It’s the end of another month, which means it’s time to share my Top 20 most-listened-to songs once again. It’s a varied bunch!

This blog was written by me and lightly edited with the help of AI, just to polish things up.

Hope you enjoy, and as always, thanks for stopping by!

Marc

THE ESSENTIAL 5

Cautious Clay – Tokyo Lift (5AM)

A smooth and dreamy pop-soul track with syrupy vocals and mellow R&B beats, perfect for late-night listening.

Young Gun, Silver Fox – Late Night Last Train

A lush, nostalgic yacht rock tune with soft guitar, heavenly harmonies, and a standout sunset-ready chorus.

Carol Ades – Dreams

A breezy, summery pop-rock song that channels late ’90s pop-punk to explore crushes and self-acceptance.

Antony Szmierek – Big Light

A feel-good spoken word pop-house track with poetic lyrics, funky basslines, and uplifting gospel-infused vocals.

Picture This – Let’s Try Love

An energetic, indie-pop-tinged anthem full of joyful guitars and a soaring, unforgettable chorus.

THE LONG LIST

Cautious Clay – Tokyo Lift (5AM)
#PopSoul #LateNightVibes #ChilledRnB 

I’ve liked Cautious Clay for a while now, and he doesn’t disappoint on this smooth and dreamy slice of pop-soul. His syrupy vocals glide effortlessly over mellow R&B beats. It’s got that perfect late-night feel – chilled but still uplifting – which makes sense, given the song was inspired by a karaoke night he attended. Dreamy! 

Young Gun Silver Fox – Late Night Last Train
#YachtRock #RetroSoulPop #SunsetSounds 

Young Gun, Silver Fox have done it again. Their new record delivers that signature dreamy yacht rock sound, blending elements of jazz, adult contemporary, pop, soul, and soft rock. This track is quintessentially them—gentle guitar strums, hazy electric guitar licks, heavenly harmonies, and crisp piano. The chorus stands out, with a gorgeously memorable melody that lingers long after the song ends. Pure driving-at-sunset vibes. Gorgeous. 

Carol Ades – Dreams
#PopRock #QueerAnthem #PopPunkThrowback 

This summery pop-rock track radiates those windows-down, singing-along-in-the-car vibes. It’s about navigating a crush and coming to terms with your sexuality. Channelling late ’90s/early ’00s pop-punk (think Avril Lavigne meets Paramore), breezy swirling verses give way to a big, shoegaze-tinged chorus. 

Antony Szmierek – Big Light
#SpokenWordPop #HouseGroove #GospelVibes 

I’ve loved Antony Szmierek ever since I discovered him on the telly. He was my gateway into spoken word music, and he makes it incredibly accessible—pairing poetic lyrics with wavy electronic backings. This track from his new album is a standout: a thumping pop-house tune with funky bass, glorious gospel-tinged vocals, and an effortlessly feel-good energy. 

Picture This – Let’s Try Love
#IndiePopRock #FolkPop #FeelGoodAnthem 

One of my most-played tracks of the past couple of months, this song from Irish rock band Picture This is bursting with layered, organic guitars and a bouncy rhythm. It’s a bit indie-pop, a bit folky, and full of joyful energy and has a wonderful, anthemic chorus. I love this so much! 

Ultimate Kaos – Casonova (Rework Edit – Full Crew Mix)
#90sRevival #NewJackSwing #HipHopSoul 

I discovered Ultimate Kaos through the BBC documentary Boybands Forever, and I’ve been loving their back catalogue ever since. This reworked version of their 1997 cover of LeVert’s ’80s New Jack Swing track is brilliant—updated with slick hip-hop beats and crisp piano chords. I’ve been absolutely rinsing this! 

Obongjayar – Just My Luck
#AltPop #FunkyBeats #FOMOVibes 

We all know Obongjayar from his unique, quivering vocals on Fred Again’s 2024 smash Adore U. Here, he shines solo on this quirky, slinky pop jam about loneliness and FOMO. Funky, wavy and full of character. 

The Aces – Jealous
#DancePop #FunkPop #FeelGoodGroove 

I came across The Aces a while back and have recently dived deep into their music. This track is a bouncy, slinky pop number with funky rhythm guitars and a prominent bassline layered over energetic dance-pop beats. Effortlessly catchy and huge fun. 

Hotel Apache – Rewind
#BedroomPop #HousePop #IndieElectronica 

I LOVE Hotel Apache. This California trio have been crafting dreamy bedroom pop for a decade, and it appears that they might finally be gearing up for their debut album. This latest track combines their trademark electronic elements with syrupy, slightly processed vocals from singer Ryan, building into an irresistibly catchy house-pop finish. 

TOUCAN – Don’t Understand Why
#JazzPop #EasyListening #SoulfulSounds 

This is a mellow, jazzy slice of easy-listening with soft twinkly keyboards, gorgeous harmonies and oragnic brass elements. Soulful, smooth and simply lovely. 

BRONZE AVERY – ONLY U!
#HipHopPop #AltRNB #EmotionalGroove 

I love this Hip-Hop/Pop fusion. Over detuned, off-key piano chords and  a mesh of hip hop beats with electronic elements, Bronze Avery raps and sings of an intense connection with someone special.

Djo – Potion
#IndieFolkPop #VintageVibes #LushHarmonies 

A beautiful blend of Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles, this track features acoustic folk guitar, subtle strings, lush harmonies, and organic instrumentation. It’s a wistful reflection on longing for a love that feels real. Lovely stuff. 

Liv Dawson – Space
#DiscoPop #FunkyGroove #ModernRetro 

A funky, fresh slice of disco-pop about subtly hinting at your feelings for someone. Full of vibrant rhythm guitars, slick production, and a confident groove—this one’s a winner!

CosperTheNomad – Never Let Me Go – Live
#LivePerformance #NeoSoul #ElectronicPop 

This is brilliant. Drawing from pop, hip-hop, and soul, this live-only track features gorgeous piano chords, a pulsating bassline, and energetic percussion. Midway through, there’s a fantastic switch-up that takes it into a more electronic realm, building towards an intense, climactic ending. No studio version (yet!)—but this will do nicely. 

Hedda Mae – Blow a kiss
#RetroPop #60sSoul #DooWopVibes 

Hedda Mae, a Norwegian pop artist, performs in both English and Norwegian and draws from a wide range of influences—from 1960s girl groups to ’90s R&B. This track leans into rich ’60s soul with retro guitars, sweeping strings, irresistible pop melodies and doo-wop harmonies. Brilliant! 

Lady Gaga – LoveDrug
#ElectroPop #80sRockVibes #PopDrama 

Evoking arena rock and ’80s pop-rock, Lovedrug features an anthemic chorus and slick electropop production. It’s classic Gaga—dramatic, catchy, and heartfelt, using the metaphor of addiction to explore romantic obsession. 

Lady Gaga – Zombieboy
#DiscoPop #FunkGlam #RetroTribute 

Another favourite from Gaga’s latest album Mayhem. A tribute to her late friend Rick Genest, this disco-inspired track features funk guitars, a tight bassline, and a chorus made for karaoke. Retro in all the right ways!

Whitney Houston & Felix Jaehn – It’s Not Right But It’s Ok
#HouseRemix #ClassicRework #DancefloorReady

Reworks of classic songs can be hit or miss for me. Kygo’s rework of Whitney’s cover of ‘Higher Love’, whilst massive commercially, failed to hit for me. This, I LOVE, however! Felix Jaehn gives the original a tasteful house treatment – keeping its spirit intact while infusing it with modern beats and bright piano. Love it! 

Tate McRae – Revolving door
#JerseyClub #MoodyPop #ToxicLove 

I loved Greedy, and I’ve dipped in and out of Tate’s discography. She’s the ultimate 2025 pop star—from the over-processed, almost mumbled vocals to the polished visuals and choreography. Written with Julia Michaels, Grant Boutin, and OneReplublic’s Ryan Tedder, this moody Jersey Club-inspired track pairs skittish dancehall beats with lyrics about re-entering a toxic relationship. The production cleverly mirrors the feel of a revolving door. A clever and current pop moment. 

Vacation Manor – You, in the Afternoon
#DreamPop #IndieChill #LateNightFeels

I loved Vacation Manor’s track You last year, and this one carries a similar vibe. Inspired by frontman Nathan Towles’ journey into fatherhood, it’s a dreamy, mellow tune filled with hazy synths, soft guitar riffs, and reflective late-night energy. Lovely.