The Pop Stop: Niall Horan, Kelsea Ballerini, & 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 Niall Horan, Kelsea Ballerini, KEY, and Mercer Henderson.

Join us inside…

Niall Horan – Heaven

It has been nearly three years since Niall Horan has released his sophomore album, ‘Heartbreak Weather,’ and despite a smattering of singles, no album has come about, until now. Gearing up to release his third studio album, Horan has shared the first offering, ‘Heaven.’ A waltz-like tempo is paired with gloriously arranged backing vocals to create a truly otherworldly experience.

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Kelsea Ballerini – Penthouse

Country-pop superstar Kelsea Ballerini surprised dropped her latest EP ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat’ earlier this week and found on the project is the heartbreaking ‘Penthouse.’ Set to the tune of delicate piano and soft guitars, Ballerini explores the vulnerable moments of moving out of a shared place with a partner. Across the song, Ballerini is able to capture all the anguish of such a situation with mature subtlety. With ‘Penthouse’ Ballerini delivered one of her best ballads to date.

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KEY – Killer

SHINee member KEY has returned with his fiery new song, ‘Killer.’ Serving as the lead single from his new re-packaged album of the same name, ‘Killer’ is a euphoric, synth-pop song that is a serotonin rush from beginning to end.

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Mercer Henderson – Little Too Much

Rising singer-songwriter Mercer Henderson is back with her latest single, ‘Little Too Much.’ Having teased the song on TikTok, the track lives up to the buzz thanks to its heart-rending lyrics and melancholy production. A must-hear track, ‘Little Too Much’ is a promising offering from one of this generation’s budding starlets.