"Please Please Please" Sabrina Carpenter
It’s interesting this song reached number-one on both US Billboard Hot 100 and UKOfficial Singles Chart Top 100, while Espresso did on UK only. What’s the difference? Maybe a timing issue?
Please Pleas Please was cut from the album Short n’ Sweet on June 6th, 2024. Many fans are addicted to her voice as I am, its production reminds us of some retro feel from the 1980’s. Starting with Oberheim-like analog synth’s arpeggio (could be other European synth in the 1990’s), coming along with a very light feel rhythmbox, the song represents Synthwave or Retrowave production however, it changes her accompaniment to an acoustic guitar, which brings us into a lyrical Carpenter’s world. Like other her songs, lyrics are more like “girl talk”, meaning a lot to teenagers. And it finishes with a surprising ending cadence (to me!)
“ I Love You, I'm Sorry” Gracie Abrams
Sometimes an American singer breaks through in other countries like the UK or Japan. I love You, I’m Sorry is on her second album The Secret of Us, not even cut yet but gradually ranking up in charts.
It’s nice to listen to such a mellow acoustic song in the sea breeze, really missing a relaxing summer day while writing on the desk. Starting the phrase “Two Augusts ago” just reminds me of Morgan Wallen’s 7 summers, two is kind of closer than seven, however, two summers means a lot to the younger generation. I love the reverb on backing tracks which is fitting to the lyrical context of this song.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” Shaboozey
It’s been a big hit in many countries this summer, A Bar Song (Tipsy) is cut from the album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going on April 24, 2024. This song reminds me of some western movies like Django Unchained, The Magnificent Seven and The Kid. Maybe I haven’t watched A Million Ways to Die in the West. (I must watch it soon!)
Compared to other country pop songs, I feel the whole production sounds a little heavier just like Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, more gospel like than country. Yeah, that’s soulful country pop.
“I Had Some Help” Post Malone (feat. Morgan Wallen)
Nice to drive on the highway at sunset, two big stars are on the Country Rock track which is cut as a lead single of Malone’s F-1 Trillion on August 16 2024. Lap Steels and Flat Mandolin add a spice of country feeling. Simple but enough to attract us, music and lyrics never get old in a heavy rotation airplay.(not actually air these days, even Wi-Fi) The story of men and women in a summer never ends….
