These three tracks are all absolutely perfect for different types of emotional playlists to craft this year, and they all came out this month. The first two are more electronic cuts with some good energy, but the lyrics have explorations of power in the first inclusion and perceived heartbreak in the second. The third one tones down the energy to a more acoustic track with a lower tempo and deep vocal and lyrical emotion. Back-to-back, these tracks serve as an exploration into the human condition.
Thalia Sophia – Hips Like Water
‘Hips Like Water’ works with beautifully smooth vocals that use filtering to pop more at times in an overall electronic sound that meshes R&B and pop sounds. This track has a strong rhythm that won’t fail to get listeners dancing, and every part of the instrumentation and vocals plays into this addictive rhythm. The flow from section to section also delivers high points that keep things lifelike from start to finish. Lyrically, this track is about taking feminine power. It’s about finding the beauty in oneself and capturing strength through it.
Cameron Dallas – CATCH!
‘CATCH!’ also plays with electronic sounds, but it takes on a hyperpop vibe. The vocals in this track are immaculately edited. They’re filtered to fit the electronic sound, but there’s still a lot of emotion packed behind them. The percussion is centered around a clap sound that carries a dynamic tempo, and the overall energy is consistently on the high. Though this track is exciting and lifelike, there’s also a lot of emotion behind it. In terms of lyrics, this track is about holding on to a relationship that seems like it’s about to end. There’s a sense of perceived yearning and heartbreak that seems to be coming soon.
Goodwin Made – Pick Yourself Up
Anyone looking for an acoustic sound packed with the same amount of emotion should check out ‘Pick Yourself Up.’ This track is absolutely gorgeous. It has an acoustic guitar and piano basis, which makes it a sort of ballad. What truly astounds are the vocals. They’re produced to crisp clarity, but they’re raw enough that every bit of vocal emotion pops out. This low-tempo track is one that’s slated to give anyone goosebumps from the sheer emotion. It captures the idea of grief and the hurt that comes from moving forward while trying to stay strong at the same time.
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Wendy Wei
