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 Ella Henderson, Why Don’t We, Sarah Barrios, and Gang Of Youths.
Join us inside…
Ella Henderson – Brave
Serving as the second single from her upcoming ‘Everything I Didn’t Say’ album, ‘Brave’ is a heartfelt tune about asking for help when a person is at their lowest. Set to a delicate piano progression, pounding drums, and gospel-like vocals, Henderson shines across the tune and proves that her star is as bright as ever.
**********
Why Don’t We – Don’t Wake Me Up
Having released one of the best songs last year with ‘Love Back,’ Why Don’t We continues their streak of infectious tunes with ‘Don’t Wake Me Up.’ A collaboration with EDM superstar Jonas Blue, the song features plucks of acoustic guitar, anthemic synths, and an enthusiastic piano progression. Easily one of the strongest songs from the beginning of the year, if listening to this is a dream, then we don’t want to wake up.
**********
Sarah Barrios – We Don’t Have To Die
Another artist who shared one of the best songs of 2021 with her infectious ‘Thank God You Introduced Me To You Sister,’ Sarah Barrios is back and better than ever with her latest tune, ‘We Don’t Have To Die.’ A striking pop-punk ballad about facing one’s own morality, the song is complete with flourishes of acoustic guitar, pleasant drums, and a skittering trap beat. With ‘We Don’t Have To Die’ Barrios has officially moved from rising pop-punk star to future genre icon.
**********
Gang Of Youths – In The Wake Of Your Leave
Indie-pop group Gang Of Youths has shared the latest taste of new music from their upcoming ‘Angel In Realtime’ album, the wistful ‘In The Wake Of Your Leave.’ This tune is complete with rocking electric guitars, thumping drums, and gorgeous strings, as the band reflects on losing someone they cared about. Heartbreaking and beautiful, Gang Of Youths have created the year’s first tearjerker, one that will surely be one of the year’s best.
**********
Do you agree with our picks?