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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Andy Bell – The Chance Won’t Come Again (with Tim Rice-Oxley)
I did not even know I needed an Erasure x Keane collaboration, but here we are!
The Ark – Stronger Than
Okay, I don’t think this is all that great (I hate the melody in the verses), but The Ark was my favorite band of the 2000s and I can’t believe they’re back with new material after so long.
Battlejuice – The Edge Of Death (ft. Power Rob)
More powerful 80s dance rock bombast from these guys. I love it.
Benjamin – Bensaa tulipaloon
He’s now got enough mega bangers to release a flawless twelve-track album. His pop music just never misses.
CATTY – Bracing For Impact
Her new EP is a mixed bag but I love this stomping rock anthem.
Chrissy Chlapecka – Apollo
Her ambition continues to impress me. With this new single, she goes full-on Gaga.
Demi Lovato – Sorry To Myself
The new album is a very solid collection of dance pop. For me, this song stands out as a good midpoint between upbeat fun and melodic melodrama.
Emmet Read & Comanavago – Burn Slow
I’m happy to take anything Comanavago want to give us, even if it’s just a collaboration. This one’s totally hypnotic and feels heavily influenced by Kylie Minogue’s Slow.
Erika Vikman & Go-Jo – Appetite
I’ve been absolutely begging for new music from Erika Vikman, so she gets top billing here for me. The song is a ton of fun with a massive chorus.
Felicia – Sugar High
This is for those of you missing the bombast of early-2010s pop music!
Hr. Troels & Lovespeake – Paradise
A top-down, drive fast singalong. What a great hook!
KEiiNO – Mama Radio
If you’re a fan of pop music and pop melodies, you absolutely need to hear their new album. The new tracks are some of the best, and this is a particular favorite.
Leah Kate – Not To Be Dramatic
This song actually came out a few weeks before my last round-up, but it’s from her just-released new album and I’ve recently become very interested in her music. It’s a great mix of dance and rock and this single has a fantastic build.
Lili & Susie – Sjung Sjung
Pure Scandipop camp from these legends of the form. What more could you ask for?
Mika – Modern Times
I’m so impressed with this. His best single in years and a total return to form. It’s so anthemic!
Neea River – Manipulator
One of her strongest songs in awhile. I love the trance beat.
Nightly – The Shivers
Their newest album is vaguely Halloween-themed but very easy to play year-round. I love the mix of synth and indie rock.
Patrik Jean – Up All Night
An absolutely thundering chorus. It’s fantastic dance music.
Robyn – Dopamine
I’m not as bowled over by this as I hoped I’d be, but it’s so nice to have her back with her classic sound.
ROSALÍA – Berghain (ft. Björk & Yves Tumor)
While I’m finding her album kind of impenetrable, I absolutely applaud the symphonic ambition at play. This is unlike anything else and definitely feels like one of the more approachable songs.
Rosi – Ohi on
Just fantastic, anthemic Finnish pop.
Sigrid – Kiss The Sky
Aside from the brilliant Fort Knox, this is my favorite track from her new album. It’s so quirky in a great way.
Slayyyter – Crank
This soundscape is downright terrifying and I mean that in the best way possible.
Snow Wife – Pumps
Not as strong as her stuff from earlier in the year, but that beat is hard to… well… beat.
Sophie And The Giants – Loser
Glorious pop hooks over a stately dance beat.
Tini – Down
A hypnotic groove that fully captivates.
underscores – Do It
Experimental percussion meets strong pop songwriting for a track that feels both retro and forward-thinking.
5 Seconds Of Summer – Boyband
I don’t think I’ve listened to a full 5 Seconds Of Summer album since their debut but their new one is pretty good. This is my favorite of its singles so far.