Readers of That Grape Juice know how passionate we are about music – whether that be past or present
However, unlike our other segments – Retro Rewind, TGJ Replay, and From The Vault – The Pop Stop is the most in-depth look at Pop songs that may have flown under the radar over the last week that you should know, rather they be from music’s biggest stars or those on the rise.
This week, we want to highlight cuts from Rag’n’Bone Man, Bebe Rexha, Conan Gray, and Slayyyter.
Join us inside…
Rag’n’Bone Man – Crossfire
It’s been several years since Rag’n’Bone Man’s hit ‘Human’ bellowed across the world in an appeal for empathy. His debut album of the same name went on to break records in the UK and catapult him into superstardom. Now, he is back and better than ever with his newest album ‘Life By Misadventure.’ Case in point, the Fleetwood Mac-meets-Bruce Springsteen banger that is ‘Crossfire.’ This walloping big, against-the-odds tune is his sweet spot. While the album may be called ‘Life By Misadventure,’ Rag’n’Bone Man seems to have found his home with this modern soft-rock classic. A true standout from one of this generation’s greatest male singers.
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Bebe Rexha – Empty
Renowned singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha has managed to achieve a difficult feat in pop, to create her own universe. Her sophomore album – ‘Better Mistakes’ – is just that, a glimpse inside her world and who she is. At the heart of that world is ‘Empty,’ a confessional, guitar-laden track that has the singer confronting her own demons. Just as it seems as though they will overwhelm her, the production builds to a fever pitch, with stadium-like drums and fizzy guitars as she howls for wholeness. While this track may be called ‘Empty,’ it is filled to the brim with pure, raw emotion culminating in one of her strongest songs ever.
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Conan Gray – Astronomy
After releasing the rip-roaring ‘Overdrive’ earlier this year, Conan Gray has put his foot on the brake and switched gears for this slow ballad. While ‘Astronomy’ plays in a similar vein as ‘Heather’ in terms of sound – the soft strums of the guitar, gentle piano, and atmospheric tone – it is nonetheless one of his strong suits. However, this spectral song showcases a new side to the singer, with a more abstract and mature approach to the content. While ‘Astronomy’ may be otherworldly, Gray proves that he rules as prince of the heartbreak world. Warning: tissues will be needed to listen.
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Slayyyter – Over This
Slayyyter – born Catherine Slater – has had quite the steady rise to fame thanks to her eclectic brand of glitchy hyper-pop. While ‘Over This’ stays true to her sound, she infuses it with plenty of punk-rock sounds. With huge guitar riffs and her hyper-pop sound, there is clear influence from both Avril Lavigne and Charli XCX; however, Slayyyter has made a sound all her own, one that nobody can take away. A classic kiss-off anthem, Slayyyter has zero remorse for her ex who wants her back. After all, she is over it, but we will never be over this modern masterpiece.
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Do you agree with our picks?
