Mika, Bougez (Pop/Dance)- This was the winner of our last contest; December 8 before the XMAS break- and therefore, is carried over on the playlist as always- and is eligible for voting.

Wizkid, IDK (feat. Zlatan) (AfroBeats)- This song is presently the #1 most played song in Africa.  Wizkid is one of the foundational AfroBeats artists, helping develop the genre in the early 2010’s- and featuring on Drake’s 2016 global #1 hit, “One Dance”, that brought AfroBeats into the world view.  This song is on his EP release over the holidays.

Moses Ideka & Phil, Do It For You (R&B)- Ideka is a new UK-based artist and this release over the holidays was featured by Zane Lowe (Apple Music’s Chief Music Curator- and former BBC DJ) as being one of the most interesting December 2023 releases.  Ideka soft and vulnerable vocal style is similar to critically acclaimed artists like James Blake and Sampha- and “Do It For You” features Amapiano instrumentation and its signature log drum sound, which is very hot presently.

Lewis Capaldi, Strangers (Pop)- Capaldi is presently on a streak of 5 consecutive #1 UK singles (including 1 US/Global #1)- and I’m sure he is hoping that “Strangers” increases his #1 streak to 6.  If you’re unfamiliar with Capaldi, he is a Scottish pop/EMO singer, who’s songs usually focus on relationships and breakups.  Interestingly, he looks nothing like his voice- check it out.

Peso Pluma, Rompe La Dompe (feat. Junior H and Oscar Maydon) (Latin)- The prolific Pluma is back with another single in his more traditional Trap Corrido style, after experimenting with other latin genres recently.  As I’ve mentioned before, the half-Mexican, half-Lebanese Pluma is an absolute sensation.  Since his mid-2022, he has charted 15 Latin Top 10 hits and 3 Global #1’s.  Rompe means “break” in Spanish, so “Rompe La Dompe” means to “break the Dom Pe(rignon)”- and I’m sure this phrase will be at the forefront of new urban slang/trends, just like Pluma’s trademark mullet/fade/bangs haircut

Luis Conriquez & Peso Pluma, Pixelados (Latin)- Conriquez is one of the primary artists in the Narcocorrido genre. Narcocorridos are ballads in the traditional northern Mexican regional style, with lyrics featuring the lifestyle of Mexican cartels and are often paid for by one of the cartels.  This often made the Narcorrido members murder targets of rival gangs and past Mexican governments have tried unsuccessfully to ban the genre.  Conriquez’s first popular song was a tribute to Joaquin “Chapo” Guzman.  Since superstar Pluma’s music is heavily influenced by Conriquez’s (and other Narcocorridos), sound I would expect this song (just released Jan 5) to shoot directly to #1 on the Latin Charts.

Xavi, La Diabla (Latin)- Continuing the run of Mexican Corridos, “La Diabla” is presently the #1 most played song in Latin America- and Xavi is clearly influenced by Pluma, Conriquez and other artists.  Xavi’s difference is that he not only sings, but also plays excellent traditional Mexican guitar- and he is only 18 years old.  Since this is Xavi’s 2nd consecutive #1, Peso Pluma may be looking over his shoulder….

Alice Merton, run away girl (Pop/Alternative)- Merton family frequently relocated in her youth, so she grew up in Germany, Canada, Ireland, UK and US.  Her first two albums charted well in Germany, Austria and parts of Continental Europe.  “run away girl” is the first single off her expected 2024 3rd album- and is getting buzz as it is a catchy, well-constructed alt-pop song.

Fred again……, leavemealone (feat. Baby Keem) (Dance)- Fred again has likely had more chart success in 2022 and 2023 than any other electronic/house DJ, with 9 top 20 songs in the British Commonwealth (UK/Ire/Aus/NZ, etc.).  In “leavemealone”, he continues his practice of mashing up disparate music genres to create an interesting house mix, starting with Baby Keem’s sped up rap- and then chopping and screwing Keem’s rap until it is more percussive than vocal.

Declan J Donovan, Hungry Heart (Pop)- Donovan is a UK-based singer-songwriter who is not ashamed of crafting straight-to-the-point pop songs.  Hungry Heart is a good example, with influences from Britpop, Maroon 5, but propelled by a Continental European pop-influenced acoustic guitar sound and beat. 

Megan Moroney, What Are You Listening To? (Country)- While Country may not be the favorite genre of some in this Melophile group, it is the 2nd most popular genre in the US.  Moroney’s debut in 2023 was recognized with CMA nominations for New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year.  Her new single, “What Are You Listening To?” shows her ability to combine country storytelling and a pop sensibility.  Trivia- she was rumored to be dating Country superstar Morgan Wallen, but Moroney and Wallen have never confirmed this. 

Nicki Minaj, FTCU (Rap)- “FTCU’ has been the surprise first hit of Minaj’s December album, Pink Friday 2 as it has gone viral on social media.  FTCU is presently the #3 most streamed song in the world- and her rhyming of “slippy” with “sippy” gives an unintentional reminder of Minaj being a mother of an infant. 

Happy listening!