Author: Alex Harris

Lyric sleuth. Synth whisperer. Chart watcher. Alex hunts new sounds and explains why they hit like they do.

When Florida native rapper BossMan Dlow dropped Get in With Me on January 18, 2024, as part of a two-track single alongside “Piss Me Off,” few could have predicted the rapid rise it would experience. The song quickly became a breakout hit, thanks largely to its viral success on TikTok, where it has been used in over 350,000 videos. Get in With Me marked BossMan Dlow’s first entry into the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 68 and peaking at 49. Origins and Viral Success Get in With Me began as a freestyle rap on the series “Kreepin Through the Streetz.” BossMan Dlow’s performance…

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UK singer-songwriter Matt Maltese’s As the World Caves In lyrics have become a modern anthem for those who find beauty in melancholy. Released as the lead single from his 2018 album Bad Contestant, this ballad has gained a significant following for its hauntingly beautiful lyrics and emotive composition. The Origins of “As the World Caves In” Released on March 6, 2017, As the World Caves In was Maltese’s poignant response to the political climate at the time. Inspired by the turbulent dynamics between then-UK Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump, Maltese crafted a narrative that is both romantic and apocalyptic. In an…

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When Noah Kahan’s emotionally charged “Dial Drunk” crashed onto the airwaves in 2023, listeners couldn’t help but feel like they’d just been handed a drink and a therapy bill at the same time. Themes of heartbreak, regret, and alcohol-induced bad decisions were all packaged into a folk-infused, melancholy anthem. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any more chaotic, Post Malone jumped in with a remix, adding his unmistakable flair to an already charged track. The remix, released on July 17, 2023, took the original from Kahan’s album Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) and threw a shot of Post Malone into the mix,…

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BTS’s Golden Maknae Pours His Heart Out When it comes to expressing heartfelt emotions through music, Jung Kook has proven time and again that he’s a master of the craft. His latest release, Never Let Go, showcases his enduring affection and gratitude for ARMY, the worldwide fanbase of BTS. Released on June 7, 2024, as part of the group’s annual “Festa” celebrations, this house-infused banger is an instant earworm that will have you hitting the replay button over and over. Behind the Scenes Never Let Go marks Jung Kook’s first solo release since his 2023 debut album, Golden, which debuted at No. 2…

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The Backstory of a Fan-Demanded Banger After years of pleading from her devoted fanbase, Gracie Abrams has finally released her highly anticipated single Close to You to streaming services. The wildly catchy track first surfaced as a teaser snippet on Abrams’ Instagram back in September 2017, instantly captivating listeners. Another preview followed in March 2018, further whetting appetites for the full song’s eventual debut. Close to You arrives as the second single from Abrams’ sophomore album, The Secret Of Us, released on May 31, 2024. Though originally intended as a separate standalone track from a different era, the immense fan demand for “Close…

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A Dissection of Vulnerability and Defiance In a landscape dominated by polished pop anthems, Charli XCX continues to carve out her unique space with a track that blends vulnerability with cutting social commentary. Sympathy is a Knife, released on June 7, 2024, serves as the third track on her eighth studio album, BRAT. Produced by EASYFUN and Charli XCX herself, with writing credits shared by Charli, EASYFUN, and Jon Shave, the song delves deep into the artist’s personal struggles and the harsh realities of public perception. Charli XCX’s BRAT: A Duality of Bravery and Vulnerability Charli XCX’s album BRAT is a bold declaration of…

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As of 2024, Taylor Swift’s new album, Tortured Poets Department, is generating a lot of buzz. However, it’s worth looking back at one of her impactful songs, You Need to Calm Down, which is track 14 on her 2019 album Lover. This irresistibly catchy tune quickly became an LGBTQ+ anthem upon its release. Co-written and co-produced with Joel Little, it was the second single from the critically acclaimed Lover. With its unapologetic message of self-love, individuality, and support for the LGBTQ+ community, You Need to Calm Down cemented Taylor Swift’s status as a fearless ally and a powerhouse in pop music. You Need…

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Embracing Vulnerability on “Please Please Please” Sabrina Carpenter is baring her soul with her powerful new single, Please Please Please. Released on June 6, 2024, the track serves as the second single from her sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet, out on August 23rd. Written by Carpenter alongside Amy Allen and Jack Antonoff (who also produced it), Please Please Please finds the 25-year-old pop star exploring deeply personal lyrical territory over a sonically adventurous backdrop. A Country-Tinged Pop Confessional About Toxic Love From the first few bars, Please Please Please establishes itself as a departure from Sabrina Carpenter’s bright, bubblegum pop origins.…

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Tamia Monique Carter, known professionally as Flo Milli, continues to define her unique space in the hip-hop arena, a genre witnessing a remarkable surge of female talent. Her latest anthem, Never Lose Me, dropped on November 30, 2023, through ’94 Sounds and RCA Records, is a testament to her unwavering drive and exuberant confidence. As the vanguard single from her album “Fine Ho, Stay” (2024), Never Lose Me captures the spirit of feminine strength and genuine candour. It’s a track that not only echoes with her loyal fanbase but also strikes a chord with those just discovering the magnetic allure of Tamia “Flo Milli” Carter’s music. Inside…

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Muni Long, an artist who has gracefully transitioned from a YouTube sensation to a respected songwriter and now a celebrated R&B singer, continues to captivate us with her latest release, Make Me Forget, which hit the airwaves on May 31, 2024. This new track, produced by JEHREEUS, MOMBRU, and Tricky Stewart, is a soulful journey into the complexities of love, vulnerability, and emotional growth. The songwriters behind this evocative track include Muni Long, Tricky Stewart, MOMBRU, JEHREEUS, D’Angelo, and Raphael Saadiq. This collaboration brings a richness and depth that is evident from the first note to the last lingering chord. A…

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