James Bellew - Hollywood

Hollywood - James Bellew (Pop) James Bellew arrives on our blog this week with infectious mid tempo cut “Hollywood.” A lilting guitar and punchy, driving percussion are cut with buttery soft female vocals that almost coo in your ear as the overall mesmerizing production carries the listener through the record. A nostalgic and timeless track, the song describes a magic moment on the dance floor between two lovers where time seems to stand still and both get lost in the intoxication of the atmosphere. Overall, we think “Hollywood” sparkles with the same magic its lyrics describe, and pairs nicely with a windows down, sunny drive down the coast. This is a cruising track.

Best Lyric: “A holiday vibe, just you and me.”

For6i66en 3laxk - Villains FDO (ft ATS Semaj)

Villains FDO - For6i66en 3laxk ft ATS Semaj (Hip Hop) We’ve got quite a menacing track on the blog this week with “Villains FDO”. Our two artists pass the baton between each other with ease over a dark and gritty track, characterized by a thudding bass and foreboding synth that injects a sense of danger, emphasized by the maniacal chuckling of our artists. On the track, our artists embrace their villain status, relishing in it, almost as if they are feeding off any hate or criticism that comes their way. With that in mind, the track becomes an excellent hype track for those moments where you gleefully become the bad guy.

Best Lyric: “A villain isn’t born, he is made.”

Olivia Cox - Made Friends

Made Friends - Olivia Cox (Pop) Olivia Cox is accepting life on its own terms in her latest track, and first appearance on our blog, “Made Friends.” A punchy mid tempo, “Made Friends” is an ode to accepting that moving through life comes with baggage, and rather than fight it, one must simply learn to roll with the punches. Olivia’s silky vocals deliver some wonderfully crafted lyrics about acceptance of your circumstances, and are underlaid by a dreamy synth pad that lends to the feeling of zen Olivia wishes to convey. Married with a driving bass line and bubbling synth arpeggio, it’s a well baked, catchy little track.

Best Lyric: “The key to happiness is always stay a little insane.”

Max Sarre - 2025

2025 - Max Sarre (Pop) This week, we welcome London based singer Max Sarre to the blog with his latest track, “2025”. Max notes that the track is a significant milestone in his musical journey, notably pushing his boundaries and refining his sound, making this a standout track in his discography. The record is a driving synth pop number reminiscing on the simpler times of his youth-specifically pre-COVID times. Max holds a mirror to modern day society, pointing out social media facades and lack of authenticity on a track that otherwise feels quite easy breezy. It’s a catchy tune for sure, marrying thoughtful subject matter with whimsy.

Best Lyric: “A different life came in overnight.”

Marina Lang - Rose Garden

Rose Garden - Marina Lang (Pop) Marina out here making that feel good music with her latest track, “Rose Garden”, a track about quiet loneliness in a one-sided relationship. In the song, Marina and her lover are holding hands in a rose garden, but only one is truly there in the romance of the moment. A funky dance floor spinner with serious retro vibes, this is the kind of track that immediately throws you back to the backyard BBQs of yesteryear. With a NuDisco funky step clap format, Marina Lang layers on honey smooth vocals for a track that goes down easy, making you immediately think of summertime.

Best Lyric: “I’m invisible to you.”

Soffel - what the future holds

what the future holds - Soffel (Pop) We welcome Soffel to our little music blog this month with latest track “what the future holds,” credited as the artist’s most honest of their recent work exploring themes of anxiety, emotional paralysis and inner conflict. The record feels incredibly personal, with a muted grunge underlying the pop elements to give a harder edge and slightly retro feel. The track sends a chill down the spine, ominous and full of dread and melancholy. It’s a song that wrestles inner demons, and is a great soundtrack for when you’re in your feels. In the end, with this level of introspection and vulnerability, we think what the future holds for Soffel is great success.

Best Lyric: “Medicine sometimes helps but don’t beat this fear.”

NORDIR - Milky Way: A Cosmic Grace (3333)

Milky Way: A Cosmic Grace (3333)- NORDIR (Pop/Rock) Nordir joins our blog this year with the vast and epic pop rock number “Milky Way: A Cosmic Grace (3333)”. It’s a metaphysical cut, referencing the vastness of existence and our relative insignificance within its scope. The track’s production is just as galactic, with a growling synth paired with a delicate and seductive baritone that slices through the thick instrumentation. The record is mystical in vibe, with a hard drive of guitar riffs coming in at the end to close out the track. Don’t miss the similarly epic music video which brings a real Thanos feel.

Best Lyric: “A blue dot in and endless space, and we still act like we own this place”

The 77 Syndicate & Rowen Shore - The Studio 77 Tapes

The Studio 77 Tapes - The 77 Syndicate & Rowen Shore (Funk) The 77 Syndicate & Rowen Shore bring us a collection of tracks on “The Studio 77 Tapes”, hyped as more than just a band, but a secret history. We are told the tracks hail from a discovered box of tapes at a Chicago yard sale, which recorded illegal after-hours jams of musicians in the late 70s. Of the collection, our favorite song of the bunch is “GET ON THAT GROOVE.” Gritty authenticity permeates this track, with funky guitar licks and growling vocals bringing the listener to an after hours club vibe filled with dirt, drugs and free love. The record sizzles with sex appeal, and beckons the listener to sweat it out on the dance floor.

Allegra - Red

Red - Allegra (Pop) One of our favorites is back for 2026, Allegra, with her latest track and accompanying music video “Red.” On Red, Allegra is a temptress who’s going to chew you up and spit you out. After intoxication on the dance floor, Allegra boasts that she’s going to take you home then break your heart. The track is centered around a synth bass that reminds us a lot of 2010s Robyn—think “Dancing On My Own”—overlaid with an ethereal after hours dance club vibe. Allegra’s smooth vocals are seductive, and she ups the sex appeal in the video by really bringing it with the choreography.

Best Lyric: “I don’t play nice, so don’t you think twice. You won’t make it out alive.”

Trevor Drako - For The Ones

For the ones - Trevor Drako (Hip Hop) Trevor Drako joins the blog’s roster of artists this week with his latest track, “For the ones”, featuring TropDaVinci, which will feature on his upcoming EP “Trust No Body”. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, Trevor is a genre-blending artists who pulls from inspiration ranging from Garth Brooks and Bob Seger to Eminem, Gucci Mane, Jeezy and 50 Cent. “For the ones” is an ode to those who’ve passed on, and the vulnerable vocal delivery indicates that this is still a raw subject for Trevor as he talks to someone close to him who has recently passed. The driving piano chords set the mood for the track, somber yet still somehow uplifting, as Trevor pours one out for the dearly departed. While you should support this song for its quality and emotional resonance alone, you can also support Trevor’s altruism, as he pledges 10% of his income towards autism awareness as a tribute to his brother.

Best Lyric: “Why the good ones have to die?”

ATS Semaj - On My Sleeve

On My Sleeve - ATS Semaj (Rap) It’s 2026, and for our first review of the year we’re welcoming ATS Semaj to the blog with latest track “On My Sleeve.” The twinkling piano and booming bass sets an ominous atmosphere, creating the visual of a storm cloud rolling in over the horizon. ATS’s monotone spit drives with vulnerability, as he tells us that he wears his heart on his sleeve and his openness can be taken advantage of by the people around him. It’s a heartfelt track dripping with melancholy, and certainly has poignancy that will resonate with listeners. This is a good one for when you’re deep in your feelings.

Best Lyric: “They act like keeping it real is a crime.”

Alexia Vegas - Kiss Me Like You'll Really Miss Me

Kiss Me Like You’ll Really Miss Me - Alexia Vegas (Pop) It’s the last review of 2025, and we’re pleased to introduce Alexia Vegas to the blog with her latest bop “Kiss Me Like You’ll Really Miss Me.” At 25 years old, Alexia is already a veteran on the scene with songs placed on shows that include "The Morning Show", "Dynasty" and "Stargirl" as well in public venues. On her latest, Alexia boasts maturity in her handling of a one-night fling, where she still wants the fantasy of being romanced. The production is lush, a driving dance-pop synth heavy atmosphere with retro nods, as vocals shift from melodic belting to spoken coos, balancing both power and sultriness. All in all, on “Kiss Me Like You’ll Really Miss Me”, Alexia demonstrates that she is a woman who knows what she wants, and knows how to get it.

Blind Man's Daughter - All I Need

All I Need - Blind Man’s Daughter (Pop) Closing out the year, we welcome newcomer to the blog Blind Man’s Daughter with her mystical record “All I Need.” Self-described as Dua Lipa meets Rosalia, Blind Man’s Daughter is a Denver based storyteller and brainchild of Ashley Wolfe making waves in the independent music scene. A Latin-infused dance track with a touch of tribal elements, the scope to this record is vast, which we could hear bursting through the speakers at an after hours club. The track moves from the first beat, constantly undulating and shape shifting, yet constantly picks up with its consistent build. It’s foundation is a strong vocal, an emotive belt, as our artist reclaims control and abandons inertia and self doubt. This is a track you get lost in.

J Eden - No Trouble

No Trouble - J Eden (Hip Hop) Chicago-based group J Eden returns to the blog this week following our review of country/hip-hop hybrid “Stepping Tonight” with latest genre plender “No Trouble.” A hip hop foundation underlays a strong, powerful pop chorus for the makings of a weighty and anthemic mid tempo record. The J Eden team passes the baton between rhyme and sung vocals easily—there’s something to be said for being able to be your own feature! From the crispy hip hop drums to the somber piano chord progression, this track has a retro appeal, feeling like it could be a Jay-Z track featuring Justin Timberlake circa “Empire State Of Mind” days.

Best Lyric: “Chasing all my goals like a runner on a track.”

Sugly BOY - The RAESKIVERSE: The First Spark

The RAESKIVERSE: The First Spark (EP) (Hip Hop) Sugly BOY makes his first appearance on our blog with four track EP “The RAESKIVERSE: The First Spark”, a moody project where Sugly BOY shows off his soulful vocals and beat riding rhymes. “RAESKI” starts the album on a mid tempo groove dedicated to those that have supported him through his trials. The star of this track is how smooth Sugly BOY rides the beat. “AIL IN TOo” starts on a somber note, setting up an atmosphere of a coffee shop on a rainy day for another track that goes down smoothly. “BeTTeR THaN i WaS” features a soulful violin before Sugly BOY impresses with his heartfelt vocals—Sugly BOY’s performances throughout are stellar and the beat goes hard on this one. Finally, “BRoKiEs” pulls us into a trap soundscape with a thudding 808 and crispy hats. Overall, it’s a cohesive project detailing the struggles of everyday life.

the one named Jasmine - Everything Is Not What It Seems

Everything Is Not What It Seems - the one named Jasmine (R&B) the one named Jasmine joins our blog this week for the first time with latest EP “Everything Is Not What It Seems.” A fresh new artist with a story to tell, we were delighted to enjoy this project. But before we dive into our favorite tracks, let’s start getting to know our artist.

A singer, songwriter and rapper all in one, the one named Jasmine aims to make music that touches the soul. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY, Jasmine’s journey began in the church choir, later attending a performing arts school and even featuring at Carnegie Hall. A traumatic childhood led to not only a name change, but also a musical journey that the world is now benefitting from. Her first single “Down Bad” precedes this new EP.

With “Everything Is Not What It Seems”, the one named Jasmine hopes to defy conventional boundaries with a genre blending experience showcasing raw vulnerability. On the EP, Jasmine touches on self-discovery, emotional turmoil and the complexity of existence itself, doing so with a mix of R&B and alternative styles that create an ethereal experience. At its heart is brutal honesty, with stories drawn from Jasmine’s own personal struggles.

What we found was a deeply personal story told sequentially from a desire to tear down the past, to falling back into it with an ex, to a traumatic story of survival, ending with a triumphant stepping into power. While mostly housed in R&B, there are quite a few 90s alt rock influences as well, creating a distinct style for the new artist. But although the production is crisp, the true star of the project is the storytelling, and boy does Jasmine have one to tell. As you’ll see from our track reviews below, Jasmine is truly one who was forged in fire.

Album intro “Burn It All Down” is a grungy R&B midtempo cut setting the stage for all that’s to come. On the record, Jasmine wipes the slate clean, letting the listener know that they can always tear it all down and claim a fresh start. It’s a great way to start the album and makes the audience wonder what Jasmine’s new world will contain. It also revolves on a fire analogy that will become poignant later in the project.

“Set Us Free” is vibey from the start, with a lilting guitar setting a somber mood. Jasmine is wistful on the track, yearning to leave it all behind on a 90s alt rock sounding track. “I Wish You Would” contrasts biting lyrics with a mellow NuDisco vibe. While the instrumental feels like a slinky, sultry track, Jasmine uses it to lull the listener into safety only to tell them to come correct.

“I’m Back With My Ex” jumps back to alt rock, a mix between power ballad and avante garde, a true genre blend brimming with passion. “Release Me” pulls back to a more contemplative stance, using a waltz to convey that Jasmine is currently dancing with danger by getting back with her ex on the last track.

“Worry About Me” introduces some smooth jazz into the project, melding it with R&B for our favorite track on the project. With lyrics mature beyond Jasmine’s years, this record is a standout. Track “I Just Wanna Talk” tells the tale of a lover scorned, as Jasmine still seems stuck with this ex who has yet to figure out how to treat her right.

And here is where we take a turn, right at the penultimate track. “House Fire” delves into the deeply personal outside of romance for the most captivating track of the album, as Jasmine utilizes a spoken word/rap to tell a harrowing story of barely surviving a house fire, left behind by her own mother. Shocking and devastating, if you listen to one track on this album, this is the one. While you may have thought vulnerability preceded, this is one of the rawest tracks we’ve reviewed on this blog.

Closing with “Champion”, triumphant horns ring out like a coronation, as Jasmine rises from the ashes to claim her throne. It’s a perfect follow up to the prior track, Jasmine staying on her rap game to step into a confidence that arrives for the first time. The bookend assures us that Jasmine has survived the story told on “Everything Is Not What It Seems”, which the listener is grateful for after having fallen in love with her through the project. We’re relieved to leave her in this headspace, and excited for her next chapter.

TRACKS:

1. Burn It All Down

2. Set Us Free

3. I Wish You Would

4. I’m Back With My Ex

5. Release Me

6. Worry About Me

7. I Just Wanna Talk

8. House Fire

9. Champion