Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears and even AQUA and I’ve always been obsessed with Eurovison! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ!
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Olly Alexander (Years & Years) – Dizzy
Olly Alexander aka Years & Years has unveiled his latest bop and if you’ve been sleeping under a rock, Olly has his ticket to Malmö, Sweden to represent the UK for Eurovision 2024 in May!
Dizzy has a synth-y Hi-NRG beat, combined with Olly’s emotive vocals creates an irresistible and exciting energy and it’s just perfect for Eurovision, Olly’s perfect for Eurovision too and a long time fan of the contest himself. Olly said “It goes right back to being a kid and watching the show with my family – ordering pizza and spending all night in front of the TV watching this insane, amazing show. It’s a bit like a spiritual homecoming for me because I love Eurovision so much.”
I reckon Dizzy will be a game-changer for the UK at Eurovision with its catchy hooks and Olly’s star power, this song has the potential to make waves and I’m obsessed with the talking section, very Adam Rickett. Oh and the song was co-written by Olly of course and Danny L Harle, who has produced hits for Dua Lipa, Chic and Charli XCX so this song really does have potential to leave Europe (and Australia) spinning!
The Weeknd with Playboi Carti and Madonna – Popular
Omg The Weeknd, Playboi Carti, and the Queen of Pop aka Madonna dropped this song last summer and I’ve been streaming ever since and waiting for an official music video and now it’s here! Popular is such a bop and it’s a part of the soundtrack for HBO’s series The Idol (which I still need to watch despite the bad reviews eeeep).
The chorus and hook of Popular are super catchy. Abel‘s (The Weeknd) signature vocals blend seamlessly with the beat, creating an infectious rhythm. Madonna adds her flair to the mix and Playboi Carti’s contribution raises eyebrows. His verses feel experimental, I think some listeners might find it intriguing, while others might scratch their heads and maybe hate it! Hate’s a strong word though.
Directed by Cliqua, the music video is a visual feast. The Weeknd performs in an extravagant mansion, exuding confidence. Meanwhile, Madonna dances in an opulent New York penthouse, reminding us why she’s an icon and she looks FABULOUS while doing it. Playboi Carti cruises through the capital in a luxury car, accompanied by a mysterious woman. The video captures the essence of excess and fame.
Also fun fact: Madonna has made chart history again (proving again why she’s the Queen of Pop), Popular entered the official UK top 10 charts making this Madonna’s first new top 10 hit in 15 years. The last time she was in the top 10 was back in 2009 with Celebration which climbed to number 3!
Abel is such a Madonna fan and said “I’ve always wanted to work with her,” and “I’ve always wanted to write and produce a Madonna album… Well, co-produce with her, of course. She’s a visionary and she has such a singular vision. And I just want to come into her world and create a classic Madonna album. That was always my dream. Hopefully this is the appetizer for that.”
Beyoncé – TEXAS HOLD ‘EM
Beyoncé’s latest musical venture takes an unexpected turn as she dives into the world of country music! I’m so excited because after Daddy Issues and her performance with The Chicks I was secretly hoping she’d enter her country era one day and well, now the day is here!
In this left-field move after the house and disco vibes of Renaissance, Beyoncé dropped TEXAS HOLD ‘EM (and 16 CARRIAGES) both from upcoming second instalment of her Renaissance trilogy out this month-yep THIS MONTH, on the 29th!
Queen Bey invites us to a dusty dance floor where banjos twang and line-dancing commands echo. The track exudes a playful energy, punctuated by enthusiastic “woo hoo!” exclamations that might as well be “yee haw!” I personally don’t think Beyoncé’s foray into country music is just a detour or a Grammy-grabbing move, her mum (Tina Knowles) posted on the gram too saying Beyoncé has celebrated cowboy culture since childhood. “We also always understood that it was not just about it belonging to white culture only. In Texas there is a huge black cowboy culture.”
MÉLOVIN – Dreamer
My absolute fave at Vidbir 2024 (the Ukrainian selection for Eurovision) was MÉLOVIN although I enjoyed most of them, Ukraine know how to make decent pop music!
Dreamer is an anthem of self-determination and self-love encourages listeners not to give up on our dreams, even in the face of adversity. In a world where oppression still persists, this message resonates universally. The struggles faced by the global LGBTQ+ community find a voice in this powerful track. The lyrics were apparently inspired by the life and legacy of Ukrainian composer Volodymyr Ivasyuk. Volodymyr Ivasyuk gave his life for Ukrainian music during the Soviet occupation, and serves as a symbol of resilience and progressiveness. Born in 1949, he became a founding father of modern Ukrainian pop music. His struggle to adapt to the oppressive and conservative Soviet society mirrors the broader fight for self-determination. MÉLOVIN’s tribute to Volodymyr Ivasyuk reminds us that dreams can transcend borders and time. As we listen to this anthem against oppression, we’re reminded that hope and courage can change the world, one of the reasons why I love Eurovision and pop music!
Sia and Kylie Minogue – Dance Alone
Omg 2 Aussie queens! Kylie Minogue and Sia have joined forces for an electrifying (my favourite word right now) bop! Released as the second single from Sia’s upcoming 10th studio album Reasonable Woman, this song will ignite dance floors, front rooms and hearts alike. Kylie and Sia’s voices intertwine seamlessly, creating an irresistible energy that beckons you to move.
I reckon Dance Alone will become a dance floor classic, especially at Scene HQ anyway!
Annalisa – Sinceramente
Italian singer-songwriter Annalisa delivers a heartfelt and empowering anthem with Sinceramente (which means Sincerely). Released from her her eighth studio album E poi siamo finiti nel vortice (And then we end up in the vortex), this song showcases Annalisa’s vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Sinceramente combines elements of dance-pop and contemporary balladry=perfect combo! The song opens with a pulsating beat that gradually builds, creating an irresistible groove. The production is super polish polished but raw at the same time allowing the emotions to shine through. Annalisa bares her soul, singing about authenticity, vulnerability, and the desire to be understood without judgement, sì mamma!
In the stun music video (directed by Giulio Rosati) Annalisa plays alter egos from previous videos (Bellissima, Mon amour, and Ragazza sola) which is a slay tbh. The visual narrative mirrors the song’s theme of self-discovery and acceptance. Sinceramente is more than a song; it’s an invitation to be genuine, to express our innermost feelings without fear. With its powerful message and Annalisa’s soulful delivery, this track deserves a place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere in Italy and beyond even if you don’t speak Italian!
Delta Goodrem – Hearts On The Run
Another Aussie pop icon and one of my faves, Delta Goodrem returns with her latest single Hearts on the Run. This 80’s-inspired uptempo banger is a testament to Delta’s versatility and vocal prowess and transports you to the neon-lit dancefloors of the 80’s. With funky guitar licks and infectious beats, the song invites you to groove and you can’t help but smile 🙂
Hearts on the Run has already made waves in the pop world and feels nostalgic and refreshing at the same time. Basically this song will keep your heart racing!
Bat For Lashes – The Dream of Delphi
Bat For Lashes aka Natasha Khan unveils her highly anticipated sixth studio album, The Dream of Delphi out in May! I’m so excited! The first single is the same name as the album title and named after her daughter Delphi and is an evocative and personal journey that weaves vulnerability, motherhood, and celestial musings.
The Dream of Delphi transports listeners to a mystical realm. With twinkling hand-made electronics reminiscent of Delia Derbyshire and Japanese ambient influences, the song creates an otherworldly atmosphere.
Natasha said “This is the manifesto of the album. It’s like a spell being cast. It’s the conjuring, the manifestation, the drawing-down of Delphi from the ether. This is me calling on her soul. It’s about going up into the stars and down into the underworld simultaneously, how celestials and deep guttural sounds can come together, how that reflects the journey I went on. It’s about what happens when you’re stretched physically, mentally, even vaginally! I think it’s just humbled me, too, becoming a mother. It’s made me feel more vulnerable than I’ve ever felt before. But I feel more human, more embodied. I can’t escape life by making beautiful things as much as I did. But there’s sort of a beauty to my mortality now.”
Beyoncé – 16 CARRIAGES
In 16 CARRIAGES Beyoncé reflects on her career journey since her mid-teens. The pedal steel guitar adds a poignant touch, while the song’s grandeur swells to Halo-proportions. As she sings about being “overworked and overwhelmed,” she also acknowledges her artistry and love for creation.
I can’t wait for RENAISSANCE: Act II now omgomgomgomg.
Dula Lipa – Training Season
Dula Peep delivers a sleek and dancefloor-ready track as usual, she never disappoints.
Dua said “I had been on a string of bad dates, and the last one was the final straw,” and “The next morning I arrived to the studio to [cowriters] Caroline and Tobias asking me how it all went and I immediately declared ‘TRAINING SEASON IS OVER,’ and like the best ‘day after’ debriefs with your mates, we had a lot of laughs and it all quickly came together from there.” and “while it is obviously about that feeling when you are just absolutely done telling people…men specifically in this case, how to date you right; it is also about my training season being over and me growing with every experience. I have never felt more confident, clear or empowered. And while it may be that training season is never over for any of us, you start to see the beauty in finding that person to experience it with. You stop looking for the trainees and become more interested in having someone where you are and someone to grow with.” nawww.
Btw this song is a sly, irresistible wink for fans who notice the ABBA references!
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Paloma Faith – The Glorification of Sadness
British superstar Paloma Faith delivers a raw and emotionally charged sixth album titled The Glorification of Sadness. Drawing from her own experiences, Paloma channels heartbreak, resilience, and unapologetic honesty into this powerful collection.
The Glorification of Sadness is a sonic tapestry that weaves together elements of soul, pop, and rock. Faith’s signature voice, with its rich timbre and emotional depth, takes center stage. The album’s production is both grand and intimate, allowing the lyrics to shine through.
Faith’s songwriting is heartbreakingly honest. On Sweatpants she navigates the complexities of love, ageing, and self-acceptance. The chorus echoes “I am a woman.” This anthem celebrates womanhood, imperfections, and the strength found in vulnerability.
The Glorification of Sadness is Paloma Faith at her most vulnerable and powerful and tbh, it’s her best album yet (IMPO). It’s an album that invites listeners to embrace our own complexities, find solace in shared experiences, and celebrate the beauty of imperfection!
My favourite tracks are God in a Dress, a bold and anthemic declaration of female power, with echoes of Pink and Linda Hamilton, How to Leave a Man, Eat Shit and Die, Bad Woman, I am Enough, and Pressure (feat. Kojey Radical). Oh and Cry on the Dancefloor because it’s simply….A BOP!
Paloma will be stopping by in Brighton on her The Glorification of Sadness Tour btw, at the Brighton Centre on Saturday 29th April for one night only (so happy it’s a Saturday YAY), get TICKETS HERE but they’re almost sold out!
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