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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ADÉLA – Machine Girl
The rare example of a nursery rhyme-style melody working to enhance a song. This is really dynamic.
Alan Walker & Robin Packelen – Dust
It’s fun seeing one of Finland’s best kept secrets collaborating with a big international DJ.
Andreas Lundstedt – Vicious
One of the catchier tracks in this year’s Melodifestivalen, keeping the spirit of Alcazar alive.
Armin van Buuren – Keep The Faith (ft. Bon Jovi)
Sampling old tracks has become very cliché in dance music, but I like what they did here. Picking a more obscure Bon Jovi hit works surprisingly well.
Arwin – This Dream Of Mine
Just a classic Melodifestivalen anthem.
Benjamin – Tommi (Seksipommi)
Since 2022, Benjamin has released ten digital singles (all of them fantastic). I think it’s time for an official album!
Bess – Anna Tulla
Finland continues to deliver with this dance banger. I love the guitar at its climax.
Blusher – Racer
A disarmingly catchy dance bop. The chorus has a great sense of movement.
Chappell Roan – The Giver
I don’t know quite how to feel about this one. I can’t say I’ve been dreaming of a country track from Chappell, but it’s so catchy.
Chloe Qisha – Sex, Drugs & Existential Dread
She’s landed on my radar recently. I love the deadpan delivery and Prince-like instrumental on this.
Debbii Dawson – You Killed The Music
This has such a classic pop (Abba?) sound. It feels very out of time in a great way.
Dove Cameron – Too Much
Based on past work, I wouldn’t have expected to feature Dove Cameron on this blog. However, I absolutely love this arch, 80’s kiss-off.
Florrie – Pieces
Florrie takes on house music, backed by the always crisp production of Xenomania.
Jade – FUFN (Fuck You For Now)
She’s yet to better Angel Of My Dreams, but this has a great chorus.
Julie Bergan – Dance All Night
Listen to her new EP for an exhilarating, nonstop shot of high octane euro pop.
Kat Brix – In Love With A Psycho
This is a fantastic debut single, chugging along brisk club production with a great melodic hook.
KEiiNO – Halo
KEiiNO does their thing yet again to brilliant effect.
Lady Gaga – Shadow Of A Man
I should probably just do a full album review of Lady Gaga’s fantastic MAYHEM, but for now I’ll post my favorite of the non-singles. Shadow Of A Man goes full-on Michael Jackson – a sound I miss so much.
LEXXE – Daughters Of Chaos
Another moody electro anthem from LEXXE.
Lil Nas X – Hotbox
Lil Nas X tries on Neptunes-style production and it turns out to be a great fit.
Maria Jane Smith – I Hate San Francisco
Her songwriting is just so solid. Fantastic melodies and an incredible chorus. This is what I assume others hear when they listen to Taylor Swift.
The Parity Complex – Girl’s Girl
I was obsessed with their 2021 single Move-On Song but quickly lost touch with the band. To my great surprise, they’ve released several bangers since then including this brand new one!
Rebecca Black – Salvation / Do You Even Think About Me? / Twist The Knife
Rebecca Black’s new album is actually fantastic. Single Salvation is great but b-sides Do You Even Think About Me and Twist The Knife are on another level. The production is insane.
Scarlet – Sweet N’ Psycho
One of my favorite Melodifestivalen tracks this year (the competition as a whole was quite underwhelming and I don’t care for the winning act).
Sleigh Bells – Bunky Pop
Despite being aware of how awesome they are, I’ve never really dived into Sleigh Bells’ music. This upcoming album might change that because I love this quirky rock freakout.
Tom Grennan – Boys Don’t Cry
The production reminds me of Tears For Fears’ Everybody Wants To Rule The World, and that’s a very good thing!