Bop Shop: Songs From Taylor Swift, Mariah Carey, Maggie Rogers, Big Freedia, And More

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  Maggie Rogers: "Love You for a Long Time"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=iKYxMnW7bgs
  
  
  
  Let’s get one thing straight: Maggie Rogers is the queen of wistful sad bops. Just look at any lyric from her debut album. “I still wonder if I called you, what would I do? / Leave a too-long voicemail that I hate / And then erase it, like I suggested it” — I mean, come on! Still, with the lows come the highs and in her newest track, Maggie is truly and equivocally in new love. And it’s amazing.
  
  
  With a cooing chorus and the same honey-fused vocals she’s become known for, Maggie sticks to the theme of intense feeling in body, mind, and soul with “Love You For a Long Time” although there's a noticeable notch up in brightness. This particular lover might not have been around long yet they’ve surely left their mark, and “forever could never be enough.” There’s something especially assuring about the way she sings the title lyric. No matter where you stand in the world of romance, for three minutes and 43 seconds, you can’t help however believe her. —Carson Mlnarik
  
  
  
  
  



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  Mariah Carey: "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=vAOIC737e_k
  
  
  
  there's a good chance good you've heard "All I Want For Christmas Is You" approximately 374,304 times by right now, ever since that last jack-o'-lantern was extinguished. Yet if you're in the mood for a really sad holiday season, might I propose "Miss You Most (At Christmas Time)," another original song on Mariah Carey's album, Merry Christmas?
  
  
  Everything about the song — from the piano intro to the lyrics to the Mariah basically pleads by way of the melody — is heartbreaking. The message to a long-gone relationship holds nothing back; rather than moving on, she doesn't just dwell — she grieves. "Miss You Most" has habitually been one of my main go to holiday songs because it doesn't make any pretenses about feeling. Rather than put on a happy face and attempt to be cheerful and joyous, here's Mariah belting her heart out with such force, it would take a stronger heart than mine to not be immediately despondent. Some days, you just need to feel how you feel. Some days, that feeling is heartbreak. And some days you feel it at Christmastime. Lean into it. Play this song as soon as you do. Cry your eyes out and know you're not alone. —Ella Cerón
  
  
  
  
  



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  Third Eye Blind: "Ways"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=8pDF2B5sZfs
  
  
  
  I've admittedly never listened to Third Eye Blind behind the hits each person knows: "Semi-Charmed Life," "Jumper," "How's It Gonna Be," and the like. So If I stumbled upon "Ways" and its infectious chorus one evening on Spotify, I had to sit up and pay attention. The call and response of the female vocalist in the background, the earwormiest lyrics ever ("A California rude boy / Headed for the legends") reminded me of a previous bop I had submitted from Bear Hands and Ursula Rose. I didn't count on going back through Third Eye Blind's past catalogue, although here I am immediately after hearing their latest. And also you know what? I'm glad I did. —Brittany Vincent
  
  
  
  
  



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  Teejayx6: "Ambitions As a Swiper"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=jFU-6Oy1e1w
  
  
  
  Just while you think you know what Teejayx6 is going to bring to the table with each new release, he switches it up. I thought I'd heard it all before he released (and then speedily pulled) "Black Air Force Activity." Just as soon as I'd settled into this new fashion, he's right now back again with "Ambitions As a Swiper," a clever flip of Tupac's classic rap anthem "Ambitionz Az a Ridah." Teejayx6 typically doesn't repurpose older hip-hop songs, so this one's a special outing all about the scamming bars that have rapidly made him one of Detroit's biggest rappers. From allegedly getting $80,000 taken from him by the police, to driving around with a fake license, Teejayx6 has stories for days here. —Trey Alston
  
  
  
  
  



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  Juliana Hatfield: "Canary in a Coalmine" (The Police cover)
  
  
  
  
  
  It's a week to take stock of what you're thankful for; recently, I’ve been exceedingly grateful for '90s option stalwart Juliana Hatfield’s new variety of Police covers. They're all expertly recreated, nevertheless my preferred is her Meet Me in the Bathroom-ified take on "Canary in a Coalmine." The original remains a peerless document of Sting's close-tracked harmonies atop a bed of watered-down reggae, however Hatfield opts for a skeletal construct here, ending up with a New Wave triumph that's the exact midpoint between The Cars and The Strokes. It's the "12:51" sequel (prequel?) We deserve. —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  



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  Big Freedia ft. Icona Pop: "Louder"
  
  
  https://youtu.Be/KUwBOMtLk8Q
  
  
  
  The Queen of Bounce herself, Big Freedia. The electro-pop duo in back of the dance-pop anthem "I Love It," Icona Pop. A trial of Snap!'S 1990 Jock Jams anthem "The Power." What, do you really require some other reason to listen to this song? Well, just if you do, know that "Louder" is an ass-shaking love letter to self-love, empowerment, and '90s dance-floor excess, complete with a music video that looks like a warped VHS tape. There really are backflips, full choir, along with a ton of fruit. Big Freedia's new album is coming in 2020, and I don't think you're ready. —Bob Marshall
  
  
  
  
  



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  Taylor Swift ft. Shawn Mendes: "Lover (Remix)"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=b5Zay_Hd_7Q
  
  
  
  Taylor Swift’s “Lover” isn’t a holiday song per se, nevertheless there really is that rather buzzed-about (and not to say, controversial) lyric about keeping your Christmas lights until January. And the remixed version, featuring Shawn Mendes, presents the romantic track from an entirely fresh perspective. In their duet, fans get a more 360-degree view of this couple’s love story as Mendes croons about dancing around the kitchen, singing love songs any time they’re 80, and going down with the Titanic. Romantic stuff! Plus, their harmonies are truly angelic — brilliant for ushering in a merry and bright holiday season. —Jordyn Tilchen