And just like that, we’re in October!
I suppose it feels shorter than it has been because I was so late with August’s edition.
Never mind.
With no further ado, here’s the music I’ve been devouring throughout September.
As always, thank you for reading.
Marc
The Essential Five
Sabrina Carpenter – Tears
A nu-disco flavoured pop triumph full of cheeky innuendo, sultry vocals, funky grooves and classic Sabrina hallmarks.
Justin Bieber – NEED IT
A warm, late-night R&B track with dreamy synths, playful beats and stunning falsetto melodies that make it utterly irresistible.
NSYNC – Thinking of You (I Drive Myself Crazy)
A nostalgic 90s ballad elevated by gorgeous harmonies, classic chord progressions and boyband charm in its best form.
SG Lewis and London Grammar – Feelings Gone
A euphoric dance banger blending SG Lewis’s sleek production with London Grammar’s haunting vocals in perfect harmony.
LANY – Last Forever
A dreamy, 80s-inspired ballad with warm synths and rich vocals that feels part slow jam, part yacht-rock classic.
The Long List
Sabrina Carpenter – Tears
Sabrina at her best! On this nu-disco flavoured pop triumph, she’s her usual flirtatious, cheeky self, declaring that she gets “wet at the thought of you” over rich piano chords, funky bass lines, vibey synths and irresistible beats. It has all the classic Sabrina hallmarks – her trademark multilayered harmonies, almost whispered, sultry vocals and innuendo aplenty. It’s Sabrina at her peak and SO DAMN GOOD!
Filed Under: Flirtatious Pop, Cheeky Disco, Late-Night Grooves
Justin Bieber – NEED IT
I love that Justin’s making the music he wants, seemingly without caring whether it’s commercial or not. Whilst perhaps a little bloated, both Swag and Swag II are excellent albums, abundant with R&B beats, minimalist production and late-night vibes. This is my absolute favourite from both – a sultry, warm R&B track with rich tones, dreamy synth chords, playful beats and STUNNING falsetto melodies in the chorus. It’s irresistible and I’m completely hooked.
Filed under: R&B Slow Jam, Late-Night Groove, Minimalist Beats
NSYNC – Thinking of You (I Drive Myself Crazy)
I’m more familiar with NSYNC’s later work (y’know, Bye Bye Bye, Pop etc). A video popped up on my reels of the band performing the chorus of this a cappella on a TV show back in the nineties. I thought it was lovely, checked it out, and I’ve had it on repeat ever since! There are two versions – the original U.S. album version with alternate production and different lead vocals, but for me, the European version is far superior. It’s arguably typical boyband slush, but I adore the chord progression in the chorus, those CLASSIC 90s chords in the middle eight, and most of all, the gorgeous harmonies throughout. A lovely and underrated gem.
Filed under: 90s Boyband, Classic Harmonies, Boyband Ballad
SG Lewis and London Grammar – Feelings Gone
I knew this was going to be good before I even pressed play. I love SG Lewis – a mastermind writer/producer behind many pop hits who also makes brilliant music under his own name. And I adore London Grammar’s haunting, emotive style. This dance banger blends their sounds perfectly, with Lewis’s euphoric production and London Grammar’s ethereal vocals. The repetition in the chorus is reminiscent of Roger Sanchez’s Another Chance and it’s just brilliant from start to finish. I can’t stop replaying this!
Filed under: Dance Banger, Euphoric Beats, Haunting Vocals
LANY – Last Forever
LANY are back at it again and I’m really excited for their upcoming album. Last Forever is classic LANY: a gorgeous ballad with warm synths, slushy lyrics and Paul Klein’s rich vocals, wrapped up in a sound evocative of 80s pop. It’s reminiscent of their earlier work (hence why I love it) and feels part slow jam, part 80s yacht-rock classic. A little repetitive in nature, but it works beautifully as a closing track. Gorgeous.
Filed under: Synth Ballad, 80s Influence, Yacht-Rock Vibes
Jade – Self Saboteur
I’m really enjoying Jade’s solo career. I was never much of a Little Mix fan (though I always thought they were great at what they did – their voices and harmonies blew me away). Not all of Jade’s singles or album tracks are to my taste, but I’ve been hugely surprised by, and am a huge fan of, her debut album. Every track is killer, full of compelling production and creativity. Self Saboteur is a euphoric electropop banger with an infectious chorus and squeaky falsetto vocals over frolicking synths. Reportedly one of the first songs written for the album, it survived a makeover from its original stripped-back form – and what a glow-up it is. It’s a stand-out track about the vulnerability of relationships and the tendency to self-destruct. There’s also a brilliant middle section where the track seemingly winds down before relaunching into a euphoric instrumental. HUGE!
Filed under: Electropop, Euphoric Beats, Frolicking Synths
Robbie Williams, Jesse & Joy – Human
This is my favourite Robbie single in forever. It feels reminiscent of his more experimental work on Rudebox (especially Summertime) and even more so Reality Killed The Video Star. It’s introspective, chilled-out and moody in nature. Perhaps lacking in commercial punch, but it’s a gorgeous track with lovely harmonies, excellent lyrics and lush chords. Welcome back, Robbie!
Filed under: Chilled Pop, Introspective Lyrics, Dreamy Chords
Sabrina Carpenter – House Tour
My second favourite from Man’s Best Friend! On House Tour, Sabrina takes it right back to the 80s with groovy backing, gated thumping beats and a playful metaphor of a house tour to personify her sexual desires. A perfect nod to 80s pop – fun, goofy and thoroughly enjoyable.
Filed under: Retro Pop, Groovy Beats, 80s Throwback
Olivia Dean – What Am I Gonna Do On Sundays?
Somehow, I’m still discovering Olivia Dean tracks I hadn’t heard before. This reflective, melancholic song captures the sadness and longing at the end of a relationship, layered over lovely piano and eerie electronic synths. The shift from verse to lush chorus is heavenly, and the refrain “I thought you would fight a little harder for me” is absolutely gorgeous. She really does deserve every bit of success she’s enjoying.
Filed under: Heartbreak Song, Melancholy Pop, Reflective Vibes
Jade – Plastic Box
I’ve loved this since release, but it’s become even more of a staple since Jade’s brilliant debut album dropped. Sitting firmly in the “sad-girl dance” lane à la Robyn, Plastic Box is a moody synthpop banger with pulsating bass lines, reverberating vocals and shimmering synths. A bittersweet, intoxicating blend of happy and sad.
Filed under: Moody Synthpop, Sad-Girl Anthem, Pulsating Bass
Justin Bieber – Eye Candy
Another favourite from Swag II, Eye Candy is a buoyant pop track about being captivated by beauty. With nostalgic piano chords, punchy hip-hop beats and Justin channelling Michael Jackson circa Thriller, it’s irresistible. Think early-adult MJ with a sprinkle of Moby-esque chill-out production. Love this!
Filed under: Pop R&B, Hip-Hop Beats, Retro Groove
Jade – Lip Service
Apparently replacing a track about anal sex, Lip Service instead opts for oral sex. Over exuberant beats and slick pop production, this Tove Lo co-write is cheeky, fun and a pop lover’s dream!
Filed under: Cheeky Pop, Exuberant Beats, Pop Perfection
Sabrina Carpenter – Sugar Talking
Over an almost 70s Americana backdrop, Sabrina takes a no-nonsense approach to sex and relationships, demanding her lover to “put your loving where your mouth is.” It’s quintessentially Sabrina – nostalgic, witty, empowering, with hints of country.
Filed under: Americana Vibes, Nostalgic Pop, Country Twist
Jade – Glitch
This track is HUGE! The electro-R&B vibes are immaculate, with glitchy beats that mirror the lyrical themes of self-conflict. The wah-wah effect in the bridge is a clever touch, and the production is top-tier. Brilliant.
Filed under: Electro R&B, Glitchy Beats, Self-Reflection
Claes Rosen – If This World Was Mine
A soft, soulful yet groovy rework of Marvin Gaye’s 1967 classic, brought into the 21st century with nu-disco production, funky bass and slick beats. Great stuff!
Filed under: Nu-Disco Groove, Funky Bass, Modern Classic
David Archuleta – Lucky
David continues his wonderful new era with this dreamy, sultry R&B slow jam. Full of soft vocals, heavenly harmonies and an instantly memorable “I can’t believe that it’s you, you, you” hook. Dreamy.
Filed under: R&B Slow Jam, Smooth Vocals, Romantic Pop
Shura and Ivy Sole – Elevator Girl
Despite being a Shura fan, I somehow missed this until it kept coming on at my partner’s home. Classic Shura – R&B beats, spacey synths and whispery vocals – with shades of late 90s/early 00s Janet Jackson (The Velvet Rope era). The lyrics are a clever double meaning – literally about sharing a lift, but also about the natural high of new love.
Filed under: Spacey Synths, Whispery Vocals, 90s Influence
Doja Cat – Jealous Type
Doja returns to her disco-pop roots, echoing Say So but leaning even harder into the 80s. Over crashing mechanical beats and glorious synths, the huge chorus and hook explore insecurity, confusion and jealousy in love. HUGE!
Filed under: 80s Disco-Pop, Retro Groove, Huge Hook
anaiis – My World (Beyond)
A dreamy, chilled, soulful love song from London-based artist anaiis. A gorgeous blend of neo-soul and R&B.
Filed under: Neo-Soul, Dreamy Vibes, Soulful Groove
Sabrina Carpenter – Never Getting Laid
Dreamy 70s vibes fuel this mellow retro break-up song. I adore the key change between verse and chorus, the heavenly harmonies and witty lyrics. Brilliant.
Filed under: 70s Retro, Break-Up Pop, Layered Harmonies
Afterline – Levitate
Blending deep house, nu-disco and modern funk, Levitate is funky and fresh with meticulously programmed synths and robotic vocals over disco beats. Love this!
Filed under: Nu-Disco, Deep House Beats, Modern Funk
Betterment – Sweet Devotion
This funky, synth-heavy nu-disco banger is slickly produced with dreamy vocals, a pulsating bass line and jolly synth flourishes. Catchy, vibey and irresistible.
Filed under: Synth-Heavy, Dreamy Vocals, Nu-Disco Pop
Funkorama – Step by Step
Proof that soul music is alive and well in 2025! Smooth, warm and soulful with gorgeous falsetto, steady drums, melodic keys and even a lovely sax solo to close. Beautiful.
Filed under: Soul Revival, Smooth Groove, Falsetto Vocals
The Marías – No One Noticed
Dreamy, hazy and mellow from American indie band The Marías. Chronicling feelings of being unvalued in a relationship, its murmured vocals and gentle yacht-pop instrumentation create something comforting and nostalgic. Gorgeous.
Filed under: Indie Dream-Pop, Yacht-Pop, Mellow Vibes
Yung Kai – blue
This dreamy indie-pop track has blown up on social media platforms like TikTok, and it’s easy to see why. With its nostalgic, mellow vibe, warm guitar strums and earworm melody that feels almost otherworldly, it’s a romantic, wistful and beautifully atmospheric song.
Filed under: Dreamy Indie, Nostalgic Sound, Romantic Pop
Maggie Rogers – Give a Little
Opening with stuttery, eerie samples and haunting melodies, this track quickly builds into a funky chorus full of earworm hooks, percussive drums, groovy bass lines and shimmering guitars. A true pop BOP!
Filed under: Pop Bop, Funky Chorus, Earworm Melody
You can view/listen to the entire playlist below:
the-music-box.co.uk 