Justin Timberlake, Selfish (Pop)- As the Feb 1 vote winner, “Selfish” is carried forward to the 02.16.24 list.

Gunna, Bittersweet (Rap/Alternative)- This is Gunna’s follow up to the Global #1 2023 single “FukUMean”.  In “Bittersweet”, Gunna explores the EMO/alternative genre, similar to other star rappers who have been exploring ALT-genre crossovers as part of the current genre-bending….

Trivia question- What do Gunna and Donald Trump have in common? 

Answer- They were/are both subject of racketeering indictments by Fulton County, Georgia DA, Fani Willis.  Gunna and other defendants were found guilty and Gunna served one year, being released in December 2022- and since then his popularity has multiplied.  Will the same happen with Trump…….?

Kasey Musgraves, Deeper Well (Pop/Country)- The new single by the crossover Country star Musgraves, is certainly introspective, referring to “dark energy” and “how to take care of my soul”.  Musgraves, who has won 7 Grammy’s and 7 CMA Awards, lays that lyric track against a slickly-produced acoustic instrumental track that harkens her influences, such as Glen Campbell and Jim Croce.

Noah Kahan, Forever (Pop/Singer, Songwriter)= Kahan repeats his January Neuphoria playlist appearance, with “Forever”.  His last single, “Homesick” peaked at #5 in the UK, following “Stick Season” which was #1 in the UK and top 10 in the US.  Similar to “Stick Season”, “Forever” lays a wistful love lyric against an acoustic folk melody that reminds me of Paul Simon…

Beyonce, Texas Hold ‘Em (Country)- Queen Bey takes an unexpected hairpin turn to Country with “Texas Hold ‘Em”.  However, this single, which is a preview of Beyonce’s upcoming Country album, doesn’t sport the typical modern country sheen of the current top Country hits.  Instead, “Texas Hold ‘Em” celebrates the black roots of country, featuring a gospel-like vocal against a thumping hoedown-style beat;  pretty interesting.

Lainey Wilson, Country’s Cool Again (Country)- “Country’s Cool Again” is the 2023 CMA album of the year-award winner’s tongue-in-cheek take on the recent trend of big stars crossing over to country music.  The small-town girl Wilson, who was told when she came to Nashville, that she had too much of a Louisiana-hick twang to be successful, obviously thinks this trend is ironic, given that Country was the only game in town in her hometown, Baskin, Louisiana (population 254). 

Nate Smith, Bulletproof (Country)- Smith was born and raised in Paradise, California and lost his home in the 2018 “Camp Fire” which basically razed all structures in Paradise and was the most destructive US fire since 1918, only recently surpassed by the 2023 Lahaina fire.  He gained recognition during Covid with his song “Wildfire” about that fire- and has only gone from strength-to-strength since.  “Bulletproof’s” lyrics borrow liberally from Justin Timberlake’s country song “Drink You Away” lyric, also referencing that he’s used Jack (Daniels) and Jim (Beam) to try to forget a lost love….

Junior H & Peso Pluma, A Tu Manera (Latin)- Messrs H and Pluma collaborate on this Bachata ballad with heartbreaking lyrics, such as (when translated) “Tell me how lovesickness is cured” or “I’m calling you while drunk to see if I catch you” and featuring a yearning traditional Spanish guitar solo.  Full disclosure, I’m presently in Medellin in a 2-week Spanish Immersion class- which includes a session in Bachata dancing- so watch out for me when this song plays….. 

Dua Lipa, Training Season (Pop).  If there was a fantasy pop music league, the famous Albanian/English Lipa would certainly be a first round pick, if not #1.  Her last two singles, “Dance The Night” and “Houdini” were global #1 and Top 5 hits, respectively.  In “Training Season”, she says she needs someone “whose love feels like a rodeo”, which is quite an image.  Maybe she’s moved on from a Pencil Sharpener    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0gzCC6YyZE ), to a Rodeo…..

Calvin Harris & Rag ‘n’ Bones, Lovers in a Past Life (Dance)- The subdued, but super-talented British DJ, Harris teams with compatriot vocalist, Rag ‘n’ Bones in this dance anthem.  Sure to be played in clubs across continental Europe (and dance classes like ODC…), Harris shows his skills at bringing out the best in vocalists, like Rag ‘n’ Bones.  With 2 past #1 global solo hits, Rag ‘n’ Bones is an unlikely pop star, being squat and tattooed, but blessed with a distinctive baritone voice.  

Sia & Kylie Minogue, Dance Alone (Dance)- Featuring an anthemic chorus and 2 gay icons, “Dance Alone” is sure to be on heavy rotation in dance clubs.   I dare you to listen to this with headphones on, the volume up- and try not to move yo’ ass……

Fasten your seatbelts Neuphorians, now we venture into the grimy final part of the playlist.  

Little Simz, Mood Swings (Electronic/Alternative)- “Mood Swings” is off the Nigerian/English, Little Simz’ new mixtape- and alternatives a low-key Detroit-techno verse with a jungle-style, MIA-influenced syncopated chorus.  The stylish and iconic Little Simz, who has won many recent UK/Europe awards ranging from best album of the year to best wardrobe, uses her mixtape releases, like Drop 7 (which includes Mood Swings) to experiment with new sounds.  For the adventurous Neuphorians, I would recommend a listen to the full “Drop 7” Little Simz mixtape (featuring Mood Swings) as it goes deep into Brazilian “Baile-Funk” and favela rap.

Royel Otis, Foam (Alternative)- Hello Aussie Neuphorians!  Laura, Jim, Tracy, Danny, et al- are you still out there?  If so, Royel Otis is a brand new Aussie band, who is teasing us with their 2nd album, pre-releasing 6 tasty Britpop/rock singles, the most recent of which is “Foam”.   For extra credit, I invite the Nuephorians to suggest a creative idea of what the Royel Otis boys are doing on the song artwork (I have no idea…)

DIIV, Brown Paper Bag (Alternative)- While 90’s Seattle may be calling to get their song back from DIIV, this NY band may have other ideas.  DIIV was the featured artist on Zane Lowe’s (Apple Music curator)  podcast this week along with Beyonce and Dua Lipa.  Demonstrating world class Shoegazing chops, the guitar harmonics on “Brown Paper Bag” are sure to separate the Neuphorians into lovers and haters. 

Kanye West & Ty Dollar $ign, Carnival (Rap)- Just released off-cycle last Friday, “Carnival” is already the World’s and US’s #1 most streamed song.  If you are able to get over the disgustingly misogynistic lyrics, Yeezy and Ty’s flows are better than they have been in years.  The backing chants are from Inter Milan’s Ultras (i.e., hooligans), which adds an ominous feeling.  Trivia- the original track including an unauthorized sample of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid”- but that was pulled/replicated after Ozzy Osbourne threaten to sue.

Special Note- Neuphorian alum songs take up all 5 of the Top 5 spots on the Billboard Hot 100, with the biggest surprise being “Beautiful Things” at #3 by previously unknown Benson Boone.  Congrats to Laura Waters, Jim Malady, Joe Morford, Pat Ford, Robert Gregory and me for spotting for this surprise hit in last month’s voting!