The Chronicle is back and so is pop music. Characterized by upbeat hits, heartbreaks hidden behind charming melodies, and many catchy new choruses, this summer was full of iconic sounds. There’s a lot to listen to—so let’s get to breaking it all down.
“drop dead” by Olivia Rodrigo
9/10
Amid breakup rumors and speculation about the theme of her third studio album, Olivia Rodrigo once again delivers gift-wrapped gut punches on you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love. Following herself in a storyline of falling in and out of love, the album has some promising tracks. On “drop dead,” Rodrigo explores the rush and developing infatuation, following a first date gone right, and she does so gracefully. This song is a quintessential pop song done correctly—descriptive verses, fan (and Louis Patridge’s) favorite band shoutouts, and the catchiest chorus ever. “One night I was bored in bed / And stalked you on the internet / It’s feminine intuition / ‘Cuz I always had a vision of us standing like this,” she sings. Rodrigo’s lyrics and melodies in “drop dead” make you want to dress up in a babydoll dress and prance around the halls unapologetically.
“I Just Might” by Bruno Mars
5/10
As catchy as it is, Bruno Mars’ “I Just Might” falls slightly short. It certainly makes you dance, though, which seems to be the artist’s main intention—so he checks that box. “You better show me now, show me now, show me now / ‘Cause when I take you to the floor, ooh, you gotta get down / You know what to do,” Mars sings. However, for his fifth studio album and 20th year in the music industry, the song lacks emotional depth or lyrical growth. Mars’ album, The Romantic, does have some promising tunes still: “Risk It All” and “Dance with Me” are two of the most notable. These, with lush vocals, a waltz feel, and powerful romantic melodies, excel at what “I Just Might” attempts to be.
“I Knew It, I Knew You” by Taylor Swift
8/10
Yes, this is the new “Toy Story” song. And yes, it’s really that good. After mixed reviews on her last album, The Life of a Showgirl, Swift redeems herself by bringing a casual banger to the charts. This song was released not once, but three times! No matter the musical accompaniment—regular, acoustic, or piano—the lyrics are reminiscent of childhood: plastic toys and lasting friendships. Based on that description, I think the song proves appropriate for the film’s end credits. “What I thought would be the last time I saw my friend / But love has ways of bringing things back to life,” Swift sings. While it’s meant to be a childish, giddy song, the song’s meaning cuts deeper: one conversation leading into a big reunion with someone you thought you’d lost forever.
“Orbiter” by Noah Kahan
9/10
It’s another sad girl summer thanks to Noah Kahan. Let’s just leave these lyrics here for a second. “You said some people don’t know why they’re wolves / They just howl for the sound of it / Some will never know they’re beautiful / Until the crowd points it out for them.” Are you sad yet? With his soothing voice and an acoustic guitar, “Orbiter” explores the love he has for the anchors of his life while also mentioning the anxiety of sudden fame and the inevitability of loss. Noah Kahan’s tracks always make you want to be somewhere in the Northeast, on a hike, crying in the rain.
“Shabang” by Drake
4/10
It’s sad that this Drake track may be one of the better ones on his Iceman release. Compared to “Cheetah Print” and “Little Birdie,” “Shabang” is actually a danceable beat. Even though this is true, all there is to say is cringe. He gets his point across, though, emphasizing he runs the music industry through catchy, aggressive lyrics. “All of my opps, they dead / Why do they gas me up? / Where does it go? My head,” Drake sings. The song thrives on its repetition, but by the end of the tune, it’s no longer intimidating, like an unsolicited victory lap. The rest of the album isn’t any better. Drake clearly wants this song to come off as confident, but really, it is just a little desperate. It probably won’t be getting added to the playlist.
“I Saw Your Face” by Malcolm Todd
7/10
Ah, next up, my favorite sibling of Audrey Hobert. Kidding. “I Saw Your Face” is a track from Todd’s sophomore album, Do That Again. And he sure did it again. As he continues to take over music festivals and the charts, Todd’s music is only getting better. This one is another sad melody that highlights vulnerability, self-awareness, and emotional honesty; all rare themes in a lot of music from younger men. The song sits at the intersection of alternative pop, indie rock, and hazy late-night R&B, making it easy for anyone to enjoy. “You hate me now, but I loved you first / I love you more than you will know / For that reason I let you go,” he sings.
“Camera” by Charli xcx
8/10
Charli xcx is on a generational run lately. From the Wuthering Heights soundtrack to her A24 mockumentary, she continues to produce quality entertainment and media. “Camera” feels like repeating mantras to yourself while always having lingering negative thoughts, too. “I can be anything that I wanna be / And I can feel the things I don’t normally feel / Yeah, I can finally be totally honest / It’s like I’m looking down the barrel of a gun,” she sings. The contradiction is what makes this song so appealing: the camera gives her freedom, but simultaneously allows for an uncomfortable amount of scrutiny. Instead of traditionally celebrating her new career path and success, “Camera” questions whether this may be something she truly wants, or if it’s just another persona she can portray. Sonically, the beat matches her uncertainty, swapping Brat’s chaotic club energy for something more restrained.
