So over the past week, I found myself once again scouring the vast world of YouTube. Watching reaction videos, live music performances, checking up on what’s trending, those sort of things.

And in doing so, I started stumbling upon some really cool, never-before-heard music.  Probably because these songs were either from artists I’ve never fully explored before or from familiar artists who’ve been off the scene for quite some time.

Throughout the rest of the week, I started encountering even more new music through other social mediums: IG and Facebook mainly.

I became so fascinated by these inadvertent discoveries that I took it upon myself to incorporate it into my blog, hence the tweet below.

And here we are! So now that you understand the concept, let’s jump right into it!

#5. A$AP Rocky – Sundress (2018)

One evening, I was scrolling down YouTube’s Trending page and saw this musical gem. Never recalling a time when I was repulsed by any of Rocky’s music, I chose to give it a go. And honestly, I’m pretty happy I followed through on that decision.

‘Sundress’ is an amalgamation of Cloud Rap (yes, this a genre), Indie Pop, with several hints of Psychedelic. The song heavily samples ‘Why Won’t You Make Up Your Mind’ by Australian psychedelic rock band Tame Impala.

And although it’s just under 3 minutes, the track still manages to offer a very airy, dreamlike atmosphere. From Rocky’s soft, weary vocals in the first verse, to the backing vocals from the sample, and some coy verses thrown in, you can’t help but become intrigued by the mystery of the song.

The chorus is undoubtedly the best part and it’ll have you mouthing along to it in no time. “I guess you fell into the wrong hands, yeah/ Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh/ And now you’re F-in’ with the wrong man, man/Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah”.

Overall, this track is an easy listen, it’s very chill, and doesn’t overstay it’s welcome.

#4. Teedra Moses – Be Your Girl (Kaytranada Edition) (2013)

Okay, so I know I’m about 5 years late on this one, but that’s fine. Nothing’s before it’s time, right? I came across this on Facebook after laughing my head off to one of Ricky Thompson‘s videos. Immediately, I opted to check the comment section for the name of the song.

And in no minute time, I found myself swaying and head-bobbing in rhythm with this beautifully mixed version of what was already a pretty great track. The original lends your ears its soothing, ethereal production and lyrics jam-packed with honesty.

Having already contain all these great qualities, I didn’t know if I could find any more enjoyment out of it – but I did! The vocal effects, fleeting but impactful “And I[s]” and “At all[s]” are everything.

Likewise, the beat coupled with the animated sound affects really help bring out the feelings of desperation embedded in the song’s lyrical content. All in all, it promotes a great vibe and does the original justice.

#3. King Princess – P*ssy Is God (2018)

Indie/Alternative Pop, artist-on-the-rise King Princess turned heads earlier this year with her critically acclaimed EP ‘Make My Bed’. Said EP spawned songs like the romantically touching ‘1950’ and the racy, sultry number ‘Talia’.

Since this success, she has released a brand-new single. And this one is really something else. It’s thought-provoking, bold, and doesn’t hold back with it’s religious metaphors as Princess sings out her appreciation for her lesbian lover.

The track modestly samples ‘Oochie Wally’ by NAS in the intro, outro, and chorus, (“You really, you really”). Which at first, I felt was kinda strange to find on a pop song. But hey, it works well and surely fits the innocently, dirty vibes of the song.

Lively strings, pulsating production especially around the chorus, and very raunchy lyrics you’d probably gloss over because of the misleadingly bright mannerisms of the song – all contribute to the creation of a really stellar track.

Ultimately, if the rest of King Princess’ discography is going to sound anything close to this, I’m here for it and will definitely be keeping an ear out for her upcoming work. (And yes, I discovered this through YouTube)

#2. Ava Max – Sweet but Psycho (2018)

Yet another song and artist I discovered from YouTube, this entry gives me pangs of nostalgia. The song itself sounds like something from the 2009 pop-era. I felt like it could’ve been released around the same time as Katy Perry‘s ‘Hot N Cold’ and Lady Gaga‘s ‘Poker Face’.

Speaking of Poker Face, Ava in this song kinda gave me young, Pop Gaga feels, with a splash of Melanie Martinez for good measure. Her vocals throughout this thing are what captured me most. They flow seamlessly and charmingly along to the electronic and catchy melody of the song.

I enjoyed it so much, that I had to check out a few of her other songs, and they’re also pretty good. She doesn’t feel like one of those little to no talented artists record executives are trying to foist upon us listeners.

Additionally, the lyrical content here is easy to digest and alludes to being perceived as the attractive, psychopathic lover. There are some dark lines that may catch your attention like “Grab a cop gun kinda crazy/ She’s poison but tasty”.

But really, it’s Ava’s skillful vocal performance that saves this song from being just another generic pop track. Whether she’s sweet or psycho, she definitely talented.

#1. half.alive – still feel. (2018)

This song. THIS. SONG. IS. EPIC. I haven’t been able to detach my ears ever since I encountered it via a YouTube suggestion. It’s funky, poppy, dancy, opulent, and if you listen close enough to the lyrical content, inspirational.

The track speaks to being lost internally and losing ties with parts of yourself – mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. And it’s very other-worldly production helps further draw this idea out, while the song bounces intermittently between moments of calm and fervor.

It’s soulful in a way that a lot of modern music isn’t. You can actually feel what the persona of this song is going through. And it’s very much relatable. But what I like most about it is the fact that it has just enough oomph to not be a complete downer.

Consequently, the smoothly sung chorus renders it’s positivity. “I still feel alive/ When it is hopeless, I start to notice/ And I still feel alive/ Falling forward, back into orbit.” It reassures you that although you may be feeling out of touch with self, you’re still alive, you can still return to yourself and be re-born into something much more powerful.

And don’t even get me started on the music video! It’s one of the nerdiest, most brilliant videos I’ve ever seen. It keeps your attention from start to finish and makes just want to spam the replay button. Altogether, this song is a complete cosmic-shifting mood.

Have you given these songs a listen? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Thank you so much for reading and I’ll see you next time on Introverted-Insight!

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