June Across The Board
June has come to an end, and your favorite artists have released music that perfectly complements the hottest season of the year. Introducing: the top songs of June 2024.
Summer is in full swing, and we understand that it's hard to keep up with every new release. That's why we've curated a roundup of the top tracks from June. This month, there are exciting new singles from artists like Sabrina Carpenter, LISA, and Gracie Abrams, as well as highly anticipated albums by Camila Cabello and Megan Thee Stallion. Take a look at our picks for the best songs and releases to add to your playlists!
Halsey, “The End”
Halsey's emotional ballad "The End" delves into the intersection of love and illness. Released as the first single from their upcoming, fifth album, the track chronicles a haunting health struggle and a relationship marked by questions about mortality. The lyrics also touch on their own mortality, expressing a desire to live fully despite the challenges. Well, the release of "The End" is accompanied by Halsey's donation to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Lupus Research Alliance, underscoring the personal significance of this powerful ballad.
Gracie Abrams, “The Secret of Us”
Gracie Abrams's sophomore album, The Secret of Us, arrived after the release of her first snippet in early May, featuring the track "Risk." The album comprises 13 tracks, including a collaboration with Taylor Swift. The Secret of Us showcases Abrams’s songwriting, refining clichés and adolescent metaphors from her debut. With songs delving into heartbreak and the complexities of relationships, capturing the messiness of dating in one's early twenties. However, some critics note a lack of emotional depth compared to her first album.
By Ishita Kamra
Raye, “Genesis”
British R&B sensation Raye defies conventions with her self-contained single EP, “Genesis.” This ambitious three-part, seven-minute song draws inspiration from modern-day struggles, that alternates between fairy tale, haunting nightmare, and burlesque anthem.
“Genesis” stands out as a raw and emotive track, delving into the experiences of a young woman navigating life’s challenges. Raye describes it as “a prayer, a plea, and a cry for help,” revealing her vulnerability and honesty. The lyrics tackle weighty themes like mental health, body image, and the impact of social media.
Sabrina Carpenter, “Please Please Please”
Sabrina Carpenter, following the success of her viral hit "Espresso," has now released "Please Please Please," the second single from her upcoming sixth studio album, "Short n' Sweet." The track is accompanied by a cinematic music video, featuring her real-life boyfriend, Barry Keoghan. In the video, Carpenter falls for Keoghan, fresh out of jail, and their romance takes a thrilling turn.
Being a dreamy disco track, it delves into the complexities of love, as Carpenter grapples with feelings for a partner who straddles the line between good and bad behaviour. Thus, it’s a vulnerable yet sassy delivery painting a vivid picture.
KAROL G, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido”
During her Mañana Será Bonito tour, Colombian singer Karol G surprised fans with her latest single, “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” (translated to: “If I Had Known You Before”). This track, which has been dubbed “the Bichota summer song,” combines romantic confessional lyrics with a strong merengue influence. In the accompanying music video, Karol G flaunts a new blonde look while performing the infectious bop at a tiki bar. Notably, she dedicated this tribute to the merengue genre to The Dominican Republic, a place she holds dear. “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” showcasing Karol’s versatility as she ventures beyond her reggaetón roots.
Ariana Grande feat. Brandy & Monica, “the boy is mine (Remix)”
Ariana Grande, four months after releasing her seventh studio album “Eternal Sunshine,” has teamed up with R&B legends Brandy and Monica for a remix of their iconic 1998 hit, “The Boy Is Mine.” The collaboration holds subtle references to the original track. Fans of all generations were excited about this star-studded remix, which has also brought healing to Ariana and Brandy’s friendship. Notably, both Brandy and Monica made cameo appearances in Grande’s recent music video for the single "Eternal Sunshine.
Megan Thee Stallion, Megan
Megan Thee Stallion's third studio album, "MEGAN", was released under her independent label. This marks her first album since parting ways with her former label. Megan's artistic evolution is evident throughout the project, and she no longer feels the need to prove herself to anyone. The album's concept revolves around rebirth, symbolized by imagery of eggs and cocoons. While some tracks suffer from repetitive hooks, Megan's creativity shines through in others, showcasing her Tina Snow persona and her direct approach to songwriting.
LISA, “Rockstar”
Lisa, better known as Lisa of Blackpink, recently released her solo track "Rockstar." This marks her first single since leaving YG Entertainment and establishing her own entertainment company, LLOUD. The song embraces a "Rockstar" aesthetic, drawing from Y2K hip-hop and cyberpunk influences. With empowering lyrics, it becomes another powerful anthem in Lisa's repertoire, following her hits "LALISA" and "MONEY."
The music video, a 168-second visual feast, captivated fans with its transformative imagery and cyberpunk vibes. Lisa's self-established agency, LLOUD, ensured that this comeback was a memorable one.
Camila Cabello, C,XOXO
Camila Cabello's first project from Cabello's new era takes listeners on a thrilling rollercoaster ride.
C,XOXO weaves a vivid narrative of returning home to Miami, exploring themes of broken love and aimless youth. The album's musical landscape, crafted by producers, combines warm synths and babbling samples, serving as launch pads for scorching riffs across Afrobeat and reggaeton genres. Departing from Cabello's previous works, both sonically and visually, C,XOXO draws inspiration from hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. Notably, it features an array of artists, including rappers Drake, Lil Nas X, and Playboi Carti.
Charli XCX, “The girl, so confusing version with lorde”
Charli XCX surprised fans with more music, extending beyond her recent releases like ‘BRAT.’ In an unexpected twist, the British star teamed up with Lorde for a fresh take on ‘girl, so confusing.’ Lorde’s lyrics in the song express surprise and excitement: ‘Honestly, I was speechless when I woke up to your voice note. Let’s work it out on the remix.’ Charli adds her perspective: ‘It’s you and me on the coin; the industry loves to spend. When we put this to bed, the internet will go crazy. I’m glad I know how you feel.’ This collaboration sheds light on the importance of communication, honesty, and collaboration in the music industry, challenging the endless comparisons between female artists.
From the July 2024 issue of FHM India.
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