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 Phoebe Bridgers, Conan Gray, Why Don’t We, Taeyong, Julius Rodriguez, Whethan and Alec Benjamin.

Join us inside…

Phoebe Bridgers – Sidelines

It’s been two years since Phoebe Bridgers unleashed ‘Punisher’ into the world. Not only is it one of the best albums of all time, but it helped to establish her as a real force in the music industry. Now, she is back her new song ‘Sidelines.’ Serving as a song from the upcoming Hulu series ‘Conversations With Friends,’ it features typical Bridgers instrumentals such as a moody atmosphere, twinkling pianos, and lush strings. While it may be her only solo release this year, Bridgers proves that the magic she has is there, if not more powerful than ever.

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Conan Gray – Memories

As the date nears for Conan Gray’s highly anticipated second album, ‘Superache,’  he is pulling out all the stops. Case in point, his latest single ‘Memories.’ Having a knack for earworm hooks and a flare for emotional lyrics, Gray has combined the two with slow-burning production to form a storm that leaves nothing but beautiful devastation in its wake.

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Why Don’t We – Let Me Down Easy (Lie)

Why Don’t We are back with their latest track, ‘Let Me Down Easy (Lie).’ Exploring themes of heartbreak and the end of a relationship, the boys of the band complete the synth-heavy song with echoes of guitar and handclaps. A must-hear song, the boys continue their streak of impressive singles.

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Taeyong – Love Theory

NCT’s main rapper Taeyong is now venturing out on his own. Case in point, he has now shared his latest single, ‘Love Theory.’ Co-written by the rapper, the song is a zestful track with heavy emphasis on bouncing synths, handclaps, and soft percussion. While the main focus of the song may be all about coy romance, there is nothing shy about how magnificent this is.

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Julius Rodriguez – All I Do

Rising jazz superstar Julius Rodriguez has now shared the second single from his debut album, ‘Let Sound Tell All,’ due out June 10. Entitled ‘All I Do,’ the song is a cover of Stevie Wonder’s classic of the same name. Joined by South African jazz artist Vuyo Sotashe on backing vocals and Mariah Cameron on lead vocals, ‘All I Do’ is a mesmeric blend of jazz rhythms and natural-born musical talents. Together the pair form a song that could have easily appeared in jazz’s heyday or today, proving the timeless quality of this track.

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Whethan – Complicated

Visionary producer Whethan is back with his latest song, ‘Complicated.’ Serving as the next single from his upcoming ‘Midnight’ project – due out April 29 – he is joined by Aiden and 8485 on the song. Incorporating elements of hyperpop, hip-hop, and EDM, not only is this tune genre-blending, but it is also a one-of-a-kind song that stands among his best work to date.

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Alec Benjamin – Speakers

Appearing on his most recent album – ‘(Un) Commentary’ out today – alternative-pop poet Alec Benjamin is back with his song ‘Speakers.’ Living up to his title, the song is a richly textured tale about life after love that is complete with delicate piano, haunting background vocals, and a pulsating beat. Among his strongest work to date, Benjamin is able to capture heartbreak in its rawest form, proving that he is indeed among this generation’s greats.

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