And just like that, we’re into a new month! July was a relatively quiet one for me musically, but I’ve still managed to cobble together a brilliant mix of tracks, both old and new.
As always, I hope you find something you like or discover something fresh—and I genuinely appreciate every visit, scan and read. Thank you for being here!
The Essential 5
HAIM – Spinning
A gloriously funky pop track with dreamy vocals, Prince-style flair, and a stunning final minute of harmonies and chord shifts.
Justin Bieber & Lil B – DADZ LUV
A vibey, nostalgic throwback to ’90s breakbeat with a warm message of love and unity, inspired by toddler-era Justin drumming.
Loyle Carner – About Time
A mellow, heartfelt blend of jazz-infused hip-hop with sincere lyrics, soft instrumentation and a touching father-son outro.
PNAU – Passion Flower
A bright, breezy fusion of French house and electropop, bursting with joyful summer energy and infectious hooks.
KOLIDESCOPES – Start Over
A chilled, dreamy house track with delicate piano, hushed vocals and a quietly captivating vibe.
The Long List
HAIM – Spinning
#PrinceVibes #funky #perfectpop
HAIM shine on this gloriously funky pop bop about the early stages of infatuation, taken from their latest album I Quit. Complete with detuned synths and a groovy bassline, it’s verrryy Prince—in all the best ways. With Alana on lead vocals for the first time, she proves she’s more than up to the task. Her dreamy delivery is a perfect match for the slick production. My favourite moment is the final minute, where the chords shift and we’re treated to a stunning call-and-response section with heavenly harmonies. Amazing!
Justin Bieber & Lil B – DADZ LUV
#vibey #90sbreakbeat #positivity
I’ve been pleasantly surprised by Justin’s new album. It’s his strongest since 2015’s Purpose, in my opinion. This is a standout track: a song about love and unity, with a nostalgic nod to ’90s breakbeat. Think running-man-style beats and eerie synths. The rhythm was inspired by a home video of toddler Justin drumming on a table, and while it doesn’t really go anywhere, the vibe is just right, and I love it.
Loyle Carner – About Time
#Jazzhiphopblend #sincerity #chillvibes
I’ve always admired Loyle Carner for his mellow, jazz-infused hip-hop, sincere lyricism and smooth delivery. This is my favourite from his latest release, complete with organic instrumentation, R&B-tinged jazz guitar, warm minimal chords, and a sweet little outro featuring a moment with his son.
PNAU – Passion Flower
#Frenchhouse #Australianpop #summerbop
The Aussie electropop legends channel French house here, channelling the spirit of Daft Punk’s Digital Love and Kylie’s Love at First Sight. Breezy, fun and infectiously catchy with massive summer energy. Joyful!
KOLIDESCOPES – Start Over
#dreamyhouse #chilledvibes #electronic
This has been on repeat for the last couple of months. Dreamy and chilled over tight house beats, with gentle piano flourishes and soft, almost murmured vocals. A subtle gem.
Skye Newman – Family Matters
#indiepop #90sR&Bthrowback #familydynamics
I keep hearing this on the radio and love it. It has a definite ’90s R&B feel with moody electronic keys, hip-hop rhythms and lyrics reflecting on family dynamics, slightly reminiscent of Mary J. Blige. Reflective, sincere and powerful.
Ellie Goulding, Marshmello & AVAION – Save My Love For You
#housemusic #dancepop #etherealvocals
I discovered this because it was co-written by two of my favourite songwriters, Conor and Riley McDonough (Before You Exit). A chilled pop-house track, Ellie’s ethereal vocals blend beautifully with hazy synths and mellow beats. Lovely melodies throughout. I’m not overly keen on the drop, but still—a great tune.
YUNGBLUD – Hello Heaven, Hello
#poppunk #altrock #ambitiousopener
I really rate YUNGBLUD as an artist. He brings that angsty edge to pop in a way that’s part Avril Lavigne, part Busted but in a good way! His latest album is hugely ambitious, showcased in this nine-minute opener. It’s basically three songs in one: a feel-good pop-punk start with a great chord progression, a shift into heavier rock, then a tender, acoustic-leaning finish.
Doechii – WAIT
#altRnB #chilledbeats #smoothflow
One of my favourites from Doechii’s mixtape. Chilled beats, smooth flow and subtle instrumental textures. ‘WAIT’ explores the need to pause and reflect on life. Calm and captivating.
Sting – She Walks This Earth
#bossaNova #BrazillianJazz #worldmusic
Spotify autoplay led me to this stunning, jazzy bossa nova-style track. Sting’s signature vocals glide over soft synths, understated guitar and bongo-driven percussion. Written by Brazilian composer Ivan Lins with lyrics by Brenda Russell, it’s a gentle celebration of feminine beauty and grace. Smooth and soothing.
Little Simz, Moses Sumney, Miraa May – Peace
#spokenword #conciousrap #spacedout
On this subdued track with little more than hauntingly beautiful piano chords and rustic guitar chords, Little Simz raps of trying to find peace in the modern world. Gorgeous.
Four Tet – Into Dust (Still Falling)
#minmalhouse #etherealvibes #ambienthouse
Heard this when it was Greg James’s tune of the week on Radio 1 and instantly loved it. Minimalist house vibes, atmospheric guitars, ethereal vocals—just beautiful.
Justin Bieber – Go Baby
#slowjamvibes #altpop #modernlove
Justin’s new album has an experimental ’80s alt-pop vibe, and Go Baby fits the bill while also sounding like an old-school slow jam. It’s about being there for your partner through the highs and lows, and also comments on media intrusion into his relationship. Warm, romantic, and brilliant.
YUNGBLUD – Idols Pt. 1
#U2Inspired #SpringsteenVibes #anthemicrock
A track about the dreams we hold as kids that often fade with age. The guitar work is very U2, with hints of Bruce Springsteen and other ’80s rock giants. Big vocals, jangling guitars, flourishes of strings and a great chorus.
Jess Glynne – Hold My Hand
#eurodance #summeranthem #feelgoodvibes
The Jet2 song, of course. It’s easy to poke fun at both Jess Glynne and the track, but it’s easy to forget what a great song this actually is. Co-written by some serious pop heavyweights (including a Clean Bandit member), this summery eurodance hit still slaps a decade on. House pianos, slick production, euphoric chorus—brilliant pop.
The 1975 Section (sorry!)
The 1975 – This Must Be My Dream
#NewJackSwing #80spop #underratedgem
One of my all-time favourites. It pulls from the New Jack Swing craze of the late ’80s/early ’90s and ticks every 1975 box—gated drums, iconic guitar work, flawless production. Matty sounds incredible, especially when he growls “We can’t make love when you’re flying around me, baby”. The breakdown with layered vocals, sparkly synths, and a massive sax solo? I live for it. Should’ve been played live more often!
The 1975 – It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)
#80svibes #popwithdepth #iconicguitar
Seeing my favourite band deliver an electrifying and brilliant Glastonbury set has reminded me why I adore this band. This track is classic 1975: ’80s vibes, gated drums, an irresistible guitar riff and deceptively upbeat sound paired with dark lyrics about Matty’s heroin addiction. So many great moments, especially “But he works in a petrol station” followed by the crowd-friendly “selling petrol” chant and Matty’s ad libs over the choir vocals in the final minute of the song.
The 1975 – Love It If We Made It
#socialcommentary #lyricalgenius #BlueNileVibes
Glastonbury brought me back to this one, which is one of their best. Lyrically, it’s Matty at his best, taking a We Didn’t Start the Fire approach over grand Blue Nile-esque instrumentation with thumping, mechanical beats & twinkling synths. Many brilliant lyrics but this is my favourite part:
“I moved on her like a bitch”, excited to be indicted
Unrequited house with seven pools, “Thank you, Kanye, very cool”
The war has been incited, and guess what? You’re all invited
And you’re famous, modernity has failed us.”
The 1975 – M.O.N.E.Y
#deepcut #throwbackvibes #glitchybeats
Forgot how much I love this one! A deep cut from their debut, M.O.N.E.Y tells the story of a wild night out via glitchy R&B beats and hip-hop vibes. I know every lyric and the half-way rap is a particular favourite. A whole vibe.
The 1975 – fallingforyou
#80sproduction #iconicdrumbreak #softpop
One of their most romantic efforts. A hushed, baritone Matty over dreamy ’80s production—stabby bass synths, reverb-heavy drums, and twinkling melodies. The Phil Collins-style drum fill in the middle? Iconic.
The 1975 – Nana
#acousticmoment #strippedback #lyricalwarmth
Not one I return to often—not because it’s not lovely, but because it’s so understated compared to the rest of their discography. A simple acoustic ballad about Matty’s nana, full of heartfelt lyrics. “Always trying to keep warm when you’re the sun” gets me every time.
The entire playlist can be found below:
the-music-box.co.uk 