The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But just like 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!
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Adam Woods – Supernatural
This year’s Melodifestivalen has largely underwhelmed so far, but this is a solid dance track.
The American English – Wherever My Love Takes You
The incredible Ollie Wride has a side project, and if you like synth-sprinkled, anthemic 80’s rock you’re going to love The American English.
Benjamin x Bess – Paremmin ku kukaan muu
This was the month of killer duets from Finnish faves. Benjamin and Bess are unstoppable and this is a fantastic banger.
Beyoncé – Texas Hold ‘Em
I’m not sure how I feel about this and its counterpart 16 Carriages, but new Beyoncé music is always a treat.
Dannii Minogue – Thinking ‘Bout Us (with Autone)
It may be somewhat generic, but this is nice melodic dance music.
Delta Goodrem – Hearts On The Run
The Australian legend explores synthwave.
Dua Lipa – Training Season
This is decent, but I’m missing the gusty pop melodies and bombast of her last era.
Elisa Lindström – Forever Yours
Melodifestivalen can always be counted on for at least one good old fashioned schlager track.
Gryffin – Last Of Us (ft. Rita Ora)
Very early-2010’s. I appreciate its big build and powerful melodies.
Jannika B – SOS
Stop what you’re doing and listen to Jannika B’s new album right now! It’s banger after banger after banger, and SOS is only a taste of the fantastic material she’s come up with.
Jax Jones – Never Be Lonely (ft. Zoe Wees)
This has such a fun Eurodance sound.
Käärijä & Erika Vikman – Ruoska
Finland’s Eurovision hopefuls were not great this year (and its winner is awful), but the incredible Käärijä & Erika Vikman teamed up for the interval act that easily surpassed them all. I’m obsessed with Ruoska‘s frenzied rock energy and propulsive chorus. Just incredible.
Neea River – Never Made It Out Alive
Neea River simply can’t make a song that isn’t epic. This has the big energy and bigger melodies we’ve come to expect. It’s so good.
Purple Disco Machine – Beat Of Your Heart (ft. ÁSDÍS)
Purple Disco Machine have been on a real roll lately, mastering every dance genre they touch. This is another bonafide smash.
Robin Packalen – Kuumilla hiilillä
Finland’s really taking it, aren’t they? Robin returns with his first Finnish single in awhile and it’s predictably great.
Saba – Sand
Denmark has unveiled some great songs for its Eurovision bid, and I think this must be the frontrunner. Its epic melodies and performance clearly echo last year’s winning Tattoo from Loreen. It’s tremendous.
UBLU – Planetary Hearts
Even though I doubt it’ll win Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2024, this is a personal favorite. It reminds me a bit of BWO. That chorus is just so good.
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
I’m looking forward to checking out those Eurovision songs. The tunes that have caught my ear this month include Caroline Polachek’s Coma, which appears on the new deluxe version of last year’s album. I honestly prefer this to anything on that album:
16 Carriages was the one that I initially was drawn to, although I’ve come to like Texas Hold ‘Em also.
Since I’m doing country, Jessica Pratt’s voice on her new one is so captivating:
As cover songs go, Paramore’s Burning Down the House does the Talking Heads proud:
And I’m always happy to hype new music from my hometown of Baltimore, which has produced exciting indie groups like Animal Collective, Beach House, and Future Islands, who have a new tune out:
Fans of NewJeans might be interested to know Erika de Casier has a new song out. (She co-wrote the Get Up EP.)
My favorite album of the year continues to be Kali Uchis’ Orquideas. I can’t say enough about it; plenty of great songs, but it’s a truly immersive album experience, a no-skip album that’s enjoyable from the first to last track. Judging by her appearance, I’d say she’s going to deliver her baby any day now, so I don’t think she’s been able to promote this album that much.
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I like 16 Carriages more than Texas Hold ‘Em.
Training Season is excellent, but for now I’m not sure if I like it more than Houdini.
also, please check out Make You Mine by Madison Beer. it’s very psychedelic europop. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w2O70G42bs
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Here are a couple of other recent songs that weren’t mentioned on the post that I liked:
And here are some songs that aren’t recent but I’ve only discovered them. And they’re amazing imo. I wish I got to discover them earlier though :(((
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This just had a sizable bump in popularity on Twitter, definitely one of the best pop records of the year so far
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was no rules really that bad though? (based on my first listen)
then again my dopamine source has been poisoned by big dance sounds and i dont watch umk so…
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I assume you likely had found Chromeo’s album too generic, but I really like everything they’ve released recently!
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Also love your list. Pretty sure I added practically all the songs you’ve mentioned unless I had them already in my library!
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I actually haven’t heard it yet, but I’ve always liked Chromeo.
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Oh I was wondering, because I haven’t seem them mentioned in your global lists yet.
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