Shannon O'Hara - Wake Up

Wake Up - Shannon O’Hara (Pop) Top 40 gold—that’s what Shannon O’Hara delivers with “Wake Up.” A genre infusing track, this heart wrenching ballad takes elements of instantly recognizable 80s drumkits, a country music melodic sensibility and modern day FX tricks to create a record as catchy as it is anthemic. The vocal is close and intimate, yet soulful and mature, giving us vibes of Kelly Clarkson with a touch of Pink when it comes to the harmonies and counterpoint. In “Wake Up”, Shannon sings about a love so good that if it’s a dream, she’s fine staying asleep. It screams sync potential—you can just see this song played over a love story on TV.

Best Lyric: “You and I ain’t what’s best, but I can’t let go.”

Myky - Fake Friend

Fake Friend - Myky (Pop) WIth an 80s dance beat, Myky storms the dance floor with “Fake Friend” to cut some dead weight out of his social circle. Super-catchy and lead by a thudding kick, this synthpop number is most definitely a personal one for the artist, and extremely relatable to audiences. In the track, Myky points to superficially supportive friends who fawn over his music, but actions speak louder than words—the plight of many an independent artist whose social circles are often plagued by hangers-on who have no desire to help their friend “make it” but will be first in line for free tickets when they do. With a nice little shout out to ‘Nsync with the “bye bye bye,” Myky has crafted an infectious little bop that beckons a repeat.

Best Lyric: “I don’t want no more Judas.”

Mr Macee - Real World

Real World - Mr Macee (Rap) Mr Macee’s latest track “Real World” serves as an introduction as to who he is and what he’s all about as an artist. Exploring his past, his love life, his dreams and ambitions, this well produced record is an excellent opening salvo from an artist to his fandom. The flow of the cut gave us a lot of Jay-Z vibes—not the tonality, but the patter of the flow and specifically the storytelling revolving around the artist’s life. Driving through the track at a rapid fire spit (does this guy ever breathe?), Mr Macee is front and center in the mix, punctuated by the expected trap-inspired percussion. Overall, we think Mr Macee should open his shows with this one.

Best Lyric: “When I got a showcase, another brother’s funeral.”

Joel Sammut - What Happened To The Weekend

What Happened To The Weekend - Joel Sammut (Indie Pop) On ode to post-pandemic emergence, Joel Sammut’s “What Happened To The Weekend” is as intoxicating as it is ethereal—creating a sense of uncertainty and wonder which perfectly matches the subject matter. Bowie-esque in style and performance—it’s equal part groove and avant-garde—the vocals employ that tightly delayed/doubled vocal reminiscent of that “Pumped Up Kicks” telling the tale of the strange and dizzying passage of time we all experienced over the last few years. There’s an 80s style to the track, particularly in the bongos/toms introduced in the second verse, and overall the track is incredibly engaging. This one simmers.

Best Lyric: “I’m still escaping death.”

Lotion Princess - Reassurance

Reassurance - Lotion Princess (Indie Pop) This might be one of our favorite tracks we’ve reviewed his year. Giving some serious Top 40 vibes, Lotion Princess’s genre-blending “Reassurance” is one of those tracks that just beckons being put on repeat. The production is crisp and masterful, allowing the strong vocal to sit alone in vulnerability during the verses, while joined by a driving instrumentation during the super catchy chorus. The vocal reminds us a lot of Stevie Nicks in its reediness, and a little of Ellie Goulding—but less wispy, far more strong and mature—as it tells the relatable tale of self doubt in love and needing reassurance from a partner of their worthiness. The vocal duets with a distinctive warbling synth bell that conjures images of a princess with a bird on her finger. Incorporating R&B harmonies, country instrumental infusions with modern day pop vocals and FX, this gem of a track is ultimately wrapped in warm analog fuzz that begs a vinyl release.

Best Lyric: “All this insecurity goes so deep inside of me, if I could root it out and place it down I’d feel so free.”

Corbin Dooley - Breathe Deep

Breathe Deep - Corbin Dooley (Indie Pop) It’s pretty genius that a song called “Breathe Deep” is musically structured to be a series of inhales and exhales, with Corbin Dooley’s latest track utilizing tension and release to convey his message of connectivity to the universe, and each other. The song is what we would call a “travelling song”—it trots along with a steady guitar strum and the subtle drive of a pad, as the build continues thanks to a continuous addition of more instrumentation. Reedy and resonant, Corbin’s baritone and soothing while crisp, slicing through the track throughout. Our favorite moment was certainly the bridge, which elevates the song with a surprising modulation (the inhale) before the glorious release (the exhale) of that suped up final chorus.

Best Lyric: “Faith is pure emotion.”

Tash Hills - Diamond Life

Diamond Life - Tash Hills (R&B) We are excited every time someone gives us a 90s/00s R&B/funk cut and so we couldn’t be happier to review Tash Hills’ latest—”Diamond Life.” Calling back to the days of Groove Theory, Faith Evans and Angie Stone, Tash sings an upbeat song conveying her own self love and contentment, which creates a contagious positivity that we believe could help any listener find their own diamond life. Retro, fuzzy and analog, the track is a certified groove which sits Tash’s vocals front and center. Her tone and enunciation remind us a lot of early J Lo—like “Feelin So Good” days—soaring above this straight up 2-step of a track. We can see reluctant significant others being drug onto the dancefloor at a family gathering when this track comes on.

Best Lyric: “The cherry on top is mine.”

Raven Ives - Rainy Days

Rainy Days - Raven Ives (Pop) Raven Ives’ latest, “Rainy Days,” is an intoxicating track, drawing the listener in with a silky smooth vocal and pulsing wall of synth strings. The arrangement is understated, which perfectly suits the message of the song—a broody, haunting tale of the end of a romance. Cutting through the synths is a tight percussion arrangement with the crystal clear twinkling of piano occasionally adding a top note to an otherwise dark soundscape. Raven’s vocals are emotive and passionate, while exercising restraint, which help cast the hypnotic spell of this contemplative record. This is one of those “turn off the lights and lay on the floor” listening sessions.

Best Lyric: “The night kills away the moments. Every footstep out of line.”

Yona Marie - The World All Around Me

The World All Around Me - Yona Marie (R&B) Yona Marie delivers a sparkling production in “The World All Around Me”, evoking that classic 90s/00s R&B jam. A serenade to Yona’s love, the vocal has serious Faith Evans vibes in its strength, tone and harmony arrangements. We also get a touch of Mary J Blige’s “Everything” in the main melodic line during the chorus, which certainly made us smile. Warm and fuzzy, the track gives you that analog/vinyl feel so inherent to the style. It’s a cozy record, for sure. Expertly riding this chill af beat, Yona’s seductive and slippery vocals solidify this track’s ability to sit among those references as a peer. Bedroom jam, coffee shop jam or lay around the house jam, this track is a great addition to any playlist.

Best Lyric: “I found my paradise, my soulmate and my prize.”

9 O'Clock Nasty - Dude, Your Mom's A Squid?

Dude, Your Mom’s A Squid? - 9 O’Clock Nasty (Indie Rock) So, it seems as if the team at 9 O’Clock Nasty has had one hell of a trip, and you’ll feel like you’ve been on one too while listening to their latest release “Dude, Your Mom’s A Squid?” Certainly one of the most avant-garde tracks we’ve heard this year, the record is an ode to the bizarre hallucinations that the mind conjures when you are tripping balls. The track feels very 90s alt rock with some 70s funk infusion here and there. It’s a bold vocal, in your face and heavily verbed, narrating his trippy dream which made us think of the Mad Hatter taking Alice through Wonderland. Matching the subject matter, the band does a great job in creating a hypnotic, dizzying production, perfect for your next house party or, better yet, your next toke with your crew.

Best Lyric: “All I had was a Pepsi and a mushroom pizza. I think I met God.”

Marc Rangel - If You Miss Me

If You Miss Me - Marc Rangel (Soft Rock)  Marc Rangel is back, following our review of previous effort “Song Cry,” with “If You Miss Me,” a bittersweet song of regret and forgiveness. Unlike “Song Cry,” Marc ventures into soft rock/easy listening surprising us with versatility. But similar to “Song Cry”, it’s very difficult to pick our favorite lyric (below) for “If You Miss Me” as Marc is such a BRILLIANT songwriter. Longing for a former lover, March pleads for them to admit they miss them, so that Marc can feel safe enough to say it back. It’s a very unique and compelling tale of vulnerability, delivered with a unique and compelling vocal—a truly distinctive reedy tone that gives us vibes of an older Joni Mitchell. Remember how you felt when you heard Adele’s “Someone Like You” for the first time? This is Marc’s “Someone Like You.” Get into it.

Best Lyric: “I don’t know if it’s for the better, but it’s now or never.”

Lili Joy - She

She - Lili Joy (Soft Rock) In her latest track, “She”, Lili Joy is back with her 70s retro coffee house vibes. Following previous release “DWYCT”, a vinyl R&B cut which we had the pleasure to review, we get another lush production—this one quite hypnotic—that is far more soft rock in genre. The song casts a spell, Lili’s haunting vocals hanging in the air as it proceeds, before pivoting to an almost menacing quality, becoming quite a darker song with the switchup in the melody and entrance of a powerful guitar in the bridge. Lili’s voice rings like a bell as dark clouds roll across the sky, with a tonality that reminds us of the lead singer of the Cardigans (remember “Love Fool”?). Don’t be fooled by this 20 year old singer, she’s an old soul.

Best Lyric: “She does it for you.”

Livi Jacobs - Goodbye

Goodbye - Livi Jacobs (Soft Rock) Well this is an extremely refreshing thing—a unique subject matter! A true story song, Livi Jacobs tells a multi-generational story of loss, moving throughout her life to capture three significant goodbyes in her life—a childhood friend, a spouse and then the passing of her mother. While a beautiful lilting melody and driving instrumental—very Sheryl Crow (think “Picture” or “Good is Good”)—the true star of the song is the superb lyrics and brilliant storytelling. As we move from vignette to vignette, the cuts get deeper, until the very person who taught her about dealing with goodbyes (and there to comfort through them) bids her own adieu. This record stays with you.

Best Lyric: “Mama told where’s the good in goodbye.”

Proklaim - ALL EYEZ

ALL EYEZ - Proklaim (Hiphop) With our fourth track to review from Proklaim this year alone, we wonder if he might need to change his name to Prolific. In his latest, “ALL EYEZ,” we get Proklaim spitting rapid fire verses over an instrumental that reminds us of Fugees meets early Kanye—that chorus actually does give us quite a lot of Wyclef. Proklaim’s lyric prowess is on full display, carrying forward his desire to advance the genre with values based lyrics. Words over bullets, the capitalist underpinnings of social media, and more, Proklaim continues to preach his modern day commentary over infectious beats and we can’t get enough of it.

Best Lyric: “Revelation tucked inside a verse. I seem to have a way with all these words.”

Judy Malka - Let You Go

Let You Go - Judy Malka (Pop) There’s a Bjork quality to Judy Malka’s “Let You Go” with an eclectic construction and an incredibly unique vocal production. The song tackles the topic of a breakup, but specifically the last words said to an ex before finally deciding to walk away and let them go, with Judy recognizing that it’s all just been a game. Among the glistening piano and driving percussion that create an anthemic midtempo is the aforementioned vocal arrangement—a combination of compression, synthetic harmonies and robotic distortion that makes for an incredibly unique and defining sound that is pure earcandy.

Best Lyric: “Just three words to say before I walk away.”

Carson Ferris - Crazy

Crazy - Carson Ferris (Pop) Certified bop, plain and simple. Fresh and modern, Carson Ferris’ “Crazy” is a Top 40 worthy track with a restrained yet hard hitting production that allows Carson’s soaring vocals to sit front and center. Like Justin Bieber before him, Carson passionately croons about being in love and balks at rejection the basis that he is too young, all with an innocent preteen vocal that might betray his message. However, we all remember the days when we were swept up in first love as our hormones raged, and so this track will certainly be a hit with his peers who feel they are ready to jump into the turbulent waters of romance. But with hard hitting tracks like “Crazy,” Carson might just be one of those young pop acts that sticks around for the long haul.