The Pop Stop: Anne-Marie, Leon Bridges, & More Deliver This Week’s Hidden Gems

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 Anne-Marie, Leon Bridges, Sarah Barrios, and HYRA.

Join us inside…

Anne-Marie – Better Not Together

After going big with her debut album ‘Speak Your Mind,’ Anne-Marie continues to reach for the stars on her latest album ‘Therapy.’ The set is a thoughtful collection of songs about processing loss as she dances her way through the stages of heartbreak. At the heart of this collection is the captivating ‘Better Not Together.’ Structurally, the song consists of longing strings, a thumping backbeat, and rhythmic hand claps. However, where the song shines is in the lyrics, where she is forced to confront the stage just before the end of a relationship. Equal parts heartbreaking and dance-worthy, Anne-Marie proves that dancing through the tears can create the most beautiful sounds.

**********

Leon Bridges – Steam

While many debate the authenticity of today’s music and the talent behind it, Leon Bridges has always had an affinity for bridging the organic sounds of the past with the sleek ones of the modern music landscape to create a vast palette of sounds. He continues to exemplify this on his latest song ‘Steam,’ which appears on his ‘Gold-Diggers Sound’ album. Once again armed with rich isntrumentals, Bridges is able to create a rainbow of sounds that are all distinctly different, but blend to create something so breathtakingly beautiful. While he may find himself in love on the track, one cannot help but fall in love with the track.

**********

Sarah Barrios – Thank God You Intoduced Me To Your Sister

Pop-punk is back in full swing. Leading the charge is Sarah Barrios. The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter delivers some of the genres most potent sounds and lyrics of the year on her latest song ‘Thank God You Intoduced Me To Your Sister.’ Rip-roaring electric guitars, pounding drums, and even an appearance by an acoustic guitar lay the foundation for this tune, while the lyrics take it to the stratosphere. Taking aim at her former flame, she flips the script and makes it clear that she had a much better time with his sister than her. Unabashedly queer in its content Barrios may have just made the LGBTQ+ anthem of the decade.

**********

HYRA – Zombie

Hyperpop has had many genre leaders. However, it may have just found its next queen in HYRA. Case in point, the masterpiece that is ‘Zombie.’ Lyrically, the song focuses on HYRA becoming what she feared most in a past relationship. Soncially, the song is an amalgamation of a steady beat, glitchy synths, and electric guitars scattered throughout. When every aspect is added together, they join forces to create a masterclass of pop perfection. Nothing short of amazing, ‘Zombie’ is a definitive statement that will surely stand the test of time.

**********

Do you agree with our picks?