The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But along with most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights!
Alok & Bastille – Run Into Trouble
This is such a perfect example of the ‘moody synth pop meets EDM” style that’s so popular right now. Strong melodies, driving percussion and evocative vocals.
Bree Runway – Somebody Like You
Mining a different side of 80’s synthpop, Bree Runway brings her incredible vocals to this dramatic slow-burn. It’s such a lush sound.
David Guetta & Becky Hill & Ella Henderson – Crazy What Love Can Do
This is just three minutes of straightforward dance music, powered by two of the biggest voices in the genre right now.
Gryffin & OneRepublic – You Were Loved
I’ve never been a big OneRepublic fan, but this collaboration instantly stood out. I really like the lyrical sentiment combined with the acoustic-meets-EDM production.
Jackson Wang – Blow
Yeah, the song’s good. But that video?? A star is (re)born!
R3HAB – My Pony
He did not interpolate Ginuwine’s 1996 classic as an EDM banger, did he? Why, yes. Yes he did. Fair play, R3HAB. I see the nostalgia play you’re making, and I am not immune to it.
SawanoHiroyuki[nZk] – Outsiders (ft. Junki & Shou of JO1)
Hiroyuki Sawano is one of my favorite Japanese composers, and pairing his work with JO1’s vocal powerhouses proves to be a winning formula. Outsiders is gutsy and anthemic — two qualities I love very much.
TIEKS & MNEK – The Funk
Lyrically, I feel like this is the theme song to my 2022 K-pop experience! But, The Funk is also a bright pinwheel of groovy sunshine. I’m into it.
The Weeknd – Out Of Time
Dawn FM remains the 2022 album to beat, and Out Of Time is one of its definite standouts. The song is an absolute groove, showcasing The Weeknd’s incredible vocals.
I’d kill for an Out of Time extended version, just like the one we got for Take My Breath.
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Yes Bree Runway! Everything she puts out is just so awesome, my favourite new artist 😍
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I love Dawn FM. I’m trying to see how much I like it compared to After Hours but I definitely enjoy it. The videos are creepy as hell too and I love it.
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not surprised none of the american song contest songs are here, all of them (except for the story) are mid
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Also, I love/hate that I’m gonna have “Pony” stuck in my head for the rest of the night now. Lmao.
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Bree has a lot of good songs, love this one from 2020 https://youtu.be/QGBM2vWEfNo
One of my most anticipated albums of the year dropped Friday and it didn’t disappoint: Northlane – Obsidian https://open.spotify.com/album/6QRURYmqe56BojUuWgTpX6?si=bPQClJh5RrGrgACsHqRgcw&utm_source=copy-link
It’s like the soundtrack to fighting aliens on the moon. I would call it EDM-metalcore but some parts are straight from Linkin Park and some are Moby esque it’s wild.
Also into this ep from English Teacher https://open.spotify.com/album/4ujpPtjDfKW4PNTQMnKSjS?si=k_dugYjSTaafUx0BywOzGA&utm_source=copy-link
I’ve been eyeing this band for 2 years now and they finally dropped more than a single and it makes me: happy.
Next month is Eurovision month so as a European it is a national holiday and I am morally, legally and spiritually obliged to post about what I like in next month’s post. Enjoy.
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Another Bree Runway track that deserves mention: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HRnPk2gSl2k
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I’m glad to see Blow here! If this is the direction Jackson is going in, then I think I might start paying more attention to him.
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Alright so I loved Outsiders in five seconds and have found myself circling the JO1 rabbit hole for the last few hours. Thanks Nick!
Now time to find a guide…
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A hiroyuki sawano review is the last thing i expected here damn. The anime x kpop crossover i need.
I hope jackson’s new song is what made him “blows”. This is absolutely great in all departments.
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In April I was listening to This Enchanted by Hatchie, the Electra Heart 10 year anniversary album by Marina, and Preach by Jessie Paege!
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