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 Big Time Rush, Pia Mia, NCT, and Nic D.

Join us inside…

Big Time Rush – Call It Like I See It

Big Time Rush is back and better than ever on their latest single, ‘Call It Like I See It.’ A primarily disco-pop tune, the song is complete with a pounding backbeat, delicate strings, and spunky horns. The sunny song sparkles with shimmering synths, where it is certain to become a club staple for the next year. A must-hear track, ‘Call It Like I See It’ finds Big Time Rush create one of their catchiest tunes to date.

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Pia Mia – Whole Thing

Having first broken onto the charts with her 2015 hit ‘Do It Again,’ rising pop star Pia Mia has returned with her latest song, ‘Whole Thing.’ This pop-meets-R&B tune is constructed of a skittering trap beat, a soft backbeat, and echoing synths. Across the tune, Pia Mia asserts that she does not need any help and that her success has been achieved on her own. Sleek and confident, ‘Whole Thing’ is a true standout from one of pop’s most auspicious stars.

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NCT – Beautiful 

Serving as the lead single from their latest project – ‘Universe’ – NCT has shared the song ‘Beautiful.’ Primarily a piano ballad, the song is mainly driven by the 21 members’ voices. However, whereas most winter piano ballads feel bogged down by the tight construction, ‘Beautiful’ is the opposite. The song is bouncy and upbeat, recalling the classic boy band songs of the 2000’s. Perhaps just as classic as those songs, the members have truly created something worthy of being called beautiful.

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Nic D – December 

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Nic D is back with the appropriately titled song, ‘December.’ A glossy R&B-meets-pop tune, ‘December’ is complete with tinges of blues guitar, warm synths, and pounding drums. Across the tune, Nic D reflects on a past relationship that changed with the seasons. While the relationship may no longer be there, ‘December’ was built to last and serves as his strongest work to date.

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Do you agree with our picks?

Your thoughts?