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- Album Review: "Automatic" - The Lumineers
I was first introduced to The Lumineers when I was in middle and high school. And for years, after waiting for more releases, I figured the band was done releasing music. So imagine my surprise when I was scrolling on Spotify one day and was asked to pre-save their upcoming album... Automatic . I was so excited, and immediately asked to review this album when the time came. So, here we are. With 11 songs on its tracklist, Automatic has proven to be an incredible addition to The Lumineers' ever-growing repertoire. tracklist Same Old Song Asshole Strings Automatic You're All I Got Plasticine Ativan Keys on the Table Better Day Sunflowers So Long Like many, I first came to know The Lumineers from their hit song, "Ho Hey", off their debut self-titled album, which was released in 2012. Then, in 2016, the band released its next album, Cleopatra . One of the most recognizable songs, which resurfaces on TikTok every few months, is "Ophelia". But aside frome these two hits, The Lumineers have so many incredible hit songs. And now, with the release of Automatic , there are 11 more to praise. Same Old Song Kicking off this album is "Same Old Song", which can be translated to "SOS". The song is essentially a cry for help, and explores the story of a struggling artist seeking answers and assistance. The song even opens with the artist asking their mom to pay their rent and crash in their basement. I think this song set a certain standard for the rest of the album; it was incredible. This was definitely one of my favorite songs I listened to today, because, in a way, I can relate to a lot of its themes. Struggling to find your way in the world? Finances and living situations making you wonder if you'll ever be able to support yourself? I have dealt with all of that, so I think this song was an incredible start to this album. Asshole Next, we have "Asshole", a song a little more raw and personal than the previous. It's about how we're perceived by others. In this specific example, how previous partners may view the narrator as an asshole... and the narrator acknowledges this in the lyric "First we ever met / You thought I was an asshole / Probably correct / But I can see your shadow." When it comes to relationships, I find that I'm always judging how I could be perceived by others. I can have a deadpan attitude, and I'm not always the easiest to get along with. But that doesn't mean I necessarily want others to agree with that. I think this song explored that feeling extremely well. Strings As for the next song, "Strings", it's an instrumental transitionary piece, so I don't have anything to go in-depth on with that song. But I will say this: it may only be 30 seconds long, but it packs a punch, and I consider it a beautiful way to transition to the next set of songs on the album. Automatic "Automatic" is the titular song on this album, and absolutely broke my heart listening to it. It's a reflection of the past and how we operate automatically in our day-to-day lives. Sometimes, we fail to recognize the disconnect we feel if we follow these routines all our lives. The repeated lyric, "Oh, my lover, is it ever gonna be enough?", deeply resonates with my own life. The feeling that in my life, I'm working on autopilot, and have no clue if or when I'll ever break free of that cycle... it's heartbreaking, and I feel this song captured that feeling extremely well. You're All I Got/Keys on the table Next up, we have "You're All I Got", a song that I feel is less about a romantic partnership than that of the lifelong friendship of Wesley Schultz and Jerimiah Fraites. Sure, it can be taken in a romantic sense, but I really want to highlight this other point of view. Throughout the song, the narrator sings about feeling bored in the life they've lived, and simply wanting to go back to the way things were. But despite this, they've always had their closest friend, and they do not want to give that friendship up. I've had few friendships like this... but with the ones I do have, I know I will have those people in my life forever. Later in the album, there's "Keys on the Table". I wanted to cover these two songs together as they are directly connected in their meanings. If "You're All I Got" is about a lifelong friendship... "Keys on the Table" is about that friendship hitting a breaking point. It suggests the potential end of the friendship, and the worry that the other person is ready to give it up. We've all had friendships that have come to an end, but you worry that you feel invaluable to the other person. I feel this is perfectly represented in the lyrics, "Would you sell me out / At the first chance you get?", and, "And honestly, I feel ashamed to breathe / I can't believe we lost to the machine" Plasticine I'll be honest... I had no idea what plasticine was before listening to this song. But from what I was able to gather, it's the British word for a putty-like modeling clay. And now, listening to the lyrics behind "Plasticine", it makes infinitely more sense. From what I can interpret, the song is about changing who you are for others, and molding yourself to be someone you are not. We have all felt the pressure to conform to societal norms at some point in our lives... but by doing so, you lose what makes you special... you! Because how can you be authentic and unique if you change who you are to be like everyone else? It's a problem I've dealt with my whole life, even today, so I connected with this song a lot. Ativan Again, I had no clue what Ativan was until today. According to the Mayo Clinic, Ativan is a prescription drug used to help calm the mind and ease anxiety, like Xanax. Based on that, I can guess this song is about the allure of the drug, and how the narrator feels called to use it. Just check out this lyric from the chorus, "f I can't make you happy, then nobody can / Then nobody can, your sweet Ativan." It's almost as if the narrator feels that they will never feel normal unless he takes this drug. Addiction is not a new concept for the band, but I'll admit, I haven't really listened to a song that covers that theme like this one in a while, and I think it's very well done. Better Day With three songs left on this album, we now come to "Better Day"! At just under three minutes in length, the song is the perfect representation of today's society, and how we live in this chronically online universe, only existing to those when we like, comment, and share what we find on the internet. When things get rough, we want an escape from our reality... so we go online and drown ourselves in content that makes us forget about our day-to-day lives. The song even touches on the political side of our lives, with mentions of rubber bullets and pepper spray, weapons used often in protests and riots. The song repeats "Dreamin' of a better day"... and aren't we all? Sunflowers The penultimate song on this album is "Sunflowers", and it's another instrumental transition piece, preparing us for the album to come to an end. Personally, I liked how this album had these instrumentals to break up the tracks... some of the themes would have given me whiplash with how they move from theme to theme, so I'm glad we got another transitional piece to enjoy before diving into this final song. So Long Finally, we have come to the last song on this incredible album. "So Long" was released alongside "You're All I Got" ahead of the album's release, and covers themes of isolation and melancholy. Obviously, the band could have named the song "So Long" as a way to signify the end of the album... but I feel it has a deeper meaning than that. As someone who has suffered from depression for most of my life, I clocked immediately that numb feeling it gave off, and the fear of change that could lead you to a deeper state of dissonance. It was incredible, and, in many ways, the perfect ending to a perfect album. Overall, I seriously loved this album. I feel it was beautifully written, and was the perfect way to ring in the next phase of the band's history. I think of all of the songs, "So Long" and "You're All I Got" are two songs that stuck with me the most, though every song on the album was unique in its own way. I don't know if The Lumineers will be releasing another album in the future, but I hope they do, because they still have a lot of talent to share with the world. If you haven't had a chance to check out Automatic yet, be sure to do so now! The album is streaming everywhere, and trust me... you're going to love it. Written By Isabel Mays Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Dislocated Dream" - McKenna Kasowski
McKenna Kasowski takes us on an ethereal trip into her creative psyche with her catchy, trancelike single: "Dislocated Dream". Kasowski draws us in with brilliant lyricism and aesthetic instrumentals yet again, inviting us to engage with her depth in a way that lets us enter this dreamlike state alongside her. Delving into the surrealistic, freeing nature of imagination, "Dislocated Dream" is a feel-good fever dream about liberation, discovery, and infatuation. Kasowski sings of the entrancing, binding experience that is finding human connection and holding on to it. Weaving in and out of figurative consciousness, Kasowski perfectly conveys a sense of reverie we can all resonate with. In this heart-stirring, coming-of-age track, Kasowski further establishes herself as an artist not bound by any genre or cliche, but instead, one with impeccable sense for music, lyric, and feeling. Kasowski's "Dislocated Dream" is a single that immediately catches your ear with its uniquely mystic sound. The ethereal intro and wispy vocals mark Kasowski's transcension into a genre and league of her very own. Capturing both the chaos and serenity of this dream-state, Kasowski balances an impassioned chest voice with a light, airy tone between phrases, creating a nice contrast for the ears. The saxophone and strings in the background add a nice jazzy element to the track, blending seamlessly with the indie pop standard she has effortlessly set for herself. Amongst the pretty chords and surreal lyrics, the melody sweeps the listener off of their feet while still grounding us in her sentiment. With so many beautifully complex layers, "Dislocated Dream" is a great listen that not only showcases Kasowski's range, style, and versatility as a musician but also appeals to the heart of each individual fan. McKenna Kasowski is an indie singer-songwriter operating from Clyde, Texas, her love for the craft dating all the way back to the moment she first learned how to write! Writing songs as an outlet and composing her first piece at the age of twelve, Kasowski has found a beautiful means of dealing with the complexities of personhood, relationships, and life. In addition to her knack for composition, Kasowski has excelled as both a studio vocalist and instrumentalist, a true triple threat to the industry! Recording for artists like Jade Bird and The Thieving Birds , Kasowski has extended her reach within the industry, spreading her name across genres. Releasing her debut single back in 2021, the uprising artist has continued to put out meaningful single after single, as "Dislocated Dream" just offers us a taste of what's soon to come! With many projects on the way, Kasowski keeps fans on edge and urges us to keep an eye out for her debut album, Prefrontal Vortex , releasing on March 14th! Stay tuned and follow the links down below for updates! Written By Pejah Carr FOLLOW ARTIST: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Enemy" - Herine
Embracing a turning point in her life, Herine has released her empowering new single, "Enemy." The track shows the artist breaking free from her chains, making a bold statement as she heals from her trauma and takes on a new outlook on life. "Enemy" also comes at an exciting, uncertain time for Herine as she commits fully to her music career, leaving her day job behind to focus on her artistry. It's certainly a relatable track for those who feel they constantly get in their own way, telling listeners it's time to stop being their worst enemy. Poignant and contemplative, Herine's "Enemy" pairs the song's introspective narrative with a reflective indie pop soundscape. The track features rich layers of synths and distorted vocals, creating an ethereal composition that begins softly and slowly builds into something defiant and powerful as Herine declares, "I’m not gonna be my worst enemy anymore." A perfect new discovery for indie pop enthusiasts, Herine's "Enemy" is a must-listen for fans of icons like Florence + The Machine, The 1975, Twenty One Pilots, and PVRIS. Proving herself to be a pop artist on the rise, Herine has gone from songwriting for industry giants to embarking on her own musical journey. The Nashville singer-songwriter is also a seasoned multi-instrumentalist, weaving a sense of healing and connection into every note of her compositions. Cementing her position as an artist to watch, Herine has graced the main stage at the renowned Sundance Film Festival and earned a top 50 spot on Mediabase's Activator chart in 2023 with her single "Cigarettes and Promises." Written By Cheyenne Johnson FOLLOW HERINE: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- "Black Water" - Simon Erics
Uncertainty is a feeling that sits in your chest. It begins tying a knot until it is so tight that you’re immobile, unable to walk steadily. That feeling is beautifully illustrated in Simon Erics’ “Black Water”. With lyrics such as “Now we’re walking on black water / It was when we lost the ground / I lived to say life can’t hold me down”, Erics relays the experience of feeling unsettled and unsupported as one navigates through difficult moments. Black water itself is shrouded in mystery, as you cannot see what is beneath the surface or how deep it goes. To cross these bodies of water produces unsettling feelings, as does any moment in life that holds no absolutes. Erics paints a vulnerable depiction of this feeling in his work, using lyrics as his paint and his acoustic guitar as a brush. This song has an almost cinematic quality. The virtuosity in the opening guitar automatically creates an intense atmosphere. The drumbeat creates momentum that drives the piece forward, thus adding to the tumultuous feeling that the guitar builds. The entire work is tied together with the introduction of Erics’ vocals. His voice is raw and emotional, while demonstrating clear technique and proficiency in his instrument. The balancing act of maintaining tone, texture, and musicianship while performing in a vulnerable and authentic manner is difficult to manage, but Simon Erics continues to present artistry unlike any other. Simon Erics is a composer and songwriter from Sweden. His style defies genres and expectations by combining elements of popular music and the style commonly associated with country songs. He is a member of NI MUSIC GROUP that is based in Los Angeles, California. He’s done a number of collaborations throughout his time in the industry, such as with Grammy-nominated artist Lazarusman and Marc Benjamin. He is signed to Warner music and his album “Waiting For The Sun” earned platinum status. With over ten million streams on Spotify and a stage presence that is bound to leave lasting impacts on audiences everywhere, Simon Erics has solidified himself as one of the shining gems in the modern music landscape. Written By Victoria Rose Fitzgerald FOLLOW SIMON ERICS: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Night Light" - Matya
"Night Light" by Matya is a spellbinding piece of poetry, detailing the love the singer has for her crush or significant other. It delves into the glowing night, and they are the star in the eye of the singer’s affection. The line “the garden in my mind that you painted drips in red and blue” means that she is red and her love is blue (or vice-versa) and they mix together to make purple, the color of the evening haze. References to hues are used throughout the songwriting for “Night Light” as descriptors of romantic attraction. Its without a doubt that Matya is an incredible songwriter, portraying her feelings celestially using the sun and moon and stars. If you miss going to the mall, “Night Light” is the perfect song to play to take you back to the time when you still could. The song that plays when you walk through a hall of elite fashion stores, it has the perfect 80s vibe with its fun and upbeat synths that sound like stars are twinkling in reference to its matching lyrics. The drums are very unique and enticing as it’s adjacent to the rest of the production. It’s reminiscent of Japanese wave pop from the same decade, mixed with a modern guitar baseline, making this a distinctive and timeless song. Matya is also a fantastic singer, providing flawless harmonies throughout “Night Light”. Matya is a very talented singer and songwriter, who began her music career in 2023 with her debut single “Nobody’s Home”. Since then, she has released other amazing songs such as “Get Your Attention” and “Things You Say To Yourself”. In 2024, she released her debut EP Like The Roses, So It Goeses , and held a release show at Resident DTLA in Los Angeles in October 2024. The aesthetic that resonates with her music is also translated to her creative and vibrant music videos. Like in “Night Light”, drums are the forefront of most of the rest of her songs, and are her main musical influence, which shows she’s an amazing and original musician. Written By Ashley Adams FOLLOW MATYA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Apple Music | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "I Don't Wanna Be Like Me" - Talia Londoner
Loving ourselves is a difficult task when we can't help but wish to be somebody else, even if it's just for a day. Our life may seem like a breeze on the outside when we have on our mask for everyone to see, but deep down it feels like we are just clowning around with everyone by tricking them into thinking we have it all together. Not everything is as it seems, and what lays below the surface can have miles of insecurities building up inside as we wish to live a different life. Talia Londoner takes us into the dark side of the circus and reveals the pain behind the mask with her new song, "I Don't Wanna Be Like Me." A fun, yet unique and distinctive melody pulls us into the circus as we wander into the mysterious atmosphere of "I Don't Wanna Be Like Me." A sudden and sharp beat draws us in further and soon enters the soft, velvet vocals of Talia Londoner. She begins by singing how she doesn't want to be like herself and wants to be somebody else. There's a game that she cannot beat, and she wants nothing but to escape the darkness. The sound of a clock can be heard clicking away in the background as time passes on while trapped in the endless cycle of insecurities. The melody changes, yet maintains its unique and fun tone as the song continues on. When all seems fine, and she thinks happiness has been found, the nightmares prove her wrong. She wants to keep her smile but insecurities are building up beneath the surface. She continues to sing on about how she wishes to be somebody else while feeling trapped behind the mask she cannot leave behind. Talia Londoner's "I Don't Wanna Be Like Me" reveals the pain behind our smiles as the circus continues on. Talia Londoner is a songwriter and artist from Los Angeles who relates to all those who have big dreams in life. Her unique, yet powerful artistry has entered the music scene, and after the arrival of her first baby, she's ready to return to the studio and continue to entrance people into her distinct take on music. She writes songs with her acoustic guitar named Taylor, and together, they have showcased their songs in her hometown in Los Angeles. She has collaborated with songwriter Anya Jones, a songwriter who has written for Little Mix and Leona Lewis, and producer Cutfather, who has worked with Katy Perry and P!nk. She has independently released singles, "Get It Out" and "Roar," and she's ready to show more of her power in the music industry with more songs to come! Written By Nini Alano FOLLOW TALIA LONDONER: Instagram | Spotify | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "EVEN" - Stewart Taylor
Have you ever found yourself caught in an unending battle with your partner, where the fights would get more toxic and painful the more the cycle would repeat? There's this realization that if you don't both swallow your pride and come to an agreement on something, you'll be trapped in it forever. "EVEN" by Stewart Taylor is a synth-pop bop and a half about confronting your partner and your own feelings about breaking free from pattern you've created together, and explore the possibility that you might not be compatible anymore. Who knew such a bummer of situation could be in such a catchy and danceable song! "EVEN" is a commercial pop / synth-pop / dance pop track that uses nostalgic tones along with pure modern pop techniques to create one of the catchiest songs you'll hear this year. With a reggaeton inspired drum and beat, this song gets you moving and grooving almost right off the bat. Stewart's voice blends in perfectly, captivating you with emotional lyricism and an ear-worm hook that is super easy to sing along with after one listen. I really recommend watching the music video when you listen. Directed by Benjamin Farren , the video uses clever video game visuals to tell the story of conflicting lovers. Stewart Taylor is a pop artist based in Los Angeles, California where he has been singing, songwriting and dancing since the age of only four. He's inspired by artists like classic pop legends like Madonna , Michael Jackson and Prince , as well as hit-maker Bruno Mars . He's an alumni of Berklee College of Music and has worked with Grammy-nominated songwriters and producers. He released his debut single, "Mess Your Hair Up" in 2019 which has amassed over half a million streams on Spotify alone. Since then, he has been consistently releasing singles, most recently being "EVEN", which is anticipation for the release of his first ever album! Make sure to follow Stewart Taylor below to keep up on what's to come. Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW STEWART: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Website | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- Review: "Twennies" - Jacqui Beaa
"Twennies" by Jacqui Beaa is a coming-of-age pop/rock anthem for all of us twenty-somethings out there who are just trying to figure it out. Young adulthood is both exciting and terrifying; the most miserable and joyful time of our entire lives. There's a mixture of thrill and anxiety that comes with the uncertainty of our futures. It's so chaotically fun. This bittersweet, relatable track is reminder that we're all experiencing the same highs and lows, the same heartbreaks and adventures, and no matter what happens we're gonna make it through. One day we're not going into be in our "Twennies" anymore, so let's enjoy it while we still can. "Twennies" by Jacqui Beaa is a pop/rock song with a nostalgic tone and a sense of realness to it's quality. It takes an anthemic approach in it's melodic structure and groove, creating both an energic edginess and an emotional atmosphere. Jacqui Beaa is a storyteller and uses raw, relatable lyricism to connect with her listeners. Not only that, but the hook is crafted in a way that makes you want to dance around and sing along. It's the perfect track for anyone that needs a reminder that they're not alone in navigating early adulthood. Jacqui Beaa is an Australian indie pop/rock based in Melbourne. She officially debuted as an artist late last year (2024) with her first single release titled "Conditional" which was accompanied with a music video. Jacqui gained traction quicky with that first song and already has over 1,000 Spotify monthly listeners. "Twennies" is her second single release, taking inspiration from a variety of artists from Lorde to Paramore . Jacqui Beaa is only just getting started, so make sure to follow her on her socials below to keep up with her journey and to find out what's to come! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW JACQUI: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube *Sponsored Post - Discovered on Musosoup. A contribution was made to help create this article. #SustainableCurator
- EP Review: "Sapphire" - Mandia
Greek-Canadian Pop/RnB artist, Mandia, dropped a mini EP titled "Sapphire", which is named after her birthstone and showcases her most deep, personal tracks yet. TRACKLIST Boy Bye Yours 2 Keep Selling Dreams Born in Ottowa, Mandia grew up a natural born performer. Since the age of 8 years old, she would sing and dance at Ontario festivals, and studied classical music. She began uploading videos of her singing on YouTube, which led to her gaining attention from both U.S. and Canadian songwriters and producers at only age 15. Inspired by iconic vocalists like Mariah Carey , Celine Dion , Beyonce , Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera , Mandia created her own unique blend of pop, rnb, and soul with essences of hip-hop. She released her official first single, "Secret" in 2015. Over the past ten years she has released an EP and many singles, working with Grammy-Award winning producers and performing live all around the country. "Sapphire" the mixed tape features 3 tracks that shows Mandia in a way we've never seen her before. Let's get into it! Boy Bye We start with "Boy Bye" a mid-tempo, nostalgic Pop/RnB song with a message directly to all the girls out there who deserve way more than they get. Mandia sings with a gorgeous mixed voice through a popping bass and beat, as well as a super catchy acoustic guitar riff. "Boy Bye" is a female hype song, helping women gain confidence and reminding them of the strong, beautiful and independent person they are. With clever lyricism like "out here looking fly and he can't even book a flight" , "Boy Bye" reassures women that you don't have to settle for a man that doesn't treat you right. Get out there, show him what he's missing, and never look back. There's a whole planet of guys out there and one of them is bound to do better for you! Yours 2 Keep Next we have the focus track, "Yours 2 Keep", which continues the theme of self-confidence and taking what you deserve, this time aimed at the man himself. With lots of sass and attitude, Mandia sings of her qualities that this guy will never have because he wasn't there for her. She already did so much for him but never got anything in return; so she's taking back her crown and shining like the badass queen she is. She's showing him that she doesn't need him; she's got plenty of guys in her DM's just waiting for a chance to talk to her - and she wants him to know just how bad he messed up. "Yours 2 Keep" has an RnB acoustic picking pattern, with a thriving early 2000's bass and drum groove, and a hip-hop inspired hook that'll get stuck in your head for days. Selling Dreams Last but not least, we have "Selling Dreams" which is about being approached by men who think you'll be with them just because they have money. They're profiling you based on your looks and lifestyle, rather than a woman with feelings. Mandia sings that it's going to take more than just money to get with her. This song shimmers and sparkles with a variety of synths and string production. Mandia shows off her chest voice and rapping skills with a surprise hip-hop verse in the middle of the song. I really enjoy the vocal layering and harmonies as well. It follows the theme of nostalgic early 2000's RnB, with just a hint of commercial pop. I think Mandia accomplished exactly the vibe she was going for with this project. You feel like you're listening to a mixed tape straight out of the early 2000's. As a woman, the overwhelming feeling of empowerment and confidence is so liberating. It's important to have music that is validating and to pick you up off of the floor. Not only did Mandia do that with her lyrics, but she also has the most stunning voice and creates catchy, addicting and nostalgic soundscapes that make you want to listen to her more. If you loved the songs on "Sapphire" I highly suggest diving into the rest of Mandia's discography from over the years. You can also find all of her social media pages below to keep up with what is yet to come! Written By Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW MANDIA: Instagram | X | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube | Website *Sponsored Post - Discovered on SubmitHub. A contribution was made to help create this article as part of a promotional campaign.
- Pop Songs With Over 1 Billion Streams on Spotify
Photo credits: Spotify It’s truly an honor for a song to reach over 1 billion streams on any platform. It shows how much fans truly appreciate an artist’s work, setting them and their music apart from the plethora of other performers who have yet to reach this milestone. To commemorate this achievement, Spotify created a playlist of songs that have reached a billion streams on their platform. With hundreds of titles in Spotify’s Billions Club , here are our top picks for Pop Songs With Over 1 Billion Streams on Spotify. 1. "Good Luck, Babe!" - Chappell Roan Coming on the heels of The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess , Chappell Roan released “Good Luck, Babe!” on April 5, 2024, taking the internet by storm and becoming a chart-topping queer anthem. Roan wrote the track with Justin Tranter and Dan Nigro, lyrically addressing compulsory heterosexuality as Roan describes a relationship with a woman who is trying to deny her feelings for her and women in general. Showcasing her vocal prowess, Roan’s voice soars on “Good Luck, Babe!,” proving exactly why she’s your favorite artist’s favorite artist. 2. "BIRDS OF A FEATHER" - Billie Eilish Another hit from singer-songwriter Billie Eilish, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” joined Spotify’s Billions Club shortly after its July 2024 release. The track is from Eilish’s third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft , released as the album’s second single. It has been a huge success for the American artist, topping charts like the Billboard Global 200 and the US Billboard Hot 100. Adding to Eilish’s long list of accomplishments, “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” has been certified multi-platinum in Australia, Canada, Greece, New Zealand, Poland, France, Portugal, the UK, and the US. 3. "In The Stars" - Benson Boone A recent addition to Spotify’s Billions Club, Benson Boone’s “In The Stars” is a touching 2022 hit that deserves all the attention it can get. The track is sentimental and moving, inspired by the artist’s grief over the death of his great-grandmother. “In The Stars” peaked in the top 10 in Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, and was later certified Gold by the RIAA in January 2023 and Platinum in October 2023. 4. "Cruel Summer" - Taylor Swift Following the start of her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” began to resurge in popularity and streaming after becoming a viral sensation on social media. The renewed interest in the synth-pop song resulted in “Cruel Summer” topping the charts once again and became Swift’s 41st song to reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. It currently has over 2.7 billion streams on Spotify and is currently one of Swift’s top songs on the platform, proving that “Cruel Summer” remains to be a fan favorite. 5. "Blinding Lights" - The Weeknd Having well over 4.7 billion streams on Spotify, The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” has been a giant commercial success for the Canadian artist. The track has received universal acclaim from critics and fans alike, praised for its nostalgic nods to 1980s synth-pop. Setting records for The Weeknd, “Blinding Lights” topped charts internationally, spending weeks in the top five and top ten and becoming the first song to hold a top 10 spot for an entire year. “Blinding Lights” is also the most streamed song on Spotify and was the first to surpass 4 billion streams, making it a natural addition to our list. 6. "Too Sweet" - Hozier Following on the heels of his third studio album, Unreal Unearth , Hozier's “Too Sweet” was the first song released from his fifth EP, Unheard , becoming an instant commercial success. No surprise that the track has hit over a billion streams, the number one single quickly became an internet sensation, being used for short-form videos across social media platforms upon its release. Though it was surprising to have new music from Hozier so soon after the release of Unreal Unearth , it is not shocking as to why “Too Sweet” has captivated the world. Between Hozier’s sonorous vocals, the groovy bass lines, and seductive melodies, “Too Sweet” is just simply irresistible. 7. "Love On The Brain" - Rihanna A beloved hit from 2016, Rihanna’s “Love On The Brain” was released as the fourth single from her eighth studio album, Anti . The pop track was inspired by 1950s/60s doo-wop and soul, creating a gorgeous ballad that fans have fallen in love with. Upon its release, “Love On The Brain” has been a great success for Rihanna, charting at number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming the Barbadian singer’s 22nd top-five single. 8. "Cheap Thrills" - Sia A throwback to a 2015/2016 favorite, Sia’s “Cheap Thrills” is another gem in Spotify’s Billions Club. The track comes from the Australian singer-songwriter’s seventh studio album, This Is Acting , and was later remixed into a version featuring Jamaican singer Sean Paul. It was a huge commercial hit for Sia and Sean Paul , charting internationally and reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. 9. "Stick Season" - Noah Kahan The titular track from the artist’s third studio album, “Stick Season” is another hit to reach over a billion streams on Spotify. It was released as the album’s lead single in 2022, going viral on TikTok and charting internationally after Olivia Rodrigo covered it on BBC Radio1. Despite the song’s upbeat composition, “Stick Season” is named after a term for autumn in New England, marking a time of transition between Halloween and winter snow that bums people out. 10. "Please Please Please" - Sabrina Carpenter Being one of many songs to go viral for Sabrina Carpenter, “Please Please Please” has captivated the world since its release and was added to Spotify's Billions Club in November 2024. The disco-pop track follows the commercial success of “Espresso” with both singles teasing the release of her sixth studio album, Short n’ Sweet . Alongside the song’s viral performance, “Please Please Please” has become Carpenter’s first number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100 and has topped charts in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom. Did you hear any songs you love on this list? Do you have any favorites in Spotify’s Billions Club? Let us know on our socials! Written By Cheyenne Johnson Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify | TikTok | YouTube *copyright not intended. Fair use act, section 107.
- Review: "Happy Never After" - CMAGIC5
What an upbeat, fun, energetic, incredibly catchy rock song that gives us the motivation to throw our hands in the air and do things our way. CMAGIC5, also known as “C,” claims the song is “anthemic” and with lyrics like, “Oh no, not another Romeo” and “I’m done with fairytales” leads into the idea that love is actually anti-fairytale. Instead of the song revolving around the idea of loving someone else, it rings loud of self-love and strength. It’s the song that you cannot wait to scream-sing when you’re seeing it live and the energy must be off the charts. At first listen, the song sounds almost like an 80’s rock anthem but quickly it gives us anti-patriarchy punches with a sound that feels like a young Avril Lavigne. This song gives listeners the feeling of claiming their own paths again and changing the narrative to how they want things to be. The thematic play on fairy tales is also incredibly fun for listeners to engage with as well. With the title being called, ‘Happy Never After,’ claiming how the last person they were with was just “another actor,” and the simple fact that the song opens up with “once upon a time” show the logic and thought that went into the lyrics for a throughline like this. CMAGIC5 is a singer-songwriter, musician, and recording artist from Toronto, Canada that is bringing us the main character energy that we all deserve to know. With an incredibly catchy and fun pop-punk sound with extremely thoughtful lyrics, her songs are bound to get your heart beating faster and fists punching the air to a new revolution of angst. CMAGIC5 is the friend and voice in our ear that we need to remind us that we are in charge of creating our own destiny and narratives. They’re there to remind us that we especially do not need another person, let alone a man, to create that for us. Written By Breanna M. FOLLOW CMAGIC5 Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube
- Review: "Golden Years" - JOA
JOA’s latest single “Golden Years” turns the typical coming-of-age experience on its head and opts for a blaze-of-glory youth experience. Not every teenager’s transition into adulthood is filled with straightforward paths and guaranteed success. There comes a point where you realize the future can be unpredictable, so living in each moment is what truly matters. The golden years don’t need to be reserved for decades beyond now. With this fall into uncertainty about the future, less care and stress is spent on looking for the dim light at the end of the tunnel. All that really matters now is the present, and reminiscing on the past reaps no benefit. What is happening now is golden and any other time is far from now. "Golden Years" starts softly with JOA's emotional and tender vocals along with piano. It gently builds with strings, a stomping beat and atmospheric background vocals, going from a ballad to a cathartic and anthemic release of energy. There's a bittersweet sensation that overcomes you when you hear the soundscape of this song; our early adulthood years are both scary and thrilling, but it's good to be reminded to live these years to the fullest while we still have them. The sonic elements of "Golden Years" radiates a youthful aura that'll make you want to stop wasting your time on silly things, get on out there, and do whatever will make you happy. JOA is a Norwegian singer-songwriter currently based in Oslo, Norway. Growing up, she was heavily integrated in the musical theatre scene and has incorporated this into her music. She released her first single in just 2024 and has already gained a dedicated following. Some of her musical inspirations are artists such as Phoebe Bridgers and Julia Michaels. The young singer regularly engages with her audience on social media in the weeks leading to the release of her first EP. Her website consists of a diary newsletter in which she curates posts relevant to her career and life. Make sure to follow JOA on social media and give “Golden Years” a listen! Written By Willow Gray & Kaitlyn Nicole FOLLOW JOA: Instagram | Spotify | TikTok | Facebook | YouTube | Website


















