It seems like just yesterday we were ringing in the New Year, and yet somehow it’s already June. The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and it’s time for a recap of this year’s hottest tracks so far! 2026 has been the year of resurgence, with old trends making a comeback through a modern lens. From hyperpop to house to boy group excellence, EnVi’s Music Team rounds up the 2026 songs that should absolutely be in your playlist by now.
KARLEE GIRL – “Right Back!”
While she may have once been most recognizable for her time on Dream Academy, KARLEE GIRL returns to our screens with a freshly cut bob and newfound confidence. With what the Internet deems the song of the summer status, the 22-year-old singer is making waves in the world of pop music. “Right Back!” is a light pop-R&B track that serves as only the independent artist’s third solo single, which has gone viral for all the right reasons. But beyond its punchy verses and feel-good beats, KARLEE GIRL explains on Instagram that the meaning behind the song is much more nuanced than at first glance. The song’s title and chorus reference a specific slang phrase used in her hometown of Honolulu, Hawaiʻi. It represents a reminder that even when life doesn’t go as you hoped, you always have the choice to bounce back from it.
– Kaye Ip
ATEEZ – “NASA”
In the midst of the Asia and Australia leg of their “IN YOUR FANTASY” world tour, K-pop powerhouse ATEEZ managed to squeeze in a major comeback. Serving as a continuation of their GOLDEN HOUR album series, the group released GOLDEN HOUR : Part.4 featuring the title track, “Adrenaline.” With just a 16-minute run time across five tracks, the group had only so much time to enthrall their listeners, and they managed to do just that. The EP landed at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart alongside industry giants like J. Cole and Joji. Not only is this the group’s seventh album to do so, but it’s also the seventh album to hit the top three position on Billboard’s Billboard 200 chart back-to-back. And for good reason, because every single track was a banger, with the top b-side being “NASA.”
Although “NASA” wasn’t the initial title track, it is the second most-streamed song on the album and currently (at the time of writing) the group’s fifth most popular song with over 18 million streams and 19 million views on YouTube. Even the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) couldn’t deny the track’s allure. “NASA” is the third track on the EP, immediately following up the explosive “Adrenaline.” But make no mistake, “NASA” doesn’t live in her sister’s shadow. The track features melodic raps and bewitching vocals that complement the auto-tune-laden verses. The production is bass-heavy, incorporating elements of hip-hop and electronica together to create a track that’s almost futuristic. Amid the lush production, the group boasts of the success they have achieved through hard work, daring to “shoot for the stars like NASA.”
KiiiKiii – “404 (New Era)”
House music in K-pop is “so back” with KiiKii’s explosive 2026 comeback, “404 (New Era).” From the moment LDN Noise’s producer tag drops, listeners are in for an addictive earworm that penetrates club dancefloors beyond the realm of K-pop. It is hard to believe that LDN Noise penned the house-fusion K-pop hits, f(x)’s “4 Walls” and SHINee’s “View,” over a decade ago. If how those songs aged are an indication of anything, it’s that “404 (New Era)” is a song that won’t be defined by its release date. “404 (New Era)” is noticeably more energetic than the two aforementioned tracks — taking UK house and garage to create a kitschy yet sophisticated sound that coincides with KiiKii’s youthful image and bright aesthetics.
The song’s title was almost like a prophecy as “404 (New Era)” rightfully catapulted KiiKii’s success domestically and globally. This “new era” feels like KiiKii finally coming into their own after a debut year of experimenting with different musical genres and styles. As they continue their concept of anemoia, it leaves audiences to wonder what other memories KiiKii will simultaneously uncover and create.
GIRLSET – “Tweak”
There’s something smart about the minds behind GIRLSET. As other girl groups backed by Asian companies branch out into different subgenres of popular music, this joint project by JYP Entertainment and Republic Records taps into the rise of R&B, heralded by groups like FLO and Say Now. The quartet’s latest release, “Tweak,” is a perfect showcase of this.
The song takes us back to the glory days of R&B girl groups right from the very first second. Its intro would be familiar to anyone with even the most basic knowledge of the genre’s repertoire, as it samples the seminal classic “Weak.” But “Tweak” doesn’t stop there. The entire track is an interpolation of the SVW chart-topper, deconstructed and reconstructed into a shimmering, glossy anthem. Though it carries some of the same chord progressions (albeit frankensteined into different sections of the song), GIRLSET totally flipped the meaning with their lyricism. Gone is SVW’s lovestruck croonings, replaced with a spunky attitude that makes for a disclaimer for potential suitors who won’t put the work into the relationship.
Zack Tabudlo, Nateman, Robledo Timido, Paul N Ballin – “Tunay”
What do you get when four Filipino loverboys team up? A real, romantic confession. The quartet’s collaboration delves into a retelling of different Filipino courtship traditions. “Tunay” serves as a harana, or serenade, to each of their lovers through a modern pop song. Zack Tabudlo rings out with his soulful voice, contrasted by the soft rap verses of Nateman, Robledo Timido, and Paul N Ballin. With simple bass riffs, keyboard, and drums, the four artists’ sincere emotions are expressed clearly. Just as important as a lovers’ affections is the family’s approval. Through every verse, Zack Tabudlo, Nateman, Robledo Timido, and Paul N Ballin plead directly with the parents to entrust each pair to a relationship. Regardless of wealth or status, the troupe promise to love with pure intentions and cherish their lovers. A twist on longstanding romantic ballads, “Tunay” is a sweet tune perfect for hopeless romantics.
Zack Tabudlo Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Robledo Timido Socials: IG | TK | YT
Paul N Ballin Socials: IG | TK | YT
Tiffany Day – “EVERYTHING I’VE EVER WANTED”
The opening track of Tiffany Day’s HALO album captures the universal fear of life changes in a succinct two minutes and fifteen seconds. “EVERYTHING I’VE EVER WANTED” is Tiffany Day’s love letter to her new era. Layers of oscillating synths and bass work as the backdrop of Day’s stream-of-consciousness contemplation of her music career. She recounts losing her passions and the overwhelming fear of being on the cusp of something new. “When something good comes crashing into me, it’s like I can’t breathe,” she sings desperately, “‘Cause all I think about is when that good thing finally leaves.” The instrumental mirrors her rising panic, building to a crescendo of glitchy vocals before stripping back to a lone vocal track and one quiet synth. The transition into the second track, “DOIT4ME,” gives listeners an extra bit of ear candy and resolution of the dynamic pull of “EVERYTHING I’VE EVER WANTED.”
Naïka – “F.I.S.H.”
The self-proclaimed “bohemian island gyal” Naïka brought all the right tropical vibes to playlists this year, but more specifically with track seven, “F.I.S.H.,” off her debut album, ECLESIA. Standing for the acronym, “f*ck it shit happens,” “F.I.S.H.” takes tunes from her Haitian roots and layers them with lyrics of the simple way of life – “if it’s a bad time, it don’t get air time.” While there are endless stressful and overwhelming events happening in the world right now (covered in the artist’s track “WHAT A DAY!”), Naïka takes time in “F.I.S.H.” to remind listeners that their mindset is the only thing in their control. Perfect for any time of the year, the song is embellished with a bit of sunshine in every chord and is the ideal remedy for any burnt-out mind.
Young Miko – “BIAF <3”
After the release of her full album Do Not Disturb in 2025, Young Miko set the club-like mood for 2026 with her single release of “BIAF.” A flirty track, Miko lets us know that despite what others think of her, her confidence is set and her freakiness is very much alive. With lyrics such as “There are things in life that they can think about me / They can imagine, they love to talk so much / These are things in this life that will never change/ But if one thing’s for sure, it’s that I love to f*ck.” Playful, seductive, and with the chorus repeating “Baby I’m a freak,” the track showcases Miko’s vocals and rap skills. Over 14 million streams and 4.1 million views on YouTube, Young Miko just released her latest Deluxe version of Do Not Disturb: Late Checkout.
Baby Keem, KEndrick Lamar & MOMO BOYD – “Good Flirts”
After releasing a debut album as iconic as The Melodic Blue with its popular tracks (I’m looking at you “Rollie gang, Rollie gang, Rollie gang”), it was almost impossible to imagine that Vegas-raised rapper, Baby Keem, could follow up the project with something better. It took five years to end the drought, and Ca$ino delivered in every way. Boasting 11 tracks across almost forty minutes, Ca$ino is packed full of earworms. The album was Baby Keem’s first album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The entries don’t stop there, it also hit No. 1 on the Top Rap Albums chart and No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. Yes, not only did the album do numbers – it gave fans of the duo the return of the range brothers. Previously, Baby Keem and his cousin Kendrick Lamar created several songs together on The Melodic Blue, including “Family Ties” which won them a Grammy and hit No. 8 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. On Ca$ino, the pair hit No. 8 yet again, this time with singer-songwriter Momo Boyd.
“Good Flirts” is a smooth, seductive R&B track that discusses the addictive rush you can get when flirting with a stranger and the on-again-off-again relationship with a past lover. Boyd’s deep timbre coupled with Baby Keem and Lamar’s softer delivery pair together seamlessly atop a sexy interpolation of Common’s “The Light” to create a track you just won’t be able to shake from your mind. The song garnered over 35 million streams on Spotify, with its music video hitting 19 million views on YouTube. Although it’s not as loud as “Family Ties,” as eclectic as “range brothers,” or even as menacing as the eponymously named “Ca$ino;” “Good Flirts” is a quiet banger released just near the end of cuffing season. And it’s one that would be a shame to miss on your playlists.
— V.A.
Baby Keem’s Socials: IG | X | YT
Kendrick Lamar’s Socials: IG | X | YT
Momo Boyd’s Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
underscores – “Innuendo (I Get U)”
If you haven’t heard of underscores yet, take this as your chance to get into her before she reaches festival headliner levels of stardom. underscores is a Filipino-American singer-songwriter and producer whose expansive music knowledge makes her DJ sets feel like a masterclass on how to mix music for a crowd that is truly “tapped in” with music and club culture. underscores’s 2026 album, U, displays her artistic growth as both a producer and songwriter while paying homage to her San Francisco upbringing.
The fifth track, “Innuendo (I Get U),” is one of the strongest displays of her storytelling abilities. The song is about the tensions built from a relationship reliant on indirect communication. Inherently, the song itself is an “innuendo” — where you have to read between the lyrics to not only understand what underscores is suggesting about themselves, but also the other person in this situation. Though it thematically represents a situation typically paired with heartwrenching ballads, underscores does what she does best: she makes music that not only moves you emotionally, but moves your body too.
— J.D.
Olivia Rodrigo – “drop dead”
With back-to-back smash-hit albums that produced six top 10 entries in the Billboard Hot 100, including a number-one debut at the outset of her solo career, there’s much precedence surrounding Olivia Rodrigo’s announcement of “drop dead.” The lead single for her upcoming album, you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love, arrived over two years after her last, so it’s only natural that it drummed up excitement leading up to its April 17 release. It’s safe to say that the song delivered on all fronts.
Debuting at the top of the Hot 100 is a feat of its own — it did crown her as the first artist in history whose first three lead singles debuted atop the chart. Still, beyond the commercial success, “drop dead” is arguably the most sonically rich out of the trifecta. With a soft rock progression that never wanes throughout its entire four-minute run, the track captures the euphoric feeling of a crush. Described as the most joyful on this third record, it’s a switch-up from the heartbroken melancholy and vengeful ires of her previous singles. It combines undulating synths and strings with a gritty, almost lo-fi production, complete with a bridge that builds up to an explosive guitar solo. The combination creates the exact kind of music that you’d play while you’re bored in bed and stalking that person you like on the internet.
– Q.H.
CHUNG HA – “Save me”
CHUNG HA’s EDM-influenced single “Save me” reflects on her journey as an artist, from former girl group member to soloist. Her recent project with former group, I.O.I amassed over 6 million streams on Spotify and had vocal support from fans wishing for the group’s full return. Despite being a well-known name in the Korean music industry, her journey has not been easy. The emotional track is accompanied by introspective lyrics expressing CHUNG HA’s emotional development. Wondering aloud if someone will take on her salvation, CHUNG HA doesn’t need to look far to find her hero. “Right when my heart just learns to start / ‘Cause I am the light that kills the dark / I’ll find me,” she proclaims. No matter what challenges she may come across, CHUNG HA shows that she will continue to come out on top. For listeners, “Save me” serves as a reminder to find hope in the world, as well as within your own strengths.
– D.G.
A$AP ROCKY, Brent Faiyaz – “STAY HERE 4 LIFE”
Eight years after the culturally-defining album, TESTING, which debuted the standout track, “Praise The Lord (Da Shine),” A$AP ROCKY made his long-awaited return in 2026. Don’t Be Dumb became a polarizing project in the rap scene for its deviations from the standard rap and hip-hop structure. Among the experimental tracks that dipped into territories of jazz and punk rock, the collaborative R&B joint between A$AP ROCKY and Brent Faiyaz became a standout moment. “STAY HERE 4 LIFE” is a reworked version of Brent Faiyaz’s 2025 single, “full moon. (fall in tokyo).” Though most of the original song remains intact, A$AP’s stylistic choices such as the addition of the looped “Let’s Get F*cked Up” sample and charged spoken-word outro adds a grittier edge to the romance jam. A$AP’s new chorus takes a new approach to the song’s original message of living in the moment: “Ain’t no dials on the clock, got me lookin’ down at my watch / Wish I could buy time back right now.” With 2026 already entering into its second half, “STAY HERE 4 LIFE” is the perfect soundtrack for reminiscing.
— J.D.
A$AP Rocky Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Brent Faiyaz Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
WOODZ – “CINEMA”
South Korean singer WOODZ reaffirmed his title as the king of rock ballads this year with the pre-release single “CINEMA.” The track dropped a few weeks before WOODZ’s full-length Archive. 1 album, giving a peek into what was to come in the 17-track album. “CINEMA” explores the heartbreak of replaying the best moments of a past relationship in your head. It opens with a melancholy guitar melody and WOODZ’s soft vocals before the angst sweeps in for the chorus. “You are out of sight (sight) / But I can’t get it out of my mind (mind),” WOODZ mourns over the hard-hitting percussion. He saves the best for last in the final chorus, belting the lyrics with heartrending emotion.
– T.J.
Yandel, Latin Mafia – “Cómo Es Que Se Hace”
A duo we never expected: Puerto Rican legend Yandel and Mexico’s emerging trio Latin Mafia have teamed up and released “Cómo Es Que Se Hace.” A pre-release single from Yandel’s album INFINITO, the duo mixed the classic feel of reggaeton and urban music into their own genre. The track takes listeners back to the R&B and classic reggaeton sounds of the 2000s, with a steady hook repeating, “Why are you taking so long? It’s late,” and Yandel’s rap blended throughout. The song’s lyrics almost feel like a prayer, expressing deep infatuation with their partner and seeking more of their attention. Latin Mafia and Yandel have ultimately made another classic and revamped what the future of Spanish music can look like.
– C.E.
BINI – “Sugar Rush”
No pop girl group is doing it like the Philippines’ BINI. Within the past year or so, the octet has released an album and two EPs. Even more impressive is the diverse showing of each project that, while allowing the girls to experiment with different subgenres, still follows a throughline that makes everything sound cohesive. Their latest project Signals features the track “Sugar Rush,” a new jack swing riff on BINI’s saccharine sensibilities when it comes to young love. It feels a bit more mature than the sweetened, cherry-red confections, marrying their flirty underpinnings with a sprightly attitude.
– Q.H.
Hojean – “Wanna Run”
Hojean’s “Wanna Run” came after a two-year hiatus from releasing music and was eagerly enjoyed by fans waiting to hear what the indie artist had in store for them. The inquisitive, inspirational track spans almost three minutes and uses every second to tell the world that Hojean is free from any external or internal pressure the world may try to impose upon him. Though he isn’t breaking free alone. The lyrics deeply express his desire to take his listeners on his journey toward a limitless life. Written from a place of anxiety, “Wanna Run” was created in the hope that it could serve as an inspiration and a sign for others to leave situations that don’t serve them. The song features a continuously building melody that emphasizes the lyrics, “Gone are the days where we settle for nothing.” So, don’t settle. Do what Hojean suggests and release the pain, stress, and anxiety, take his hand, and run.
— E.O.
Yves ft. Lexie Liu – “Break it”
Yves’s alternative sensibilities are given an experimental lift with her latest EP NAIL. It’s a fitting collaboration, then, when Chinese artist Lexie Liu joins Yves on one of the tracks. “Break it” dips back into the stylistic production beats of UK garage, with electronic drum samples that bounce to breakbeat rhythms. The South Korean songstress then flexes her floaty soprano over it, musing about a harrowing state of self following a failed relationship, sprinkling some lines in her native language — “Gotta wash the pain, the sorrow, the change and fill my empty stomach / 다시 비워내도 (even if I clear it out again), break it and make it / But I gotta carry on.” Liu does the same thing, wondering why “I came looking for a curе, it might be temporary / But I’ve been here a hundred times before / Guess I’ve never really left, 自从我看见了你 (since I saw you).”
– Q.H.
Yves’s Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Lexie Liu’s Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
PSYCHIC FEVER – “I Got Ways”
PSYCHIC FEVER are no strangers to serving up boy group excellence, especially when it comes to drawing influences from male pop icons of yesteryear. “I Got Ways” feels like an undiscovered gem cut from a major 2000s R&B pop album like Invincible or Justified. Every element of this track feels correctly intentional — from the violin strings that add just the right amount of dramaticism to the layered harmonies and ad-libs that give the much-needed fullness to round out the song. In a pop era where vocal-driven choruses are few and far between, PSYCHIC FEVER show the masses how it’s done. “I Got Ways” is the first track to be unveiled from PSYCHIC FEVER’s upcoming second album, DIFFERENT, and it might be one of the strongest introductions to a new chapter this year.
— J.D.
iza tkm – “cuando sea solo polvo”
While we will all eventually turn to dust, Mexican hyperpop artist iza tkm chooses to spin mortality in a positive light. Showcasing a vulnerable side in her debut EP i Music Listen, “cuando sea solo polvo” becomes an anthem for hope. The song begins with soft, disjointed piano and iza tkm’s vocals tuned to an electronic sound. She recounts the elements of a bad day: being drenched in rain, bumping into strangers, and a coffee gone cold. While on a downward spiral and reflecting on her mortality, iza tkm shakes herself off and declares, “No me queda tanto tiempo para pasarla mal” (I don’t have enough time to not enjoy it). Rather than dwell in self-doubt, she allows herself to let her burdens go, as in the grand scheme of time, they too shall pass. Bass and drums kick in, cutting through a loop of iza tkm questioning her future as dust. Listeners are invited to dance instead of cry, and remember the beauty of the ephemeral.
– D.G.
Hayley Kiyoko, Gigi Perez – “collide”
Hayley Kiyoko and Gigi Perez teamed up this year to release “collide,” a romantic song that’s set to join the soundtrack of Kiyoko’s debut feature film, Girls Like Girls. Hayley Kiyoko, often referred to colloquially as “Lesbian Jesus,” joined lesbian singer-songwriter Gigi Perez on stage at Coachella this year to announce the news. The ethereal, acoustic track blurs the lines of where love begins and ends. It sets the backdrop for the lead characters of Girls Like Girls, Sonya and Coley, and their desire for each other. “Need it to be you / baby, I’m see-through,” Kiyoko and Gigi duet in the chorus. “All ’cause I need you / I can’t let go.” It’s as cinematic as it is enchanting, making it the perfect addition to the soundtrack.
– T.J.
Hayley Kiyoko Socials: IG | TK | YT
Gigi Perez Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
KATSEYE – “PINKY UP”
When the divisive sleeper hit “Gnarly” was followed up by “Internet Girl,” fans were left wondering how the talents of the six selected girls from Dream Academy are being wasted on corporally manufactured “brain rot” songs designed to elicit nothing more than social media reactions and discourse, especially after the success of songs like “Touch,” “Gabriela,” and “Gameboy.” So, when “PINKY UP” was announced, enthusiasm and expectations were at an all-time low — so low that when the song came out, it grew on many people very quickly. Be it the infectious dance break, colorful and maximalist aesthetic, or rave-ready Eurohouse infusion, KATSEYE has once again captivated the digital population, with recreations of the choreography filling up people’s feeds. Though the lyricism still garnered some scrutiny, it never really takes away from the frilly, fun nature of the songs, juxtaposed by the pounding beats and brassy synths that you can’t help but move to.
– Q.H.
NMIXX – “LOUD”
NMIXX want to love “loud” in this b-side track from their Heavy Serenade EP. Written by member LILY, “LOUD” is a bold declaration of love in a world that would stifle it. For many fans, the vocal pop track has quickly become a queer anthem due to its deeply relatable lyrics. “Why do we have to hide it? / Can’t act like I don’t like it,” LILY sings in the pre-chorus. “You know I’m a bad liar / Our love should be the brightest thing in the room.” The sentiment explodes in the chorus as the members profess their love through gorgeous vocal harmonies. In an interview with Forbes, LILY shared the thought process behind the songwriting: “It’s just a celebration of all kinds of love. It doesn’t have to be sad because it’s a beautiful thing in itself to love someone that loudly.” The love and support are palpable throughout the track, right through the jubilant outro.
– T.J.
Ariana Grande – “hate that i made you love me”
No one knows the true extent of Ariana Grande’s relationship to music, but she has hinted on it through interviews and some of her songs. The lead single of her forthcoming eighth album, petal, is no different. Described as one of the singer’s favorite releases to date, “hate that i made you love me,” continues the narrative of Grande’s warranted response against a hurricane of media hate train, online public scrutiny, and times when her body became a topic of discourse. The lyrics also mark the return of her skyward projections, specifically a proclivity for lunar symbolism.
Carrying over the ambient, dream pop synths of “i wish i hated you” and “twilight zone” from her previous album, the downtempo track mulls over Grande’s internal turmoil in its rawest form. Paired with distant reverbs and a hazy production, it demonstrates a hollowness that you would expect from someone whose willpower has been tested time and time again, especially by those claiming to be her fans. She isn’t known to bite her tongue, so she goes into this song with no holds barred.
– Q.H.
wave to earth – “heaven and hell”
To the surprise of fans, Korean band wave to earth announced and released their newest track “heaven and hell” within the same week, followed by a world tour announcement shortly after. Reminiscent of fan-favorite tracks “homesick” and “love.,” “heaven and hell” lays out the fine writing between the terms and conditions of life. Through the simple yet desperately impactful chorus, lead singer Daniel Kim sings, “Heaven and hell / It’s not all about it,” bringing listeners back to reality instead of what will come later. “heaven and hell” poses questions about human contentment, desire, and belief in under five minutes with the three simple words of the title being repeated so fervently they appear more as a hymn than a modern indie track. With their upcoming tour titled “pieces,” it can only be assumed the additional wave to earth songs are being prepared to rock the music world.
— E.O.
Hearts2Hearts – “RUDE!”
South Korea’s newest girl group took last year by storm and continued its reign with “RUDE!” in 2026. The eight-member group, consisting of Carmen, Jiwoo, Yuha, Stella, Juun, A-na, Ian, and Ye-on, has brought pop and all things fun with their charismatic sound and electric personalities. They debuted with “The Chase” and followed up with their EP FOCUS – The 1st Mini Album. H2H became a pop statement with their vocals and fun lyrics. “RUDE!” came right in time for summer, becoming social media’s hottest audio with fans recreating the group’s iconic dance and its ending chorus: “You know what he said to me? What! / He was like, ‘You are so rude,’ and I was like, / ‘Boy, does it look like I could care, I couldn’t even care less!’”
Debuting on the Billboard World Digital song sales at No. 10, and spending two weeks at No. 1 on Korea’s Circle Digital Chart, “RUDE!” brings the fun of K-pop back. The track almost feels like a fun conversation among friends and choreography showcasing every member. The track seems to position itself as a 2026 classic hit.
– C.E.
BTS – “Body to Body”
Though “SWIM” was the lead single of BTS’s historic ARIRANG comeback album, the intro song, “Body to Body,” made waves of its own. The track focuses on the idea of community and standing side by side — whether that’s physically during an event or mentally through support. During the chorus, as the members cry out to those around them to come together as one, the focal point arises in the background. At first, the sound of the traditional folk song “Arirang” is hidden behind the seven singers’ voices, but then it takes center stage. What is now a 600-year-old song is also among the top-charting songs of the year. “Body to Body” is not simply rooted in Korean culture, but it showcases it for the entire world to see. This year, BTS are not hesitating to use their impact to educate and embrace those around them, and “Body to Body,” as well as the rest of ARIRANG, proves just that.
— E.O.
Kacey Musgraves – “Mexico Honey”
Country superstar and Texas native Kacey Musgraves takes listeners back to the roots of country music with her new album, Middle of Nowhere. Inspired by her upbringing in East Texas, Kacey honors the Mexican influences that shaped her love for country music. From Tejano to norteñas, she delivers thirteen new tracks, including a standout summer favorite, “Mexico Honey.” Unlike many of the other songs on the album, the track serves as a declaration of sensuality and love, comparing her lover to sweet honey as her lyrics express a craving for intimacy and attention. Showing a sexier side of herself, Kacey sings, “You’re goin’ down smooth like Mexico, honey / Take my heart, take all my money / I want you so bad, it ain’t even funny / I mean for real, what the hell.”
Considered a pop-country track, “Mexico Honey” pairs sultry lyrics with a slow-tempo production that adds to its romantic atmosphere. Perfect for those hopelessly in love, the song invites listeners to slow dance, grab a drink, and maybe even text their lovers.
– C.E.
can’t be blue, XNGHAN – “Black Tesla”
Korean band can’t be blue’s first collaboration, “Black Tesla,” prove their musical versatility and emotional depth. Mixing grunge rock with ballad elements, the track expresses the angst caused by two lovers failing to maintain their spark. For far too long, they’ve hidden their imperfect relationship with flashy items, such as an expensive watch and a black Tesla. Rather than try to fix it, they can’t be blue and XngHan reach out to their lover to end their relationship for their own good. “We ask what love even is and always say ‘later,’” vocalist Dohun claims, pointing out a flaw in their communication. XngHan follows up, “Forget it sometimes, time can’t solve everything.” Dohun and XngHan speed up their diction, their vocal delivery mimicking a lover’s frustration during an argument. During the chorus, a downward glide on the piano keys adds a note of sadness and regret amidst the other grievances. While the topic of failed romance can be a sore spot, we’re “still stuck in a Black Tesla.”
– D.G.
can’t be blue Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
Xnghan Socials: IG | TK | X | YT
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