually released a couple weeks ago. Unfortunately, "Right Now" is definitely worst song of the week, mainly because anyone could have made this and it makes the effervescent and charismatic HAIM sisters seem like the most boring singers in the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tegan & Sara</b> pop up on the new Ingrid Michaelson EP. Too bad it's a mundane piano ballad...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>Paramore</b> album is out today and all I can say is that it's fun bouncy pop music with guitars used for good instead of evil. The same can't be said for <b>Harry Styles</b>' debut album... Hopefully Liam shows us what ex-boyband pop is all about next week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bleachers</b> are teasing their new album with newest buzz track "Everybody Lost Somebody". It sounds exactly like Track 8 on an album, which is not very exciting but the album should be good so no worries. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>KWAYE</b>'s new single "Little Ones" takes a while to get going but it's a downtempo lounge sort of affair with an oversung vocal. Good raw material though. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another week, another mediocre <b>Calvin Harris</b> song. This time with help from <b>Future</b> and <b>Khalid</b>. At this point the <b>Katy Perry</b> feature is all I'm interested in for Calvin's new album.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>R3HAB</b> has come thru to remix the Bandit and Larsson song into an EDM track. It's a standard rework but at least the drop goes off. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Paperwhite</b> return to being amazing with their Spotify-esque tropical-tinged "Only Us". Normally I would hate something like this but it's been a while since trop-pop has been ruined so maybe I'm just optimistic. </span><br />
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<b>Wrabel</b> has released a pretty good EP today that mixes his soulful male vocals with his signature electropop styles. "Bloodstain" remains his best song but there are bits and pieces to love on it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In strange collab news, British indie band <b>Blossoms</b> has teamed up with drum and bass duo <b>Chase & Status</b> for an industrial pop song. Too bad there's no chorus but do people even make those anymore?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Polish petition-starting superstar <b>Margaret</b> is BACK! After last year's monstrous banger "Cool Me Down", she has returned with a 2017 radio hit "What You Do". It basically sounds like a <b>Chainsmokers</b> song but is significantly better than most of their discography. Hopefully we can get some tunes between this and "Cool Me Down" on her forthcoming album because Margaret could be the <b>Rihanna</b> of Eastern Europe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the most Scandinavian news possible, <b>Hanne Hukkelberg</b> and <b>Ingrid Helene Håvak</b> have made a sinister pop song called "The Whip". Just from a marketing standpoint, it might be easier to just be Hanne & Ingrid right ladies?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Rico Nasty</b> is, perhaps surprisingly, a female rapper whose single "Block List" sounds better than most hip/hop these days. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Last week we had to listen about <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SemUB7hZ5T8">CAPITALISM</a> and now it's time for a little "PHILOSOPHY!" from <b>Baio</b>. This time it's a chilled out subtlebanger that has some funky brass bits. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The daughter of Swedish legend <b>Neneh Cherry</b> is named <b>Mabel</b> and has released a sexy "Bedroom" banger that matches her voice very well. Guess the pop runs through their veins because she's definitely got what it takes to be big. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kat Dahlia</b> has made a delightful 70's influenced R&B jam called "Friday Night Majic". While she obviously can't spell, this is the kind of comeback single we always wanted from <b>Janet Jackson</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Apparently drum and bass producers are all making a comeback today. My personal favorite <b>Sub Focus</b> has an absolute monster of a somewhat tropical bop with "Don't You Feel It". <b>ALMA </b>deserves an award for those vocals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kyla La Grange</b> follows up the underwhelming "Love Harder" with a proper banger called "Violet Blue". This one sounds a lot like a mix between Kyla's current music and her last album and could very well be her signature sound. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All right, it's time to talk about the new <b>Miley Cyrus</b> single. A guitar driven breezy melody takes over from the twerk-ready trap beats. "Malibu" has some pretty rough lyrics and some lazy songwriting but that beat is quite relentless and it marks Miley's best single since "Party In The USA". This era is going to be interesting to say the least. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kacy Hill</b> has come back with two new songs that finally match all the hype that has surrounded her for the past couple of years. "Hard To Love" is a lovely subtle banger that explodes into a wonderful chorus and Kacy sounds great, much different than anything she's done before. Apparently <b>Stuart Price</b> was involved so that explains her new dance floor sensibility. Her other single "Like A Woman" is a minimal piano-driven slow jam. The lyrics on this one are much stronger in this one but "Hard To Love" is definitely the lead single Kacy needs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Danny L Harle</b> is getting an EP ready and while his last song was the usual PC music cartoon-pop, his new single "1UL" is a proper pop banger that any female vocalist (though it sounds like <b>Charli XCX</b>) would be lucky to sing on. Regardless, Danny has always managed to make the often polarizing sound of PC music mainstream in the best way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While <b>JIM</b> might have the most boring pop star name in the entire world (and he's Swedish for god's sake!) , his new song "Under Attack" is so full of pop hooks <b>Max Martin</b> would be jealous. AND THERE IS A PROPER CHORUS. His other song "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ9HZvzwNfM">On and On</a>" is just as good so JIM could be the savior of pop we need in 2017. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">On paper, a <b>Felix Jaehn</b> collaboration with <b>Hight</b> and <b>Alex Aiono</b> sounds disastrous. But the result is a joyous and ridiculous funky pop song that everyone will need for the summer. The way Alex says "She's too Hot2Touch" is just wonderful and the trumpet bits round the whole thing out. It just goes to show you can never predict where good pop will come from. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Felix, Oscar and Omar have casually made the best boy band album in 3 years as <b>FO&O</b>. After a string of forward thinking electropop songs last year and losing a member, they seemed to have lost track with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wP3w_UgxZDA">their Melodifestivalen entry</a> but their self-titled album puts everything into perspective. There are classic boy band tropes like guitars and emotive ballads but this album represents a futuristic take on sublime electropop that not a single boy band in the past 10 years would dare to attempt. This is showcased in what might be the best song on the album and definitely the best song this week "Loop". While the 1D boys scramble with their solo careers, enjoy the FO&O album because it is truly very special</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px;">.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-19489059001083798282017-05-05T08:54:00.001-07:002017-05-05T08:54:26.516-07:00NMF Thoughts from May 5 - featuring Sigrid, FEMM, Niall Horan and more!<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sigrid</b> made song of the week AGAIN!</span></div>
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<b>Marian Hill</b> have decided to suck out all of the fun from <b>Billie Eilish</b>'s "Bellyache". Wouldn't it have been interesting if they had just done a mashup with "Down" ? Very disappointing. </div>
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I have never been a big fan of <b>Terror Jr.</b> but their chopped pop style and amazing marketing strategy makes them a very interesting pop prospect. Their new single "Caramel" is a much more chill and bass heavy version of their older sound, so we'll see where they go from here I guess.<br />
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"Hunter" by <b>Galantis</b> fails in having a chorus just like their last single. Remember when their music was the type of futuristic EDM that made it cool to like EDM again?</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Alan Walker</b> has remixed <b>Julia Michaels</b>' breakout debut "Issues" into an EDM-lite banger, something that makes you realize how special the original is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lil Yachty</b> has bizarrely decided to make an 80's inspired new wave song that sounds like<b> Daft Punk</b>. There is even a goddamn saxophone. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Beth Ditto</b>'s new song "Oo La La" has a little more of the <b>Gossip</b> feel to it than "Fire" and sounds much more compelling so good job Beth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first proper <b>HAIM</b> single since 2013 sounds like 4 different songs playing at once. While "Want You Back" is definitely a progression from their <i>Days Are Gone</i> era, it would be nice to see some of the charisma that caught my attention shine through. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Harry Styles</b> has released an acoustic guitar ballad called "Sweet Creature" this week. It's strange as normally I would hate all of his guitar heavy music but Harry has the voice to keep you locked in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Niia</b> has returned from last week's "Nobody" with a brand new album! My favorite track "Girl Like Me" is a chilled out soul anthem that is much more distinct than her other tracks. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Singer songwriter <b>Emily Warren</b> has written many songs for stars like<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHCC4ndeJyE"> <b>Little Mix</b></a>, <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzU8KqOY8YA">Sean Paul</a></b>, and um <b>The Chainsmokers</b>... Regardless, she releases her debut single today called "Hurt By You". It's nothing that special but it's always exciting when a songwriter starts their own journey and who knows, Emily could be the next Julia Michaels given enough time. </span></div>
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Apparently the last<b> TLC </b>wasn't the actual lead single even though it was more than qualified. Instead, the new track "Haters" has been launched as TLC's final lead single. It's pleasant mid-2000's R&B but I can't help but think "Way Back" would have been much more effective.<br />
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The new <b>Tigerilla</b> & <b>Dominique Young Unique</b> single sounds like <b>will.i.am and Nicki Minaj</b>. Which is fairly fun and ridiculous pop music with a decent amount of auto tune.<br />
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<b>ODEE</b> has a new single that sounds like Major Lazer and that amazing "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XikZDwqOhuA">Taped Up Heart</a>" song from last year. If it was a few bpm higher, I could see this being a club staple.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Paramore</b> continue their transformation into the new <b>Ting Tings</b> with funky track "Told You So". They have indeed thrown a marimba in there but at least they use guitars for good so everything balances out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Beads" by <b>Saint Mesa</b> is one of the weirdest songs you'll hear this week but in a sea of Spotify-sounding trop-pop, that can only be a good thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Self-proclaimed grunge pop band <b>Hey Charlie</b> have chosen to release the self-referencing "Hey". It could use with a drum machine and a couple of synths but a hey-filled chorus can never go wrong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>POWERS</b> singles tend to be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1aO4EU61Uw">major hits</a> or major misses. Their new laidback summer single "Closer" definitely lands on the better side of their discography, but it would be nice to hear Crista take the lead on more music. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>LP</b> has released her millionth album today and while her brand of guitar-pop has never been my thing, there is something <b>Tegan and Sara</b>-esque about album track "Up Against Me" that is very poptastic indeed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After their rather mundane song from Melodifestivalen, the best boy band in the world right now <b>FO&O</b> have gone and made a chugging electropop love song called "So So Good". All I'll say is that <b>Zara Larsson</b> better watch out...</span><br />
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It should be blasphemous for anyone to name a track "Bad Romance" after <b>Lady Gaga</b> changed the course of history. But<b> Retro Culture</b> have done just that and I have to say, this shimmering anthem is indeed the second best "Bad Romance". </div>
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After his cute performance at Melodifestivalen, <b>Benjamin Ingrosso</b> has also returned but with a pensive and beachy song that sounds far too wistful for him and yet somehow, Ben pulls it off on "Do You Think About Me?"</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Swedish group <b>Moment</b> released one of the most epic songs ever with this year's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qulgcalog9Q">Indigo</a>". And you know what? THEY DID IT AGAIN. "All This Time" trades in some of the drama for a groovy feel but that chorus is a solid 10/10. An album of these songs would be excellent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Loop</b> made one of the most retro-tastic kiss offs this year with "As If". She returns with "Know Me Better" which puts her vocals at the forefront, detailing her frustration over an inattentive lover. She is definitely having an upward trajectory as a pop star, which can only be a good thing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Peg Parnevik</b> sounds like the Swedish <b>Halsey</b> on her new single "Don't Tell Ma". It's quite a toe tapper for 2017. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>VÉRITÉ</b>'s new music leading up to her debut album certainly turns up the drama. Luckily the industrial beats over her silky smooth vocal remains solid in new promo track "Bout You". June is going to be an amazing month for albums. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Stella" by <b>FOURS</b> sounds more like <b>HAIM</b> than the new <b>HAIM</b> single. It also sounds like <b>MAUSI</b> and <b>The Aces</b>, so just stellar pop people's songs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>LIAMOO</b> is the newest winner of Swedish Idol and his first single after the show is the distinctly Swedish ballad banger "Burn". Have we discussed just how amazing ballad bangers are?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This <b>LANY</b> album is very slowly shaping up to be a massive synth-drenched love affair. The newest promo single "The Breakup" continues with the boys trend of being saccharinely romantic and honest. The "It's never the same love after the breakup" line is legendary. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>Blondie</b> album is something of a rare masterpiece. Crafted by multiple songwriters and producers, its a Frankenstein of pop that is unified by <b>Debbie Harry</b>'s trademark vox. Aside from singles "Fun" and the incendiary "Long Time", the best songs are the electroburst of "Too Much", the <b>Sia</b>-written pensive banger "Best Day Ever", and the<b> Charli XCX</b>-penned "Gravity". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Liza Owen</b> commands "Don't Call Me Baby" on her new single that positively erupts into one of the most euphoric breakdowns of 2017. For such a bitter song, it really hits the mark on making you feel good. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Rein</b> has decided to make a rave monster with "C.A.P.I.T.A.L.I.S.M". The kind of rave monster that shouldn't have a place outside of a German sex club but is one of the most exciting songs of the past 3 years. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With "Eyes Closed", <b>Halsey</b> has decided to be the new <b>Weeknd</b>. It makes sense since he wrote the song, and it's a great song. However, we're two songs into the HFK era and all I can see are comparisons to other artists and not Halsey shining through herself like on her debut. Maybe it will make sense once the album is out...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In what is one of the biggest plot twists of 2017, <b>Niall Horan</b> has released the best post-1D single with "Slow Hands". Yes, better than <b>Zayn</b> and Harry's stuff. The country-esque funk is a surprisingly ingenious move by Niall and that strange "whoop" noise is the kind of master stroke in pop that we would expect from Harry. It's your turn Liam and Louis to see if you can beat "Slow Hands" but until then, congratulations to Niall for somehow being the best 1D member of 2017.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Japanese duo <b>FEMM</b> have recruited "When I Rule The World" hitmaker <b>LIZ</b> on their rap-pop-anime theme song single "Do It Again". Another one of the most unique songs to be made in the past 3 years, but it never veers away from being a pop masterpiece. </span></div>
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We've had 2 and a half 10/10 songs from Norwegian goddess <b>Sigrid</b> this year and we have to add her newest to that list. "Fake Friends" from her debut EP starts off much more serene than her past output but her signature chorus explosion solidifies her as the most exciting Nordic pop star this year. The last chorus is especially earth-shaking. Hopefully we can get an album full of this stuff before the end of the year.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Fake Friends" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</span></i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-19441871383096144962017-05-02T05:17:00.001-07:002017-05-02T05:17:49.906-07:00NMF Thoughts from April 28 - featuring Katy Perry, two Toves, and at least 3 Charli XCesque Songs!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Afrojack</b> and <b>David Guetta</b> have teamed up with songwriter extraordinaire <b>Ester Dean</b> on the worst song of the week "Another Life". Unfsortunately, it's the most Spotify sounding song this week and since summer is coming, this is now worse than tropical house. Sorry to all involved but maybe do better?</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> Sigrid</b> returns after <a href="http://nonstopontoppop.blogspot.com/2017/04/nmf-thoughts-from-42117-featuring.html#more">conquering last week</a> with an acoustic version of new song "Dynamite". Considering how explosive her last two singles were, I bet this was released to show her diversity with a ballad. It's nice but I can't wait to hear the normal version of "Dynamite". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Estonian pop queen <b>Kerli</b> returns today on the new <b>Illenium</b> single. "Sound of Walking Away" is a fairly generic dance track but Kerli remains exquisite the entire time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>OneRepublic</b> has decided to go tropical but their metaphor of a heart as an apartment building is pretty good. "No Vacancy" could still benefit from a better chorus though, or even a double chorus like "Kids". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Following in his sister Noah's famous footsteps, Cyrus sibling and <b>Metro Station</b> singer <b>Trace Cyrus</b> has made a strangely passionate and elegant electroballad. Seriously Miley, you better hurry up!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As if she wasn't satisfied with her <a href="http://nonstopontoppop.blogspot.com/2017/04/nmf-thoughts-from-42117-featuring.html#more">absolute monster of a ballad banger from last week</a>, <b>Dua Lipa</b> has popped up on a new <b>Wale</b> track. It features <b>Major Lazer</b> and <b>Wizkid</b> too so that's nice but let's just enjoy Dua okay?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cashmere Cat </b>has released one of the more disappointing albums this year. After the small deluge of disappointing tracks, there is a silver lining involving as certain dangerous woman. "Quit" was written by <b>Sia</b> and is fairly obvious as <b>Ariana Grande</b> sweetly screams along the track. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Danny L Harle</b> of the constantly amazing PC Music has a new song out today that is the usual cartoon pop. Just something different but not groundbreaking. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Good News: <b>Ellie Goulding</b> has returned for the first time since 2015. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bad News: it's a tropical house single with <b>Kygo</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Luckily, Ellie's lyrics save the song from the onslaught of typical trip-pop songs into something of substance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Vamps</b> have decided to be a boy band that teams up with DJs?! It's certainly unique. After going trop-pop "All Night" with <b>Matoma</b>, they release another nocturnal anthem called "Middle of the Night" with <b>Martin Jensen</b>. It's very Spotify esque but since a boy band hasn't probed this territory yet it sounds quite fresh!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Love Myself" hitmaker <b>Hailee Steinfeld</b> has gone back to making decent pop tunes with "Most Girls". Weirdly, the chorus is my least favorite parts as the verses are quite introspective. It's nice to hear Hailee back in her element but we need a power pop anthem to really get us on the Steinfeld train. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My new favorite Scandinavian ice prince is<b> Gabriel Gassi</b> whose new track "Heartbreaker" is equal trop-pop, Spanish guitar, and Swedish electropop. His other single "Street Phone" is worth a look also. He's one to watch, and not just for that gorgeous face. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fall Out Boy</b> have sampled <b>Britney Spears</b> to create the most outrageous rockstep song I've ever heard before. It's on the listenable side so I can forgive the heavy-handedness. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new triple single by<b> Foster The People</b> is just as ineffective as when <b>Jojo</b> did it, but the best song is quite bouncy and fun. "Doing It For Money" would pair well with the <b>Bleachers</b>' "Don't Take The Money". </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You know what we could all use right now? A new Swedish boyband. To fill the void until <b>FO&O</b> release their album, <b>QUEST</b> have arrived with their summery and chill "Walking On The Moon". I would have put this with all the other trop-pop songs but there is something special and hypnotizing about the chorus. We'll have to see if they're the next 1D but this is a solid start. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>Phoenix</b> song sounds like it's from 2009, a very good year for music indeed. More songs this year could use the magic that "J-Boy" has. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Swedish <b>Firefox AK</b> has returned with her best single since "<a href="https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xk0gpj_firefox-ak-boom-boom-boom_music">Boom Boom Boom</a>". I should make a playlist consisting of just amazing songs called "Wildfire". I can think of three off the top of my head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lady Leshurr</b>'s new EP is sort of everything you could want from the British spitfire. "Glucose" is my favorite because the ravy bits in the chorus are 10/10. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Born Stranger</b> are slowly working towards becoming the best elegant dance-pop superstars in the world. After last year's magnificent "Be Someone", their new single "Generation" continues their hot streak. If there was a real chorus thrown in, it might have beat Katy for track of the week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Niia</b> sounds like <b>Lana Del Rey</b> and <b>Billie Eilish</b> on her new song "Nobody". As if that wasn't enough, there is a FLUTE!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Harper</b> is another new talent breaking out in 2017. Her new song "No Love In The Jungle" feels like a really amazing version of Marina doing trop-pop. After this one, I would keep your eyes on Harper because she seems full of surprises. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"White House" by <b>Dolores Haze</b> is the perfect mix of <b>Charli XCX</b> and <b>Uffie</b>. Slightly ridiculous pop by a charismatic singer tends to be the best kind. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In what might be the greatest title for a pop song, <b>Rebecca & Fiona</b> have released the pop punk "Pop Bitches". While they do disparage pop bitches like me, I can forgive them as the song is ace and sounds like something from Charli's second album <i>Sucker</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">"Best Behaviour" hitmaker <b>Louisa Johnson</b> is slowly becoming my favorite X Factor winner. She pops up on <b>AJR</b>'s new mix for their single "Weak". It's not available in the US but if you manage to get a hold of it, it really makes a Friday morning worthwhile. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Allie X</b> is in full on promotion mode now as her first full album comes out in June. Lead single "Paper Love" is absolutely magical and the whistling bit is such an Allie stroke of genius. I really think she could be the next Gaga and hopefully she gets to showcase that on her album. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Both Toves have returned to pop today! <b>Tove Lo</b> has been busy touring so she has settled for releasing a remix </span>of<span style="font-family: inherit;"> new single the drug lovers anthem "Influence". It's the kind of stoner pop that made Tove famous in the first place but I prefer the original, much the same way I loved "Habits" unedited.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But it looks like 2017 has chosen a different Tove as the best one. I'm talking about the equally fantastic <b>Tove Styrke</b>! After having us <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M63HKB9RzNM">call her name</a> in 2011, Tove wants us to simply say it this time around. "Say My Name" is on brand alt-pop for Tove but adds some Asian influences. It's a good palate cleanser for whatever she has coming but reminds you of </span>just<span style="font-family: inherit;"> how amazing she was to begin with. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>K.I.D </b>released one of my favorite EPs of the year with <i>Poster Child</i> and have chosen the very best song "Boy" as a single. As if things couldn't get better, they have brought in rapstress extraordinaire <b>Cupcakke</b> to make the track that much dirtier and fun. The best part is still the "I like my tongue in your mouth" line but it's an overall triumph for everyone involved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Emily Vaughn</b> has released a dramatic and orchestral song called "Mood". It's hard to pull off annoyed and bitchy without coming off as an asshole but Emily does a very good job at being a relatable pop star here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>BLENDA</b> has appeared out of nowhere with her cool new single "Chill". It's such a weirdmazing song and sounds like nothing else out there right now. V exciting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Japanese House</b> has been on the brink of pop brilliance for a while. Her atmospheric electronica is lovely but it wasn't until "Face Like Thunder" that I could see her as a star in her own right. That is until today, when her new single "Saw You In A Dream" wrecked me with its obvious beauty. It's the kind of song you want to fall in love to at the beach. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Charli XCX</b> appears on her thousandth feature. This time it's a industrial pop track with <b>Whethan </b>that's quite lovely which is a nice contrast to the crunchy production of "love gang". But it's just natural to have a unique pop song on your hands when Charli is involved. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Katy Perry</b>'s "Chained To The Rhythm" was absolutely fantastic. But it was getting a little stale so Katy has returned with a new treat "Bon Appétit". It could have benefitted from the rumored <b>Ariana Grande</b> collab but <b>Migos </b>will have to do. It's one of the most pop things you'll hear all year and has the perfect vibe for the upcoming summer months. The <b>Max Martin</b> production is much more obvious on this one and the fact that the full-on chorus doesn't come until 2 minutes in makes it just that much more interesting. By the time it comes, you feel like the smart sexy and summery electropop of "Bon Appétit" deserves to be a number one single but is just a little too weird to be one. I remember thinking the same about Ariana's "Into You" and we all saw how amazing that was. So just bone app the teeth and enjoy Katy's new single.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Bon Appétit" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03" style="text-decoration: none;">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</i></span><br />
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This is a very fucked up NMF in terms of pop so strap in.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember <b>Sharks</b>? The amazing rainbow-haired girls that single-handedly saved pop with their "I Love It"-sized single "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FabPGzk-igM">Wait</a>"?!?! Well they have finally returned with new song "Money" that sees them go from<b> Icona Pop</b> to boring robots saying the same thing over a trance beat. Why do pop stars have to break your heart?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Unfortunately the new<b> MØ</b> song is also a let down, especially when you consider the amazing people (<b>Benny Blanco & SOPHIE</b>) that helped write it. I can't help but wonder if "Final Song" was the final amazing song she has. Where is <b>Noonie Bao</b> when you need her?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Two Disney pop princesses have returned to the game today. The first is "Say OK" hit maker <b>Vanessa Hudgens</b> who pops up on <b>Shawn Hook</b>'s "Reminding Me", a stadium ballad about heartbreak that is not super convincing, but it's nice hearing Vanessa's voice again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Keke Palmer</b> has also come through with a twerking anthem full of curses called "Wind Up". The good thing is it does not sound like anything Keke has done before but it sounds very unfinished. We expect more from both of them next time around. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Amtrac</b> has teamed up with <b>MELI </b>on the acid trippy house track "Some Of Them" which takes a while to get going but remains hypnotic throughout. Apparently there is an EP of the stuff if this is your jam. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Highasakite</b> are Swedish and make alt-pop that sounds like a pop version of<b> The Knife</b>. The splendid lyrics on their new song "5 Million Miles" are at odds with its disappointing marimba-filled chorus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>Texas</b> album is a classic pop record that sounds like it's from a long forgotten time when people cared about melodies and rhythm. "Let's Work It Out" and "Great Romances" are a good way to get into them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Bleachers</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> song actually features </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Carly Slay Jepsen</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> this time. Unfortunately, it's not as magical as their lead single "Don't Take The Money". What a song that was. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Justin Bieber</b> randomly appears in <b>Luis Fonsi</b>'s "Despacito" remix. His bit is actually quite nice and the way he says "Despacito" is very sensual. Maybe the Biebs comeback is closer than we think... </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Flor</b> made one of my favorite songs of Q1 with the headrush-like "Hold On". They're back with the more subdued but still great "overbehind" that sounds like a <b>Pnau</b> song from 2011. I'd keep my eye on them if I were you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>GOLDHOUSE</b>'s "Sex On Me" is the right kind of tropical house but that might just be me getting ready for the summer vibes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Amy Shark</b> has definitely beat Sharks in the pop game today. Her new EP <i>Night Thinker</i> came out today and it's pretty straightforward pop at its heart. Just how we like it. "Blood Brother" is a highlight for me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you say icy Scandinavian electropop, one of the first names that I would say is <b>Frida Sundemo</b>. Having spent most of this decade making some of the most beautiful songs to every come from Sweden, she hasn't let the quality down on her newest track "It's OK", a more downtempo gem from Frida. It's B-side "The Sun" is another ethereal ballad. A+ from us Frida. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Charlotte OC</b> won't quit. After making one of the best albums this year, she appears on <b>Wankelmut</b>'s "Almost Mine". It's a very bouncy track with country folk and techno influences that should not work but somehow do. Looks like <b>Charli XCX</b> isn't the only Charlotte in the pop game anymore. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>No Frills Twins</b> have made a very cool pop track "Love Me Tender" that puts their sassy voices at the forefront. Fans of <b>Allie X</b> and <b>Marina</b> will love this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Youngr</b> popped up on the scene last year with the incredible "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDRdikMNwi8">Out Of My System</a>" and has since been casually dropping pop singles and remixing pop ladies like <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbX8T9b5Fxg">Tove Lo</a></b> and <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPp_aOaVOWI">Dua Lipa</a></b>. With "Monsters" he's 3/3 and it's nice to have another cool guy making interesting electropop. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pop singer <b>FRANKIE</b> has rereleased her single "Problems Problems" for some reason. I liked it a lot last year but it would be nice to see what she comes up with next. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"About" by <b>Beatrich</b> starts off quite boring but stick it out because the chorus sounds like <b>Tove Lo</b>'s "Cool Girl" !</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Extraordinary gloom-pop duo <b>Hurts</b> have returned after 2 years since their amazing album <i>Surrender.</i> It's more of the same from the piano-stomper "The Beautiful Ones". Good thing the same tends to be 10/10 from Hurts. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Paramore</b> have gone full on pop this time around but haven't lost the guitar I see. "Hard Time" is the fun summer pop song that has enough quirks to make it not annoying. It's like 2007 all over again!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The former lover to pop goddesses <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b> and <b>Hilary Duff</b> known as <b>Matthew Koma</b> has released a new song with his friend <b>Jai Wolf</b>. "Dear Ana" is a subdued electronic anthem that is quite lovely and pairs with Koma's unique voice well. Matt has good taste in music and women. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pop perfectionist <b>Sofi de la Torre</b> is having a great 2017. Her single "$" is one of the best songs of the year and she begins her new song "Views of You" prepares you for continued excellence with the opening line of "Fuck Me Up". Sofi has made tons of absolutely killer tracks over the years and could really shake up the whole pop game. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Avante Black</b> came out with one of the best and most unique singles of last year "Drug Money". They have returned with the cool and dark rock-pop treat "Make A Mess". Another one to watch this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As if pop couldn't get weirder today, the new <b>Charlie Puth</b> song is quite good and does a perfect job at faking you out with two choruses. We'll have to forgive him for the "So Good" fiasco because "Attention" is something of a pop beast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is ridiculous. The new <b>Shawn Mendes</b> song is great. That's all I have to say. Pop is wild in 2017. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In another strange twist of pop fate, one of the best songs of today comes from ex-Outkast member <b>Big Boi</b> and <b>Adam Levine</b>. "Mic Jack" isn't your ordinary hip-hop track as it throws disco guitars and trance beats all over the place. Once again, 2017 is wild. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pop virtuoso <b>Shura</b> has remixed that brilliant <b>Astrid S </b>single. She has turned "Breathe" into an 80's <b>Madonna</b>-esque shimmering anthem that pairs well with Shura's "Nothing's Real". And there's a cowbell! It's been so long since I've heard cowbells in a good pop song. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>Magnettes</b> have taken <b>Icona Pop</b> and <b>Sharks'</b> place as the most fun girls (and boy!) on the Swedish block. They've already conquered 2017 with "Sad Girls Club" but they show diversity with the equally shouty and triumphant "Young and Wild".</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The new <b>Steps</b> album is here and it's beyond everything you can imagine. Uplifting Disco has not had a place in pop for a while but <i><b>Tears On The Dancefloor</b></i> gives a glitter filled middle finger to the haters. Other than <a href="http://nonstopontoppop.blogspot.com/2017/04/disco-ssion-lets-talk-about-steps.html">the earlier hits</a>, "Glitter & Gold" and the ABBA cover "Story Of A Heart" are obvious highlights. Who knew that Steps would be the ones to release the gayest album of the decade?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I've already made quite clear, the new <b>Lady Gaga</b> single might follow all of the radio trends of 2017 but considering Gaga has bucked trends for her entire career, the expected was the most unexpected move from her. "The Cure" deserves to be number one for at least 3 months</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The excellently named <b>Stockholm Noir</b> has released a subtlebanger of epic proportions called "Hopeless Dreams". The "take me to the South of France" part is my favorite. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The most Pisces song of this week comes from </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Stalking Gia</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> whose woozy and echo-filled "Siren" has brilliant lines like "We got lips to ruin" and "Never trust love". </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Lana Del Rey</b> has made the best song of her career since the Born to Die era. Thanks to <b>The Weeknd</b> and her newfound happiness, "Lust For Life" has all the bits that made us fall in love with Lana plus a new pop sensibility as seen in the chorus. It's nice to see someone thriving in 2017. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>DUA</b>. <b>LIPA</b>. IS. BACK. With <b>Miguel</b>. "Lost In Your Light" is her 6th official single and the time off appears to have paid off. The rumbling duet is exactly the top notch pop we've come to expect from Dua. This album is going ridiculously brilliant. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best new talents in a while has returned with the best song of the week. <b>Sigrid</b> killed the game with her internationally renowned "Don't Kill My Vibe" and now she is 2/2 with the equally as massive "Plot Twist". Not only does it have an arena-sized chorus, social media themed lyrics (including the amazing "SHOTS FIRED" line) but also the cover art features Sigrid wearing a scarf that has the song title on it. 10/10 power pop move Sigrid.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Plot Twist" as the finale. If you want to catch up with the best of the best, here is <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03">another playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-85661429443686564952017-04-18T06:57:00.004-07:002017-04-18T06:57:59.867-07:00The Next Big Thing: Get Into the 70's Dreamscape of Ralph<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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There are quite a few new artists I'm excited to introduce you to as they blossom into full grown pop superstars this year, but I wanted to start with the biggest and best one so far.<br />
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Canada is known for its irreverent take on pop, mixing sounds of yesterday with ingenious pop lyrics. <b>Nelly Furtado</b>, <b>Dragonette</b>, and <b>Carly Rae of Sunshine Jepsen</b> are a few examples of people who just GET IT. We can add another name to that list and it's the <b>Cher</b>-loving synth-popping Raffa Weyman AKA <b>Ralph</b>!</div>
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Based out of Toronto, Ralph first popped up on my radar (REFERENCE) with the sinister and sweet "Cold To The Touch", an ode to physical pleasure without any of the emotional baggage tied to it. From the chunky bass line to the smooth synths in the background, it's pretty immediate how Ralph is onto something special here. "I'm just trying to be honest, I'm not what you wanted." It takes a very special perspective to write anti-love songs but Ralph has mastered the art and can do even more.<br />
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She followed up this banger with the breakup anthem "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ndnc7HXGi4k">Something More</a>" that takes the sound of your first heartbreak and amplifies it into, well, something more! The line "at twenty-something, feels like losing forever" will likely shatter any hopeless romantic and the whimsical synths don't stop there. "Busy Man" is a slow burning Carly-esque ballad-banger that sees Ralph wanting to break her busy man down, no matter what her friends say. These songs all show a beautiful variety of tempos and subject matter but that all changed this year when she released literal pop monster "<b>Tease</b>".<br />
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One of the best songs of this year, "Tease" details Ralph calling a fuckboi out on his bullshit in much sweeter words. "You're writing love notes to every girl on the block, baby you should know us girls we talk". A lesson to be learned for sure but it's the synth-filled rush of a chorus that truly makes you tingle. The uncommon song structure, incredible lyrics, and sense of euphoria remind me of all the best songs I've ever listened to and having such a tremendous banger at the start of her career bodes well for Ralph.</div>
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After the release of "Tease", Ralph went ahead and released the best pop EP of the year so far. The self-titled collection includes all of her previous hits, other than early track "Trouble", plus two new songs. "Crocodile Tears" is one of my favorites and lines up nicely with "Cold To The Touch" in not dealing with a guy's antics. We'll have to wait and see what Ralph has up her sleeve next but just based on her pop trajectory so far, I hope she doesn't "Tease" us for long!</div>
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<i>You can follow Ralph on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/songsbyralph/">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/songsbyralph">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/songsbyralph/">Instagram</a>, and listen to her amazing EP on Spotify!</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-67922338442917400472017-04-17T05:50:00.001-07:002017-04-17T05:50:11.123-07:00Bye Bye Joanne, It's Nice To See You Again Gaga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Lady Gaga</b>. What a woman.</div>
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It's strange to think of a time when Lady Gaga has not been the defining force behind pop music since her debut in 2008. Who knew that a electropop-loving 80's obsessed diva from New York would change the world in such a humungous way? Even at her lowest point, threatening us with Americana rock and Bud Lite themed country ballads, Gaga has managed to come up with hits that carried her signature wit, charm, and charisma. But something has changed in Gaga, something for the better for her and for her fans.</div>
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Lady Gaga has slowly come out of her Joanne stupor in a wonderful way. From her amazing performance the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txXwg712zw4">Super Bowl</a> (reminding America of all the joy she brought in her 10 years in the industry) to her pop culture appearances in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpoYF-4MBto">Drag Race</a> and Coachella, Gaga has pieced together all the little parts of why we loved her in the first place. And without fail, she laid the final piece of puzzle to fully relaunch her status as a pop icon.</div>
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She debuted her new single "The Cure".</div>
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What can we say about his miraculous song? It's a completely on brand, feel good anthem that has touches of tropical house and Ariana-esque R&B that fits perfectly with the sound of 2017. The soft vocals during the verses show a rare side of Gaga that has not been at the forefront of her older bangers but we get the powerhouse of a chorus that has been Gaga's signature for a while. Dr. Gaga has officially solved the healthcare problem as she declares "I'LL FIX YOU WITH MY LOVE" on what should most definitely be a #1 single. In these dark times, seeing our pop queens like Gaga and Lana enjoying their lives is therapeutic and if "The Cure" is any indication of what is coming next, Lady Gaga can once again rule the world.</div>
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<i>"The Cure" came out yesterday and is already everywhere so get into this monster of a pop tune. You already follow her on everything because SHE'S FUCKING LADY GAGA!</i></div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-36163552801462816162017-04-16T17:32:00.002-07:002017-04-18T07:52:14.349-07:00NMF Thoughts From April 14 - featuring DNCE, Cazzi Opeia, RABBII, and more!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The trash song this week comes from <b>New Kids On The Block</b>, who have made a pseudo-ballad that sounds like Justin Bieber. The tune itself isn't bad but god, could they make cheesier lyrics? "Because of you I am thankful" It might be time to just stick to the hits NKOTB. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After her enjoyable debut album from last year and her amazing <b>Joe Hertz</b> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcvLW7Vw-JU">collab from this year</a>, <b>JONES</b> is here to lend her incredible voice to <b>CAZZETTE</b>'s "Hand Full Of Gold". The plus is that JONES still sounds great but too bad there's no chorus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Anne-Marie</b> has released her best single "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqob4D3BoZc">Ciao Adios</a>" this year and a trop-pop remix by <b>Jillionaire</b> has come out this year. It's actually quite good until the stuttering breakdown which takes all the fun out of the song. Tfw when you actually want tropical House to be actual tropical House...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Katy Perry</b> has also released a summery downtempo trip-hop remix of her quite good single "Chained to the Rhythm". This one features <b>Lil Yachty</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>PWR BTTM</b> HV A NW SNG CLLD "LOL". It has some shouting in it and is very psychedelic.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bryan Rice</b> appears to be a hat-wearing guitar lover. Not exactly unique image-wise, but his song "Warriors" surprisingly has a monster chorus that sounds like early solo Timberlake. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a lot of tropical House this week. It makes sense as summer approaches so everyone is throwing pineapples and marimbas at their tracks. <b>Phillip Cecil</b> has called up his friend <b>Jonas McConnell</b> on his new track "Dance The Night Away", one of the better trop-pop songs this week. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kendrick Lamar</b> has released an album from what I hear. I've only listened to a couple songs and they don't include U2 thankfully. "FEEL" has a nice breezy beat under Kendrick's spitfire raps while "LOYALTY" sees him team up with <b>Rihanna</b> "Phuck yo pride" Fenty on a woozy trap beat. It's all pretty expected but no less enjoyable to listen to. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Exhibitionist</b> has released the sublime and minimal electrobanger "Hands" that reminds me of <b>Kyla La Grange</b> at her best. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Swedish boy band <b>The Main Level</b> have recorded the most Spotify sounding song of the week called "My Guitar" that <b>The Chainsmokers</b> wish they could have recorded...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The brilliantly named <b>Joseph of Mercury</b> has made a <b>Coldplay</b>-esque song called "Find You Inside" that sounds dated but still lovely</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Noella Nix</b> is one of my favorite new artists and has released a steady stream of top notch singles for the past two years. Her newest is called "Faded" and it's a laid back banger with production by <b>Absinth3</b>. Based on the diversity and strength of her songs so far, her debut album is gonna be insane. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Electric Love" by <b>Serena Ryder</b> sounds like a Pink hit single from 2008. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>morgxn</b> is doing his best to sound like <b>Troye Sivan</b> but his new song "xx" (or kiss kiss) makes him sound like a unique new artist, so good job with that.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Legendary British band <b>Saint Etienne</b> is releasing a new album this year. It's first single "Magpie Eyes" is somewhat of a let down as the first taste of their new music but <b>Richard X</b> is involved in at least one song so we could have another "Tonight" on our hands!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Franc Moody</b> has made a slinky disco song called "Got The Light" that's instantly infectious </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kiiara</b> is back from singing with <b>Linkin Park</b> to make her unique vocal chop-pop. "Whippin" is her collab with <b>Felix Snow</b>, whose work you'll know from <b>Terror Jr.</b> It's a match made in heaven but would have been properly amazing with a better chorus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Australian rapper/superstar in the making <b>Tkay Maidza</b> is pushing more new music after her debut album from last year. "Glorious" sees her singing sweetly across trap beats. Like Kiiara, it could have had an actual chorus to match the fantastic pre-chorus. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As if the Steps comeback wasn't enough for 2017, <b>TLC</b> ARE COMING BACK! Their new song "Way Back" is everything from their 90's heyday with a nice pop sheen from today. It's honestly perfect and makes me excited for their final album coming out later this year. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Leo Kalyan</b> is slowly on the path to being the greatest pop star on the planet. His new single "Versailles" is his usual honest brand of romantic pop mixed with R&B and sounds like the perfect mix of <b>Troye Sivan</b> and <b>MNEK</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Blood Red Shoes</b> have made a scary electroclash song called "Eye To Eye". It's definitely not subtle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Kronic</b> and <b>Leon Thomas</b> have a slinky club anthem on their hands with "Rendezvous " that involves some surprisingly effective rapping and the ooo's in the chorus are also a smart addition. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bishop Briggs</b> has a new EP that fans of <b>Adele</b> and <b>Paloma Faith</b> will enjoy. "Fire" is a stomping highlight that really showcases how strong Bishop's voice is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Proficient pop person <b>LPX</b> has owned a record label and been part of a great band. Her solo career had a rocky start but "Trembling" puts her back on track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Alessia Cara </b>has made a song called "The Other Side" for the new Get Down soundtrack. It's no "Telepathy" but it's a pleasant ballad nonetheless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Swedish electropoppers <b>Little Dragon</b> have a new album out today full of mysterious underground club cuts. "Strobe Light" is my sexy slinky favorite. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cyrus sibling <b>Noah</b> is off on her pop journey. After the pleasant "Make Me (Cry)" ballad from last year, "Stay Together" feels like Noah's proper introduction to music. The lilting singing and the power chorus has the Cyrus family country twang. It's a solid 7/10 but I think Noah has some stuff even better up her sleeve. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Eden xo</b> is one of the most fun pop stars of the past decade and her new song about how her punani "Drips Gold" is a brash Bollywood banger. The help from<b> Raja Kumari</b> definitely comes in handy but an Eden album would be great any day now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Canadian pop band and living legends <b>DRAGONETTE</b> have collaborated with <b>Plastic Plates</b> for cool subdued house banger "Leave A Light On" that has a small dose of tropicalness to it but remains rooted firmly in pop territory. Have they ever made a bad song?!?!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Superwalkers</b> are basically the Swedish <b>Empire of the Sun</b> and they've come out with a banger-ballad called "I Got You" that pairs the boys breezy vocal with some deep bass to great effect. Another pair to watch out for. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Molly Kate Kestner</b> is a Youtuber turned pop star whose new single "Prom Queen" sounds like a perfect mix of <b>Marina</b> and <b>Foxes</b>. Very dramatic this one. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tinie Tempah</b> does some of the coolest things with hip hop, rap, and electronica. His new album out today includes the amazing "<a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22560%22%20height=%22315%22%20src=%22https://www.youtube.com/embed/x64HLhaEGc0%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E">Text From Your Ex</a>" and his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEiva3cMv6k">Zara Larsson collab</a>. He also teamed up with<b> MNEK </b>on "Not For The Radio" that just might have my favorite rap by him ever. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <b>Steps</b> comeback remains as amazing as I've imagined. Their new song "You Make Me Whole" is the Europop love song of yesterday that you didn't know you needed in your life. This album is going to wreck our lives won't it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"New Friends" hitmakers <b>RABBII</b> have popped up on the <b>Solarstone</b> track "Untitled Love". It's a really great pensive electrostorm of a love song that sounds like the kind of thing <b>Robyn</b> should have come back with. RABBII seem like one of those bands that will randomly make one of the greatest albums ever don't they?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I don't know who this is or where it came from but <b>Lüstgas</b> have made the brilliantly titled "Techno Parties" that sounds like a <b>Xenomania</b> song and is just a ridiculously fun new wave song that we can imagine the <b>Pet Shop Boys</b> absolutely loving. They also mention <b>Donna Summer</b> and call the DJ a fool before exploding at the end, so it's just a win all around. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the most insane collaboration today, we have Swedish pop singer <b>Cazzi Opeia</b> teaming up with Korean artist <b>Jin x Jin</b>. It's pretty crazy from the first note. The chorus is about fucking <b>Bruno Mars</b> and <b>Nicki Minaj</b> before talking about having a threesome with "Batman & Robin". It's bonkers and stupid and amazing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>DNCE</b> have made a triumphant return after their somewhat disappointing debut album last year. "Kissing Strangers" is the perfect follow up to "Cake By The Ocean", thanks to<b> Justin Tranter</b>'s constant brilliance, and even exceeds it by being a ridiculous rock pop song with a little bit of romance at its heart. And Nicki's appearance just enhances its bonkermazingness. It's nice hearing Joe and Nicki having fun again, and that's what pop music is all about right?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is a playlist of all the highlights of this week, with "Kissing Strangers" as the finale. If you want to catch up with </span>the<span style="font-family: inherit;"> best of the best, here is </span><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03">another</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03"> playlist</a> for 2017 pop hits!</span></i></span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-90498668986058283592017-04-13T08:31:00.001-07:002017-04-13T08:31:39.785-07:00Disco-ssion: Let's Talk About The Steps Comeback<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Disco-ssion is a feature where I give you the correct take on important pop events. It's like I'm a real music journalism site!</i></div>
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Today it's time to finally talk about about the comeback of one of the most successful British pop groups of the 2000's. They have had multiple top 10 singles, iconic videos, and more dance routines than a Broadway musical. They took a break for the past couple of years but decided to make a full on comeback this year. </div>
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It's not Girls Aloud. It's not the Sugababes. What a TRAGEDY those breakups were but...</div>
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STEPS IS BACK!</h4>
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For the uninitiated, <b>Steps</b> were a British pop group that created some of the most campy pop this side of ABBA but remained widely popular during their reign in the late 90's and early 2000s. Hits like "Tragedy", "One For Sorrow", "Stomp", and the unstoppable "5 6 7 8" defined this era of Britpop. With their breakup in 2001, a huge space was open in the pop market for ridiculousness. Luckily, best member <b>Lisa Scott-Lee</b> decided to make the amazing "<a href="https://vimeo.com/36964816">Lately</a>" along with a pretty good debut album before <a href="https://www.muumuse.com/2017/03/lisa-scott-lee-mtv-series.html/">visually recording her own downfall</a> (another TRAGEDY).<br />
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After a short-lived revival back in 2012, the group has come back together to save our souls in the hellish landscape of 2017. With a brand new wave of energy and a killer lead single, Steps is back to show how much fun and drama pop music can have. This is all evident on their Eurovision-conquering single "Scared of The Dark", a song so inherently Steps that you think feel like they never left in the first place.<br />
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It follows their winning formula: Claire and Faye take the lead on vocals, with Claire giving the earthquakingly brilliant line "give me the bright lights of the dance floor / to shine inside this broken heart of mine" before a dramatic piano and string-filled pre-chorus make way for a chorus so incredibly drama-filled <b>Donna Summer</b> would be jealous. The boys maintain their status as eye candy while Lisa Scott-Lee comes through to command her verse and all the members maintain their skill at those wonderful dance routines. Then when you think it can't get any more insane, THERE IS A GODDAMN KEY CHANGE. You will never get music like this from any other group on the planet ever again so receiving this is one of the biggest gifts 2017 will give us. </div>
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As if things couldn't get better, Steps are embarking on a 22 date tour of the UK to promote their new album coming out in 2 weeks. This album is notable not only for its cover of Benny and Bjorn's (from ABBA) "Story Of The Heart" but also its title <b><i>"Tears On The Dancefloor"</i></b>, which I will forever assert as the greatest album title that anyone will ever come up with for the rest of eternity. So while 2017 might feel like the darkness is coming to hold you, just know that with Steps around this year, we'll never be SCARED OF THE POP.</div>
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(That pun was awful, I know but there are no regrets when it comes to Steps)</div>
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<i>Follow Steps on <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialSteps">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/officialsteps/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf">Facebook</a> before Tears On The Dancefloor comes out on April 21st!</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-21900467471209578122017-04-12T07:07:00.003-07:002017-04-12T07:07:25.722-07:00Just When You've Lost All Hope, Natasha Bedingfield Is Staging A Comeback<div style="text-align: center;">
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While 2017 has already produced one of the greatest comebacks in all of history (more on that soon), we do have something to tell you with THESE WORDS. They may have been UNWRITTEN at one point but on this clear bright day you have to capture your POCKETFUL OF SUNSHINE before it's too late to....</div>
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Alright that's enough. <b>Natasha Bedingfield</b> appears to be planning a comeback of sorts and we're into it.</div>
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Natasha is one of those pop stars that you don't really want to evolve as an artist. If we could just get various incarnations of her hit singles, I would be happy. Her feel good acoustic pop defined the mid-2000s and her voice remains a unique force to this day. By now, she has actually released THREE new songs, signaling a new motivation to match her music to her amazing social media presence!</div>
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The first is solo single "Let Go", which is basically as Natasha as you will ever get. An uplifting Nestea™-approved bop that quietly glides with her signature guitar licks on top of an on trend 2017 synth line. While it's certainly not bad, it's almost too predictable. Even when she tries to surprise you with that scream in the chorus, "Let Go" remains underwhelming.</div>
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Her most recent song is a collaboration with <b>Art House</b> so get ready for ELECTROBedingfield. While Natasha is no stranger to the dance floor after last year's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAsAVUqnvrY">Unicorn</a>", this song is a much more defined vision that melds Natasha's romantic imagery with sweeping beats. "Love Looks Like" sees Natasha wanting to know what love looks like from her lover. While this is more of a ballad than a full on banger, that chorus reminds you just how incredible that voice can be.<br />
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Strangely, my favorite song of Natasha's new output is her contribution to the Tangled TV adaptation. As I mentioned previously, Natasha is at her best when she has her trusty old guitar with a feel-good theme and folk beats at her disposal. "More Of Me" sounds like it could have been a #1 single in 2001 and is the power-pop anthem that you've always Natasha to give you. It's good to have any singer try their hand at success again and we're just lucky the "Unwritten" star still has it in her.</div>
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All of Natasha's new songs are on Spotify and you can keep up with her on <a href="https://twitter.com/natashabdnfield">Twitter</a> and her amazing <a href="https://www.facebook.com/natashabedingfield/">Facebook</a> page.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-16364782632377378772017-04-11T06:33:00.001-07:002017-04-11T06:34:47.817-07:00New Music Friday (NMF) Thoughts from April 7 - featuring Harry Styles, Grace Mitchell, The Aces, etc.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">harrysimpact.tumblr.com</td></tr>
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(Harry has the song of the week)</div>
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<i>NMF Thoughts is a weekly section where I type my thoughts about all the new music that comes out on Friday as I listen to it. It's basic live tweeting that gets compiled so it's less annoying. All thoughts are subject to change with future listening. ENJOY!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The trop-pop shit song of the week is by some people named <b>Fake Pictures</b> and called "Two Princes". It samples some rock song (NB: apparently it's a Spin Doctors song) that is on the tip of my tongue but turns it into a pineappley mess</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I listened to one song on <b>The Chainsmokers</b> new album out today called "Break Up Every Night". It's about a girl wanting to break up with The Chainsmokers dude before wanting to "fuck me back to life"... if I were her, I would stick to her guns and just break up with these losers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sigrid</b> is a new Norwegian artist whose single "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzonQoON9eo">Don't Kill My Vibe</a>" has made some impressive waves across the world. It makes sense since it's a monster of a song with a powerful chorus that would make Kelly Clarkson envious. Today, remixer <b>Gryffin</b> has turned it into a Chainsmokers song. How sad 😭 </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Banks</b> has made a surprising return with her new single "Crowded Places". A minimalist ballad that is strangely romantic for Banks, but quite enjoyable for a Friday morning</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>JP Cooper</b> made a genuinely amazing song last year about the least appreciate month called "September Song". His new single however, is boring and unimpressive soul pop. One hit wonder alert...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>LANY</b> have won the synth band promoting an album with their new song "It Was Love", a song that hits you right where it hurts</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dutch EDM raver <b>Tiesto</b> has remixed the tropical<b> Selena Gomez</b> song into a dreamy anthem before going to safe bass heavy territory for the chorus. It's an improvement for sure but when do you think we'll get a proper Selena single?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The She Wolf herself <b>SHAKIRA</b> has returned. Her Spanish single "Me enamoré" is wonderful radio-friendly pop that sounds just weird enough to be interesting. Just like "She Wolf" don't you think? A true revolutionary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The artwork for <b>Theia</b>'s song "Treat You Right" involves her face studded with a rose. Lovely. The song is pleasant but sounds like everything else on Spotify.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">English singer <b>Kate Nash</b> made one of my favorite songs in 2007 "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ryH5cga0yUI">Foundations</a>". She seems to have cleaned up the language since then but her new single "Call Me" strikes the perfect balance of bratty and romantic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tara Carosielli</b> has made a nice industrial pop song called "Holloway Road" that sounds like early <b>Charli XCX</b>. It explodes by the end in a magnificent synth storm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Skylar Fri</b> has made a downtempo ballad banger "Better" that's quite beautiful in how straightforward and orchestral it is</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ruth B.</b> is back with another boring song, this one's a piano ballad... 😪</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dave</b> is a very ordinarily- named UK rapper who has a single called "Revenge" out which is too weird to be good or bad, it's just there.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>RAC</b> has roped in Charli XCX's BFF and Vampire Weekend member <b>Rostam</b> on their bass heavy and wonderfully strange "This Song".</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Norwegian superstar <b>Astrid S</b> has already made one of the best songs this year with "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUeaY6IN-RU">Breathe</a>" but her new song "Bloodstream" has a strange structure, going from beat heavy verses to dreamy distorted choruses and just as cool as her last single . There is a whole EP coming soon!!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Beth Ditto</b> is the front woman of rock-pop group <b>Gossip</b>. She made a really amazing electropop EP 6 years ago but it looks like she is officially setting on a solo journey with new single "Fire" that sounds like Elle King and Adele had an angry baby together. It's quite something. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Halsey</b> has started her new album promo with a pretty great music video for new single "Now or Never". It's safe to say that it's a creative dead end when you realize the chorus is Rihanna's "Needed Me" but it sets up the<i> hopeless fountain kingdom</i> era quite well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bright Sparks</b> are a pop duo who featured on <b>Tiesto</b>'s breezy "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KW_5P1fkws">On My Way</a>" and have a pretty chill electro feel evident on their song "Wildfire". They amp up the poptastic element on their new single "Supernatural" with harder beats and cascading synths. Get excited for these guys!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spelling bee losers <b>LVNDSCAPE</b> and <b>Kaptan</b> have come in this Friday with a quite interesting country-EDM-trop pop song called "Walk Away" that you expect to be horrible but ends up being elegant and danceable so I guess don't judge a book by its cover</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Scarlet Pleasure</b> are a Swedish trio that make bass heavy funky synth pop who sort of disappeared in 2015. They've come back with "Deja Vu" and it's a pretty good song with a little too much going on. In a couple more releases, they should feel more relaxed and create something really amazing </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The face-lacking songstress <b>Elohim</b> is back with new song "Skinny Legs". It takes a long while to get going but it's just off kilter and menacing enough to be interesting. It's not as good as "Hallucinating" but anything we can get from Elohim must be appreciated.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Living breathing Swedish cartoon <b>Dolly Style</b> have returned with their first ballad-banger titled "Bye Bye Bby Boo" Trust me, it's actually a brilliant and heartfelt breakup anthem that will exceed your expectations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Singer-songwriter <b>Sarah Hudson</b> has written a lot of your favorite songs including tracks for <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KSOMA3QBU0">Katy Perry,</a> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3u22OYqFGo">Iggy Azalea</a>, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBHL2eW0yJU">Charli XCX</a>. Today she releases her EP "Songs from the Sea", the most Pisces collection of pop songs whose lyricism references mermaids, tarot cards, and gypsies. It's really hard to pick a favorite but "Gypsy Girl" is one of the most fascinating songs of the past decade and "Voices" is the deep house banger that pushes the pop envelope (the lyric video is quite sexy as well ;).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jai Wolf</b> has returned with a brilliant synth banger titled "Starlight". It's hazy and dreamy and gives you tingles with 80's synths and drums all over the place. Seriously, what a song!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite French act <b>YELLE</b> IS BACK. Their new single "Interpassion" sounds exactly like what you want from Yelle in 2017. The best line is "Do you speak Portuguese" and the Made in China refrain. You can always count on the French can't you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>The Aces</b> are an all female band with a California rock-pop feel that play instruments who released the fantastic "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vA6sDKKDx9Q">Stuck</a>" last year. While they've been building hype since then, "Physical" is only their second release, about wanting something more than a physical relationship and is a solid 9/10 on first listen. If you like <b>HAIM</b> and <b>MUNA</b> (like any sane human being) these girls are right up your alley</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAZIyOBN2RI">Jitter</a>" by <b>Grace Mitchell</b>? That bonkermazing song from 2015 that had French randomly thrown in? Well she has finally made another magnificent song. It's called "Now" and starts off boring before erupting into fast paced synth pop that I dare say sounds like some of <b>Girls Aloud</b>'s weirder songs. There is no higher praise I can give. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All right, it's time to talk about <b>Harry Styles</b> debut single, the six minute long opus "Sign of The Times". You already know it's gonna be a hit but you hope it's just a pop juggernaut to match his cultural effect. It's a piano and guitar driven torch ballad that progresses to a pretty massive chorus. The obvious Beatles and Queen references are there but it's really when he goes up an octave that we get a true pop sense of Harry's music. It's not what I was expecting but might even be better than I thought. We'll have to see where he goes from here but you know what? At least it's better than Zayn and Niall's debut singles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've compiled the songs into a playlist that you can listen to, with the dud at the beginning and Harry's killer single at the bottom. There is also a lasting list that I will keep going for all of 2017 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/sgourkanti31/playlist/0qJR6CRJn2ciXNT6MpnE03">here</a>!</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-73836143114068924122017-04-10T09:26:00.002-07:002017-04-10T09:26:47.918-07:00NSOTP AND CARLY RAE JEPSEN ARE BACK<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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This blog title should give you goosebumps.</div>
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Yes, I have returned. 2017 has been a shitstorm of a year so far. As I try to ignore the implosion of both my own life and the world around me, I turn to the one thing in life that makes it worth living: POP.</div>
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Q1 has not exactly been a banger-filled extravaganza of extraordinary proportions as I had hoped. <b>Charli XCX</b> and <b>Lorde</b> have done their best to hold down the fort but as anyone who has lived through a time of Gaga, Robyn, Madonna and Kylie knows, you just want <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixzIDJdHVro">More, More, More</a> (REFERENCE).</div>
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Which brings us to today. As I sit here trying to escape the mundane and frankly soul-crushing realities of life, a queen has come through to provide me some relief. Some people may know her as the Canadian songbird who engages in insane flirtations with people she just met. Some know her as the woman <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vf78alvpxRM">who went out last night, and plans on going out tonight again</a>. Some know her as really really really really really really liking you. And some know her as *insert life-altering saxophone melody here*. That person is <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b>, or as I know her <b>Carlesus Raemmaculate Jepseption</b>.</div>
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Carly has been teasing us with updates about her new disco <b>ABBA</b>-influenced album that comes after her unnecessarily brilliant <b>EMOTION: SIDE B</b> collection. And when she isn't making hyper cartoon bangers and superfluous 90's covers, Carly continues to be the pop ingenue whose skills at crafting songs have the power to stop a million gay hearts at a time. Today she proves her power with another pop banger called "Cut To The Feeling".</div>
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Apparently originally supposed to be included in Side B, the song has been included in animated French-Canadian film <i>Leap! </i>where the Rae of Light herself voices a character. The song itself was leaked recently and while I don't support the early release of music, I do support top notch tunes from CRJ (Apparently there is another song called "Runaways" that we might hear when the film is released in August!). The track follows the EMOTIONal theme of uplifting synth pop with a head rush of a chorus, where Carly wants to dance on a roof and "CUT TO THE FEELING".<br />
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The song itself is 90% chorus, AS ALL MAJOR POP RELEASES SHOULD BE. The spoken word bits from the movie don't mess with the listening experience too much. The part where some man says "That really is my girlfriend" just proves that Carly is the Queen of no longer having Boy Problems. It's fitting that I return to music writing for Carly. Her music has helped me through my hardest times just like <b>Kylie Minogue</b> and it's something we could all use right now. Hopefully this signals a new rush of music from her and we can all CUT TO THE FEELING of having a new Jepsen album in our hands.<br />
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You already follow Carly on everything so why don't you just listen to "Cut To the Feeling"</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5161576525348384700.post-9521241687434801622017-01-05T08:00:00.001-08:002017-01-05T08:05:03.637-08:00The Best Singles of 2016<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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I'm back just as 2016 is over. And as <b>Tove Lo</b> forewarned us in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLEVRNV4CVQ">last year's best single</a>, our relationship with this godforsaken year has basically just been a TI-I-I-IMEBOMB. But now that it's done, and we look back at the pop music, it's hard to be cynical when some of the best songs ever have come out.</div>
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So, I'm here to pick out the 50 best singles that were released in 2016. All of these are solid 10/10s and a few surprises have come through. So get ready to listen to ALL THE POP HITS (and I'll also be identifying each of their BEST BITS)</div>
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50. "Burnt Out" by Tom Aspaul</h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This year's list kicks off with <b>Tom Aspaul</b>. Along with making one of the best EPs of the year, Tom has also been one of the premiere songwriters of the past 3 years, having cornered the chill deep house sound in pop without being too retro. It's great to have one of his own songs in the end of the year list, especially when "Burnt Out" could have almost been a Mutya Keisha Siobhan hit (just imagine...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Best Bit: </b>"We're Burnt Out, like a star/ dragging me back to you and my heart aches"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because we've all been there and that's a line only Tom could really pull off.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">49. "Love On Me" by Galantis & Hook N Sling</span></h4>
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EDM has firmly been abandoned and the dance community has embraced the trop-pop sound that was so much fun towards the end of 2015. However, like many other things, 2016 made this trend sound so banal and unimpressive, especially when you consider the endless covers that throw a marimba and think it's a good song. <b>Galantis</b>, on the other hand, have been on the cutting edge of forward thinking dance-pop hybrids since 2015 and "Love On Me" is one of those rare songs that sounds like it was a blast to make as much as it is to listen to.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The transition at 0:48 when it turns from a standard Galantis banger into a waterpark theme song, complete with a xylophone refrain!</div>
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48. "UDSM" by KLOE</h4>
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<b>KLOE</b> could have used this song title as a double entendre, coupled with a bondage themed video. Regardless, "UDSM" takes KLOE's signature vocal chopping and morph it into a dark pop hit for the rising superstar. 2017 should be a good year for her and <a href="https://twitter.com/KLOEmusic">KLOE's Twitte</a>r is also really great so make sure to check that out.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>I recently realized that KLOE actually says the words of the chorus within the first few lines of the song, and that just shows a strength of songwriting that is extraordinary. However, the best bit is by far the line "You don't care and you don't see / cuz I've heard that you've been fucking that girl Emily", because we all know that bitch Emily...</div>
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47. "The Sound" by The 1975</h4>
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<b>The 1975</b>'s newfound success can be attributed to learning one of the basic principles of pop: you can't go wrong with throwing in a house piano at an already fun retro-leaning bop. The second person perspective and lyrical content are still some of the best things about The 1975 and are put on full display in "The Sound". There is something special about a band that can have their superstar moment during the often disappointing sophomore album deal.</div>
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<b>Best Bit</b>: With lines like "A sycophantic prophetic Socratic junkie wannabe" and "a simple epicurean philosophy", the best bit is probably the lyrics as whole. Funny how vocabulary and metaphors can turn a cliche pop track into something really amazing.</div>
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46. "One Dance" by Drake featuring WizKid & Kyla</h4>
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I am not a fan of <b>Drake</b>. His sad boy rapping sounds like whining to me and his lyrics about square roots of 69 are more nauseating than clever. However, even I have to admit when someone comes up with a good song, and when you consider its impact on the charts, you can see why this dancehall pop song stuck as the song of the summer.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: Kyla</b>'s wistful vocals add some depth to the song that Drake can't muster but the relentless beat is definitely the best part of "One Dance".</div>
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45. "Cool Me Down" by Margaret</h4>
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This Polish pop singer accomplished two really amazing things. First off, <b>Margaret</b> managed to create the perfect Rihanna single without even trying, with "Cool Me Down" being a perfect global hit paired with sassy lyrics. But what's even more impressive is that "Cool Me Down" is such a good pop song, Poland made a petition to have Margaret represent them at Eurovision. Let me say that again. AN ENTIRE COUNTRY MADE A PETITION FOR "COOL ME DOWN". Now that's a good pop song.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b> For the song, it's the line "I'm dancing like flames and nothing can cool me down". But for the video, it has to be when Margaret dances in front of a CGI WHALE.</div>
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44. "Shout Out to My Ex" by Little Mix</h4>
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While <b>Little Mix</b> has been on the forefront of the girl group game, "Shout Out to My Ex" does not exactly sound like a Little Mix hit. This may be due to the fact that it sounds like a <a href="https://www.vevo.com/watch/grl/Ugly-Heart/USRV81400259"><b>G.R.L.</b> hit</a>. Regardless, both of those songs were amazing and Little Mix has another great single coming out soon that will likely make next year's best song list!</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The line "You made my heart break and that made me who I am" is quite resonant, but this is likely due to <b>Camille Purcell </b>writing this song (and many other amazing songs this year, she's one to watch for sure).</div>
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43. "Tilted" by Christine and the Queens</h4>
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While this song was technically released in 2014 as "Christine", I have never stopped loving it. So it was a miracle when Christine finally released "Tilted" and it became the enigmatic singer's breakthrough (although the French version is definitely superior). "Tilted" also reminds me of all the best features of my alt-pop faves: <b>Florence and the Machine</b>'s unique voice, <b>Marina and the Diamonds</b>' genius lyricism, and <b>Christine and the Queens</b>' instant cool factor. Imagine if they came together and made the greatest girl group since the Sugababes!</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The French breakdown that remains from the original version is exactly why Christine is the one of the best new superstars around.</div>
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42. "Taped Up Heart" by KREAM featuring Clara Mae</h4>
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With the rise of the Chainsmokers, the market for sad dance songs featuring female vocalists is much greater. On the other hand, the Chainsmokers have made mediocre songs that fit this category. "Taped Up Heart" shows just how amazing trap music and Swedish songwriting combined can be. Although <b>KREAM</b> roped in ex Ace of Bass member <b>Clara Mae</b> for this song, if you close your eyes and just imagine, you can almost hear how this song was made for Tove Lo. Some food for thought there.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>"All I want to do is go to sleep / with my taped up heart and my open bottle" Something straight from a cynic's private journal. Cynicism also works well in pop music I'll have you know.</div>
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41. "One Strike" by All Saints</h4>
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In terms of come backs of this year, <b>All Saints</b> blew everyone out of the water. "One Strike" is magical in that it sounds like a simultaneous contemporary and classic hit single. It's also special in that I can't imagine any other group singing it. Truly one of the best parts of 2016.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>Considering this song was written about Nicole Appleton's breakup, the best part has to be her lines during the bridge that are able to very personal as well as relatable. Especially the "I had everything that you needed" bit.</div>
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40. "That's So Us" by Allie X</h4>
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The fact that <b>Allie X</b> has come up with the first real love song on this list just shows how sad 2016 was. But that doesn't take away from the brilliance of the romance detailed in "That's So Us". A hipster love song about cool kids and how they care about each other. Allie X's new album is shaping up to be another very special Collxtion and I believe Allie could become the pop savior to shake things up in the coming years.</div>
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<b>Best Bits: </b>The "You make me not wanna die" line is objectively the best part but what really sticks is the "We're both a lot to handle / I'm a Leo, you're a Cancer" line in the chorus. When your pop song is astrologically accurate, you know you have a winner.</div>
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39. "You Don't Know Love" by Olly Murs</h4>
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There's something to be said when you manage to create your best single 5 albums into your career. It also helps that "You Don't Know Love" is basically Carly Rae Jepsen's millennium-defining duo marathon anthem "Run Away With Me". It's also lucky for Olly that he got <b>Camille Purcell</b> to write it for him. Could we suggest your next single be based off Icona Pop's "I Love It" next time Olly?</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The "lies lies lies / love dies dies dies / good bye bye bye" rhyming bit really sticks with you so good job Olly and Camille.</div>
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38. "Last Dance" by Dua Lipa</h4>
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And here we have the first entry by 2016's breakout star. "Last Dance" remains just as mystical and starry as the first time I heard it. A gypsy sounding banger that mixes <b>Dua Lipa</b>'s knack for creating a dark atmosphere with her husky voice with lovelorn lyrics. But what makes "Last Dance" really amazing is how it sounds like no other song out there.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The piano banging chorus is certainly the best part. "Dive in this romance" is one of the best lines in a love song ever.</div>
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37. "Rockabye" by Clean Bandit featuring Sean Paul & Anne-Marie</h4>
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Here we have one of the best surprises of 2016: an Ace of Bass leaning trop-pop song about a single mom taking care of her son with some classical strings thrown in for kicks. <b>Clean Bandit</b> have always been a reliable force when it comes to making innovative pop songs but the fact that "Rockabye" has spent the past two months at number 1 in the UK. It also signals <b>Anne-Marie</b>'s superstar moment, as she really carries the song from start to finish. And we can't forget about featuring artist extraordinaire of 2016, <b>Sean Paul</b>. "Rockabye" definitely wins the award for best collaboration of the year.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>Sean Paul's "DAILY STRUGGLE", because it sums up 2016 better than any way we know.</div>
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36. "Parachute" by Kaiser Chiefs</h4>
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At the beginning of 2016, I realized that 2015 was the sole year where a elegant banger by <b>Xenomania </b>didn't end up being in the end of the year list. They were dark days. Then <b>Kaiser Chiefs</b> came along with the promise of a Xenomania produced album and released "Parachute". In terms of Xeno-excellence, I can't necessarily call it original but if a band can recreate the stunning brilliance of "The Loving Kind", you can't help but get chills.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The pre-chorus is all shades of amazing, mixing Girls Aloud and Kylie Minogue at their most magical.</div>
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35. "Wasn't My Fault" by Christie & The Dream Beats</h4>
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<b>Zara Larsson</b> narrowly missed out on this year's list with her subtle take on stealing a girl's man. But <b>Christie & The Dream Beats</b> said fuck off to subtlety and created a <b>Kelly Clarkson</b> banger that openly discussed how it's totally cool to steal your friend's man. Seriously, we need more songs like this in the pop sphere. (There are also 3 different versions of the song, with the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RkLw4tfHj8Y">Moonlight version</a> being a personal favorite.)</div>
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<b>Best Bits: </b>Definitely the part in the chorus where Christie states "But what I supposed to do? I was there, he was there, LOOKING GORGEOUS" If that isn't a good enough excuse to steal someone's man, I don't know what is.</div>
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34. "Me & The Sea" by Full Of Keys</h4>
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The award for the most Pisces song of the year is a coveted yet often under appreciated title in pop music. It has to balance heartbreaking romance with a sweeping gesture of melancholy. This year, <b>Full Of Keys</b> takes that honor with the ballad banger "Me & The Sea", an ode to the ocean and how it will always be there for you. You can't go wrong with that sentiment.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>"Oh it's the perfect company, it is the only friend I need" YOU CAN'T GET MORE PISCENE THAN THAT!</div>
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33. "Hardcore Heartbreak" by Cilia</h4>
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<b>Cilia</b> was the winner of last year's Pisces prize and she has not stopped making amazing music. "Hardcore Heartbreak" is not only an amazing title, it is a classic Scandinavian power pop song with a monster chorus. At this rate, we could have an incredible debut album by Cilia in 2023.</div>
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<b>Best Bit:</b> The middle eight is a gargantuan slice of pop music that would make Christina jealous.</div>
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32. "Hole In My Soul" by Kaiser Chiefs</h4>
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While "Parachute" sounds like a pop hit for <b>Girls Aloud</b> (#NEVERFORGET), but "Hole In My Soul" is the Xenomania banger created just for <b>Kaiser Chiefs</b>. It also sounds like it was meant to play on the dance floor of a wedding. And sometimes all you need in life is a wedding banger.</div>
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<b>Best Bit:</b> In the last chorus, Ricky changes up the last line to "There's a hole in my soul, that a galaxy could fit through", a smart pop move that effectively keeps you coming back for more.</div>
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31. "My Girl" by The Fooo Conspiracy</h4>
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The fall of One Direction left a huge hole in the boy band market. Luckily, Sweden was always ready to step up to the plate. <b>The Fooo Conspiracy</b> made three consecutively smart and modern electropop singles this year, with "My Girl" being the cream of the crop thanks to the saxophone. Their upcoming single is sure to be a hit at Melodifestivalen 2017.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>Every time the saxophone riff comes on. We can't help but think that that's the part <b>Erik Hassle</b> wrote, another Swedish pop star who has been doing great this year.</div>
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30. "The Greatest" by Sia featuring Kendrick Lamar</h4>
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"Cheap Thrills" almost made it on the list but it was "The Greatest" that proved to be the greatest <b>Sia</b> song. At a time when life has proven to be unbearable, we are lucky to have Sia in our lives for the overcoming adversity anthems we need to survive. The video is also a wonderful representation of Sia's artistry at its finest.</div>
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<b>Best Bit</b>: When Sia screams at the end of the pre-chorus into the chorus, that "NO NO NO" is just great.</div>
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29. "The Pop Kids" by Pet Shop Boys</h4>
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Having been in the game for decades, it's remarkable that the <b>Pet Shop Boys</b> continue to create pop singles that are witty, smart, and charismatic in more ways than we can count. Considering "The Pop Kids" is a celebration of pop lovers, we had to include it on our list. Every time you hear it, it will remind you of all the fun that pop music brought you when you were younger and how much fun it still makes you now.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>"WE LOVE THE POP HITS, AND QUOTED THE BEST BITS" The line that started it all...</div>
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28. "Somebody Else" by The 1975</h4>
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Songs over 5 minutes long tend to be held back by a boring build up leading to an unsatisfactory chorus and you feel like everyone has let you down. "Somebody Else" on the other hand remains consistently fantastic by constantly morphing into something new. In the end, The 1975 have made a timeless pop ballad that surprised me by how much I was drawn to it.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>"I don't want your body, but I hate to think about you with somebody else" The 1975 show just how well they can tune into the human psyche.</div>
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27. "Boy Problems" by Carly Rae Jepsen</h4>
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Is it really a surprise that the impact of the Pop Holy Scripture E•MO•TION by the actual incarnation of about 5 different deities <b>Carly Rae Jepsen</b> has trickled into 2016? No, it shouldn't be. "Boy Problems" was a standout when we first heard it and if one good thing were to happen this year, it's that Carly Rae Jepsen has maintained her consistency as a pop goddess.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The conversational singing throughout the song is all shades of Gwen Stefani amazingness.</div>
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26. "That's My Girl" by Fifth Harmony</h4>
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<b>Fifth Harmony</b> surprised everyone by not only becoming the best girl group to come out of America in a decade, but also producing more than one amazing single from one album. "That's My Girl" is great in that it mixes all the kitschy elements from their earlier hits with actual girl group swagger that makes their appeal universal and credible. And when they name check <b>Destiny's Child</b>, you really believe that Fifth Harmony has found their confidence.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>I thought it would be Normani's pre-chorus rap but the best bit is Lauren going "You've been down before, you've been hurt before, you got up before, you'll be good to go" Now that is what makes a #GirlGroupHit</div>
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25. "True Disaster" by Tove Lo</h4>
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Here comes the sad-pop siren of Sweden <b>Tove Lo</b> with another on brand hurricane of anti-romantic synth pop. When making this list, I had originally placed "True Disaster" higher up, but it kept proving too relentless of a banger to ignore. This one sounds especially Swedish, with the chugging synths drawing from the best of <b>Robyn</b>. Speaking of Robyn, can 2017 please bring her back to the spotlight? I'm sure Tove would love a duet on Lady Wood Part 2.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: "</b>Keep playing my heartstrings faster and faster, you could be just what I want, MY TRUE DISASTER!" The chorus is almost "Habits" level smash you over the head with its brilliance level amazing.</div>
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24. "Perfect Illusion" by Lady Gaga</h4>
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Out of all the tracks that were somehow scrounged up for Joanne, "Perfect Illusion" is the one that stands out as the most Gaga at its heart. When you consider all the shit she had to deal with, we can understand the frustration that could have led to "Perfect Illusion", but I can't help but think how amazing a happier Gaga album would sound like. Nonetheless, PI remains a simple yet addictive addition to her discography, up there with "Born This Way" and "Edge of Glory". Sorry Monster haters.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: Lady Gaga</b>'s bridges have always been her best work and "Perfect Illusion" is no exception. The "Where are you? Cos I can't see, but I feel you watching me" line is really really great.</div>
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23. "Tears" by Clean Bandit featuring Louisa Johnson</h4>
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Every time I hear "Tears", I can imagine <b>Gloria Gaynor</b> wishing this could have been the sequel to "I Will Survive." Even the way it starts as a disco ballad before ramping to a disco banger is iconic. <b>Louisa Johnson</b> could just be the best female solo winner the X Factor has seen since Leona Lewis. And that <b>Clean Bandit</b> album is shaping up to be extraordinary also.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>When the song explodes after the middle 8, you can't help but wail along to Louisa's "I DON'T NEED YOU TO CALL ME TONIGHT, I DON'T NEED YOU TO SEE IF I'M ALL RIIIIIIGHT"</div>
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22. "Kiss You Better" by Rihanna</h4>
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It's been 4 years since a truly amazing <b>Rihanna</b> single came along. But "Kiss You Better" is within Rihanna's top 10 singles EVER and remains a shining sultry cabaret rock highlight on ANTI. But perhaps more importantly, it is <b>Teddy Sinclair aka Natalia Kills</b>' greatest contribution to pop music. How about that.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: "</b>MAN FUCK YO PRIDE" Has a more Rihanna lyric ever been uttered before? The answer is no.</div>
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21. "Final Song" by MØ</h4>
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ALL RIGHT, WE'RE DONE HERE. <b>MØ </b>SAID SO. Just kidding. But MØ did create the international song of the summer and has cemented her position as queen of summer bangers. Between the help she got from <b>Charli XCX</b>, <b>MNEK</b>, and <b>Noonie Bao</b>, MØ looks set to meet the high expectations set by the pop community.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>In the last chorus, just when the beat fakes you out into thinking the song is over, it comes back just as relentless as before.</div>
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20. "Starboy" by The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk</h4>
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"Starboy" was one of the most unexpected hit songs of the year and the fact that <b>The Weeknd</b> came up with it is even more surprising. Luckily, it accomplishes the task of making the Weeknd seem like he enjoys pop music, and can incorporate his dark twist no matter which French robots he's working with. Even more importantly, The Weeknd has won the title of best male vocals, considering the rest of the songs on this list are sung by females. Do better in 2017 men!</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>In the chorus, when the beat changes from a light toe-tapping to throwing a bucket against the wall.</div>
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19. "In My Blood" by The Veronicas</h4>
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<b>The Veronicas</b>' newest lead single was inspired by <b>Kylie Minogue</b>. ANY single inspired by Kylie Minogue deserves a spot on this list. Especially when it has a romantic chorus followed by a robotic breakdown. Based on this and follow up single "On Your Side", it's another album to look forward to in 2017.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The "We don't have to wait all night / to know if this is really love" line is truly incendiary.</div>
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18. "Just Say" by KDA featuring Tinashe</h4>
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<b>Tinashe</b> released many songs this past year, from sultry bedroom bangers to retro-leaning 90's jams, and even a <b>Scissors Sisters & Nicola Roberts</b> written song that is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdOf2eKpNFA">well worth your listen</a>. But none of them really compare to her <b>KDA</b> collaboration, a cool house banger that pairs a nonstop pop hook with Tinashe's dissonant vocals to great effect.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The hey's that join in for the final chorus push the song into uncharted territory: the rare house-pop hybrid whose beauty is in its simplicity.</div>
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17. "I Know A Place" by MUNA</h4>
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There were many songs this year that sought to give strength to the world after tragedy hit. <b>MUNA</b> created the best one by simply adding beautiful lyrics to an instantly tremendous pop song. I honestly can't listen to this song without crying and MUNA was the perfect band to write and perform it. These women can be proud in knowing their music has left a lasting impact on the world.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The pre chorus has to be one of the most beautifully written piece of music of the year: "But I can tell when you get nervous, if in being yourself means feeling unworthy, when it's hard to love with a heart that's hurting, BUT IF YOU WANT TO GO OUT DANCING, I KNOW A PLACE" Literally breathtaking.</div>
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16. "Fool's Gold" by Dagny featuring BØRNS</h4>
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I loved "Fool's Gold" from the first moment I heard it. Mainly because it sounded like what a 2016 Girls Aloud song sounds like. But in the end it served to introduce <b>Dagny</b> as the global Norwegian superstar that she deserves to be. But in all honesty, her song "Too Young" would have easily landed in the top 3. Here's hoping for 2017!</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The bit where Dagny goes "I-I-I-I painted you in go-o-old" Honestly, the best use of gold in a song, even if it's technically fake...</div>
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15. "Blow Your Mind (Mwah)" by Dua Lipa</h4>
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The latest <b>Dua Lipa</b> single was a sassy love song disguised as a kiss off. A category of songs that we also need more of. "Blow Your Mind" also serves to remind us of the importance of parentheses. I can't think of a better use of them since the days of Shania Twain. Just another reason why Dua Lipa saved pop in 2016.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>Do we even have to say it? "MWAH"</div>
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14. "Cool Girl" by Tove Lo</h4>
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When Tove discussed how her new music would be a dark electro techno, I couldn't really decide what to expect. Instead, when "Cool Girl" came around, it changed our entire perspective on how pop could sound. It takes a special artist to literally change the whole pop game for the better, but I knew <b>Tove Lo</b> had it from the very beginning.</div>
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<b>Best Bit</b>: "Fuck if I knew how to put it romantic, speaking my truth there's no need to panic"</div>
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Rhyming romantic and panic must be the Toviest thing to happen to any Tove.</div>
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13. "Elizabeth Taylor" by Clare Maguire</h4>
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A piano ballad has never affected me as much as "Elizabeth Taylor". <b>Clare Maguire</b> knew that a torch ballad like this required the type of vulnerability and emotion that not many people like to experience. The use of Liz as a metaphor was just the cherry on top. Simply magnificent.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: "</b>I've loved, I've lost, and loved again / but here I am, here I stand" Now you won't be hearing that kind of sensitivity from Katy Perry now will you?</div>
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12. "Boyfriend" by Tegan & Sara</h4>
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"Boyfriend" is a quick burst of pop brilliance that reminds me of how "I Love It" used it's 2 minutes and 35 seconds to the greatest effect. But <b>Tegan & Sara</b> have out done anything they have ever accomplished, as "Boyfriend" mixes all the pre-pop elements that got T&S the fans they have today with the post-Heartthrob elements that took them to the upper pop echelon. The blurring of gender lines only highlights the universality of frustrated romance that "Boyfriend" so skillfully details.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>"You kiss me like your boyfriend / you call me up like you would your best friend"<b> </b>The entire chorus is pretty much covers an entire decade of fizzy 80's synth pop. And the "I don't wanna be your secret anymore" brings the bite that we all love from Tegan & Sara.</div>
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11. "Formation" by Beyoncé</h4>
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The transition of <b>Beyoncé</b> from pop's golden girl to its most surprising and enigmatic chanteuse has been one of the best things about the 2010's in terms of anything. 2016 has only brought Bey into the non-mainstream even more. "Formation"'s cultural impact was immense but at its heart, it's a monster of a pop song that survived being a Tidal-exclusive. Just wait until you hear the final top 10!</div>
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<b>Best Bit:</b> It's honestly the bouncy synths that start off the song because you know Beyoncé's about fuck shit up.</div>
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10. "False Alarm" by Matoma & Becky Hill</h4>
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Here we have the tropical lilt-pop song of the year. It basically oozes sunshine and pineapples and margaritas. And hopefully, it's the very last one we ever have to hear again. Because while <b>Matoma</b>'s production is one of the most convincing out there (sorry, not sorry Kygo), it is <b>Becky Hill</b>'s truly stunning vocal melody that overcame the tropical cliches and brought this song to the top 10.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The first line "I heard sirens in my head, from the first time that we met" is the best opening you will find on this list. Good job Becky!</div>
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9. "Reminds me" by Noonie Bao</h4>
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<b>Noonie Bao</b> continues her reign as the premiere singer-songwriter in the world right now, having exceeded both Tove Lo and Charli XCX (for whom she wrote a lot of songs). Her skills can be seen here especially when you consider that Noonie has created a POP WALTZ (aka written in 3/4 time). And if you look at this list, you might be wondering "Where is the drama? Where is the heartache?" Noonie has brought it all in "Reminds me", the type of rare love song that lets you dwell in the pain of familiarity.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The ramp up to the sitar explosion of a chorus is devastatingly beautiful. The line "I could give myself away, to someone new and be ok, but I just want the pain to stay" has all the ingredients to an epic love story written in so many words. Noonie is definitely one of my favorite pop stars and I can't wait to see what else she has to bring in 2017.</div>
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8. "Work From Home" by Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign</h4>
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What more can we say about this arena-sized girl group bop? The Rugrats-esque banger is by far the best thing <b>Fifth Harmony</b> could have ever hoped to produce. And we now know that Fifth Harmony will never produce anything like this considering they lost Camilla. But oh well, we'll always remember this night shift overtime anthem, at least until the next girl group from America decides to step up to the plate.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: "</b>Work work work work work work work" Sorry Rihanna, but this is how you do a monotonously brilliant chorus.</div>
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7. "New Romantics" by Taylor Swift</h4>
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Taylor Swift shat all over this amazing song by creating the most half-hearted, basic tour video I have ever seen. In the end, no one could forget how amazing the best song off <i>1989</i> truly is, but wow, did Taylor botch this one up. We expect better from you in 2017 T. Swift (and that includes not going into hip hop).</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>"The best people in life are free" This is simultaneously very profound, and very misleading as the tickets for that tour were ridiculous. But oh well, it was worth it to see "New Romantics".</div>
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6. "New Friends" by RABBII</h4>
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New Friends may not necessarily be better than New Romantics as people, but it is certainly better as pop songs. <b>RABBII</b> succeeded in perfecting spooky pop music with this absolutely manic song. Seriously, it shape shifts throughout, starting as a quiet dirge of a song before the four on the floor beat kicks in and culminating in a breakdown that would make Robyn proud. If all of their singles are this poptastic, RABBII could be a huge force to be reckoned with.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>"I HAVE MISSED YOU AT THE CLUB" I said it once and I'll say it again, this is honestly the lyric of the year.</div>
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5. "Real Love" by Florrie</h4>
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The love I felt for this <b>Florrie</b> single was instant, as it is with most Florrie singles. "Real Love" is the ballad banger of your dreams, a ballad banger that no one thought could possibly exist, but you're listening to it as we speak. I've all but given up on a full Florrie album but with singles and choruses as well crafted as this, it makes me think that everything will be ok.</div>
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<b>Best Bit</b>: The shouting of "LOVE" in the chorus is classic Florrie genius. It injects that extra bit of romance and made me fall back in love with all of Florrie's music.</div>
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4. "Never Ever" by Röyksopp featuring Susanne Sunder</h4>
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You don't hear songs like "Never Ever" being made anymore. And that is truly sad, because from one listen to the storm of synthesizers that <b>Röyksopp</b> have assembled it's easy to see just how amazing pop music can be. Susanne also does an amazing job creating one of the most emotive vocals of the year. And if it couldn't get any better, there is a version that is 1:35 longer! The only other thing I can say is: Imagine if this was Kylie Minogue's next single. *Proceeds to faint*</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The throw your hands in the air while crying on the dance floor bit at the end deserves every music award the world can muster.</div>
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3. "Into You" by Ariana Grande</h4>
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<b>Ariana Grande</b> finally feels like the global popstar her fans and reputation demanded. In a lot of ways, her reinvention from sassy diva to dark pop diva feels very Britney esque, something that suits her very well when you consider the dance floor dominator that is "Into You". From the first pulsations to the very end of the killer chorus, I couldn't help but think any song could really top this. But there were, and that's how you know it's a good year for music.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>That line "A little less conversation and a little more touch my body" is extremely <b>Max Martin</b>ian, so at least his stuff with Ariana was worth dealing with his other nonsense in 2016.</div>
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2. "What's It Gonna Be?" by Shura</h4>
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Earlier this year, I detailed <a href="http://nonstopontoppop.blogspot.com/2016/03/what-we-do-not-want-from-taylor-swifts.html">the criteria that Taylor Swift needed to fulfill</a> in order to create the pop culture-bending music video that a teen romance anthem like "New Romantics". We all saw how that turned out... <b>Shura</b>, on the other hand, followed our exact directions and came up with a video that not only paired well with "What's It Gonna Be?"'s beauty, but also it unlocked the true potential of the song and highlighted Shura as an artist who just gets IT. Seriously, this video is amazing in more ways than I can count. Congratulations on music video of the year and second best single! </div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The exuberance of the chorus as Shura sings "I don't wanna give you up!" was one of the most joyous parts of 2016 for us.</div>
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But every time I think of the Best Song of 2016 and ask "WHAT'S IT GONNA BE?", there could only be one choice and that is...</div>
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1. "Hotter Than Hell" by Dua Lipa</h4>
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From the first listen, I already knew we had found the single of the year with "Hotter Than Hell". With the two major trends in 2016 pop being moody R&B incorporating chopped up vocals and sunny tropical house, I was waiting for a song that would be able to combine the two in a way that served to highlight the strengths of both. <b>Dua Lipa</b> gave that to us and more with this literal scorcher of a song. And what's strange is, the song is a self-empowerment anthem of the darkest kind. At its core, it rings true like any Kelly or Katy song from the past decade, but Dua wove in her own signature brand of magical wickedness to create a comprehensive imagery of an evil siren taking all of her victims away.</div>
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Imagery that only a few pop artists can compose at the beginning of their career, and even fewer that can turn it into a global phenomenon.</div>
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<b>Best Bit: </b>The line "I'm the realest it gets" pretty much sums up the appeal of "Hotter Than Hell". It lives as a powerful song that managed to sound exactly like a 2016 hit, became a 2016 hit, and will continue on as a pop monster for years to come. Some days I listen to it and hear Dua asking "Am I the answer to your prayers?" And out of all the artists in 2016, she really has been the only one that answered them with a pop song worthy of actually prayers. Congratulations to Dua Lipa on being an amazing pop artist, creating "Hotter Than Hell", and readying her debut album which is sure to set the world ablaze in 2017!</div>
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Well that was fun! If you want to hear all these amazing songs, here is a Spotify playlist with all of them together. Apologies about the lack of "Formation" and "New Romantics" but you can take that up with Beyoncé & Taylor...</div>
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