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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Ava Max – My Oh My
She keeps coming back with the same basic song yet it’s incredibly addictive each and every time. How does she do it?
Bentley Robles – IAM IAM IAM
This has been one of my favorite discoveries of the year so far. Bentley Robles’ newest album is all-killer, no-filler – especially if you love driving synth-drenched pop. Opener IAM IAM IAM sets the tone in thrilling, melodic fashion.
Blusher – Accelerator
Are you looking for a 2024 answer to Icona Pop’s immortal early-10’s smash I Love It? Have I got the girl group for you!
Conan Gray – Fainted Love
Gray’s newest album is a fun escapade through various 80’s soundscapes. It’s super cohesive, but I think this track stands out.
Darin – Electric
It’s hard to believe Darin’s been at this music thing for nearly twenty years now. He still sounds as fresh as ever, and this chugging disco anthem is a welcome addition.
Dua Lipa – Illusion
Sadly, Dua Lipa’s recent singles roll-out is doing exactly opposite of what it ought to: it’s making me less excited about the album. Illusion is another fine dance track, but it’s just too subdued. I’m fearing the Future Nostalgia era might have been a one-off…
Kiesza – I Go Dance
Everything released from her upcoming EP has been brilliant. This doesn’t quite match up to the bonkers Dancing And Crying, but I love its electro thump.
Kygo – For Life (ft. Zak Abel & Nile Rodgers)
Like so many others, I’m getting tired of song interpolations being passed off as new dance hits, but the super-charged, anthemic production on this has my heart.
Melovin – Dreamer
A hopeful to represent Ukraine in this year’s Eurovision (he didn’t win), Melovin delivers an operatic, dreamlike club epic.
Molly Sanden – Hålla mig
It seems Scandinavian producers have no shortage of sublime, chugging electropop. This one takes a bit of a trance turn.
Peg Parnevik – Svett
“Svett” means “sweat” in Swedish, and you’ll be feeling exactly that as the breathless beat takes hold.
Raylee – Diamond In The Rough
This feels more in line with what I’d hope Dua would be doing in 2024. It’s got a beefy funk backbone and incredibly catchy hook.
Sabrina Carpenter – Espresso
I’m not usually into the more subdued side of disco (why can’t artists just embrace the bombast??), but this is a solid, addicting example.
Zee Machine & Bentley Robles – Anyone But Him
Hey, it’s that Bentley Robles guy again! This time, he’s paired with another awesome indie artist. This might just be my favorite track on the round-up this month. I’m obsessed with the relentless guitar that comes in just after the chorus.
The Bias List // K-Pop Reviews & Discussion 
i don’t get your sentiments about dua lipa’s new album rollout. i honestly think it’ll be better than future nostalgia haha prolly bc u prefer more traditional pop structures i suppose, but i dont mind that. to each of their own it is <33
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I don’t see what’s nontraditional about the structures of these new songs, though? To me, they feel like Future Nostalgia tracks without the punch that made that album so great.
I do enjoy Houdini, though.
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my favorites this month:
Illusion is my least favorite single so far from Radical Optimism. I love Houdini and Training Season, so I just hope the album is a solid follow-up to Future Nostalgia.
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brit smith’s original ver is leagues better than jojo’s ver wbk
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I’m obsessed with Espresso. Like you said, a subdued but addictive song thanks to the strong melodies. Also, love that the video is a beach vid but on a lake. You never see lake videos.
I mentioned this on your Twitter (I’m ughhhhhhfine over there) but I saw Bentley Robles and Zee Machine last week at a Chicago show of maybe 30 people, all gay men. Each of the artists sang to a backing track and a live drummer. A fun time, but the songs shine more on the recording.
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I’m actually so excited for the new Dua Lipa album! I think the singles have more edge, more grit, and are more interesting than the polished pop songs from Future Nostalgia. I’m genuinely excited for her upcoming album!
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i adore conan gray 😍😍 so glad he’s getting more recognition- found heaven is an absolutely stunning album!
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Accelerator, Fainted Love, and Svett are all top notch, and I quite like Illusion … but Anyone But Him is one of those songs that makes me want to speed down a highway at night with the volume loud enough to drown out all thought. It’s amazing.
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“Speeding down a highway at night” is my preferred music genre 👍
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That’s why I get most of my music recommendations from you these days haha
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I am in the Yes to “I LUV IT” Camila Cabello x Playboi Carti camp.
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