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 Finneas, Noah Gundersen, Illenium, and Santana.

Join us inside…

Finneas – Love Is Pain

Having just released his debut album ‘Optimist,’ Billie Eilish’s brother and producer is ready to strike out on his own. Make no mistake he accomplishes what he set out to do with his debut album, to set himself apart as an artist. Take for example the expertly crafted ‘Love Is Pain.’ This piano-led tune contains rich, warm melodies and pairs them with lyrics that ponder the what could have been. Perfectly capturing the feelings of anxiety and melancholy, Finneas created one of the best ballads of the year.

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Noah Gundersen – Atlantis 

Fresh off of the release of his album ‘A Pillar Of Salt,’ rising singer-songwriter Noah Gunderson has just shared his Phoebe  Bridgers collaboration, ‘Atlantis.’ A somber tune about regret and sorrow, it is anchored by a soft backbeat, a delicate guitar progression, and understated piano. Together Gundersen and Bridgers harmonize across the heart-wrenching song, perfectly blending their own styles while simultaneously creating something new. Easily the best song of the year, both artists created something as mythical and special as the city they reference.

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Illenium – Wouldn’t Change A Thing

Love. It is a complicated emotion that dares us to crash and burn, but at the sometime rewards us with happiness and unforgettable memories. Illenium’s latest tune with rock band 30 Seconds To Mars flawlessly capture that in their collaborative tune ‘Wouldn’t Change A Thing.’ Sonically the song blends Illenium’s signature pulsating EDM style with the band’s euphoric melodies to create a must hear track.

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Santana – Joy

On his latest album, Santana reunites with some old friends and some new ones. Case in point, his first time collaboration with Christ Stapleton called ‘Joy.’ The track is what it suggests, a celebratory, upbeat tune that mixes elements of reggae, country, and gospel. Then there are the vocals, which are handled solely by Stapleton. His rough, growling vocals help add an element of blues to the song and help to anchor it in its theme of euphoria. While each artist may be from a different world, when collided, they formed the perfect utopia on this tune.

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Do you agree with our picks?

Your thoughts?