The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But just like most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights!
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Adam Lambert – Wet Dream
It’s been many years since an Adam Lambert song has caught my attention, but this brings him back to the clubs. The beat, the build and the hooks are all relentless.
Ariana Grande – We Can’t Be Friends
Ariana’s new album isn’t what I expected. The lead single is the only real dance track, while the rest of the songs call back to mid-tempo, late 90’s pop/r&b. Second single We Can’t Be Friends is solid, but I prefer the rich melodies of Don’t Wanna Break Up Again.
Charli XCX – Von Dutch
It’s very much what you’d expect from Charli XCX, for better or worse!
Chinchilla – MF Diamond
I don’t know much about this artist and I can’t say I love her other singles, but the beat on this is very addictive.
Danny Saucedo – Happy That You Found Me
The first Melodifestivalen track in this round-up. It’s generic pop-EDM, but anchored by strong melodies and bombastic payoff.
Electric Fields – One Milkali (One Blood)
I think this is my favorite Eurovision track of the year. It’s such an uplifting, anthemic sound and I love the indigenous Australian touches. Plus, they name-check my all-time fave Janet Jackson!
Girls Aloud – Disco Bunny
Did you all know we received a new Girls Aloud x Xenomania song last week? Sure, it’s an unearthed b-side from the early 2000’s, but I’ll take it!
Isac Elliot – Emily
I was an early Isac Elliot fan way back in 2013 and it’s cool to see how much he and his music has grown.
Jacqline – Effortless
Another Melodifestivalen track, and a glistening pop bauble with a megawatt chorus and fantastic bass riff.
Kaleen – We Will Rave
There’s a ton of Eurovision representation this month. Kaleen is headed to the show for Austria with this energetic dance banger.
Kiesza – Dancing And Crying
Speaking of dance bangers, this was one the biggest surprises of the month. It has a huge, theatrical sound and compellingly weird structure — almost avant garde at times.
Marcus & Martinus – Unforgettable
This is the winner of Melodifestivalen 2024 and it’s my favorite track as well. I’m addicted to the sleek synthwave sound and catchy hooks. I hope they do well in Eurovision!
Olly Alexander – Dizzy
The UK’s Eurovision entry. It’s solid, but Olly’s released stronger songs in the past.
Sia & Kylie Minogue – Dance Alone
I wasn’t sure how this combination would work, and the song could do with less melodic repetition. However, the beats become more exciting as it goes on.