The Pop Stop: Nick Jonas, CHIKA, & 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 Nick Jonas, CHIKA, Watts & Khalid, and January Jane.

Join us inside…

Nick Jonas – If I Fall

Fresh-off the release of his ‘Spaceman’ album, Jonas has returned to the brighter days of the 80s on this shimmering ballad. Mixing synth-soaked elements – that recall The Cure in their heyday – the song slowly builds into a straight-up fist-pumping pop anthem. As if it was pulled striaght from a John Hughes movie, ‘If I Fall’ is soon to be as classic as ‘Sixteen Candles’ and we are all better for it.

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CHIKA – Cinderella, Part 1 / Cinderella, Part 2

So, this may be cheating to put two separate songs as the same entry, but when they are this good you have to make exceptions sometimes. Appearing on her newly-released ‘Once Upon A Time’ EP, ‘Cinderella Part 1′ and Cinderella Part 2’ are truley the standout tracks. The first part sees the rapper recount the that fateful ball from the perspective of everyone, even the haters. Her bars are as slick and rapid as ever, yet spoken with such ease as if they were conversational, a true testament to her abilities. On the second half, she delivers one of the most opulent and textured R&B jams of the year. The switch between quick bars to soulful crooning with such ease proves how she earned her nomination for Best New Artist at this year’s GRAMMY Awards.

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Watts & Khalid – Feels

Khalid links up with rising star Watts for this mellow remix of Watt’s 2018 single. A soft ballad that is laden with atmospheric synths and warm guitars provide the perfect quiet intimacy for both Watts and Khalid’s voices. The backing echoes not only provide a heavenly vocal layer, but the room for those hurt feelings to be expressed before ultimately letting them go. Perfect for those late night drives, Watts and Kahlid may lament over an inevitable heartbreak, but never has either artist ever made it sound so undeniably emotive. A true gem, that deserves to be recognized for its raw beauty.

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January Jane – Versions Of You

Pop-rock trio Januay Jane have delivered one of the most dance-worthy and infectious tunes of the year with their latest song, ‘Versions Of You.’ Drenched in neon synths, this 80s-influenced pop-rock song, the gorup delivers one of the most infectious hooks of the year that is set to be stuck in your head for hours. Looking to the past, January Jane has made something as classic as the decade they drew from.

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Do you agree with our picks?

Your thoughts?

[Photo Credit: Instagram]