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
Alle Farben – Call My Name (ft. Sofiloud)
I really like the choral sound of the vocal production. It blends well with the song’s trance elements to create a satisfying sense of depth.
Ani & Kiki – Kauniita
Finland continues to bring the pop goods with this beguiling duet. The melodies have a nice sense of tension and escalation, especially during the chorus.
Asbjørn – Vulnerably Happy
The production on this is very interesting, reminiscent of SHINee in their most experimental moments.
Ava Max – Spot A Fake
She does what she does very well, and this is another bulletproof, economically structure pop hit.
Benjamin – Kuollut liekki
Echoing last year’s incredible Hoida Mut, this new synth banger continues Benjamin’s run of perfect pop tracks. He’s scarily consistent.
Bentley Robles – Tantrum
Bentley’s been one of my favorite 2024 artists and Tantrum is another synth-fueled stunner. He’s got such a classic pop touch with a modern artistic viewpoint.
Chloe Jane – Dance Floor Emergency
The Fifth Element cosplay caught my eyes first but the groove kept me engaged. This is so, so addictive. The pulsing electro production is everything.
Confidence Man – Let Them Bells Ring
While we await their new album, this side track has me even more excited. It’s such a fun, old-school dance sound.
Cyan Kicks – Don’t You Say I Didn’t Warn You
Back to Finland, with a shot of electro pop punk energy. This is such a megawatt anthem, pretty much forcing your fist in the air.
Dizzy Days – Can’t Stop!
This girl group/band actually filmed a video for a different track on their album, but opener Can’t Stop is the one that’s become lodged on my playlist. I love that effusive chorus.
Ellen Benediktson – Maniac
Scandinavians are harnessing a different energy than the rest of the world right now. This high-octane pop banger hits all the marks and then some.
Julie Bergan – Dive
Trance is back in the mainstream, and I couldn’t be happier. This is an excellent example of how to meld the genre to glossy pop melodies. It’s fantastic.
Lovequest – Happiness
A new Jake Shears side project? I’m subscribing to the channel before even hearing the music. Luckily, Happiness is ultra-enjoyable dance music with a retro touch.
Nelly Furtado – Honesty
I haven’t had a chance to listen to her new album yet, but this is a fun little pop bauble. It’s too short, though!
Nova May – Mr. Bus Driver
This song is months old, but her EP was released recently and this is my favorite track on there. It’s a great throwback to the late-2000’s “recession pop” era.
Purple Disco Machine – All My Life (ft. The Magician)
Purple Disco Machine’s new album is out this week, which is mostly a reminder of how many excellent tracks they’ve released over the past few years. Add this one to the list!
Rose Gray – Angel Of Satisfaction
This sounds like ABBA getting messed up and heading to the club. I love the dramatic, strings-kissed verses.
Silence Wang – Take Off
My most reliable C-pop guy is slowly building what I assume will be a new album. This has a great synthwave sound.
Studio Killers – Valentine
New Studio Killers music is infrequent but always worth a celebration. I loved this instantly and have been playing it constantly. The combo of intense tempo and emotive guitar is euphoric.
Switch Disco – I Found You (ft. Charlotte Haining & Felix )
Some straightforward dance tracks just hit harder than others. This one slams especially hard as its chorus explodes.
Tom Grennan – Higher
His last album was very strong and this new track portends a groovier funk makeover.
The Weeknd – Dancing In The Flames
I still think this is underwhelming and generic as a lead single, but its melodies have grown more addictive than I’d first thought.