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!
February 2022 // March 2022 // April 2022 // May 2022 // June 2022 // July 2022 // August 2022 // September 2022 // October 2022 // November 2022 // January 2023 // February 2023 // March 2023 // April 2023 // May 2023 // June 2023 // July 2023 // August 2023 // September 2023 // October 2023 // November 2023 // January 2024 // February 2024 // March 2024 // April 2024 // May 2024 // June 2024 // July 2024 // August 2024 // September 2024 // October 2024 // November 2024 // December 2024 // January 2025 // February 2025 // March 2025 // April 2025 // May 2025 // June 2025 Pt1 Pt2 Pt3 // July 2025 // August 2025 // September 2025 // October 2025 // November 2025 // December 2025 // January 2026 // February 2026 // March 2026 // April 2026 // May 2026 // June 2026
Check out my 9+ rated songs for 2026 by following this new Spotify playlist! (and check out prior years too, if you’re interested)
Adam Lambert – Rat City (ft. Isaac Dunbar)
While I like his new album (and have been playing Under The Rhythm so much over the past month), I’m not feeling as pulled back toward it as expected. Still, every song is good and this album opener is a standout.
Alan Walker x Ava Max – Fate
The classical sample/interpolation in this so, so overbearing yet somehow works because of how ridiculous it is.
David Guetta – Human (ft. Third ≡ Party & John Martin)
Are you missing immense 2013-era Swedish House Mafia Don’t You Worry Child style EDM? If so, this one’s for you. It even has John Martin on it!
Deco – You’re So Beautiful
Another solid track from their upcoming album. Very mid-2000s indie dance rock.
Devito – RocknRolla
The masked Serbian superstar amps up both the dance and the rock on this new single.
DJ Oku Luukkainen – Royal Onnela (ft. Emilia Ex)
Some Finnish dance/club pop for your playlist.
Jelena Karleusa – Balkanboy / Mata Hari
Her two 2023 albums (Alpha and Omega) are among my favorite works of the 2020s and I’ve been dying for new music ever since. I know she’s a controversial figure, but her sound just scratches a specific itch for me that nothing else does. I love both of these songs. Balkanboy, in particular, is one of the best things I’ve heard all summer. The rhythm and energy is so addictive and I can’t wait for more.
Kyra Machida – Control
Her biggest sounding pop single yet. I love those chugging synths and the huge, euphoric chorus.
Madonna – Danceteria
I don’t have anything new to say about the album that hasn’t already been said by many others. It’s a return to form, it feels intentional and idiosyncratic and the songs are universally solid. This feels like the big “single” and is also probably my favorite track.
Magdalene – Sexual Relations with a Wall Street Banker
This might be her best yet? I love the 80s new wave/rock influences. They fit her theatrical performance so well.
Merk & Kremont – Partenope (ft. Serena Brancale & The Kolors)
I’m a big fan of Italian group The Kolors so when I saw their name on this track I knew I had to check it out. And yes, this is a big old party stuffed into a pop song.
Peggy Gou – Wo, man (ft. Ayra Starr)
Maybe the catchiest house track of the summer? That chorus is ridiculously addictive.
Rêve – Devour
She’s back with a statement of intent and huge dance production to back it up.
Rose Gray – Just Be Bodies
Not as strong as her last single, but she’s still one of the most exciting pop stars of the moment.
Santos Bravos – Velocidade
I already featured this in a previous round-up but now it (finally) has a music video. I still love the song and need more material like this from them.
Søren Torpegaard Lund – Festen Stopper Aldrig
A very solid (and dramatic!) follow-up to his Eurovision entry.
Valencia Grace – Guillotine
Ultra-theatrical synthpop with a great chorus. It feels a bit Kate Bush to me.