Bop Shop: Songs From Umi, Mod Sun, Flasher, Muna, And More

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  Umi: "Sorry"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=q3yCxUwBbrY
  
  
  
  "Sorry," the captivating new song from R&B artist Tierra Umi Wilson — who goes by Umi — is light as a feather. Up until it's not. And as soon as it gets heavier, it's thanks to a well-placed beat drop, which supply a counterpoint to the gorgeous affirmations Umi sings across the track. Among the vows to have a chauffeur, snag a Grammy, and get drunk on the beach are familial manifestations ("I wanna be cool with my motherfucking dad / Is that also much to ask for? Shit, my bad") and ultimately, on the song she describes as "an anthem for self-forgiveness," radical acceptance of who she is. Umi's debut album, Forest in the City, is out soon. —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  



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  Kihyun: "Voyager"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=K26EZJVHakE
  
  
  
  There’s a reason why Kihyun is Monsta X’s main vocalist, and he makes that abundantly clear on his debut solo single, “Voyager.” Because the title track of his new EP, “Voyager” takes listeners on a journey to paradise. Lyrically, Kihyun dreams of escape from his some days burdensome reality. “This relaxed feeling in my busy life,” he sings. “The thrill I’ve forgotten, I can feel it.” Alongside Kihyun’s powerhouse vocals, the track incorporates a correctly on-trend pop-rock melody, making a real song of the times. “Voyager” is accompanied by an elevated, multi-dimensional music video that features the K-pop star in numerous sets and silhouettes, including a unforgettable olive green suit. With “Voyager,” Kihyun begins his comeback off with a bang and shows fans his unique charisma and capabilities as a soloist. —Sarina Bhutani
  
  
  
  
  



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  Muna: "Anything However Me"
  
  
  https://youtu.Be/olo9MCKosAI
  
  
  
  Muna is the moment. On the heels of “Silk Chiffon”’s massive success (I’m not talking about the lyrics “Life’s so fun, life’s so fun / Got my miniskirt and my rollerblades on” cured my seasonal depression, although it definitely didn’t hurt), the Los Angeles indie-pop trio have delivered an identically infectious follow-up: “Anything Nevertheless Me,” a synth-backed, self-assured cut about knowing your worth and ending a relationship where “everything feels wrong.” Naturally, it’s “not all so black and white,” lead singer Katie Gavin qualifies on the chorus. “But it’s all love and it’s no regrets, you could call me if / There’s anything you need / Anything, anything but” — cue a burst of twinkling keys — “Me, me yeah.” If this bop (and its Western-themed music video) is any indication, Muna’s forthcoming self-titled album, out in June, will be the soundtrack of every sapphic’s summer 2022. —Sam Manzella
  
  
  
  
  



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  Rex Orange County featuring Tyler, the Creator: "Open a Window"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=KGkabBe-44I
  
  
  
  With his buttery however matter-of-fact vocals and buoyant beats, Rex Orange County has the rare ability to create any song sound like sunshine. So it’s only fitting that he collaborated with the equally talented Tyler, the Creator — whom he’s worked with before on Tyler’s Flower Boy — for a new track that plays to both of their strengths as artists. Over strings, tambourine, as well as a slick bass lick, the duo attempt to preserve their optimism while admitting they “can barely take it anymore.” It’s a daydream of a team-up, using its short nevertheless sweet runtime to sweep you up and let you drift in the wind. —Carson Mlnarik
  
  
  
  
  



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  Mod Sun: prosperous Kids Ruin Everything"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=hXU7izcKIo8
  
  
  
  “This one’s for the kids who grew up broke and didn’t have shit.” Alt rocker Mod Sun’s latest release is a rich-kid dis track. And in case if you've got to stop and wonder if he’s singing about you, he probably is. “Rich Kids Ruin Everything” is a pop-punk anthem packed with sarcasm and disdain for consumerism and unoriginality. “I’m attempting to let people know that there’s more to this world than what’s currently popular,” Mod mentioned in a statement. The music video strays far from the orthodox rock clip and alternatively employs impressive choreography in what the artist calls a “shopping cart musical.” “My objective is routinely to push the limitations of not repeating myself. I've never had a video with dancing and choreography before and I think this is the ideal song for it." —Farah Zermane
  
  
  
  
  


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  Joyce Wrice and Kaytranada: "Iced Tea"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=9tX5qwia8OU
  
  
  
  As soon as Joyce Wrice and Kaytranada link up, good things happen. Most recently, it's on "Iced Tea," an exquisitely nocturnal song that's best listened to in the dark. There really is sensuality, sure, and sweetness abounds — "Lemon slice in your sugar iced tea," Wrice sings — although the electricity Kaytranada creates here permits everything Wrice sings to reverberate into the night air, pinging glowing skyscrapers as it disappears back inside the ether. It's much less hectic and even more spirited than their past collab. Although both are worth your time. —Patrick Hosken
  
  
  
  
  



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  Miranda Lambert: "Strange"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=sv9pYq3jzhs
  
  
  
  From calling out no-good cheating exes to embracing the messy differences within herself, nation singer and songwriting icon Miranda Lambert is no stranger to using her musical gifts to sit in life’s more uncomfortable moments. Her new single off her forthcoming album Palomino (due out in April) is no exception as she tries to prepare sense of listlessness in a global that keeps spinning. Her prescription for these trying times is decidedly nation — “Have a smoke, purchase a round” and “Do anything to keep you sane” — although it feels authentic, thanks to the track’s relatively barebones production and Miranda’s wizened delivery. It can might not directly be a cure-all, although some days it’s just about naming a feeling, and she makes some points as soon as declaring, “Times like these make me feel strange.” —Carson Mlnarik
  
  
  
  
  



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  Flasher: "Sideways"
  
  
  https://www.Youtube.Com/watch?V=w9Hkt_KtleM
  
  
  
  the initial thing Flasher's "Sideways" forces you wish to do is dance. The second thing you'll hope to do is read all about this excellent bicoastal musical group made up of Taylor Mulitz and Emma Baker and why they're able to lock into fantastic grooves, exhilarating post-punk energy, and gorgeous melodicism all at once. The third thing is to dance again. The final thing (for right now) is to listen to "Sideways" on repeat up until the release of Flasher's new album, Love Is Yours, on June 17. —Patrick Hosken