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 Avril Lavigne, Mitski, Erin Rae, and Noah Guthrie.

Join us inside…

Avril Lavigne – Love It When You Hate Me

Serving as the second single from her upcoming ‘Love Sux’ album, Avril Lavigne continues her return to pop-punk maximalist efforts with ‘Love It When You Hate Me.’ Featuring rapper Blackbear, the song is the pure embodiment of pop-punk: toxic relationships, angst, and lessons learned. However, it comes with a twist as the rap feature and infusion of trap beats help to make this a genre-blending tune, one that continues to prove Avril Lavigne is the undisputed queen of pop-punk.

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Mitski – Love Me More

Another single from her upcoming ‘Laurel Hell’ album, Mitski continues her tribute to 80’s pop on ‘Love Me More.’ Built around ominous pianos, twinkling synths, and a heart-pounding drum line, Mitski yearns for a love as satisfying and impassioned as she sings about. While ‘Laurel Hell’ doesn’t arrive until February 4, ‘Love Me More’ only continues to prove it may be Mitski’s best record yet.

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Erin Rae – Cosmic Sigh

Singer-songwriter Erin Rae is back with her latest tune, the ethereal ‘Comic Sigh’ from her ‘Lighten Up’ album (due out February 4).  Across the song, she is accompanied by delicate strings and a warm guitar progression. However, the minimalist production is where the song really shines. By choosing to keep it stripped back, she helps recall the great singer-songwriters, such as: James Taylor and Joni Mitchell. Lyrically, she follows suit as well. Nuanced and poetic, Erin Rae has created one of the year’s first must-hear tunes with ‘Cosmic Sigh.’

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Noah Guthrie – Wishing I Was Wrong

Noah Guthrie’s latest album, ‘Blue Wall,’ is truly something to behold. Freshly released, the set is packed to the brim with gems that can easily shine on their own and in the greater context of the album. However, one shines the brightest among these and it is ‘Wishing I Was Wrong.’ Built around a jaunty guitar line, pedal steel, and gentle drums, the song sees Guthrie knows the end of a relationship is near. Heartbreak in all its ugly glory, Guthrie has created the first, true tearjerker of the year and one of his best tracks to date.

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Do you agree with our picks?

Your thoughts?