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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The American English – Velvet Lotus
For those of you who enjoy 80’s synth-infused rock with suggestive lyrics.
Bonnie McKee – Jenny’s Got A Boyfriend
Over a decade since its inception, Bonnie McKee’s album is finally set for release at the end of the month. This is one of the strongest pre-release tracks yet. Very retro!
Ellen Benediktson – Basic
Just a great, slamming pop/rock track.
Joel Corry x Pickle – Stay Together (Baby Baby) (ft. Vula)
Such a big sounding dance track. The beat has real grit.
Loreen – Forever
Not up there with Euphoria or Tattoo, but I love the dramatic trance sound.
Mileo – Stalker
The melodies here are a pure sugar rush. It’s very early-2010’s and that’s never a bad thing.
Nemo – The Code
While this was released earlier in the year, it officially won Eurovision last week. Watching the performance made everything click for me and it became my favorite so I’m glad it won!
Purple Disco Machine – Honey Boy (ft. Benjamin Ingrosso, Nile Rodgers & Shenseea)
We really need to compile all these great Purple Disco Machine singles into an album. They never miss, and this is no different.
SB19 – Moonlight (ft. Ian Asher & Terry Zhong)
SB19’s sound shifts around quite a lot. This collaboration finds them operating in full-on pop mode.
The Scarlet Opera – Catch Me If You Can
I need more people to know about this group. I love their glam Scissor Sisters meets Queen sound.
Silence Wang – One Hundred Thousand Volts
I don’t follow many C-pop artists anymore, but I’m here for any new dance track Silence Wang wants to release. This has quickly become one of my favorites of the year. It has such an immense, upbeat energy.
Solardo – Testify (ft. Kaleena Zanders)
Brings me back to the early 90’s when dance music would often have a big-voiced diva wailing over the beat. It’s so satisfying.
Sophie And The Giants – Shut Up And Dance
Sophie And The Giants are one of the most consistent dance pop acts around right now. This is another stunner, melding breathless beats with catchy pop hooks.
VÆB – Til Hamingju
This month’s global round-up may be the most global yet because now we’re jetting off to Iceland for this quirky, ultra-catchy bop.
Vanessa Williams – Legs (Keep Dancing)
I certainly didn’t expect a Vanessa Williams musical comeback in 2024! This is just the right level of camp to work. She sells the hell out of it.
Vincint – Good II Me / Lean / Another Lover (ft. Adam Lambert)
I somehow missed Good II Me when it was released earlier this year but have to include it in this round-up because it’s euphoric dance pop perfection. New track Lean is also a stunner and his just-released Adam Lambert collaboration is fun too. Vincint is absolutely killing it this year.