Bop Shop: Songs From Rostam, Saweetie, Brooke Eden, And More

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  Elohim ft. Big Freedia: "Strut"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=6zkMurAluhA
  
  
  
  Here we go. Thanks to a structurally sound, icy house-inspired beat, Elohim is able to make design a space that feels eternal, where the bass can keep pounding forever. Add in empowering vocalizations from New Orleans bounce legend Big Freedia and you also have an instant classic — exactly the sort of tune that reminds us how "the power we hold within ourselves is infinite," as Elohim says. Like I mentioned, here we go. —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  



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  Brooke Eden: “Got No Choice”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=sT3oCZE4f7s
  
  
  
  Queer nation crooner Brooke Eden was smitten with her girlfriend from the initial “Hey girl, how are you?” And she doesn’t care who is aware. “Got No Choice,” her third new single this year, skews more toward pop than classic nation, paying homage to the GF Eden wasn’t looking for nevertheless can’t refuse loving. Her bliss bleeds into every resonant, twangy note she sings. Fair warning, it’s infectious. —Sam Manzella
  
  
  
  
  



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  Number One Popstar: “Forever 21”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=KnPBa3QIeWI
  
  
  
  Existential dread has never sounded as dreamy as it does in Number One Popstar’s new single “Forever 21.” Over sparkling synths and a ‘80s-reminsicent beat, the Slut Island singer reflects on the carefree days of her twenties with a heaviness you wouldn’t detect from its lighthearted production. While one often spends adolescence chasing maturity, adulthood is flecked with dreams of youth. Though her self-directed visual finds her reuniting with the optimism of an older self, its tongue-in-cheek conclusion reminds us that some missions are futile. Still, Kate Hollowell finds a way to strike a chord with this retro mall-wave bop that wouldn’t be a far cry from its namesake store. —Carson Mlnarik
  
  
  
  
  



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  Saweetie: “Fast (Motion)”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=mkiA9tuJ-xM
  
  
  
  Saweetie’s answer to the “Futsal Shuffle” is this pepped-up stadium tune that comes complete with a sporty visual that finds the rapper jumping out of a plane, showing off her racing chops, and holding her own in the octagon. Imagine it her audition tape for several film franchises — Mission: Impossible, Fast & Furious, and Godzilla/Kong producers, are you paying attention? —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  



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  Rostam: "From the Back of a Cab"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=DW-_NldiM9I
  
  
  
  On the cover of his upcoming new solo LP, Changephobia, Rostam gazes upward, open to wonder. It's the same receptiveness that characterizes his lovely new video for "From the Back of a Cab," a wiggly number built for gazing out and contemplating. The clip, though, is brimming with cameos from his pals and collaborators — Haim, Wallows, and even Charli XCX make appearances — which might make you starry-eyed. Although the aesthetics of both the song and its visual is how subtle both remain in light of what seems like a superstar concept. "Boys" this isn't. This is Rostam, continued purveyor of the understated twinkling poetry of our shared planetary connection. —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  



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  Kings of Convenience: “Rocky Trail”
  
  
  https://youtu.Be/pdv5n_Qgiw4
  
  
  
  Kings of Convenience, the early 2000s indie answer to Simon & Garfunkel consisting of Erlend Øye and Eirik Glambek Bøe, are back. The duo have been pretty radio silent since they released their third album, Declaration of Dependence, in 2009 — up until last week, any time whenever they reported their upcoming fourth album, Peace or Love, with a new single, “Rocky Trail.” On the folk track, the two sing about relationship regrets while strumming their guitars, with their calming hygge harmonies lowering your blood pressure pretty much whenever you hit play. Who could ask for more immediately after this past year? Saving us from our stress and depressing inner dialogue, the Kings of Convenience have returned at the ideal time. —Chris Rudolph
  
  
  
  
  



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  Chav: “Gelato”
  
  
  
  
  
  Once it comes to sexy sweets, ice cream is often top-of-mind, although indie-pop artist Chav is elevating the narrative with new track “Gelato.” Firmly nestled in the middle of their latest EP Totally (out today), they flawlessly set the scene for an additional hot summer. Evoking hints of EDM, R&B-pop, and electronic punk — how’s that for 24 flavors? — “Gelato” is a flirty expedition through Chav’s own musical sensibilities and cravings. And any time while they rhyme “sticky” with “hickey?” Chef’s kiss. —Carson Mlnarik
  
  
  
  
  



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  Rodrigo Amarante: "Maré"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=MyV6cb2LlwQ
  
  
  
  It's hard to not be captivated by Brazilian singer-songwriter Rodrigo Amarante's limber rhythms and infectious vocal melodies. So, let yourself be. Then watch the wonderfully twee "Maré" video and get lost in its similarly mesmerizing use of color and warm film vibrations. It makes "Maré" endearing twice over. —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  





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  Coldplay: “Higher Power”
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=gXgf5smLEgQ
  
  
  
  Watching Chris, Jonny, Guy, and Will pantomime “Higher Power” — a Max Martin-assisted digital synthpop banger — with a long-established guitar-bass-drums setup showcases the true staying power of Coldplay in 2021. They’re maybe the largest rock musical group in the world, and they’re devoted to what that demonstrates, nevertheless not at the cost of their actual sound. In other words, it’s fitting that Mylo Xyloto turns 10 this year. Coldplay are back to expansive, electronic neon, taking cues from “Blinding Lights,” and as big as they’ve ever been. —Patrick Hosken