Bop Shop: Songs From Lady Gaga, Tove Lo, Chappell Roan, And More

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  Rivals: “Dark Matter”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=JKbANXy1-IY
  
  
  
  I came across pop-rock musical group Rivals on TikTok a couple of weeks back and have had their latest single, “Dark Matter,” on repeat ever since. Track has all of the elements of an all-out banger: powerhouse vocals reminiscent of Evanescence’s Amy Lee, haunting guitars, and also a gritty spoken word cut-in. It even has a nod to the pop icon Ariana Grande with the lyric, “If God is a woman then so is the devil.” The catchiest piece of the song is perhaps its pre-chorus, “Bitter and broke and I’m fucking bored / Nothing to lose so watch me transform / A butterfly however with devil horns.” A whole mood. —Farah Zermane
  
  
  
  
  



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  Chappell Roan: “My Kink Is Karma”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=Wdug5Mq85IU
  
  
  
  Chappell Roan has given us a steady distribute of triumphant pop cuts, although her latest track is far less of a party anthem; case in point, it is decidedly bitter. With a thumping beat and an axe to grind, she reflects on a romance that’s soured and an ex whose life is falling apart in the aftermath. Perhaps closure is reaching a point of indifference, though there’s something sumptuous about watching someone get exactly what they deserve. “It’s hot once you’re going through hell / And you’re hating yourself,” she confesses before slyly admitting, “People mention I’m jealous / Although my kink is karma.” There’s no healing going on here, although Chappell shows us that, some days, there’s nothing more satisfying than staying irritated. —Carson Mlnarik
  
  
  
  
  



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  Tove Lo: “No One Dies From Love”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=CMWLX0KXwF4
  
  
  
  Tove Lo is getting into a synthetic robotic fantasy with her latest single and music video for “No One Dies From Love.” Set to a mix of nostalgic, retro-futuristic beats, the video follows an android’s romance with a famed movie star, portrayed by Tove Lo, certainly. “It’s the classic susceptible, lonely starlet looking for connection,” Lo mentioned in a statement. “This mini-movie is a different sort of love story.” This is a scintillating song for vibing, whether you desire to chill in the sun or elope with a friendly cyborg. —Zach O’Connor
  
  
  
  
  



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  Dance Gavin Dance: “Pop Off!”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=jczVn7ZkMzE
  
  
  
  Dance Gavin Dance continue to “pop off” as they push toward the much-anticipated release of their upcoming album, Jackpot Juicer. Sonically, their latest single picks up where “Synergy” leaves off with heavy verses sandwiching soulful grooves. Visually, we visualize a return to the more and more strange Rat King saga, a storyline that has driven their recent visuals and right now sees unclean vocalist Jon Disaster wearing the crown. The video, filmed before the tragic loss of Tim Feerick, shows the beloved bassist dressed as a banana and locked in medieval-style combat with his bandmates. It also includes more gif-able moments of singer Tilian Pearson. —Farah Zermane
  
  
  
  
  



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  Pixie Aventura: “All In My Head”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=h-uyorjJUVg
  
  
  
  New York performer Pixie Aventura is out with her debut single — and it’s fire! Relationship and heartbreak songs are certainly not irregular, nevertheless Aventura taps into her experiences navigating the challenges and nuances of love as a gay man who does drag. The track has an appetizing pop recipe including a modern residence beat and strong vocals. “‘All in my head’ pointedly calls out the hypocrisy of a guy wanting to hang out, yet then leads me on and isn’t interested in getting to know the man in back of the drag persona,” Aventura explains in a statement. “So go ahead and appreciate the show, nevertheless remember, you’re watching me from below.” Tip the queen, and give her fantastic track a listen. —Zach O’Connor
  
  
  
  
  



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  Lady Gaga: “Hold My Hand”
  
  
  https://youtu.Be/O2CIAKVTOrc
  
  
  
  Top Gun: Maverick marks Tom Cruise’s epic return to the storied action franchise, so it’s only fitting the new film arrives with a similarly epic anthem from none other than Lady Gaga. “Hold My Hand” is as triumphant as it is inspirational, with Gaga’s vocals echoing while in the initial verse before an explosive beat drop kicks off its powerful chorus: “So cry tonight / However don’t you let go of my hand.” Co-produced with Artpop collaborator Bloodpop, the track finds its power in Gaga’s emotional delivery and soaring high notes, creating not only a fitting bop to bring the blockbuster to a close however a worthy addition to any playlist. —Carson Mlnarik