Seven 2018 Pop Collaborations You Need To Hear
1. Electricity - Silk City and Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa, arguably one of the major breakthrough artists of the year, has paired up with another electronic artist to create this brand new bop. Silk City, a collaboration between EDM superstars Mark Ronson and Diplo, provide the track for this bright bass and piano-based vibe- a perfect backdrop for Dua Lipa's soulful and bold voice. Some consider this track to have 90's house vibes, and that energy really shines through. This song would be a perfect dance floor song at a party or an energetic workout track. The song is a part of Dua Lipa's self-titled album's deluxe edition- slotted for a release in October and continues to highlight all of her vocal talents flawlessly. This song is bright, lively, and fun- what more could one want from a high energy pop track?
2. Superlove - Whethan and Oh Wonder
Oh Wonder, popularized for combining piano with indie-style vocals and electronic beats, is featured on one of up-and-coming-Chicago-based electronic artist Whethan's latest singles. The lyrics were penned by Oh Wonder's Josephine Vander Gucht and and Anthony West- and produced by nineteen year old Ethan Snoreck (aka Whethan). Snoreck rose in the EDM scene on Soundcloud when a number of his remixes gained popularity and sincehas collaborated with the likes of Broods and Charli XCX, prior to this June 2018 release. This track has a more chilled back and relaxed vibe, but still maintains a bold voice. The track feels very textbook Oh Wonder, but the added Whethan-flavored production makes this have more energy and life than it would've otherwise. The song is a love-packed jam- with lyrics like "I've been looking at your face, it's dangerous..Making me so goddamn crazy". The song's chorus is one to surely get stuck in one's head- Vander Gucht's vocal delivery of the title word "Superlove" is intoxicating. A song perfect for the backdrop on a gorgeous day or on you and your significant other's playlist.
3. Dance To This - Troye Sivan and Ariana Grande
The third single off of indie pop singer Troye Sivan's sophomore album "Bloom" is a collaboration with none other than sensation Ariana Grande. The two singers complement each other near flawlessly, and this track really conveys the vibe of Sivan's latest project. The track manages to be chill and sultry, something expected out of Sivan's sexy and relaxed vocal style, but yet has a bass and production that is energetic and completely dance-worthy (hence the title). Grande's vocals are stripped back but still feature her incredible range, and she serves almost as a complement to Sivan rather than a separate addition. This song just oozes hipster-cool vibes. A perfect chill party song or honestly a song for any occasion.
4. Been There, Done That - NOTD and Tove Styrke
This is a brand new electronic track- created by the Swedish EDM duo NOTD, and featuring the Swedish indie pop star Tove Styrke. The song is an energetic and bright electronic bop- featuring a groovy bass drop, acoustic guitar interplay, and synth sounds that are sure to get one's foot tapping (or maybe just a full on dance?) This song kind of feels a little bit like a cookie cutter pop song, but in this case it totally works. This song is infectious and Styrke's vocals are as unique and sultry and chill as ever. Lyrically, the track is about being caught up in the positive aspects of a relationship, but knowing things are going south. Kind of a somber message, but this song is just so damn catchy and bright. One that will be stuck in your head or on repeat for awhile!
5. Beautiful - Bazzi and Camila Cabello
Two of 2018's chart toppers come together in a collaborative remix of Bazzi's song Beautiful. Camilla Cabello joins forces with Bazzi to create a really dynamic love ballad. Originally a single off of Bazzi's debut album "Cosmic," Beautiful gets a remix to spin it into a track style that is really bold and unique. Bazzi is popular for creating R&B and soul-inspired pop ballads. His debut single "Mine" broke the top 20 on Billboard's Hot 100 and he has since played a number of high profile festivals, such as Lollapalooza. Cabello is fresh off of opening for Taylor Swift's Reputation tour and is currently promoting her debut 2018 album "Camila" which dropped earlier this year. The two singers combine for a truly stunning song, focused mainly on vocals and lyrics, the song being a completely lovey dovey ballad. The song is soulful and super bright and pleasing. Watch this become the next John Legend's "All Of Me".
6. Lovely - Billie Eilish and Khalid
Two young rising pop stars pair up for this slow and edgy track. The song is sung by on-the-rise indie pop star Billie Eilish and superstar R&B singer Khalid. The song is a little bit dark and melodramatic, as the strings in the background would support. The track is very vocally dominant, and focuses on the melodic collaboration between the two. The lyrics are deep and emotive, and accompany the somber production beautifully. If you are a fan of either of the two artists, or are just looking for music for cold, rainy days, this song is a must-listen!
7. What I Need - Hayley Kiyoko and Kehlani
This collab really highlights the best of up and coming LGBT music. Out and proud lesbian Hayley Kiyoko teams up with Kehlani, who identifies as bisexual. The track is beaming with energy and bold vocals. Kiyoko's more chilled down voice, combined with Kehlani's more bright vocals mesh for a dynamic and interesting song. Lyrically, the track is conveying how Kiyoko is wanting to be out and proud in her relationship, but her girlfriend is hesitant. The song says "When we're all alone, girl, you wanna own it. When we're with your fam, you don't wanna show it," A lot of LGBT teens could really relate to the message of this track and having representation, for this community specifically, in music is something that really connects with people and provides an outlet for inclusion. This song and the rest of both artists' work are not to be overlooked.
