Bop Shop: Songs By Kim Petras, Kacey Musgraves, Jay B, And More

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  Kim Petras: “Future Begins Now”
  
  
  https://youtu.Be/BNx0SL2nYVs
  
  
  
  Kim Petras is back and better than ever. On “Future Begins Now,” the German-born pop singer of “Heart to Break” fame leans into the genre’s affinity for self-empowerment anthems. “You’re more than just anybody / Don’t give up, the future begins now,” she proclaims over a triumphant electronic beat. The single doubles because the starting of a new era for Petras, who recently signed with Republic Records, the powerhouse label beyond pop icons like Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. It’s safe to mention her future looks pretty bright. —Sam Manzella
  
  
  
  
  



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  Mini Trees: "Cracks in the Pavement"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=dqX5i99RL8I
  
  
  
  There's a delightful sway running through Lexi Vega's latest single as Mini Trees, the lo-fi project with high ambitions. She calls it "living room pop," a clever way of both wresting control of the oft-abused "bedroom" label and nodding to the party-ready groove that livens up the tune like a set of interior string lights. Vega has been a drummer for years; the rhythm of "Cracks in the Pavement" showcases her attention to a beat. Although her songwriting, and the way she centers mood so directly, makes this one a preference for the patio, and even the bedroom, not just the living room. —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  



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  BTS ft. Megan Thee Stallion: “Butter”
  
  
  https://youtu.Be/ymaIzkXY8nQ
  
  
  
  Of the things that could not have been predicted in 2021, hearing “ahhh” in a K-pop song tops the list. In a surprise teamwork between two of today’s biggest artists, Megan Thee Stallion joins BTS on a remix of the massive hit single, “Butter.” It’s a true remix, with Megan’s iconic verse arriving early in the song and her vocals incorporated while in. Although, the real highlight is the harmonized rap between the Houston rapper and rapline member Suga. BTS’s music choices continue to prove that music is truly universal and cannot be defined by border, color, or language. May we all have a hot girl summer. —Sarina Bhutani
  
  
  
  
  



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  Alexander Nate: “Save This Dance for Me”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=4I-HwyAipjk
  
  
  
  “Save This Dance for Me” is a dreamy, soulful track from Virginia-based R&B artist Alexander Nate. The singer’s latest release is a nostalgic love story that pairs smooth vocals with gorgeous visuals. The video incorporates a young couple locked in a sensual interpretive dance meant to represent the ups and downs of a relationship. It’s a reminder to cherish every moment. “If it all fades away once we’re older, so you save one memory,” he sings. “Could you save this dance for me?” —Farah Zermane
  
  
  
  
  



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  Sunshine Boysclub: “Like a God”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=02GUUqnPZP8
  
  
  
  Over a swaggering beat and throbbing brass line, Sam Martin finds the confidence in himself to continue on with “Like a God,” the newest single from his pop outfit Sunshine Boysclub. He is aware as soon as to dial up the acoustic guitar and as soon as to give in to the echoes, as he lyrically examines changes in life, the voices through which we speak to ourselves, and the ever-present possibility we have to create our lives better. “Why don’t you do it right now,” he sings, drawing out the last word into an irresistible chorus. —Carson Mlnarik
  
  
  
  
  



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  Disclosure: "In My Arms"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=RuPAClqsBHU
  
  
  
  Guy Lawrence, one-half of the brotherly electronic duo Disclosure, wrote that "In My Arms" came out of "wanting to revitalize a very fractured and uncertain dance music scene" in light of a seemingly never-ending pandemic. Six minutes of infinite drums, cowbell, vocal blips, and more waves than an oceanside dinner is a fantastic place to begin. Get lost in it. —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  



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  Anees: “Drunk on Myself”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=zpwo-1Rb4pY
  
  
  
  It’s impossible not to smile as soon as listening to Anees, especially his latest single “Drunk on Myself.” The indie rapper, singer, and songwriter released a unapologetic self-love anthem that will have you searching deep within yourself to find the joy and love you’ve been looking for. Just under three minutes, it’s a pithy lesson in grace (and rhyming) with a fun, eye catching video filmed on the iconic Santa Monica Pier. “I wrote a love song to myself,” Anees wrote on Instagram, “because self love comes first and it’s not selfish to put u first.” —Farah Zermane
  
  
  
  
  



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  Jay B ft. Jay Park: “B.T.W”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=cUAsTQUU3xk
  
  
  
  What’s better than one international K-R&B star? Two international K-R&B stars! Keeping it in the H1ghr Music family member, newly signed soloist Jay B is joined by label co-founder Jay Park on his sophomore single, “B.T.W.” The artists’ strong nevertheless sultry vocals melt with each other over a heavy trap melody. Switching it up from Jay B’s first music video (a live efficiency of single “Switch It Up”), the borderline sepia-toned visual brings Jay B back to his roots, displaying lively choreography, eye catching party scenes, and crisp aesthetics shots. Released in tandem with debut EP Somo:Fume, “B.T.W” is a track representative of Jay B’s new musical direction and encapsulates his ethos as a solo artist. —Sarina Bhutani
  
  
  
  
  



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  R.E.M.: "Leave"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=omMxZBGblho
  
  
  
  Here's the deal: R.E.M.'s 1996 album New Adventures in Hi-Fi is widely imagined a late-era masterpiece, however I've never heard it that way. Even in an age of streaming-aided interminable album lengths, 65 minutes is simply also much; the bloat often obscures fantastic melodies in overdone affectations. That's why this alternate version of "Leave" rules. By centering Michael Stipe's voice, stripping away the car-alarm guitar and prolonged prologue, and cutting more than two minutes off the runtime, a real song emerges. It's wounded and dark, very moody, and rather replayable. The 25th anniversary edition of New Adventures, out October 29, promises more gems to unearth. I can't wait to (possibly) finally dust off the masterpiece lying in wait. —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  



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  Su Lee: “Coward”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=RY5X4N1F3fc
  
  
  
  South Korean artist Su Lee lets us into her loneliness — and her box, literally — with new single “Coward” from her EP Box Room Dreams, named immediately following the small pad where she records, writes, and films. Over a dreamy pop guitar loop and with building conviction, Lu gets more weak with each lyric, finally admitting, “I need your help right now / Although I’m scared that you’ll push me away” in its layered chorus. Its charming visual takes the neurosis that plagues us all on desperate nights to comical proportions. —Carson Mlnarik
  
  
  
  
  



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  Kacey Musgraves: “Star-Crossed”
  
  
  https://youtu.Be/ah4r5XjBNRo
  
  
  
  the first title track off of Kacey Musgraves’s upcoming album, Star-Crossed, is a far cry from “Biscuits” and “High Horse” off previous albums. “Star-Crossed” starts with a sparse Spanish guitar, with Kacey singing, “Let me set the scene / Two lovers ripped right at the seams / They woke up from the ideal dream / then the darkness came.” “Butterflies” this isn't. The track flourishes and expands from then on, adding a choir of vocals, more guitars, and an electronic backing that sounds like it was lifted from a sci-fi movie. Are we blasting across space or crash landing back to earth? Guess we’ll have to wait up until the rest of the album drops in September to find out. —Chris Rudolph