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 Ava Max, Calum Scott, L Devine, and LANY & Kelsea Ballerini.
Join us inside…
Ava Max – EveryTime I Cry
It’s time that Ava Max gets the credit she deserves in the Pop world. Case in point, ‘EveryTime I Cry.’ This Europop number is turned up to 11 with its dancing piano notes and resonating synths that will have you grooving long after the song ends. In short, ‘EveryTime I Cry’ is further proof that Ava Max is one of the few Pop purists left and it’s time she is recognized as such.
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Calum Scott – Biblical
Serving as the lead single from his sophomore album, ‘Biblical’ showcases a new side of the chart-topper. After proving he can bring heartbreak to the dance floor with his cover of Robyn‘s ‘Dancing On My Own,’ he has exited the disco and left his heartbreak behind. ‘Biblical’ is a romantic, piano-driven tune complete with an orchestra of soft strings and a backing choir. It has all the ingredients to be played at future weddings and rightfully so. It is Scott at his most romantic and at his best. ‘Biblical’ is another shining example as to why Scott is the king of the piano ballad.
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L Devine – Girls Like Sex
L Devine is not afraid to get cheeky on her new single ‘Girls Like Sex.’ Over a groovy bass line and some twinkling synths asserts that pleasure is not a gendered concept. Devine’s sarcastic tone throughout is the perfect middle finger to the prudes of the world. Wrapped in a warm, bright colored Pop package, ‘Girls Like Sex’ is the perfect gift for anytime of the year and one we are sure glad we received
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LANY & Kelsea Ballerini – I Quit Drinking
Let’s be honest. You cannot turn on Country radio without hearing multiple odes to drinking. However, LANY and Kelsea Ballerini position this song as a subversion to this worn trope, and they do an excellent job. Make no mistake, this song is not Country at all, it is Pop down to its core with its clap-based production pulsating backbeat. Ballerini anchors the song with her emotive tone, while LANY’s Paul Klein dials-up the emotion by showcasing the other person’s perspective in this heart-wrenching post-breakup track. A strong showing from both, ‘I Quit Drinking’ is a gem that deserves its time to shine.
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Do you agree with our picks?