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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A*Teens – Iconic
It’s Melodifestivalen season, which means I could easily feature tons of those songs here. I’m trying to restrain myself and only post my very favorites, though.
I was certainly aware of A*Teens when they were first active in the early 2000s and have gone back to check out their albums, but this is instantly my favorite thing they’ve ever released. It has that perfectly bombastic cheese that first drew me to Melodifestivalen. I’m legitimately obsessed.
Agnes – Trigger
Her new album doesn’t have many songs we hadn’t already heard, but it’s a tight affair. This opener sounds most like a future single to me.
Aleksandar – Sudbina
One of my favorites from Serbia’s Eurovision pre-selections. Hypnotic dance music with a powerful vocal.
Elias Kaskinen – Rakastumisen oireet
Another Finnish banger to add to my very long list. They simply know how to keep the energy chugging along.
eMMa – Northern Lights
Not my favorite from Norway’s Eurovision hopefuls this year, but it seems to be the one most are getting behind and it’s pretty lovely.
Emmy – Sykt Fin
Now, this feels like a superior version of the eMMa song. I’m obsessed with its gorgeous, crystalline chorus. That vocal is so clear and brilliant.
Ericka Jane – Death Of Me
Bombastic, theatrical pop in the classic Gaga mode.
Felicia – My System
K-pop producers, take note. This is how you do an EDM drop chorus! Make it elevate your song rather than squander its potential. The finale is spectacular.
Gothminister – The Spell (ft. Thomas Jenssen)
They had me with the dance-meets-heavy metal shtick but then the opera comes in during the second verse and I’m totally sold on this madcap theatre.
Hedda Mae – Snap Back
Just a bulletproof, retro pop song.
IVXN – Ritual
His blend of traditional elements and thumping EDM beats continues to bear fruit.
Jonas Lovv – Ya Ya Ya
A refreshingly old-school glam rock stomp. I love the percussion!
Kat Brix – Sick Of Being Sad
My personal highlight of the new tracks on her recent album. It’s sleek and sticky dance pop.
Kulturaften – Why Did You Do It? (Frelst) (ft. Lille Saus)
I really like this brand new single, but I mostly want to share it so I can link to this song from last year that has completely taken over my life this past month. Even in its deliberately bad taste, I’m totally obsessed with it.
Lazer Club – I Got It (ft. Fonze Wilson)
An 80s funk workout in the best possible way. The instrumental hit me immediately.
Loreen – Feels Like Heaven
Definitely on the lower realm of her singles, but that’s still better than most.
Luke Black – Parasite
Dark, stomping electro pop with an anthemic chorus.
Magdalene – DJesus
Gaga’s musical scion are coming out of the woodwork these days and Magdalene makes a convincing case as potential successor.
Maris – Body Is On Fire
She just really knows her way around a chorus.
MEEK – Fabulous
Oh, I’m so in love with this one. I dig the theatricality, but am especially smitten by the way the second verse (if it’s even a verse?) keeps building and opening and lifting. Such brilliant tension.
Mileo – Frankenstein
Another quirky, Gaga-esque banger from him.
Neea River – Miss Sayonara
Another super solid slice of electropop from Neea.
Rug!le – Ikona Žemaitė
A bit of bonkers Lithuanian pop for you.
Sander Sanchez – Two Spirits
Anthemic, singalong pop.
Silke – Forevermore
Some early-2000s trance pop. I’m loving the resurgence of this sound we’ve been hearing lately.
Sissal – Infinity
And… more trance-influenced pop. Can we please turn this into a full-blown trend?
Surferosa – Holiday
A butterfly gets its wings every time a 2000s group makes a surprise comeback. Seriously, it’s been SEVENTEEN years since the last Surferosa song and this sounds like they never missed a beat. I’m so happy to welcome them back!
Zejna – Jugoslavija
A powerful, Tattoo-esque anthem from my hope to win Serbia’s pre-selection for Eurovision this year.