#It's definitely one of my favourite albums released this year and I already know it

[jokeroutsubs]

[ENG TRANSLATION] "It seemed like an impossible dream to perform on Sziget's Main Stage" - Exclusive interview with Joker Out

Original article written by Peti for MusicDaily on 25.07.2024. English translation by IG gurdonanna, X brnbergeron and X zozzzzie, proofread by IG gboleyn123

Video interview available here:

Formed in 2016, Joker Out became the fan favourite band of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023. The boys represented the neighbouring Slovenia with their hit 'Carpe Diem', and this year they are finally coming to our country for the first time. Namely to Sziget Festival, at which they say was one of their biggest dreams to perform - or rather, never in their wildest dreams they could imagine to ever get about an hour long time slot at the main stage of such a big festival to prove their dedication and talent.

If you ask them, they describe their musical style as 'shagadelic rock n'roll', which roughly translates to very sexy rock n'roll mixed with the extravagant style of the '80s. They've toured the old continent, and in the UK, even Lewis Capaldi was curious to see what kind of party they put on. One thing is for sure, with their coolness, they put Slovenia on the musical map of the world, as they proudly use folk music in their sound, sometimes in the ex-Yugoslavian style.

We sat down with the boys for a Zoom call before their performance at Sziget Festival, where Kris, Jan, Jure and Nace were present.

We asked them about their song 'Bluza', of course, but also about the new album, Sziget and their experiences at the Eurovision Song Contest. The guys already knew a few Hungarian words, which we will only reveal in the video version, while you can read the whole interview below - exclusive interview with Joker Out.

It's so nice to see you. How are you today?

We are good, right? I think we are well woken up right now, because usually this would be too early for us, but we've been doing interviews for the past hour and a half, so we are in a good mood right now.

You'll be playing your first show in Hungary in less than a month. Have you ever been to Hungary before?

Yeah, yeah. But I think we've only been to Budapest so far.

This summer, you'll be performing at Sziget, which is like one of the biggest festivals in Central Europe. How excited are you about the show, and what can your fans expect from it?

I think we are all very, very, very excited for it, because especially playing on the main stage has always been one of those unachievable dreams, like we never thought it will ever happen. So it's very surreal, that we'll play there, and so accordingly we are gonna give it our all onstage.

We'll have everything with us: screens, lights, special effects, to make it worthwhile for everyone, for those who already know us and those who don't yet.

And your fans are very curious if there will be any unreleased songs at the concert...

We haven't decided on the setlist yet.

We have so many released songs, so it would probably be a mistake not to play them. The thing is, we probably won't have a lot of time to play, so we have to prioritise... and those are definitely going to be the released ones.

And speaking of concerts, do you have any pre show rituals that you always do before concerts?

When the intro starts rolling... there is always an intro. When the intro comes on, and we hear it in our earpieces, we do this [demostrates] and it's like, unifying our energy before we go on stage.

Sziger Festival is also called "The Island of Freedom". So I'm curious, what does freedom means to you personally?

Freedom from alarm clocks. That is definitely one of the biggest freedoms I enjoy and do not take for granted in my life.

Freedom is to be able to freely express your opinions on any topic, and to walk around on the streets of your town without feeling danger, that anything might happen to you. That is a kind of freedom we take for granted, but maybe it is good to sometimes think that it's not the same for every person in the world.

And the freedom when we are creating music. We don't have labels on us that are pushing us. And being able to live from music. That's freedom to me. Being able to do what you want and to have the financial means to feel free and to enjoy this.

If you could change just one thing about the world, what would it be?

That there would be no jealous or greedy people in the world anymore.

And I would try to make the borders between countries disappear as much as possible.

No more music on Spotify, only on CDs and records. And stop spreading false information and only share what is objectively true. It's a hard one, but it's a good sentiment.

You just released your latest song 'Šta Bih Ja'. Can you tell us a bit about the background of the song? What inspired it, and what is the message you want to convey with it?

The background to the song is that we went to London for two months, in January and February, to create our new album, and this was the first song we composed. We actually put this song together very quickly in January, in maybe like the first or second session in our new rehearsal space there.

Musically it's very up-tempo, energetic and a bit ex-Yugoslavia inspired, but the lyrics are darker than the music itself.

So there's a bit of contrast. The message or the vibe of the song is kind of what we felt when we went to England. The feeling of being a stranger in a big city, not knowing many people, and knowing that someone you love is waiting for you somewhere else, but you can't reach them at that moment. That's pretty much what it's about.

How is your new album shaping up?

Slowly, but good. Very slowly. But very good.

What three words would you use to describe the album?

To describe the album in three words? Not released yet.

If I had to say one word, I'd use "cocktail". Because it will have different languages and musical styles. Love... of course. And an album full of hits. So the three words: cocktail, love and hits.

Your fans are particularly excited about one song, and that's 'Bluza'. Do you know when it will be officially released?

I just recorded the drums for the second time yesterday, so slowly, probably in a couple of weeks. I mean to finish it, not to release it. We haven't even finished it completely, but we'll probably release it before the album.

This is going to be the next single, so probably in late August or

September.

September, yeah. Hopefully. Don't take it for sure, but yeah, because

it's a song that we all really love, and we feel it's very special, so we want it to be perfect for release.

Now let's talk about Eurovision, a very famous competition with a very long history. So I wonder how you prepared for it emotionally?

I think there was not much emotional preparation. Everyone says that Eurovision is intense, and you have to prepare and stuff like that. But nobody, at least the first time they go to Eurovision, really understands what is meant by that. So you just go into it like 'yeah, I'm gonna do this', and then when things start happening you realise it's really intense, but by then you're already way too deep into it to start preparing. So what we did was more like surviving Eurovision, doing everything we could and then trying to process what happened.

It's much easier for us because we're a band. We can do it together and so relieve the pressure of interviews or performing on stage. So it's much easier than being a solo artist.

Do you have a favourite memory from your Eurovision journey?

Barcelona, Barcelona. The pre-parties. Those were awesome. Oh yeah, getting to the final... the semi-final too. The semi-final was great.

Finally, do you have any message for your Hungarian fans?

First of all, it's very nice to see that we have Hungarian fans, because although it's a neighbouring country to Slovenia, it's a very different country. We don't share many cultural aspects, especially in music, so we're happy that we have fans there to play for, and we hope that one day we can play our own concert in Budapest.

We promise to try to make that happen as soon as possible. See you there, and at Sziget!

[seaofreverie]

Sparkstember Day 2: A Woofer In Tweeter's Clothing (The Louvre)

Another very solid album! I think I've heard some say that it's not really that good besides a couple standouts, but I must respectfully disagree!! More down-to-earth and less of a bag of delightfully mismatched oddities than its predecessor, yes, but that still doesn't really diminish its value in my eyes. Yeah, it doesn't really have many low points for me but it also definitely does have those couple of total classics that totally stand out (and interestingly, I realized while writing down my favourite songs that I could consider every single one on the first half of the album a favourite. Not that the second half is necessarily worse... but still interesting to actually have it spelled out and visible like that and be able to think about it). And all in all Woofer definitely continues with a very similar kind of feeling and imagery as the previous release so I'm definitely a big fan of that aspect! I really like this album a whole bunch and revisit it a lot. Just making it clear here... just in case... that yes, I do like it, even if I don't have that many specific things to sing praise about this time, maybe? Or at least not as loudly. Who knows!

But ok, there actually IS another very important thing I can't forget to mention about Woofer. Because this is THE impressive Russell vocal moments album for me, or maybe more appropriately, Russell making sounds that are both impressive and intriguing in nature. That defintely makes it stand out even among all the other early 70s albums (which also have their own fair share of such moments of course). But I'll say more on those specific moments below.

And also, continuing the topic of seasons associations here too (for as long as I remember to inculde these here, I might forget about it pretty quickly however, maybe it's just that with some later albums the associations aren't as pronounced and important! Yeah, it could be that), this album is totally autumny to me, a sunny and warm sort of autumn but when most of the leaves have already fallen down. For once it's not the exact moment when I started listening to it that becomes the associatied season, huh? But even then, I can still hear some elements of late winter / very early spring here as well.

Favourite songs (and other highlights):

Girl From Germany (this is just THE sound of the summer kind of song for me, it just makes me instantly happy. Which I guess is kind of funny considering its subject matter but that's just how it is with Sparks and I think we all got used to that at this point)

Beaver O'Lindy (!!!!! no explanation needed, right)

Nothing Is Sacred (suuuuuper underrated, I especially love Russell's entire... whatever is going on at the end here, it's one of my favourite moments on the entire album)

Here Comes Bob (this is silly but at first whenever I heard this song I always pictured the character Bob from Animal Crossing going on a little stroll so that definitely makes it funnier)

Moon Over Kentucky (another timeless CLASSIC. I don't even know what to say about it, it's just so good. And has plenty of those vocal moments too for sure)

Batteries Not Included (not... really a favourite but I still wanted to give it a mention, because I think there's something very cool and unique about it, even besides being sort of a funny little... ugh, I hate to use this word but, novelty?? song (I can't find a better word for this that doesn't come af sort of derogatory but I hope you can see what I mean with this haha)). Oh, and of course it's the first on the list of "short intro" type of Sparks songs, which I always find quite great and memorable whenever they show up over the following years.

[loonarii]

"LW2G" - The Debut EP by KATSEYE (my reimagining of their debut)

So this is actually the second imagined album I've put together, which feels weird to nobody but me, because despite only posting one for ITZY literally a whole year ago, at all times I have at least 5 half finished imagined albums in my drafts lmao. This one is for KATSEYE, because if you've seen my rants reviews in my Monthly Roundup series (here & here) you will know that I have not been exactly pleased with the direction HYBE is taking them. I am aware that the group's debut EP 'SIS' is dropping soon, so I wanted to post this now so my opinions wouldn't be overly influenced by what the group has already released.  ALSO - a lot of this post was talked through and contributed to by my moot @pocima so thanks so much for that bestie u have amazing taste :) Before we get into the tracklist, let’s lay out what I wanted to achieve from this project:

It should have a clear, defined target audience.

The EP should establish a sound that doesn’t echo someone else currently releasing music aimed at that target audience.

The sound created should allow them room to grow and explore.

The EP should be somewhat thematically relevant to their status as rookies and their big aspirations.

Their concept should emphasize their status as a truly international group and capitalize on that.

So with that out of the way, let's get into “LW2G”, my imagined KATSEYE debut project.

Target Audience:

Because of the ages of the members, and because the music promotion vessel of choice these past few years has been TikTok, older teenagers seem the most obvious target audience for a group like KATSEYE in my opinion.

Concept:

The concept will be semi inspired by the somewhat new yet already iconic ‘superhero by night, ordinary girl by day’ trope popularised by Sailor Moon, Hannah Montana, etc. High school is a pretty universal experience and will link KATSEYE with girls around the world, so half of the concept will build on this - perhaps there could be concept photos of the girls wearing typical school uniforms from their region? This would also expand upon the aesthetics of ‘Dream Academy’. The other half will draw from classic 90s girl group aesthetics, think TLC or Destiny’s Child music videos. The combination of relatability and aspiration works well for a 2024 market in my opinion - it's what gives stars like Taylor Swift longevity over their competitors. The concept also feels very kpop in my opinion, which is also supposed to be what sets KATSEYE apart from their competitors.

Sound:

The sound will build off the concept throughout the tracklist. The marching band instrumentation references a high school ambience, but the 00s synths echo the superstar energy I’m trying to create in the second half of the concept. Key reference points for the sound will be Nelly Furtado, TLC, and Destiny’s Child.

Tracklist:

(1) Step On Up (orig. Ariana Grande)

I wanted to start with this cult favourite of Ariana Grande's discography. I love how the percussion plays with the vocal performance, it effortlessly builds the excitement for the album, references the marching bands of the concept, and it's thematically relevant to the groups status as rookies. I truly believe the KATSEYE girls could handle this song effortlessly.

(2) Long Way 2 Go (orig. Cassie)

This is the track that I envision being the title track, ITS SO ADDICTIVE. I would definitely change the lyrics to suit the girls being younger, and I would love to see a variety of languages in this track - they might be an international group but if they only sing in English they are functionally another american pop group. This also works well thematically for KATSEYE, and the synths echo their 'pop superstar by night' concept.

(3) Lose My Breath (orig. Destiny's Child)

This has the potential to be another promoted track that I could see expanding on the high school it girl aspect of their concept, due to it's gorgeous percussion. This is such a classically amazing dance track and we know that these girls can DANCE, so I know they would kill a choreography to it.

(4) Change (orig. FLO)

Thanks to @pocima again for suggesting this track specifically, it really pulls the album together and brings that relatability that perhaps some of the other songs were lacking. FLO have such an amazing discography, but this track especially would work well with the girls' vocal styles in my opinion. Its on the more rnb side, creating another avenue of music for the group to explore in future projects without alienating their main sound. I could also see this as a secondary single from the EP, functioning as the kind of mirror image to LW2G.

(5) Better (orig. BoA)

An absolute banger from the queen of kpop, and it works so well on this EP. It has this aura that I really think the KATSEYE girls could pull off. It has the beautiful 00s/90s synths we love and the anthemic nature of the song fits the girl group style effortlessly.

(6) Soul (orig. Girls' Generation)

I love this track for the closer because it brings together all the different elements of the EP - it has the percussion of Lose My Breath and Step On Up, the synths of LW2G, the assertiveness of Better and the vocals of Change. Again, I don't know that it would only be in Korean - i would love to see some of the other languages the girls speak featuring on this track. Like many of the tracks on this album, the concept of 'finding your soul' also speaks to the position KATSEYE is in within the industry, and successfully rounds out the overall message of the EP - KATSEYE are here to rock the boat and find out who they are along the way.

Final Thoughts:

I really like the EP I've put together here, and I truly think it fills a gap in the market - it's really not a bad idea to pitch a new girl group at america considering its been a long time since a group act has really made it big over there, and KATSEYE certainly have what it takes talent-wise. I may not have liked the two singles KATSEYE have dropped so far, but I am certainly sat for their official EP whenever it comes out. By all means let me know ur thoughts on my tracklist and concept ideas, and thanks for reading, I appreciate it a lot.

~ ari

[fromtenthousandfeet]

The fact that people only talk about Euphoria and still with you for JK but for Jimin every army knows the roster of lie, serendipity, filter and promise. I genuinely do not care which member is the "most famous" because for example currently Sabrina Carpenter is more famous than Olivia Rodrigo but OR will surge up again with her next album release and in the end I enjoy listening to them both. This comparison stuff is idiotic. But I genuinely laugh when people say JK is better than Jimin - because by what measure? Jimin has better songs and has more iconic performances. I guess people could say JK has better vocals but I'm gonna be honest that's highly subjective. It's not like we're dealing with a Beyonce or an Adele here. JK's level of vocals can be found in any SM groups vocalist. I'd say Jimin has the edge with vocal colour and JK's vocals are getting more bland with every passing year (why's his voice on still with you better than anything on golden?) while Jimin's getting better and better with vocal control which was the only area JK had a clear edge over him. Man is coasting by because he's the company favourite and has 11 years of company narrative pitching him as the main character but somehow Jimin's still keeping up with half the tools and half the support.

I suppose JK has a bigger army of femcels who want to f*ck him as fans and loser kpopies are also by his side. Poor Jimin missing out on that demographic of fans - very sad. But JK better hide his girlfriend better in the future because his crazy brood of fans may lose it if he ever decides to get into a public relationship. Ask kth on how quickly your fans turn on you for the cardinal sin of not being single or screwing your bandmate.

Old asks! This one is from August 5th.

Hmm. What to say? I don't like Jungkook's voice. I just don't. I didn't like it in Dynamite, and I don't like it now. When listening to BTS songs I find myself waiting for Jungkook's parts to end. I'm not sure what it is about the quality of his voice that bugs me, but it started long before I lost all respect for him during chapter 2. It feels too forced, maybe? He tries to use power to make up for a lack of emotion? A little too nasal? (Pro tip - address your food sensitivities to clear up your allergic rhinitis). My dream is for someone who is good with Garage Band, or another music app, to put JK and Justin Bieber singing the same notes side by side. I think the difference in quality and tone would be interesting.

I've said this a million times already, but the US is NOT lacking in exceptional singers. This country isn't suffering from a Jungkook deficiency, or a K-pop deficiency for that matter. What made BTS stand out in the first place was their original music and the impressive choreography/performances. Jimin's lovely, clear singing voice (plus the growls) and insane dance skills have always been central to BTS' success. There is definitely a precedent and passion for performers like Jimin, though. We love a good song and dance man!

Based on the few photos I've seen from JK's exhibition in Seoul and the upcoming I am Still, it looks like HYBE is leaning hard into the sex symbol concept. Lots on naked chest and abs. Lots of tatted, pierced bad boy stares. And what else is there? There's no artistry to focus on, unless you're super into his dancing style. I hope that works out for Jungkook and HYBE. Like you said, there's a demographic within the fandom that's completely down with lusting after him. To each her own, I guess.

Jimin will shine no matter what. He has integrity, artistry, sex appeal, and sings with emotion. Don't sweat Jungkook. He'll have his fans, of course, but I don't think he'll ever have the loyal, committed following, let alone the media attention, Jimin naturally attracts. Look no further than the difference in their birthday celebrations in Korea. One is a national holiday, the other is definitely not.

P.S. OMG, I can't wait for Jungkook's girlfriend reveal. A good chunk of the fandom will need psychiatric help.

[hesterias]

hello lovely 😘 4, 5, and 13 for the arctic monkeys asks! 💞

Thank you so much for creating this and sending asks.

4. which member of the band would you like to spend an afternoon with, and why? how would you spend your time?

my first instinct is to say alex, because i'd love to pick his brain creatively and see what he enjoys doing on a normal day, see his habits. most likely go to the cinema or an art exhibit or a show or just have a nice day in the park followed by some pints at a pub. i think we both have an introverted extrovert thing going on, where we can talk to anyone but actively choose not to. BUT i think i'd most likely vibe best with matt, he seems so fun. we'd probably go to the beach (i live in CA), or stroll the city and take photographs/talk photography and people-watch. he seems hilarious. so either one of those choices would be good. matt would be a fun hang, alex would be an artsy, intellectual hang.

5. which album means the most to you?

definitely tbh+c. before the release of TC, i wasn't a big monkeys fan. not that i didn't like them, i just knew the AM hits and that's it, never investigating further. @reconciledviolence729 got me into the fandom and her favorite album was tbhc and she bought me the vinyl for my birthday last year. such a great, unexpected gift and i listened to it often. i even spent an evening listening to it with my dad while we drank wine and just.... listened to it. it was amazing, such a great experience, so yeah, tbhc is a special (and pretty perfect) album for me.

13. what are some of your favourite lyrics alex has written?

haha can i quote all of tbh+c? (seriously, all of tbhc) as you can probably guess by my blog (and the little nod to it in ASA) i love

i've been on a bender back to that prophetic esplanade, where i ponder all the questions, but just manage to miss the mark (such an introspective line)

My mistakes were made for you / And in the back room of a bad dream she came / And whisked me away

With folded arms you occupied the bench like toothache Stood and puffed your chest out like you never lost a war And though I tried so not to suffer the indignity of a reaction There was no cracks to grasp or gaps to claw

Yesterday's still leaking through the roof That's nothing new

I'd throw the rose tint back on the exploded view Darling, if I were you And how's that insatiable appetite?

There's all those places we used to go And I suspect you already know But that place on memory lane you like still looks the same But something about it's changed

You pushed my faith near being lost But we'll stick to the guns Don't care if it's marketing suicide We won't crack or compromise Your derisory divides Will never unhinge us

But seriously. All of TBHC is gold. Tagging @mrsnarl and @m0nkfys because they asked these too 🫶🏼

[musicreveiwsbyezti]

What's up babygirls (literally no one reads my blog) here's my March topster

This month was mostly shit I thought it would be interesting to listen... so lot of metal again. Also for the sake of my sanity I have 2 records that I genuinely don't know what the fuck I should do with.

Unrated: Current 93-I have a special plan for this world (Dark Ambient/Poetry): Arguably the best scary stuff I have ever listened but I never want to hear this again as once was perfectly enough. It gives a really disturbing atmosphere and the poetry part itself was interesting too. I highly recommend checking it out at least once. Slipknot-Iowa(Nu metal): I don't get it. The instrumentation is good but the lyrics are so god damned corny that it hurts. It doesn't help that it sounds like death metal for people who don't want to listen to actual death metal. I probably give it another chance later... not now tho I still can't take The Heretic Anthem seriously.

Alright now the actual tierlist begins:

14th: Combat Wounded Veteran-Electric Youth Crew(Powerviolence): I had a small journey and sat down to listen through the entire CWV discography (it's not that long definitely recommend it to get into powerviolence) and this is arguably the "weakest" of their releases. It doesn't really stand out and can be forgotten easily.

13th: CWV-This Is Not an Erect, All-Red Neon Body (Powerviolence/Grindcore): Idk it just doesn't click as well as IKAGWDCSP.

12th: Death-The Sound of Perseverance(Death/Prog Metal):Jesus Christ this album was a major disappointment for me. As a last Death album I expected it to be a last brutal yet technically extreme blast...but they just had to listen to 30 hour acid freeform jazz or some shit to get inspiration. This album has genuine fire songs, but they just had to fuck up the in the middle with a boring ass bass "solo" or someshit... Also the Painkiller cover is the worst song I heard this year so far, how the fuck can you ruin a perfect song when you are already a talented vocalist is beyond me.

11th: CWV-Duck Down for the Torso(Powerviolence/Grindcore): A short and sweet end for CWV's discography. Having it end on a Folded Space song was a great choice which gives an interesting feeling for the end.

10th: Stabbing-Extirpated Mortal Process(Brutal Death/Slam metal): Now this is a good slam metal album.

9th: Sematary-Bloody Angel(Horrorcore/Chicago drill): After Sems last EP I thought it was over... BUT IT ISN'T! It gives vibes of RB2 with RB3 mixing with some HAW mixed in. He can cook just let him do his thing :pray:

8th: Spycada-Hiking Lung(Psychedelic rock): It's good, great vibe, good tones, overall enjoyable. Looking forward to their next stuff.

7th: Magrudergrind-Self title(Grindcore/Powerviolence): THE grindcore album. Absolutely slaps, the sample use is interesting.

6th: Igorrr-Spirituality and Distortion(Avant Guard Metal/Breakcore) This... is Schrödinger's kitchen. I don't know if the kitchen is burned down or has served a 5 star menu, until I care to write an actual criticism of it. (Also the mixing of metal, break core and classical music is insane and the sheer heaviness this album gives is phenomenal, though it falls of gradually on the second half)

5th:Sweet Trip-Velocity : Design : Comfort(IDM/Glitch Pop) At least 200 people already circle jerk around this album, yes it is good, no I don't explain why I love it because I ain't talking about why breathing air is good.

4th:Have a nice life-Deathconsciousness(Post Punk/Shoegaze): Same as last time, people already told you enough why it's good, just fucking listen through it already. (side note some of the songs on this albums mixed weirdly quite for some reason, and it's kinda wack how the drone parts are the best, but still really good)

3th: Dead in the Dirt-The Blind Hole(Grindcore/Powerviolence) Jesus I listen to a lot of powerviolence this month... Anyways this is probably my favourite pw record yet. Probably the more understandable vocals help to lift it just a little bit above the rest for me.

2th:Mastodon-Leviathan(Sludge metal/Prog metal) Fun fact in the 2000's 2 whale concept prog metal albums came out, both of which are peak. I don't know how they got The Moby Dick nailed so well in metal form but they sure did with heavy riffs and amazing vocal performances.

1th: Electric Wizard-Witchcult Today(Stoner/Doom metal): I was afraid to check out the rest of EW discography after Dopethrone cuz it is too peak... However this album is probably as good as Dopethrone. Something about this album gives more OG metal vibes with less insanity.

[slytherinshua]

ugh i love bts 😞 even if they’re in my subconscious most the time because we don’t see them much anymore… what are your thoughts on the solo releases? i feel like jungkook’s was such a hit because he hadn’t been enlisted yet, but i can’t even bring myself to listen to the other members’ new releases because it feels like hybe is putting them out just for the sake of having bts content. i think it’d be so much more impactful if they stopped and waited for a full group (or even subunit) comeback.

but at the end of the day bts got me into kpop (it’s crazy we’re in an era where 5th gen groups are introducing people to kpop) and i still feel a strong connection to them… i don’t know if i just haven’t found the right groups yet but imo it’s hard to come across groups that have such great dynamics/chemistry among members, esp in 5th gen (but ig it makes sense since they just debuted). bts were always just so effortlessly entertaining together. i still remember staying up for their comebacks or watching award shows (both korean and western) just for them it was such a fun experience… and also i discovered tumblr fanfics because of them lol so i am eternally grateful

bts :(( honestly i haven't kept up with them much... even with solos... i really separated from the fandom and group a lot after jack in the box came out (not because of jitb cause i loved that album but just around that time lol) but i listened to some of jk's solos and some of the older solos.... i like a lot of them i'd say. i didn't like seven, but 3d and standing next to you are so good. snooze had a chokehold over me and i really really enjoyed face, but as for the newer releases i just haven't listened. yeah honestly i mean whenever a group is gonna go for military it's gonna feel so empty when content is still being put out that is prerecorded. and with jin back ik armys would rather have a jin solo with him there to promote it rather than other members solos releasing while they're serving yk???

yeah same :(( bts first ever kpop group i found and they will always be one of the best. i will never not love their older discography and whenever i go back to listen to it or revisit something that i was obsessed with when i was an army it brings back so many memories and nostalgia that i just end up crying. they're so special to me always even tho i care a lot more about other groups currently. yeah esp in 5th gen it's impossible to get that connection that bts have after being together for like 15 years. a lot of them have only been working together for a year or trained for 3 years together. they're still new as groups so it can be hard.

but i would say some of my favourite 5th gen groups where you can feel a definite connection would be &team and boynextdoor <3 (esp &team since they have a slightly longer history together) and for groups in earlier gens that are really connected to each other, ik i promote them a lot but they deserve it okay, onf have been around since 2017 (and around half the members trained for 5+ years together so they have well over 10 years together), and they've already finished military together. they have no controversies even in their 7 years together and they're now in an era where they're just enjoying post enlistment and coming back regularly, having schedules and constantly putting out fun content and good music. their chemistry and connection is insane. (they also have that member connection of 'we've all been through tough times together and it shows' since they didn't taste any success for around 4-5 years. it just really shows in their interactions how much they've been through together and how hard working they are as a team <3)

and ik in a couple more years when 6th gen is introduced or even when 5th gen is nearing its end, these earlier 5th gen groups will feel a lot closer. it's exciting to think about how kpop is going to change, but also bittersweet because a lot of these groups will not last. seeing the end to so many 3rd gen groups already is very sad for me, and especially since a lot of them were my ults or at least groups i stanned and loved a lot. kpop really holds all the memories of my youth, and bts especially holds the very earliest of those 🥹

[snowflurried]

Clancy - Twenty One Pilots First Listen!!!

My first listen of the album! Spoilers below:

Overcompensate: Love it, already familiar with it. Probably my favourite of the singles released before this album. Love the energy of the song! Love the vocals, instruments, build of it all. When I first listened to this, it reminded me of the start of Spectre (the movie) with the Day of the Dead scene for some reason.

Next Semester: Probably my second-favourite already-released song from the album, love it a lot! Something so comforting about it, does really feel like it's part of a high school movie soundtrack. I'm a big fan of happy, energetic songs, so this is right up my alley for my music taste.

Backslide: Haven't listened to this one as much as the previous two, but it does give Blurryface vibes maybe? And Trench vibes, too, more obvously. Love the little synth-y sounds in this. Love the layers of sound and cute ltitle sound effects in this one.

Midwest Indigo: My immediate thought was like the instrumental was like a The Killers song. Love this! The energy and pace is so exciting!!!! They never fucking miss!!!! It definitely does give The Killers vibes, like Spaceman mixed with some Battle Born vibes. Love it!

Routines In The Night: The drum beat is really good. Very vibey song, can definitely see why people said this was like a combo of Blurryface and Trench. Sounds comforting. So far, this is the best album that's come out this year for me. Better win Grammys. This one is relatable because I've been going to sleep past 5am every night.

Vignette: Immediately love the strings. Holy shit. This one has the energy of a Caravan Palace beat. Sounds so pretty!!! And these high notes are so cunty! It does give woods/foresty vibes. Whatever this little electronic instrument bit is, it is fucking excellent.

The Craving (Jenna's version): Knowing how this is different from the single version, it reminds me of Tyler's Can't Help Falling in Love With You cover. Same kind of loveliness as Tear in My Heart. So calm.

Lavish: Interesting beat in this one. Different energy with this one. Love it! These pretty strings in the background are so nice, definitely fits with the lavishness of it lmao. The line about backshots or whatever is funny.

Navigating: Big drums! High energy! Him emphasising the t in navigating is funny (and good). One thing I love about the songs is that it isn't just 100% all the time and it flows so much nicer than songs with no variation in energy. This little electric guitar or bass sound does give roadtrip vibes.

Snap Back: Really focusing on the lyrics to this one, love the callback to backslide. Think the meaning of this one is similar to Next Semester and Backslide, too. Love the drums! This energy build-up reminds me of Lane Boy a bit. There is a sound effect in this bit that reminds me of the end of Mirrors by Justin Timberlake.

Oldies Station: This one is calmer. This feels like it would be a good one to play live on the piano. Really nice one! Really comforting.

At The Risk Of Feeling Dumb: This is giving some actual Halloween-carnival beat stuff. It is giving circus realness. More Trench-y vibes with this one. No, it is kind of giving Ride. Love the instruments in this one.

Paladin Strait: I know there is something crazy at the end so I wonder what that is. It is reminding me of deserts and the Wild West. Cute drums. Oh I think a switch is about to come. I'm thinking there may be some crazy drum solo? This is the switch... Bird sounds giving the end of Pink + White by Frank Ocean (lmao). Lore references? Bandito mention. OK LOL LETS GO LORE???

Final Thoughts: LOVE IT! Really good album, enjoyed listening to all of them. I can count as this as one of like 3 albums I like with no skips. I think Vignette, Lavish, Routines In The Night and Midwest Indigo are my favourites at this point, along with Overcompensate and Next Semester! Can't wait for the music vids later! Hope it's kind of like what they did with Save Rock and Roll and it kinda makes a little movie.

[sunshinebree]

Dear Taylor (@taylorswift, @taylornation)

Tonight is the night before the Eras Tour Night 1 in Sydney Australia. I'll be in the crowd, for my first ever concert of yours, even though I've been a fan since the 'Debut' Era. I don't have much of an online presence although something has compelled me to write to you tonight.

I am feeling so blessed that I managed to get tickets last week. I tried at every release and had almost given up. Thankfully, I managed to get tickets and I know I'm going to have the best, most magical night ever.

At 15 years old, the first song I ever heard from you was Teardrops On My Guitar and I was immediately hooked. I remember the first time I heard it, driving in the car to Sydney. It was raining heavily, and such a movie-worthy moment, my head resting against the car window, crying to a song about loving someone you can't have. I felt that.

When Fearless came around, I was instantly hooked. Country music was my thing, and all of my favourite songs instantly became yours. Fearless, Love Story, The Way I Loved You. You made me not feel as alone in the world as I mostly felt. As a 16-17 year old, your songs were a staple in my everyday life. You made me feel like that.

In 2010, with Speak Now, you were still a staple in my everyday life. I was finishing school, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life. Your music was my escape. I didn't have many friends, I have always been awkward. Innocent was the track that spoke to me most. Even when everything felt dark, and lonely, your songs saved me. Sometimes, I imagined the lyrics were talking to me.And now that I'm '32, and still growing up now,' I still feel as though your songs are still talking to me.

With your foray into pop music with Red, my best friend started loving your music too. That made me so happy. It gave us another way to strengthen our friendship. We are the Lucky Ones. To have been blessed in this lifetime with your music.

I feel with every album release, your music spoke to me. 1989 came at a time where I was slowly falling in love. They were my Wildest Dreams, out of reach, but your music was there in the comfort of the middle of the night (and the walks and bus drives to work).

With Reputation, much like the albums earlier, I was easily able to relate to all of the music much like some songs were written about situations I had found myself in. Gorgeous especially, when I fell madly, crazily in love with someone who was already in a relationship and deluded myself into thinking I had a chance.

2019. Lover. I lost myself in these couple of years. The darkest I've ever been in my life, self hatred plaguing my entire self. Yet again, I relied on music to get me through this. Especially your music. In times of darkness, your music has always been there to get me through everything. Telling someone that I love them, and them actually making me feel that it WAS the worst thing they've ever heard? It was a whole season of a Cruel Summer.

When Folklore came around during COVID, it was definitely the Invisible String that brought me back to your music to start to heal. Illicit Affairs resonated with me so deeply, I honestly believe Folklore really helped me process my emotions more than anything else ever could. Every single track brings me back to a memory of trying to bring back that same joy and happiness that previous albums brought me. It did just that.

And then Evermore came out of nowhere, and just helped that process along. Champagne Problems, No Body No Crime, Coney Island... every song brought me a sense of familiarity and comfort. So much had changed from when I was the little girl crying to Teardrops on My Guitar but the fact that your music has helped me has never changed.

Midnights. Anti-Hero. I never like looking in the mirror, but I do look directly in the sunlight. You're On Your Own Kid. I always have been, especially when I needed someone. Would've Could've Should've... the song, that entirely summed up my twenties. Midnights made me laugh, made me cry, and this new, healed version of me used it as the soundtrack to getting better. It worked, and I'm so proud of that.

I'm sure you didn't want to read this long-winded post, I'm not even sure if you will. But I felt compelled to write it. Right now, I'm on my bed making friendship bracelets for the show tomorrow night. A few years ago, I didn't even want to be alive anymore. Now, I listen to your songs on repeat and use them to remember that it's okay to hurt, it's okay to love, it's okay to laugh. Life is worth living.

Taylor, I've had the time of my life fighting dragons with you.

I can't wait to see you tomorrow night. Thank you for everything you have done, without even knowing me. You've been there for me for all of my teenage and adult years.

With love always,

Bree.

Instagram - breannamurphy92

Twitter / X - tysonskidd

[lady-of-imladris]

end of year asks, 1 - 25 and everyone in between (you can skip the ones you have already done)

wow. Okay. Sure. But I am putting a cut lol

what did you learn about yourself this year? Already answered

best moment of the year? I'd say it's a tie between getting Eras Tour Tickets and getting my apartment :)

worst moment of the year? The one that first comes to mind is failing that one exam at the beginning of March? I've had a pretty great year! I'm sure there were worse things but this is the first I thought of.

what was the biggest change you experienced this year? Moving out from home for the second and third time (I spent March-June in student accommodation and got my own apartment shortly after that)

best song of the year? SO MANY!!! But my favourite this year, not counting any Taylor Re-Releases is Margaret by Lana del Rey

best album of the year? Did you know that there's a tunnel under Ocean Boulevard? by Lana del Rey

what’s one thing that happened this year that you want to change? I'd like to have used my summer more productively! I did FUCK ALL for 3 entire months :( I mean... I really didn't feel like I could have done anything tbh, I was recovering from the horrors

best book/book series of the year? Definitely not the fourth From Blood and Ash book, that was a total flop imo (Em if you are reading this and wondering why the fuck I recommended the series to you: you should still read it it's good, just be prepared to be disappointed by book 4 lmao). Idk, I'm not usually reading books that just came out? idk?? I really enjoyed The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes :)

best television series? *thinks really hard about everything*... I REALLY enjoyed The Great!!

how was your love life this year? ahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaa. Let's maybe not unpack the details but uhhmmmm. Unchanged? But like... shoutout to anon fiancé for brightening my days <3

what made you cry the most this year? Moving out from home!!!! The third time specifically, the first two were less emotional. But I still think that's a tie with the video of the raccoon trying to wash cotton candy. That ALWAYS makes me cry

biggest regret of the year? Not spending more time in the summer with my bestie! Not going out more often? (but then again, with whom?)... I'd just say all the things I didn't do!

best movie of the year? Already answered

favourite place you travelled this year? I only went one place this year and it was the Czech Republic!

did you make any new friends? Already answered :)

did you learn anything about your sexuality this year? Not sure, I am still questioning things on occasion but all in all I'm still a bisexual disaster!

what are some hobbies that you developed? WRITING!! I started writing again for the first time in YEARS

what surprised you the most this year? That I literally became a fanfic writer

do you look different from the beginning of the year? let me just grab my phone and look at some pics... I look exactly the same lol. Same glasses, same hair

how did this year treat you in general? Very kindly :) my new years resolution last year was to be happy and I think I did well.

what message would you give yourself at the beginning of the year? Already answered

has your fashion style changed this year? Already answered

one of the best meals you’ve had this year? Going (mostly) gluten free has been a challenge and tasting a croissant again, or a cinnamon roll when I was feeling like taking a risk was SO GOOD. And also the potatoes I made in the air fryer when I was drunk! (I literally had to take a cold shower first because I didn't trust myself with a knife but I was super super hungry and I love me my drunk potato dinners!)

who has made the biggest impact in your life this year? a lot of people! But... especially you? And I'm literally not saying this just because you sent this ask but you were kinda the first person to come to mind when I read this question because I'm doing so much wild stuff now? Like??? WE ARE GOING TO LONDON??? YOU ARE LITERALLY COMING OVER TO STAY AT MY PLACE NEXT YEAR????

what’s one thing that you hope will continue next year? I still want to be happy (obviously). I've had a really great year and I just want that to continue <3

[valnentines]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY LOVE!! I hope you have a great day today and a wonderful year ahead!

Since speak now (Taylor's version) has been released, I am curious to know which song is your favourite (from the vault or in general)?

Love you loads and happy birthday again!! 🩷💜🩷💜

you remember 🥺🩷🩷 (ofc you do!!)

thank you so much for your kind words, they mean a lot to me, more than you know!!!

first of all, how can she make an already existing amazing album sound even better??? SHE SLAYS FOR REAL. my favourite taylor’s version of the old songs is back to december!! (enchanted too, at first i didn’t like it because it didn’t have the same youthfulness in her voice but it grew on me!) and from the vault tracks definitely i can see you (the concept of the music video is brilliant) and emma falls in love!! i’m curious to know your favourite tracks too! 🥰

thank you for your sweet wishes 🥺🩷 i am so happy today, and you are one of the reasons i am happy, love you too 🫂🤍

[seaofreverie]

Sparkstember Day 12: In Outer Space (Cool Places)

Oh boy, it's finally here!! Having been a Sparks fan for nearly a year by that point, I finally got to an album I just straight up don't like! I honestly forgot by then that this was even a possibility. But a world where I can enjoy everything in such a vast catalogue of a favourite band of mine would be too perfect. It would be pretty strange and unsettling even. Not to always make it about my other favourite band whenever I'm talking about the first, but with TMBG also I eventually got to that one studio album release that I just couldn't bring myself to like, no matter what. So I think I discovered a bit of a personal repeating pattern here.

Alright then. My verdict on this album, which already got a pretty mixed response from fans as far as I know, is that it's not very good, or at the very least, it's not for me. Even the songs I like here I mostly like in the sense of, well, this one I could listen to again outside of the album every once in a while, but they're nowhere near being an actual favourite (besides one song, or two, mayyyybe four if I'm feeling particularly generous).

So I think that my main problem here comes down to how the arrangements / instrumentals seem rather empty to me but not in a cool minimalistic way. And, dare I say, they're pretty damn uninteresting - very few elements of suprise or anticipation to be found here. This is the only Sparks album that just... doesn't feel Sparks to me. (And that's coming right after Angst, which might really just be one of the most Sparks-like of Sparks albums in a way). Something is TERRIBLY missing here and a couple catchy melodies and fun synth lines aren't enough to make up for that. It drags on quite a bit and is underwhelming to listen to as a whole. With only a couple moments of change and something more interesting and engaging. It's this sort of situation where I feel like the whole time I'm waiting for some kind of resolution that never happens ultimately. First instance of me putting on a new Sparks album and forcing myself to sit through the whole thing. And last one I hope! (and expect...? well, better not jinx it)

Ok, having said all that... This will be a historical event because I can't finish this post before I have my obligatory listen to the album of the day on its day. So, time for some real time documentation of my changing opinion, or lack thereof. Time to hear IOS in it's entirety for the first time since april!

...Ok, I'm glad that I didn't say all this in vain at least, LOL! Because I'm still underwhelmed! No major change here. Definitely still not something I'm going to return to more often than very occasionally and the "waiting for nothing" effect was very present and real once again. And it just dawned on be, but do most of these songs not have a bridge?? Maybe that could be part of why it all feels pretty predictable! But alright, as per tradition, let's look at some highlights anyway.

Favourite songs (and other highlights):

Cool Places: never felt in any strong way about it but repeated listens made it an enjoyable little ditty over time, lol. One of my first impressions here was how LOW Russell's voice is, this must be the lowest he's ever sung, right?? And oh, quick shoutout to the 21×21 version of it too

All You Ever Think About Is Sex: ok, this one's really cool and exactly what convinced me that the rest of the album would be enjoyable in the same way. Not for me unfortunately!!

Please, Baby, Please: my definitive fav here that I like a whole lot and that for whatever reason doesn't seem to have any of this album's problems that I described earlier. And I'll always be partial towards songs that I can interpret as being aspec-coded, thanks to my predisposition to do that as often as possible

I Wish I Looked A Little Better: very similar case to All You Ever Think About Is Sex

Dance Godammit: it's funny. It's fun to listen to sometimes

[c-40]

A-T-3 213 Puff Daddy Samples

Here are some of the tracks from 1983 Sean Combs (and Chucky Thompson) has sampled on his productions. Most of of P Diddy's productions are from the 1990's so at the time the tracks from 1983 were roughly between 10 and 15-years-old, I remember they were definitely considered 'oldies' at the time, but a contemporary equivalent would be using Hold On, We're Going Home by Drake, Get Lucky by Daft Punk, Low by Flo Rida, or Milkshake by Kelis (didn't Beyoncé do this?)

Juicy Fruit - Mtume it's been sampled a lot a lot, Puffy used it on Juicy for The Notorious B.I.G. (1994). It's well documented Setsasonic's Talkin' All That Jazz is a response to James Mtume's rant on Bob Slade’s The Week In Review on NYC’s KISS-FM calling out ‘lazy’ Hip-Hop producers that never learned to play instruments, opting instead to take up ‘sampling’. Describing them as the “Glorification of mediocrity“

All Night Long - Mary Jane Girls It's been sampled more than Juicy Fruit, Puffy puts it to use on Mary J Blige's Mary Jane (All Night Long) (1994) taking music and vocal hooks. Mary Jane Girls were, of course, Rick James' girl group and All Night Long is by far their biggest hit. Kevie (Waterbed) Kev of the Furious 5 does a fun cover All Night Long (Waterbed), also from 1983

Stay With Me - DeBarge this must be one of Puffy's favourites as he uses it more than once, the biggie is One More Chance/Stay With Me (Remix) by Biggie featuring Faith Evans (1994)

Between The Sheets - The Isley Bothers I've shared this already here. It's one of those tracks you know but don't necessarily know who it's by or what it's called, it's been sampled even more than All Night Long, it's probably best known for being the music to Big Poppa by The Notorious B.I.G (1994)

New Edition release their debut album Candy Girl in 1983 and Diddy samples two ballads off of it Jealous Girl which becomes Jealous Guy by Mase (1997) and Is This The End which is used for P Diddy's own track of the same name. The prepubescent New Edition were produced by Arthur Baker and released on his Streetwise label, songs were written and co-produced by Maurice Starr and his brother Michael Jonzun (of The Jonzun Crew)

Sean Combs has never been afraid to use the biggest samples wholesale, sometimes they're more like remixes than samples. Here are some of the pop hits from 1983 Puffy has used: Every Breath You Take - Police becomes the tribute/cash in I'll Be Missing You (1997), Let's Dance - David Bowie becomes P Diddy's Been Around The World (1997), Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This) - The Eurythmics is Nobody Do It Better Than Us by Lil' Kim... and in honourable fashion of doing a Les Dawson on a hip hop track lines from All Night Long - Lionel Richie and Break My Stride - Matthew Wilder get sung on Feelin’ So Good by Jennifer Lopez and Can't Nobody Hold Me Down by P. Diddy

Gotta Make It Up to You - Angela Bofill this one is a little more obscure 1983 quiet stormer from Angela Bofill. It's used to great effect on Faith Evan's Life Will Pass You By (1998)

A Garden Of Peace - Lonnie Liston Smith a solemn spiritual piece from Lonnie Liston Smith becomes the makeup song Rain by Total (1998)

Belladonna - Andreas Vollenweider this new age track is expertly flipped for I Got A Story To Tell by Biggie on his Life After Death album (1997)

There's three final tracks Sean Combs has used I wan't to feature in their own posts, the first is Transformation by Nona Hendryx which Puffy uses on Notorious B.I.G.'s posthumous eponymous track (1999) and Nothing Move But The Money by Mic Geronimo (1997), then there's Another Man - Barbara Mason used on Biggie's Another (1997), and White Lines - Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel which is something like a Phenomenon by LL Cool J

[newmusickarl]

Top 50 Albums of 2022

16. A Light For Attracting Attention by The Smile

From the moment I saw The Smile’s electric debut during the Glastonbury livestream last summer, I was longing for a full length project from the trio consisting of Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, as well as Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner. With great track after great track continuing to drop, anticipation for this debut album was locked at fever pitch for months before it finally got released in May. Thankfully when it did arrive, it was every bit as good as anticipated.

The six singles leading up to this record certainly hinted that there would be heavy shades to Thom and Johnny’s main project, and that is certainly the case. Although there are moments where Tom Skinner’s jazz influence and a touch of Greenwood’s film score work come into play, for the most part this very much sounds and feels like a Radiohead album – which is definitely not a bad thing at all.

With long-time Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich also at the helm, what The Smile may lack in any radical direction changes they more than make up for with an excellent collection of songs that would be worthy of the Radiohead name. After the understated, steady electronic build of opener The Same, the stuttering bluesy guitar riffs of The Opposite soon arrive to kick the record firmly into gear. Brilliant lead single You Will Never Work In Television Again then follows, built around raw, grungy guitars and the return of Yorke’s shout-sing vocals, offering a neat throwback to their early 90s/The Bends-era sound.

As mentioned above, there are a few moments on the album where the trio do add elements to the Radiohead template and it is in these moments for me that the record really shines. Pana-Vision for example (which got its debut in the series finale of Peaky Blinders, see above) is a hugely cinematic and grand composition, playing out like a less-sombre, spiritual sequel to Pyramid Song but with even more multi-layered orchestration included. The Smoke is then another slightly more ambitious cut, built around a jazzy bassline and big horns, along with Yorke’s signature falsetto vocals - it’s completely entrancing.

Speech Bubbles serves up one of the most goosebump-inducing moments on the whole album, with its gentle strings and Thom’s transcendent, soft vocals. Open The Floodgates is another hair-raiser, with its beautiful piano, mesmerising synths, twinkly guitars and Yorke’s utterly inimitable vocals. Free the Knowledge then really is something straight off The Bends - an acoustic-driven track with some hugely atmospheric and spellbinding orchestration.

After the jazz-infused A Hairdryer and ominous electronica of Waving A White Flag, the penultimate track We Don’t Know What Tomorrow Brings is probably my favourite of the whole record. Once again carrying all the hallmarks of a signature Radiohead track, this one would happily slot onto In Rainbows with its mix of pulsating synths, heavy rock guitars, thumping drums and a hypnotic central refrain. Before you’ve barely caught your breath from that incredible whirlwind of sound, the album is drawn to a close with Skrting on the Surface. Once again centred around Yorke’s ethereal vocals which glide sumptuously across soft drums and Greenwood’s gentle guitar melody, a gorgeous melancholic horn arrangement eventually joins the fray in the latter half for what is a sublime climax to the record.

Having been ever so slightly disappointed after the initial first play earlier this year (which is crazy looking back now), this is an album that has just continued to grow on me with each subsequent play. With plenty of the Radiohead hallmarks you already know and love, with just a hint of something new and refreshing too, this is a really fine and accomplished debut for The Smile. Although everyone will undoubtedly want a Radiohead album next, I would also happily take a follow-up to this one too.

Best tracks: We Don’t Know What Tomorrow Brings, Skrting On The Surface, Pana-Vision

Listen here

[maciedeclines]

The Best Songs of 2024

Now the negatives are out of the way, we can focus on the good music from this year. And surprisingly, there was a lot! I mean I’m a big fan of music in general so this isn’t too surprising but regardless, here’s my picks for the best songs of 2024!

Honourable Mentions

Becky Hill - Swim, Outside Of Love, One Track Mind

Charli xcx, Troye Sivan - Talk talk

Charli xcx, Billie Eilish - Guess

John Summit, Sub Focus & Julia Church - Go Back

Zerb, The Chainsmokers & Ink - Addicted

Dua Lipa - Illusion

Aluna, Paul Woolford - Heatstroke

Chappell Roan - Red Wine Supernova

Charlotte Plank - Rage

Sabrina Carpenter - Taste

#10 - Push The Tempo by Sub Focus & Katy B

Oh we are SO back. Yes, this manages to sneak into my top 10 despite only being released a month ago. I mean, I’ve always loved Katy B and she’s one of the most successful artists on my personal chart but I hadn’t heard much about her for quite a while until this. And boy I’m glad she’s back. Her vocals are just always so good, and Sub Focus is one of the best artists in the drum and bass scene right now. This was always bound to work for me but jesus christ this really shocked me. Absolutely awesome song and I hope it can eventually become a hit.

#9 - Green & Gold by Rudimental, Skepsis, Charlotte Plank & Riko Dan

Charlotte Plank has very quickly become one of my favourite female dance vocalists, and this song is not only a great follow up to Dancing Is Healing, but also just better. Charlotte for one sounds great here, against some awesome dnb production from Rudimental & Skepsis (the guy from Rave Out, which was one of my favourite songs of 2023) and a really good verse from Riko Dan. Overall all of these factors combined to give us a damn good song, and one that I’m really glad did quite well in the UK chart even if I think it deserved way better.

#8 - Good Luck, Babe! by Chappell Roan

The first of Chappell’s two appearances in this list, and wow wow wow I am so glad I discovered her. This woman can actually do no wrong in my eyes. Her debut album from last year was really good, and this song, presumed to be for her upcoming sophomore album is no different. In this song, she sings about an old lover who has now settled down with a man and is trying to deny the fact she still has feelings for women. The lyrics are very powerful and hit very hard, because you can tell she’s singing with emotion. Combining this with the awesome production and great vocal performance and this is the product. An absolutely awesome song and I hope that Chappell can keep this up in her future projects.

#7 - the boy is mine by Ariana Grande, Brandy & Monica

Yeah this might be quite a controversial pick, but I absolutely love this remix. I was already a very big fan of the original song, but Brandy & Monica took this song to a whole other level. This just works for me in a way I can’t exactly explain, but I really really wish this was a bigger hit than it was. I just love everything about it.

#6 - Happy For You by Dua Lipa

I know I’m in the minority but I absolutely love Radical Optimism. The album was just so much fun and the three singles were great picks that have really really stuck with me. However, this was my favourite track from the album. From the first listen I just adored this. It’s just so euphoric, with gorgeous production, Dua’s heavenly vocals and really mature songwriting. It just works so well as the album closer, but unfortunately is part of the reason why it underperformed despite how many people like myself absolutely love it. It is one of the most streamed album tracks though, which is definitely a good thing!! I might honestly say this is my favourite Dua song period, it’s very close between this, Be The One and Break My Heart. But yeah, this album and this song deserved so much better.

#5 - Happier by The Blessed Madonna & Clementine Douglas

This song is just awesome. I first heard of Clementine Douglas through her uncredited vocal performance on Mixed Emotions by Chase & Status, and I absolutely love that song. I wasn’t keen on her vocals on Asking at first, but they really grew on me and that ended up becoming one of my favourite songs of last year. I liked this song on first listen, I didn’t really come back to it at first but then my playlist started shuffling it a lot and it really grew on me, before then entering the UK chart and solidifying its place as one of my favourite hits of the year. I’m just so glad this was a hit, the production is gorgeous and Clementine’s vocals just fit really really well. Thank you people of the UK, you did well with this one. Which also goes for our next song..

#4 - Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter

I first heard of Sabrina properly through her song Skin, and I was honestly never interested in the whole love triangle with Olivia Rodrigo & Joshua Bassett, all I knew is that I loved Olivia and her music (which I still do). Then in 2022 Sabrina became one of the first artists to use the Spotify autoplay feature, leading to Nonsense cracking the UK top 40 for a singular week. I wasn’t keen on it at first but it really grew on me and I quite like it now. Then in early 2024 she broke the UK top 20 for the first time with her song Feather, which I also wasn’t keen on at first but was actually pretty close to making the honourable mentions list. And finally we get onto Espresso, a song which literally nobody expected would do as well as it did. As it released on the same day as Illusion by Dua Lipa (another great song, really sucks that it underperformed) many people just assumed that Dua would outstream Sabrina by miles. However both debuted top 20 on global Spotify first day, yet Espresso rose 2nd day while Illusion fell quite sharply. And then the rest is history, with it going on to top the UK chart for 7 weeks, tying with Stick Season by Noah Kahan as the 2nd longest #1 of the year.. only beaten by her own song and 3rd of three #1 singles of the year Taste, which got 9 consecutive weeks at #1. Yeah this was the year of Sabrina. And for good fucking reason too. This song is awesome, I would complain about the songwriting but honestly it’s Sabrina’s appeal at this point and when the song is as good as it is I really cannot complain at all. The album was really good too, but justice for Don’t Smile!!

#3 - HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan

Chappell’s second appearance on this list, and yeah, I’ve loved this since I first heard it. Originally released in 2023, this was Chappell’s other signature hit of the year, and again for good reason too. It is such a bop, the production is amazing, the songwriting is extremely fun and Chappell once again sounds absolutely fantastic on it. I have consistently had “H-O-T-T-O-G-O, you can take me hot to go” stuck in my head for most of this year and I am not mad about that in the slightest. Thank you Chappell Roan for existing. And releasing bops like this.

#2 - Never Be Alone by Becky Hill & Sonny Fodera

Honestly at any point this top two could swap places. I have been going back and forth on what to put in which spot for a while, but I’ve finally come to a conclusion. I just absolutely adore this song. Becky’s vocals are just insanely good and the production from Sonny is so catchy. This song was literally made to be a hit and yet got paid dust by the UK (just like the number 1 on this list), I’m still so mad it never took off because every time I hear this song it is such an experience. This might honestly be top 3 in Becky’s discography. I love it THAT much. And when songs like Gecko (Overdrive), Remember & Afterglow are contending for that spot, you know it’s good. This was so so close to #1 and I’ll likely regret not putting it there but I’d also regret not keeping the current #1. But I’ve made my decision now so let’s push on with it.

#1 - Genesis. by RAYE

Yeah I think you all saw this coming. A seven minute genre-bending masterpiece from one of the most talented artists of the gene-RAYE-tion, split into three parts. I have been such a big fan of RAYE for many years, and it has been so amazing to watch her develop as an artist and just boom in popularity. This song is just truly a moment in time. She has very much been showing off her connections and adoration for Jazz music, and this song is no different, with the entire third part purely being Jazz music. The song is so well written, with RAYE’s insane vocals and really good production. How could this be anywhere but #1. Even if the UK paid it dust, the fact she managed to get a seven minute long song to chart in the UK top 40 for two weeks is a statement of its own. What a year for RAYE, and what a year for music.

And that’s it! Wow, the positives drastically outshine the negatives here. Now let’s see what’s to come in 2025, for better or for worse.