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 Billy Idol, Aries, Maisie Peters, and Luke Hemmings.

Join us inside…

Billy Idol – Bitter Taste

After seven long years without music, Billy Idol has returned with his first song, ‘Bitter Taste.’ Serving as the lead single from his ‘The Roadside’ EP, the song sees the icon in new, calmer territory. Built around a cowboy-like acoustic guitar, searing electric guitars, and a delicate piano, Idol reflects on his near-fatal accident in 1990. Older and wiser, his pen game has never been stronger than the wispy memories he evokes across the track. While the subject matter is certainly somber, ‘Bitter Taste’ makes for one sweet listen and one that cannot be missed.

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Aries – Kids On Molly

After first gaining fame on YouTube, Aries is now ready to make his latest mark, this time in the music industry. Case in point, his newest song ‘Kids On Molly.’ A gorgeous indie-rock song, ‘Kids On Molly’ is built on fuzzy electric guitars, ramshackle drums, and pulsating cymbals. However, the song’s true foundation lies in the lyrics. The perfect juxtaposition to the upbeat production, the lyrics see Aries reflect on his youth and having fun, even when everything else is falling apart. Together, the production and the lyrics provide the perfect setting for any mood. While his star may still be on the rise, ‘Kids On Molly’ shows that it is shining brighter than ever.

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Maisie Peters – You Signed Up For This

With her album ‘You Signed Up For This’ dropping this month, rising pop star Maisie Peters has released the title track. Another perfect pop confection, ‘You Signed Up For This’ is a synth-heavy tune complete with a whirling backbeat and twinkles of piano scattered throughout. While the production is upbeat, the lyrics take a somber tone as Peters confronts her faults in a relationship before aptly reminding her partner that they signed up to love her faults and all. Heart-wrenching and danceable, ‘You Signed Up For This’ further proves why Peters is talents are otherwordly.

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Luke Hemmings – Slip Away

Luke Hemmings debut album ‘When Facing The Things We Turn Away From’ is an expert blend of Fleetwood Mac-esque soft-rock tunes and sparkling indie pop gems. However, at the heart of the album is the poignant ballad ‘Slip Away.’ On the track, Hemmings faces the end of a relationship as his partner quite literally slips away. Set to the tender acoustic guitar lines, echoing piano, and haunting strings, ‘Slip Away’ delivers one emotional gut-punch after the next. More than a ballad about heartbreak, it is an exercise in feeling the silence and the contemplation that goes with it. While he may have been lost when creating the album, he certainly found something special with ‘Slip Away.’

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Do you agree with our picks?

Your thoughts?