Here at Swell Tone, we love a good pop song.
Whether it is a sing-a-long chorus that hits just right or the perfectly articulated bounce of synth, sometimes a well-written pop song is all we crave. We wanted to find a home for all of our favorite pure pop hits. Thus, Pop Up was born. Every month, we bring you the songs that won’t stop spinning around our minds and making our hips shimmy. Enjoy round 6!
—
Petite Meller – “The Way I Want”
Every Petite Meller song bubbles over with a certain infectious energy. This tune is magnetic and exudes that same zest for life we love from the French artist as it comes bursting through in the chorus of this bright and buoyant track. Succumbing to her own healthy confidence, this song is a sing-a-long treasure of pop that will leave any listener with a defiant smile. Watch the colorful, dreamy Roger Vivier video snippet here.
Listen to more Petite Meller here.
Haiku Hands – “Onset” ft. Mad Zach
Haiku Hands like to party. While that is a direct quote from their live show, it’s entirely true. All of their songs jump kick straight at the listener in both production and the straightforward sass of their lyrical delivery. This fiery tune is a testament to the high point of their energy that is impossible to resist. Their lyrics fly out in laser-like phrases only further fueling the fire of this production. It’s all timed perfectly to truly “make you work up a sweat.” Are you dancing? We are.
Listen to more Haiku Hands here.
Magdalena Bay – “Killshot”
LA’s Magdalena Bay are prolific purveyors of pop. They know how to carve out a catchy chorus and support it with a gentle explosion of synth but this particular song seems to have a little extra pop magic. Alluring from start to finish, the tune pulsates with sensuality. Much like the track’s lyrical subject, the verses and chorus align in a magnetic pull towards the instantly captivating chorus. We can’t get enough of the sparkle in the ascending pre-chorus and really the whole song.
Listen to more Magdalena Bay here.
Hether – “Shy”
We had to add this little, fuzzy-coated gem to today’s lineup. It’s bit sunnier and more distant than the rest of today’s bunch but it has the same charming pop appeal. Adorable and demure, this song is a golden reimagining of the painful intimidation of good old fashioned crush. We really hope Hether finally tells this beauty that they love them but we will melt into these sliding guitars and sanguine chorus until we know there is an ending as happy this song is loving.
Listen to more Hether here.
Banoffee – “Tennis Fan” (ft. Empress Of )
It’s so nice to hear from Banoffee again. We only have seen her perform once many years ago but she was wearing a pool floaty and it was super special. Her pop has always been coy and just a bit understated in way that allows her clever songwriting to shine. This tune is a great example of that. Its production is well-balanced and textured and the melodic phrasing is addictive. We’re very much excited for the rest of this album but will continue to explore the intricacies of this swinging pop wonder until then.
Listen to more Banoffee here.
Check out past Pop Ups here!
Stream all of our pop loves in one big playlist below:
