In preparation for The Prowler Tour happening this fall, Waterparks announced three secret shows in LA, NYC, and Chicago in the smallest venues they’ve performed in since 2017.
The Glass House in Pomona has a capacity of 800 people and it’s safe to say that they squeezed all 800 people in. We might’ve been a little squished (and really sweaty) but Waterparks made us forget about all of that during their one-and-a-half-hour set.
THREE SECRET WATERPARKS SHOWS IN THE SMALLEST VENUES WE’VE PLAYED SINCE 2017, WHO WANNA GO?
Waterparks on Instagram
Awsten warned us that there would be deep-cuts that they’d be performing that they hadn’t touched in a while but we weren’t expecting ‘Peach (Lobotomy)’ or ‘War Crimes’….
(Writer’s Note: We hate to break it to you but Awsten said they wouldn’t be singing ‘Peach’ at any other show but the LA one…….)
Jay Flores for The Honey POPJay Flores for The Honey POP
Now let’s take this moment to go over the entire set list so we can compare the Chicago and NYC ones later:
Red Guitar
Numb
Stupid For You
Peach (Lobotomy)
Gloom Boys
Secret Life of Me
Call Me Beep Me
War Crimes
Take Her to the Moon
Magnetic
Ritual
Turbulent
Lucky People
I Miss Having Sex But At Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore
Funeral Grey
[Reboot]
If Lyrics Were Confidential
Zone Out
Tantrum
Real Super Dark
Opening with ‘Red Guitar,’ their first single off the upcoming, still-untitled record, was a top-tier choice. It’s safe to say that if the other songs on this album are anything like ‘Red Guitar,’ or their newest single, ‘If Lyrics Were Confidential,’ this album is going to land a spot in our favorite albums of 2025.
When you go to a Waterparks show, you’re not only met with immaculate vibes from the crowd, you’re also met with silly banter from the band themselves. In this case, Awsten wouldn’t let Geoff take his sweatshirt off even though he was sweating enough for the three of them. (New single should be called ‘Ten More Sweaters.’ If you know, you know.)
Jay Flores for The Honey POPJay Flores for The Honey POP
When you’re at a Waterparks show, it’s almost impossible to just stand still, or bop your head around a few times. You go all in. Or at least we did. We were screaming the lyrics to ‘Magnetic,’ ‘Turbulent,’ and ‘Real Super Dark’ like our lives depended on it. And the intimacy of the venue only added that extra UMPH! to the feel of the show.
Even if you weren’t a fan of Waterparks in 2017, being in this small room with them made it feel like you were there with them in the beginning.
Check out the full gallery from the show!
If you didn’t get a chance to catch them at one of their three secret shows, you still have a chance to catch them on The Prowler Tour this fall. If you saw them at this show, are going to see them at an upcoming show, or just want to tell us how jealous you are, let us know in the comments, or hit us up on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram to talk all things Waterparks!
Cardi B is back and proving that she still has what it takes to move records and break them, too.
On Sept. 19, big Bardi put the music world on notice as she released her highly anticipated sophomore album, Am I The Drama?, seven years after the release of her Grammy-award winning offering, Invasion of Privacy. Thanks to her loyal fans and a strategic marketing plan—complete with a pregnancy announcement—Cardi’s album quickly shot up the charts and is already certified platinum. She also set a Guinness World Record for the most albums ever drone-delivered in an hour’s time, thanks to her partnership with Walmart.
The “Outside” rapper has taken it back to the streets for her marketing and has popped up everywhere from the corners in NY to the subway. Fans have lauded her commitment to promoting her latest release while expecting her fourth child and first with her NFL beau, Stefon Diggs. Cardi announced the baby news during a sit-down with Gayle King after months of speculation, but she put fans at ease by promising that she’ll be ready in time to start her “Little Miss Drama” tour on Feb. 11 next year.
She has not announced the gender or due date of their child; however, fans are guesstimating her delivery is coming before the year ends. Diggs was seen being a loving, supportive partner in the comments of her posts saying,
“Proud of you for staying focused”
The rapper made sure to send love back his way and thanked him for leading by example with his incredible work ethic.
“You work so hard, I’ll never complain again,” she said.
Like a good baller baby daddy, Stefon didn’t pull up to Cardi’s album release party empty-handed. He surprised the “Pretty & Petty” star with a massive bouquet of roses with life-size photos of her around the base. The display was so huge that it had to arrive on the back of a flat-bed truck
Cardi’s exciting return to music also includes reunions with Kehlani, Selena Gomez, Lizzo and Summer Walker, while Tyla and Cash Cobain also appear alongside a special Janet Jackson sample that raises the bar for albums still slated to release this year. She also takes the time to address her social media clashes with Bia and JT while opening up about her heartbreaking marriage and split from Migos rapper Offset.
Looking for your next favorite artist? Look no further than one of the artists we are sure is going to have a huge year as we round out 2025 and jump into 2026: Hunter Daily! Hunter is responsible for one of our favorite EPs of the year with Claw Marks, and we were lucky enough to get to pick her brain all about the project, as well as turn back the clock and take a look back at where it all began with ‘Die in LA.’ Let’s jump in!
Hi Hunter! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us! To start us off, how would you describe your music to someone who is tuning in for the first time? If a diary entry and a pop song had a baby, that would be my music. It’s folkypoppy, and confessional—like little stories you can crash out or cry to.
‘Claw Marks’ is your latest release and your fourth release from your upcoming EP sharing the same name. Can you tell us what it was about this track that made you want to name the project around it? Or did the song come from the name of the EP? The lyric is: “Everything I’ve ever let go of has claw marks on it.” That pretty much sums me up as a person and as a songwriter. This EP is about gripping too tightly, even when you know better—and ‘Claw Marks’ felt like the perfect way to name the whole messy, complicated story.
After the release of ‘Claw Marks,’ you have left two tracks unreleased from the EP. What goes into deciding what to hold back? It’s kind of like dating—you don’t give everything away on the first night. I wanted to build suspense, to leave people wondering what else is coming. Save the best for last.
The video for ‘Claw Marks’ feels so intimate and jam-packed with emotion, and for us, really brought the song alive! Can you talk to us a bit about the vision for the visuals? That video is basically my breakup paranoia turned into art. You know when you break up with someone and your brain won’t stop imagining what they’re doing without you? Who are they with? What does their life look like now? We took those spirals and put them on screen. It’s unhinged, but so is heartbreak.
‘Die in LA’ was your first track, and next month marks three years since its release. When you look back on that track, is there a skill that you honed in crafting it that can still be found in your most recent work? Wow—that’s so crazy; I can’t believe it’s been three years already! That song gave me the confidence to step into being a solo artist. It was the first time I realized I had something unique to share, a perspective that only I could bring. That song taught me how important it is for me to tell my truth.
Songwriting is a huge part of who you are as an artist. When you look at this EP, is there a lyric that you are particularly proud of? There’s one line: “A spaceman’s gonna suit up, a cowboy’s gonna ride.” It sounds playful, but it’s really about inevitability—that people are gonna do what they’re gonna do, no matter how much you want them to stay. It’s my way of making peace with that.
On a similar note, we know that crafting any project can take a village, but it’s also important to give yourself a pat on the back. Is there something you can point to on this record—whether it’s the creative process, the rollout, or beyond—that you are proud of yourself for accomplishing? I’m proud that this project actually sounds like me. Not the version of me I thought I was supposed to be, but the messy, dramatic, loves-too-hard, refuses-to-let-go version. That’s growth to me.
Once again, thank you so much for chatting with us! Before we let you go, we have to ask: Will we have some chances to hear all of this new music live soon? Oh, definitely. These songs were written to scream in a room with people. Performing them live is the part I’m most excited for—it’s where the claws really come out. I haven’t officially announced, but I do have a tour in the works!!
We would love to hear from you! What do you think of Hunter Daily’s track ‘Claw Marks?’ Let us know by commenting below or by tweeting @TheHoneyPOP! We are also on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok!
For decades, you didn’t have to look far to find the tastemakers in music. They were radio DJs and music writers for the most part, concentrated into a handful of stations an publications. They set the standards and people followed them.
But, now that those days are long behind us and we can all carry around the entire history of popular music in our back pocket, how in the world to we sift through the tangle of songs and discover stuff we really want to listen to.
Certainly streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and others can help, but they aren’t exactly incentivized to help you find everything you want. Their goal is quantity, not quality.
Fortunately, a number of music discovery tools have tried to fill the void, many of them developed independently, free from the constraints of capitalism (mostly) and focused almost entirely on helping us find new, cool music. There are apps that can do this, but for the purposes of this, we will stick with websites, some of which might be tough to navigate on a phone anyway.
As overwhelming as it is incredible, ENAO is a massive map of musical sub-genres linked to Spotify to help you discover everything from discofox to nu gabber, whatever those are. Oh, also jazz, modern alternative and even Houston hip hop. Sub-genres are the new language of music searchers. Artists want to find the niche-ist of niches to place themselves in so they are easier to find via hashtags and other search functions. ENAO takes this to a whole other level by not only breaking apart all the categories it can find, but giving options of discovery of artists, playlists and a wealth of other information, putting it all in a giant visual tag cloud of sorts. Its developer stopped working on the site in 2024, but it’s still going strong and, God willing, will for a long time because it’s incredible.
Part of Gnod, a network providing tools for discovery of all kinds, Gnoosic is a simple tool that helps you find music through comparison. Put in three of your favorite bands and it spits out other artists you might like based on those choices. The limitation of three is pretty brilliant because it really hones in on very specific kinds of music and you get to see what Gnoosic renders for you. Once you make your choices, start clicking through a list of artists you can choose to like, not like or say you don’t know. It keeps refining from there.
Once you’ve played around with Gnoosic, check its sister site Music-Map. It is one of a number of tools that help to visualize music connections by putting other artists of a similar style or genre floating in a tag cloud similar to ENAO. Each artist you click on spawns a new set of artists. It isn’t as convenient as some other tools that link directly to the songs on Spotify or YouTube, but when you see a name you’ve never heard of, it’s easy to do a quick search and see if it is worth your time.
One of the more creative and unique websites for music discovery is, ironically, one that involves radio stations, in this case, spread across the entire globe. Visit the site and swoop down across a visual of the planet. Every dot represents the stream for a radio station. If you are fascinated with maps and geography, you will find yourself mesmerized by the options. Tune into a pop station in Indonesia or listen to some traditional Cambodian tunes or the fantastic world music of West Africa. You might not be able to understand everything you hear, but then you’ll come across Katy Perry on some island in the South Pacific and realize we aren’t that different after all.
Simple and to the point. Put in a band and the tool tells you who you might like. You can tell it you “don’t like that f***ing artist,” click the name of the band to listen to them on Last.fm, or start over. It’s not terribly sophisticated, but it’s funny and a quick way to run through a few possible options when you are in a hurry.
Another in the series of visually based websites, Musicroamer lets users create endless visual maps of artists with their connections to other artists. Those can be added to playlists or saved as maps to refer back to later. All of the artists have previews spun by Spotify so its easy to give it a listen and see if you like it. The more connected artists mapped out, the wider the grid and the more obscure the music. Requires registration for full use.
Speaking of maps, why not use the ones at Radiooooo to not just circle the globe but listen to the music of any era from any place. Feeling like some 1950s Cuban music or maybe some tunes from Russia in the 1940s? They have it and it can be as weird as you imagine. There are numerous ways to refine searches from choosing “slow, fast or weird” (trust us, weird is worth it), to randomized shuffles and setting a “taxi” trip that runs through a number of different styles of the user’s choosing. One of the cooler features is the ability to add a song found while browsing around. And the catalog seems endless. Some tools are reserved for paying customers, but there is plenty available for free to keep you here for hours.
Set up more traditionally as a user based listening/rating service, RYM nevertheless offers a range of ways to discover music. One of our favorites is through their extensive catalog of charts. Having been around for over 20 years means the number of charts ranking artists, songs and records going back decades is remarkably extensive. Each selection is broken down into genre and descriptors with comprehensive information about the song, album and band. You can even create your own charts and explore the huge number of custom lists that range from the very normal to the positively bizarre.
DQ (no relation) is more Spotify tool than music discovery website, but because it has so many features and is so easy to use, it absolutely helps with listening to new bands. Not only will it, once connected to your account, show you everything you listen to and stats related to your Spotify usage, but you can quickly browse genres and new releases, everything Spotify offers. The best part is just hover over the photo of any artist and it plays the most popular song by that artist instantly. Very convenient.
We took another artist deep dive to help you give your playlist the ultimate Fall refresh! Best known for getting us all to whip our hair in 2010 (‘Whip My Hair’), WILLOW is a fierce, yet underrated artist who has captured our hearts with highly percussive and emotional songs. Earning a much-deserved spot on your newly curated playlist.
Discover underrated yet revolutionary music and heal your inner self by adding these WILLOW hits to your playlist. You will thank us later.
‘the fear is not real’
‘the fear is not real’ from her seventh studio album, empathogen, is just the start to WILLOW’s greatness. Featuring ethereal vocals, we get the perfect combination of soft rhythmic guitar paired with the right tempo to get your head bobbing. Willow reflects on her participation in the metaphorical roles of the “Prey,” “Hunter,” “Child,” and “Mother” as she navigates her internal challenges. You know what they say, ignorance is bliss. That is, until she is faced with the silence.
“In the silence I can hear inside my mind. In the silence I can’t wear my disguise.”
The layered harmonies on this track give a fresh and crisp sound that is purely irresistible. Trust us on this one, you will levitate.
‘false self’
‘false self’ begins with energetic and fast-paced percussion that transforms into a tasteful genre blend of soul and rock. This one is upbeat, but don’t let that fool you. ‘false self’ digs in deep, following the “blissful ignorance” themes found in ‘the fear is not real’ and furthering our understanding of the inner battle WILLOW faces. A change needs to be made, but she is unable to do so. Riding the emotional rollercoaster of this song will have you asking if the version of yourself that you know is real.
WLLOW sets herself apart from her peers with the production quality on this track, focusing on dynamic vocal layering traveling between your left and right headphones.
‘symptom of life’
Taking a newfound, mature approach, WILLOW starts to acknowledge the beauties that come along with life. “Looking into the shadow, now I notice the light. Magic is real, when you see it inside, you decide.”
Dissonant piano chords accompany her haunting vocals, which make up the high intensity on this track, drawing you in for more. Don’t be afraid to hit the replay button on this one!
‘curious/furious’
WILLOW begins accepting that life includes both highs and lows, never just one or the other.
“Never wear a frown because life doesn’t choose either side, win or lose, right or wrong. It’s a battle that’s all in your mind, you better open wide.”
Falling back on her rock roots, there is an amazing guitar solo to rock out to, creating the perfect song closing. What’s a better way to work through your emotions than headbanging?
‘Split’
WILLOW gives a raw and emotional performance in all of her songs. However, this song in particular reaches a different level of vulnerability. WILLOW shows us a side to herself that she had hoped she’d never share through songwriting, and that is heartbreak. This rock ballad has us feeling all of the bitter feels of a breakup wrapped up in a sweet treat of a song for us all.
Know more WILLOW hidden gems? Let us know your favs that are already in your playlist by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
Looking to expand your playlists beyond the mainstream? Meet Alexandra Kessler, an unsigned indie artist who proves you don’t need a label to deliver pop perfection. After four years away, her latest single, ‘Red Wine,’ is a disco-pop confession that’ll have you sipping, spinning, and feeling every word. It’s the kind of track that proves catharsis doesn’t have to come in silence; it can come with a beat drop and glittering synths.
From the first sip, ‘Red Wine’ is silky, retro, and irresistibly groovy. Alexandra layers shimmering disco-pop production with raw, confessional lyricism, pouring every ounce of betrayal and self-reclamation into her vocal delivery. Inspired by the gut-punch of discovering she was “the other woman,” Alexandra doesn’t shy away from the emotional wreckage; she leans into it. And instead of letting heartbreak drown her, she turns it into a toast: bittersweet, bold, and undeniably intoxicating.
The genius of ‘Red Wine’ lies in its contradictions. It’s lush yet vulnerable, danceable yet devastating, empowering yet unafraid to be messy. Alexandra captures that uniquely human truth: sometimes the only way to process pain is to move through it, literally. Think confessional pop with a disco edge, where every note feels like both a wound and a wink.
Kessler herself puts it best in a press release: “With ‘Red Wine,’ I wanted to turn the sting of betrayal into something you can move to… a dance floor confession, if you will.” Mission accomplished. Whether you’re raising a glass to heartbreak, healing, or just a damn good pop song, ‘Red Wine’ is the soundtrack you’ll want on repeat.
Have you heard of Alexandra Kessler? What do you think about ‘Red Wine?’ Let us know in the comments below or hit us up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
Coming off of the success of his EP Jersey or Mars, Kevian Kraemer bottled up the feeling of summer love in his latest single ‘Tan Lines.’ The opening chords are riddled with nostalgia for the carefree energy that only exists in the heat of the summer. Everything is more exciting in the summer, especially, as Kevian reminds us, falling in love. With ‘Tan Lines,’ we have to take one last glance in the rearview mirror as summer slips away.
‘Tan Lines’ is a perfect introduction to the world of Kevian Kraemer music. But it barely scratches the surface. If ‘Tan Lines’ highlights the serenity of summer, the rest of his discography feels like one endless summer. It takes us through the first feeling of sun on your face after a long winter, to watching the sunset on a cool midsummer night, and all the way the the first chill of fall that makes us wonder how summer flew by so fast. The mix of pop, alternative, and indie adds up to a sound that’s uniquely Kevian Kraemer. And he doesn’t stop at the sound. With lyrics about growing up and learning everything you can about life, Kevian could easily soundtrack a coming-of-age film. Keep reading this exclusive interview to hear all about his music, from creating it to everything that comes after!
Introducing Kevian Kraemer
Welcome to The Honey Pop! Could you introduce yourself to our readers who may not be familiar with your music yet? Hey! My name is Kevian Kraemer, I’m 19, from New Jersey, and I make indie rock music!
Your latest EP Jersey or Mars was released right at the beginning of this summer. The sound of the EP is perfect for a summer day. How would you describe the shift from Jersey or Mars to where you are at the end of summer with ‘Tan Lines’? I think in making ‘Tan Lines’ I chose to pursue a more alternative sound compared to the familiar pop-rock world of Jersey or Mars. This last single was a ton of fun to make, and I’m for sure going to explore that area of my sound moving forward.
Jersey or Mars focuses a lot on transition, moving on from a past relationship, and looking forward to whatever comes next. Looking forward to this next chapter of your music, what would you say you most want to accomplish? My number one goal is to put together my most cohesive project yet, and I would also love to tour and play my first round of festivals in 2026.
One thing you excel at is capturing the feeling of nostalgia. With the acoustic sound and the reflective lyrics, we feel like we’re looking back on everything that’s ever happened to us. How do you get into the mindset to write these songs? I think that it’s just the ability for my friends and me to be vulnerable and honest when writing each and every song. It’s always my goal to capture exactly how I felt when writing about a certain time, no matter how complex the emotion or situation.
Of course, you also perfectly captured the feeling of summer love in ‘Tan Lines.’ If you had to pick one song to soundtrack this summer for you, what would it be? I think my soundtrack of Summer 2025 is ‘Golden Days’ by Whitney. I grew up listening to their music since I was super young, and with such rapid change and growth this summer, it became super nostalgic while on the road touring.
Image Source: Sean Schmitt
You seem to have no problem capturing the exact feeling you’re going for in your songs. If you had to describe the ideal setting for someone to listen to your music for the first time, what would it be? I feel like my music is definitely best suited for driving in the car with your friends and the windows down, or, in contrast, lying in your bed alone staring at the ceiling and blasting each song in your headphones.
The way you filmed the ’Tan Lines’ music video wonderfully adds to the feeling of nostalgia for the summer. It feels like watching a home video, and getting a glimpse into the lives of people who love each other. What was it like to film? It was such a fun experience to get a bunch of my hometown friends together with our film team. The whole video was shot on a 1960s Super 8, which posed some challenges but paid off tremendously. The beach day was perfect, and I’m so incredibly proud of the work that everyone did on it.
The ‘Tan Lines’ video feels like something that a historian would unearth in the future and use to describe what a summer was like. How would you want to be remembered in the future? I want to be known as someone who was unapologetically themself. Other than that, I just would love to keep playing electric concerts and have people continue to see themselves in my work.
What one song from your past projects would you want to show to people to describe yourself in the future? ‘June is getting old’ is one of my favorite songs I’ve made, and I hope more and more people find it 🙂
Tour Life
You’ve been playing these songs for crowds all over on the Jersey or Mars Tour. What has it been like seeing these songs take on a new life on tour? It was pretty much the most unreal experience of my life so far. To see every single crowd scream every word to every song was incredible and an out-of-body experience, frankly. Also, just playing this new music was so much fun and really translated well in making people jump up and down and go crazy.
It looks like you closed out your tour in your hometown of Asbury Park, NJ. How has your hometown impacted your music? I think my hometown has impacted my music in many ways, some of them even on a subconscious level. Growing up in Asbury Park was such a gift for me, being surrounded by so many different artists and musicians. I was able to thoroughly explore my identity and who I wanted to be, and I’m forever grateful for that.
What was it like singing these songs that are so riddled with reflection in the town that must have inspired some of the stories you sing about? I’m not gonna lie, it was super trippy. I found myself losing track of the show a few times because it was just such a full-circle moment. Nonetheless, it was one of the coolest things I’ve done so far.
Speaking of tour, you’re hitting the road with Smallpools! What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned on tour so far? Be kind and stoked for every opportunity and moment to play live music! It’s an honor and a privilege to be able to play for so many people in so many different places, and I just can’t wait to get back out there.
Thanks for talking with us! Are there any tricks up your sleeve that you can tease about tour, or anything else you might be looking forward to? NEW MUSIC SOOOOOOOOOOOON!!!!
Image Source: Courtesy of Atlantic Records
Count us in! We’re ready for Kevian Kraemer to be a part of our autumn. And our winter. And every summer, too. And if you love good music like us, you won’t want to miss what he comes up with next. If you haven’t already, check him out now and let us know your favorite songs! If you’re a die-hard fan, let us know what you’re looking forward to! Either way, we’re ready to discuss at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Summer is all about cute bathing suits, soaking up the sun, having a little fling, and getting those tan lines you dreamed about all winter. Summer 2025 was definitely one for the books, and we’re closing it out with a new summer pop anthem from our girl kenzie! We loved her album, biting my tongue, so much, and a new song is always welcome here in the hive, especially if it’s bringing us back to warm days on the beach.
“Baby, touch my tan lines”
As the autumn and winter seasons approach, we’re beginning to reminisce about summertime and all the memories made. To get back to that feeling, we’re listening to kenzie’s new song ‘Tan Lines’ on full volume. Hit play, relax, and imagine the crashing of ocean waves with your friends’ laughter and squaking of seagulls in the background. Maybe your fingers are a little sticky from that ice cream cone you just devoured, or you’re reading your new favorite romance novel under the cool shade of an umbrella. Maybe you’re hand-in-hand with your summer crush, walking on the beach. That’s what ‘Tan Lines’ is about after all.
“‘tan lines’ is my take on a dreamy summer track that is sweet but also playful. I’ve literally been going to the beach all summer so that definitely inspired this song. ‘tan lines’ is about having a summer fling that will end after summer‘s over – here for a good time not a long time!”
kenzie stated in a press release
The Music Video
Did you catch the (not so hidden) Easter egg that’s Johnny Orlando in the music video? The two friends are finally back together making content and music, and we know OG fans, including ourselves, are overjoyed. It’s basically 2017 again.
We also have to comment on kenzie’s look in this music video! The red hair, coupled with the tan skin and red and white summer outfit, is everything! kenzie’s music videos always stand out to us, and we’re excited for the new era of creative direction that ‘Tan Lines’ is heading towards!
Image Source: Courtesy of Hollywood Records
Do you think we’ll be hearing some more new music from kenzie anytime soon? Have you listened to her album, biting my tongue, yet? Let us know what you think about kenzie’s music down in the comments or by buzzing with us on Twitter, Instagram, and Discord. Then check out the interview we did with her (covering her creative process) here.
Looking for more new music from your faves? See what we’ve got, honeybee!
After 4Batz and his girlfriend Anycia posted pictures of them getting married, fans wondered if it was real or from a music video shoot. The facts are 4Batz, Dallas’ gentle and atmospheric R&B star, has released a new album…
Honestly, we weren’t ready for this. This PURPLE KISS’s album isn’t just a regular English release; instead, it’s their final gift to PLORYs, and it’s hitting us right in the feels. From fresh new tracks to flawless English versions of their biggest hits, this album captures everything we’ve ever loved about PURPLE KISS and wraps it up in one unforgettable goodbye.
RBW’s talented girl group poured their hearts into OUR NOW, turning it into a love letter we’ll never stop rereading. It’s bittersweet, beautiful, and the kind of goodbye that lingers long after the last note fades.
Before we dive deeper, here’s the full tracklist:
‘DOREMI -English ver.-
‘WANT U BACK’
‘Unhappily Ever After’
‘Ponzona’ -English ver.-
‘Zombie’ -English ver.-
‘memeM’ -English ver.-
‘Sweet Juice’ -English ver.-
‘7HEAVEN’ -English ver.-
‘DOREMI,’ ‘WANT U BACK,’ And ‘Unhappily Ever After’ Are the Emotional Center of OUR NOW
First, let’s start with ‘DOREMI,’ the opening track on PURPLE KISS‘s album. It’s gentle, dreamy, and feels like stepping into a warm memory. Moreover, with lyrics like “Caught in the magical act of desire,” the song wraps you in soft vocals and delicate melodies. It’s sweet without being simple, emotional without being heavy, and knowing this is one of their last releases makes it hit even harder.
Then there’s ‘WANT U BACK.’ It’s sleek, polished, and undeniably catchy. It’s the kind of song that feels light and groovy, but the lyrics carry just enough heartbreak to make it hit deeper. When they confess, “Hate to say it, but I want // Wanna love the ugly truth some more,” you can feel that pull between holding on and letting go. It’s addictive in the best way.
And finally, we get ‘Unhappily Ever After,’ and if you’re still standing after this track, consider yourself a warrior. It’s a breakup fairytale rewritten with sharp edges and real emotion. Lines like “Oh, I wanna see you rot // Like how you watched me die inside” turn heartbreak into empowerment, and PURPLE KISS delivers it with such intensity that it stays with you long after the song ends.
The English Versions That Feel Like New Songs
One of the best parts of the PURPLE KISS OUR NOW album is how it reinvents some of their biggest hits without losing their spark. ‘Ponzona’ feels even bolder, with lyrics like “Make you fall in love, my venom will” wrapping you in that dangerous, hypnotic energy PURPLE KISS are known for. It’s fierce, magnetic, and a perfect reminder of why this track became an instant classic.
‘Zombie’ still keeps its cheeky hide-and-seek vibe alive, but somehow hits even harder in English. When they sing “Hungry, I’m hungry for you // Don’t know when I’ll take a bite ya,” it’s playful, flirty, and just a little bit dangerous. Exactly the kind of energy we fell in love with the first time around.
Then there’s ‘memeM.’ Chaotic, addictive, and totally unforgettable. When they sing “Turn your head upside down // And try your best to run away from me // I’m gonna play inside your head,” it’s like they’re warning us and trapping us at the same time. Spoiler alert: escaping is impossible, and we’re not even mad about it.
‘Sweet Juice’ flips the switch into full-on temptation. ‘’You want some sweet juice? // Bite it and pop it, pop it’’ is dangerously catchy, matching the track’s pulsing beats perfectly. It’s bold, fun, and impossible to resist.
And finally, ‘7HEAVEN‘ is pure euphoric escapism — the shimmering “24/7, seven, seven, seven” chorus instantly lifts you into that dreamy galaxy PURPLE KISS built for us.
Overall, each track proves just how versatile PURPLE KISS are! Delivering a perfect mix of attitude, groove, and fun. Hearing these songs in English really gives us a whole new way to fall in love with them. If you want an even deeper look into the stories behind the tracks, check out their official track story here:
Feels Like a Goodbye We’re Not Ready For
This album isn’t just their first full English release. It’s one final, unforgettable gift for PLORYs. It feels like a love letter, carefully wrapped in melodies and memories, carrying every ounce of PURPLE KISS’s charm and artistry. With each track, it reminds us why we fell for them in the first place and why letting go feels almost impossible.
We leave you with this: One thing’s for sure, this isn’t really goodbye. PURPLE KISS’s music will always be in our hearts. 💜
PLORYs, we want to know: which track from the OUR NOW album has completely stolen your heart? Tell us in the comments or join us on X @thehoneypop, where we can scream about PURPLE KISS together. You can also find us on Instagram and Facebook for more of our content.
Want more K-Pop content? Check out our category The Honey(K)Pop and discover more!
Justin Bieber did something no one saw coming. He released a second rendition of his latest album, SWAG, with only a 12-hour notice. SWAG II dropped at midnight on September 5, 2025, with a baby pink album cover and 23 new songs that fit inside the same vein as SWAG, released on July 11, 2025. This new double-album project continues to prove that Justin Bieber’s greatness lies less inside the pop genre and more heavily in the R&B genre (although it’s undeniable he’s made some of the best pop music of the 2010s).
What Justin does best is pour his heart and pen into love songs with an R&B groove to back it. However, what most people tend to forget is that this is not something new for Justin. He’s always made it obvious he’s wanted to experiment and go full force in the genre that is hard to master. His 2020 project, Changes, and later his 2021 project Justice, were his first attempts at really proving this point to the world. Songs like ‘Confirmation’ and ‘2 Much’ could easily fit like a missing puzzle piece on SWAG’s tracklist. If you hit rewind even further, it could easily be argued that SWAG is an adult extension of Purpose, one of Justin’s most beloved albums released in 2015. Purpose was one of the first times Justin’s faith was vulnerably laid out in song, which is one of the most prominent themes in SWAG and SWAG II. More on that later.
It seems Justin Bieber has finally found his footing in the studio after 4 years of releasing no new solo music, and fans can expect to hear, if Justin decides to grace us with even more new music in the future of his career, the SWAG-sound on most, if not all, of his future records. It’s where he’s comfortable and successful, so we can plan for him to stay in that pocket.
Themes & Structure
SWAG II expands on the themes presented to us in SWAG – faith, marriage, unity and peace, admiration, adoration, and personal growth. It’s clear Justin wants listeners to take the SWAG experience in full, so we recommend listening to both albums back to back if you have yet to hear them for the first time.
It’s also impossible to talk about SWAG and SWAG II without touching on the golden lines of holy admiration that run through each of the songs. SWAG II ends with ‘STORY OF GOD,’ a 7-minute devotion to God, detailing Justin’s version of his individualized faith. Read the entire story here. Even if you yourself are not a believer in any particular faith, it’s a beautiful listen that rounds out the album in a very raw way.
Many fans have quickly compared Justin’s “new” sound to that of Michael Jackson. This comparison is not much of a surprise, however. Throughout his career, even as a young teenager, Justin has vocally admired Michael Jackson’s work and person. He’s copied his signature sound and adlib structure many times, but it seems to really come through on SWAG II on songs like ‘EYE CANDY’ and ‘LYIN’.’ Regardless of fans’ opinions on this, Justin does it almost flawlessly, and it comes through as clear admiration, not copying a formula that is already successful. With the help of talented producers like Mk.gee, Dijon, and Eddie Benjamin, Justin is designing his own formula for R&B success, and arguably has been paving this formula since he was 15 years old.
Our Favorite Tracks
‘LOVE SONG’
‘MOTHER IN YOU’
‘WITCHYA’
‘DON’T WANNA’
‘BAD HONEY’
‘NEED IT’
‘DOTTED LINE’ is a standout track as well. One thing Justin Bieber is really good at is grabbing a mic and just going for it, regardless of the instruments in the room or how his voice decides to sound that day. His emotions and mature vocals are undoubtedly raw, and it doesn’t need to be cleaned up in production. Where most other artists would clean these raw vocals up later in the creative process, Justin keeps them in. You can hear every breath, every vocal wobble, and every other sound that’s in the background of wherever he’s recording. A “fire” comes through at the 35-second mark, presumably from someone else in the studio commenting on how they feel about the song. It’s these little details that make SWAG II so special for long-time fans. If you love this sound, you can also find it on its sister songs ‘DEVOTION’ and ‘GLORY VOICE MEMO’ on SWAG.
If you needed any reminder that Justin Bieber is one of music’s greats, SWAG II is it.
Image Source: Renell Medrano
How did you feel about SWAG II? Did you enjoy the songs on SWAG or SWAG II better? Let us know by buzzing with us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram!
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Nothing gets us more excited than a week packed with new music. The past few days delivered just that, and we’ve pulled together a roundup of the releases we can’t keep off repeat. From pop-punk heavyweights like State Champs to genre-shifters like Poppy, alongside rising voices including Winona Fighter, Softcult, and Girl Tones, there’s plenty of new music ready to claim a spot on your playlist!
State Champs – ‘Common Sense’
State Champs have done it again with their latest single, ‘Common Sense!’ This track shows off a heavier side of the band while still packing in the classic pop-punk sound that made us fall for them in the first place. It feels like the perfect next step in their evolution, and honestly, we can already picture crowds screaming this one back at them on tour.
Speaking of tour—the band just kicked off a US run with iconic bands like Yellowcard and A Day to Remember. Visit here for a list of remaining dates and grab your tickets before it’s too late!
Softcult are back with ‘16/25,’ and it’s impossible not to sit up and take notice. The track blends their dreamy, grunge-y sound with sharp, powerful lyrics calling out predatory older men and the double standards women face. It’s bold, raw, and stays in your head long after it ends. Right now, ‘16/25’ is the one we can’t stop playing.
Softcult also stay keeping us fed! Along with the new single, they’ve announced their debut album, When A Flower Doesn’t Grow (pre-save it here!), and are about to head out on a full US tour — We can’t wait!
Winona Fighter are serving up something special with the deluxe edition ofMy Apologies To The Chef! This expanded release takes their debut to the next level with acoustic versions, covers, and a new single, ‘(Don’t Get) CLOSE.’ It’s packed with raw energy and emotional punch—proving once again why the band has become one of the most exciting acts in punk right now.
POPPY, Amy Lee, And Courtney LaPlante – ‘End of You’
Our queen of collabs, Poppy, is back with ‘End of You,’ and this time she’s not holding anything back! Poppy, Amy Lee, and Courtney LaPlante have joined forces and unleashed a track that’s equal parts heavy, melodic, and downright unforgettable—with each voice bringing its own fire to the mix (think if boygenius went metal). The result is a song that hits emotionally and sonically, leaving you hitting replay again and again.
We are so here for ‘Cherry Picker’! This track hits like a punch to the chest with every riff, drum beat, and lyric, and we’ve had it on repeat since it dropped. It pulls you in, shakes you up, and just doesn’t let go—Girl Tones have officially taken over our brains, and we’re so not mad about it.
This past week was such an iconic week of new music! Which release was your favorite? Or was there any track you wish we had included? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us at @thehoneypop! You can also find us on Facebook,Instagram, and Discord.
Pink Pantheress is the pop princess who fell out of England. We’re in love with her, and here is your sign that you should be too! Pink Pantheress took the world (and TikTok) by storm with dance-pop hits ‘Just For Me’ and ‘Illegal,’ transforming from a bedroom SoundCloud artist into a well-deserved Billboard chart topper. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for our English pop princess. There is so much spontaneity jam-packed into this spunky 24-year-old star, it should be illegal not to stan her. Here are a few reasons why.
Infectious Personality
Something we just cannot get enough of is Pink’s infectious personality. She is unapologetically herself and full of witty British humor. There will never be a dull moment watching Pink. She connects to you across the screen with her bold and relatable personality, showing that she’s not afraid to laugh at herself. Her bubbly personality is completely irresistible, giving us plenty of funny and iconic moments to binge-watch in bed. What more can we ask for?
Fashion Forward Icon
Pink creates a unique pop-princess look by wearing bold patterns that tap into Y2K and British rock fashion. You’ll catch her rocking soft yet bold looks, often wearing plaid with contrasting pops of color, but you’ll never know what you’ll get with Pink. Pink keeps us on the edge of our seats by mixing things up and taking on a different style when she can, as she did with her ‘Tonight’ music video. Pink’s artistic vision for ‘Tonight’ traveled to the Tudor period as she wears a stunning corset dress with dramatic hair inspired by Madonna’s iconic 1990 MTV ‘Vogue’ performance. Let us raid your closet, Pink!
Female Producer
Pink is a force to be reckoned with in the studio, and it’s for far more than her distinctly soft vocals. Our girl is producing her own tracks (how girl boss is that?). Pink is not a stranger to music production, recognized by Billboard’s Producer of the Year award in 2024. She exclusively produced Half of her 2021 mixtape ToHell With It in her bedroom, and co-produced her debut album, Heaven Knows. Not only does she have an ear for creating the right mix for her own songs, but Pink has also co-produced songs for other artists, including WILLOW and Mura Masa. When do her talents stop?
Dedication To Her Craft
Pink showcases her dedication to creating music with her humble beginnings of anonymously sharing her songs on SoundCloud in 2020. Pink began showing her face in the media in 2021 after there was unexpected, yet deserving, traction to her songs, letting it be known that she was not just in it for the stardom. With each music release, Pink carefully crafts a unique world for you to fall into and remains true to her original work despite her rise to fame. Her passion for being involved with each project shows that there is even more to see from her in the future. You wouldn’t want to miss it!
Her Favs Are Our Favs
Pink takes inspiration from all of the greats, including My Chemical Romance, Paramore, and Imogen Heap. Boy, does she have taste! Pink was totally in her Brat era, channeling her inner Charli XCX as she produced ‘Stateside,’ from Fancy That. Creating yet another electronic dance-pop banger. If you love any of these other talented artists, you will definitely love Pink Pantheress. She perfectly blends the genres between them all into an original sound of her own.
You do not want to miss anything Pink Pantheress does next!
See Pink Pantheress on tour and kickstart your stanning journey by listening to ‘Romeo.’ It will leave you wondering why you didn’t get into Pink sooner!
What are your current favorite Pink Pantheress songs? Let us know by tweeting us at @thehoneypop or visiting us on Facebook and Instagram.
When Thailand’s most mesmerizing storytellers join forces, unforgettable doesn’t even begin to cover it.
‘ลามปาม (circus)’ by BOWKYLION and Jeff Satur delivers exactly what fans hoped for and more from the Queen and King of T-Pop. It’s heartbreak wrapped in harmonies, visual metaphors, and raw storytelling.
With the very first line, “If I had known before, I wouldn’t cry all night,” we know we’re in for a ride. BOWKYLION’s voice carries a hint of vulnerability that draws us into a story filled with regret, longing, and lost love. The pre-chorus builds with just her vocals, raw and exposed, until suddenly, there it is.
That first soft harmony between BOWKYLION and Jeff Satur feels effortless. Their voices intertwine like they were always meant to, gently echoing the heartache of loving someone who shattered your heart and might never come back.
Then Jeff hits us with the line: “Loving me was pretend, your love is just for show.” It brings another dimension of heartbreak. The kind that’s angry, exposed, and tired of pretending. The song feels like two sides of the same love story. One is still aching and trying to understand, whilst the other has given up trying to forgive. And when he sings the line “Kept me hidden, like our love was wrong,” you can just hear our heart breaking into a million pieces 😭.
One of the most beautiful aspects of BOWKYLION and Jeff Satur is how it shows the raw side of going through a heartbreak. These two standout voices from the Thai music scene perfectly balance the ache and the anger.
This Collab Was So Worth The Wait!
Their harmonies are soul-healing. The pain? Undeniable. And the chemistry of T-Pop stars BOWKYLION and Jeff Satur? Off the charts. But even through heartbreak, ‘ลามปาม (circus)’ feels warm — like two voices catching each other mid-fall. And let’s give BOWKYLION her flowers: she didn’t just sing. She wrote, composed, produced, arranged, vocal directed, and even handled backing vocals. A true powerhouse in every sense.
Are you adding ‘circus’ to your heartbreak playlist, or are you still emotionally recovering like us? Tell us over on X @thehoneypop. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see more of our content.
Here at The Honey POP!, we make it our mission to keep you up to date on all the latest releases from our faves–and yours! Last week was filled to the brim with a whole host of new music, so we’ve put together a roundup of some of our favorites to keep you caught up. From longtime staples like Have Mercy and The Beaches to rising names including House & Home, BIZZY, and CMAT, there’s no shortage of tracks to add to your rotation.
Have Mercy – ‘little pieces’
Just in time for Sad Girl Autumn™, emo icons Have Mercy just dropped their sixth album, The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been, and it’s everything we could’ve hoped for. Lead single, ‘little pieces’ hits with raw emotion and honest lyricism, setting the tone for a record full of introspection and intensity. Across ten tracks, the band strikes a balance between vulnerability and driving alt-rock energy, crafting a deeply personal album that lingers long after it ends.
We were lucky enough to chat with the band about all things The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been, their upcoming tour, and more. You can get the inside scoop here!
‘Swarm’ proves why House & Home have become a force in the DIY scene. The track grabs you from the first note, with driving guitars and relentless drums that mirror the tension in the lyrics. It’s raw, chaotic, and full of unfiltered energy (aka a perfect introduction to the band at their most powerful). House & Home have crafted a song that demands to be heard, and it’s impossible to turn away.,
In case ‘Swarm’ wasn’t enough for you, House & Home also announced that their sophomore album, I Won’t Look for You, will be released on November 17th. Pre-save the album here!
BIZZY is quickly cementing herself as alt-pop’s anti-hero, and you don’t need convincing; one listen to ‘Make Me Cry’ says it all. The track perfectly captures her signature mix of vulnerability, sarcasm, and full-on emotional chaos–showcasing her fully in command of her sound. The song starts soft and intimate, then bursts into a synth-driven chorus that hits every gut-punch feeling you’ve ever had. ‘Make Me Cry’ is our current obsession, and we can’t wait to see what BIZZY does next.
The Beaches are back with No Hard Feelings, and they waste no time making an impression! The album opens with pure chaotic energy, and ‘Can I Call You In The Morning’ immediately sets the tone. Brutally honest lyrics meet an infectious chorus, and turn late-night breakup emotions into pure punk-pop gold. Inspired by messy relationships and the awkward aftermath of love, ‘Can I Call You In The Morning’ captures that moment of yelling, apologizing, and hitting redial all in one go. No Hard Feelings proves why The Beaches continue to stand out in the alternative scene: messy, fun, and impossible to ignore.
The Beaches are also about to head out on an impressive 35-show run in support of No Hard Feelings. You can view the full list of dates and purchase tickets here!
If your FYP looks anything like ours, then seeing CMAT’s EURO-COUNTRY here won’t surprise you one bit. From viral TikToks to a Glastonbury set that fans are still buzzing about, the budding Irish superstar has already cemented herself as one of the defining voices of her generation. This album is packed with anthems that are as fun as they are thoughtful, tackling big ideas with humor and heart. CMAT has given us a record that feels both timely and timeless—a daring, fully realized vision of modern pop.
ICYMI: CMAT will also be hitting the road later this month in support of EURO-COUNTRY! For a full list of dates and to purchase tickets, visit here.
This past week was such a GOOD week for new music! Which release was your favorite? Or was there any track you wish we had included? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us at @thehoneypop! You can also find us on Facebook,Instagram, and Discord.
This is not a drill! MONSTA X are here in full, and they have new music for us! They are back and proving they don’t know the meaning of the word “limit,” as they are always ready to exceed themselves. And we think you’ll agree with us when we say their album, THE X, is a great example, especially since it’s been a while since we got a 6-member comeback. There’s just so much to celebrate, and we’re here for it all!
MONSTA X just knows how to get our attention with their music. Be it with title tracks or B-sides, they tend to offer us a range of styles yet manage to always incorporate the essence of the group. This time, they come for us with a powerful main song that showcases much-deserved confidence, which we will gladly take in as a confidence booster for ourselves. After all, we’re proud to be Monbebe, so it’s only natural to get positive energy from our favorite group.
“Wanna see you in the front”
MONSTA X did it again! They ate with ‘N the Front,’ and we can only stare in awe. While the song already slaps on its own, the music video definitely ended us! We hope you are ready because it’s a definite no-miss, must-see release. The MONSTAs always go hard, but it feels like they went even harder this time.
‘N the Front’ feels like a statement, announcing to the world that MONSTA X is back and they’re taking the front position. They fittingly use a variety of scenes to visually amplify that statement in their music video. But visuals aren’t the only strong instrument they have at their disposal. One of the more powerful moments created by the lyrics has to be “Hands up! Say my name, hey,” and here’s why! While that line is repeated multiple times during ‘N the Front,’ we don’t hear them mention their group name at all, not even once. MONSTA X are simply a force that is recognized.
There is one more thing that we take from this focus track, and that is the freedom it brings. The music video begins with the words: “We all act normal/pretend to be normal/but we know/we all have a ‘MONSTA’ inside.” Then add the message that feels like a call to action and is seen throughout the clip: “Be real you, let the ground shake.” No one but us can set our own limits, and MONSTA X‘s ‘N the Front’ is an inspirational anthem to help release our true potential and take the front of our own lives.
We can already tell what a powerful vibe this track will create during live stages, especially at concerts. It’s the perfect way to hype up your whole audience and yourself as an artist. And if we had to pick, we think the chanting near the end, combined with those perfectly included ad-libs, is the highlight that will get you fully losing yourself to the song.
“Make the ground shake, bring the earthquake Feel the floor crack, we are not fake Make the ground shake, bring the earthquake Make the ground shake, bring the earthquake Feel the floor crack, we are not fake”
An Album Of Milestones And Beginnings
MONSTA X’s THE X celebrates a milestone of 10 years as a group and also sets the stage for a new start. So, what kind of album were we to expect? Something unexpected! From the impactful and somewhat mysterious teasers, we could already tell this was going to be big and new. After we heard the pre-release track, ‘Do What I Want,’ we were mind-blown. It was our first taste of THE X, and it felt so different from what we are used to, but at the same time, it is very much them (especially with that wild video 👀).
THE X does not miss highlighting some of the members’ production and writing skills as well. Joohoney, I.M., and Hyungwon once again bring their exquisite talent to create high-quality playlist additions for us. Once again, bring their exquisite talent to create high-quality playlist additions for us. We’re beyond words, and the fact that we’re having trouble picking a favorite speaks for itself. But that’s more than okay; we will simply be vibing and loving on the whole album equally.
MONSTA X’s THE X is and will stay a memorable release for so many reasons. It stands out as a comeback that showcases the reunion of the members after most of them completed their military service. The name of the album also celebrates the group’s 10 years through the usage of the Roman numeral “X.” And (yes, we’re not done) it bears the meaning of something unexpected, unpredictable: just how we can’t tell how MONSTA X will surprise us next. We just know it will be a great experience.
Did you enjoy MONSTA X’s THE X? Which track are you going to press the replay button on endlessly? Find us at @thehoneypop, Facebook, and Instagram, and let’s discuss (while losing our minds over this comeback).
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As we move into September, it’s time to say goodbye to summer. Emily James isn’t letting it go quietly, though. With her EP Summer Nostalgia, she confronts everything on her mind. Summer has a way of heightening every emotion, especially when you’re young. So it’s easy to reflect on what you said, what you did, and what you would’ve done differently. And that’s exactly what Emily does as she looks back on adolescence and young love.
‘Suburbia’
The opening track, ‘Suburbia,’ reflects on a euphoric first love. Coming after years of distance from the feelings, the nostalgia takes over. The track feels both bittersweet and carefree. It’s as if we’re remembering a time we felt on top of the world while also recognizing that it’s safely tucked away in our past. It’s these moments that shape us, after all. Even better, the ‘Suburbia’ music video feels like watching a coming-of-age film. Emily zooms in on the exhilarating sensation of young love while still capturing the feeling of nostalgia.
Looking In The Rearview Mirror
Summer Nostalgia was born as Emily moved back to her hometown in New York. After living in Los Angeles for seven years and then writing and recording in London, she was able to reconnect with her roots. As she looks back on growing up in her hometown, as well as how much she’s changed in her years away, the result is a 6-track run of flawless, cinematic nostalgia, with a lingering hope for whatever happens next. She’s changed, she’s grown up, but she still has a lot of questions. What if things had happened differently? ‘Underdog’ ruminates on holding onto something that she shouldn’t. ‘Blueprint’ yearns for something she thought had been perfect. But they all wonder: What could have been?
‘Picture It’ confronts this question head-on. She reconnects with a past love and realizes she might have a chance to do things differently: to find out what they missed the first time. The music video finds Emily with the same person from ‘Suburbia.’ Even after all the time away, she feels like the joy of young love when they’re together again. And it might just work out this time.
It felt like I was watching a movie. You zoom into these little vignettes, and then you’ll zoom out a little bit to the present day, and then zoom back in. It felt like something I’d never done before in terms of having this interweaving timeline and flickering between present and the past, with memories coming in and out.
Emily James
Summer Nostalgia comes after exploring themes like adventure and healing in past songs like ‘Brooklyn,’ ‘Cannonball,’ and ‘London.’ One thing is for sure: Emily James is an expert at writing about whatever crosses her mind. With storytelling like hers, we feel like we’re a part of her journey with her. And you don’t want to miss where she goes next.
Check out Summer Nostalgia here and let us know your thoughts! We’re ready to talk favorite songs, or anything else on your mind, at @thehoneypop on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
Pause on the paw prints dusting the Man’s Best Friend doormat and sashay yourself right into the disco-ball-splattered, 80s-retro fever dream that is Sabrina Carpenter’s latest album. Think: part Barbie’s Dreamhouse, part Greek villa, all glitter. Our five-foot-something, lipstick-smudged starlet didn’t just move in—she co-produced the whole place with Jack Antonoff and John Ryan, with Amy Allen sneaking her name onto the writing credits too (we see you, queen 👀). And because we can’t resist giving you the full ‘House Tour’ (track 11 shoutout, let’s gooo), we’re mapping out five of this twelve-song sonic estate, room by room. If Short n’ Sweet’s tour staging was the Pinterest inspo board, this is the finished Airbnb listing—complete with ABBA-tinted windows and shimmer squares that sparkle even when the lights are off.
Foyer
With a giant no-letters-cough-emails-from-boys sticker slapped across the mailbox, we’re already giggling before we even step inside. Swing open the front door and boom—we’re dropped straight into the foyer, soundtracked by the first single-marked, Jack Antonoff–co-produced ‘Manchild.’ If pop and country had a glitter-drenched baby, this would be it—and let’s be real, you’ve already tried (and probably failed gloriously) at its line-dancing TikTok trend the second those banjos started strumming. And honestly? The foyer is the perfect place for it. It’s your first impression, the little taste of what’s to come, the welcome mat of the whole record. Sabrina practically greets you at the door with a wink, a hair flip, and this track blasting through a rhinestoned speaker. You’re not just stepping into a house—you’re stepping into her world, cowboy boots, disco lights, and a suspicious amount of lip gloss in the air.
Kitchen
We already know you’re cooking up a poison-laced cocktail for your ex-man with your ‘Go Go Juice’ perched pretty on the kitchen counter—like, don’t even pretend you’re not sneaking sips. This sticky concoction is stirred in a pot of Jack Antonoff and John Ryan co-producer magic (with Sabrina, of course, holding the ladle). It’s the sonic equivalent of raiding the liquor cabinet at 2 a.m. and playing Salt Bae with all the wrong ingredients—hello, drunk dials and questionable texts that always feel like a good idea at the time.
And the eternal question: who’s getting served? Is it John (Shawn Mendes), Larry (Barry Keoghan), or “the one that rhymes with villain” (Dylan O’Brien)? Sabrina’s never spilling the recipe, but you know she’s garnishing it with those cheeky Sabrian-isms only she can pull off. The bridge? It’s basically a tipsy chant straight off a voice note—the kind you wake up and regret, but secretly save because it’s that cute. This kitchen isn’t just where you eat—it’s where the chaos brews. 🍸✨
Living Room
Now we’re stumbling straight into the double-entendre ‘House Tour’—and she’s blasting girly chaos at full volume. Welcome to the living room: pink-framed television glowing, popcorn flying through the air like confetti, Sabrina catching every piece in her mouth like it’s an Olympic-level sport. It’s cozy, it’s messy, it’s her. Another three-bandit-produced gem, this track’s textures are total ear candy. You’ve got a car engine shutting off as it parks on “Pretty Girl Avenue,” Sabrina’s giggles sprinkled in like candid soundbites, and handclaps that creep around faintly like footsteps in the hallway. It’s giving pop hauntology but make it sparkly. And then, out of nowhere, she flicks on her inner diva switch—hello, Sabrina-Mariah Carey—serving vocals so soaring they basically rattle the living room speakers. It’s the moment you realize: this isn’t just a house, it’s a full-on funhouse, and Sabrina’s both the ringleader and your slumber-party bestie.
Master Bedroom
If Sabrina’s personality were Tinder-personified, this track would have you deleting the app altogether—because why keep swiping when your childhood-bestie-turned-respectable-man is already right there? Between those roaring high notes that blur into moans and the very first lyric, “I get wet at the thought of you” (arguably the most iconic bait-and-switch in pop history), you’re hauling him straight into the master bedroom without hesitation. 🔥 Co-piloted by John and Sabrina, the song even slips in a pop-up of Katy Perry energy with “Baby, just do the dishes, I’ll give you what you…”—a cheeky callback to her viral Call Me Daddy moment, now permanently enshrined as domestic-love-language lore.
It’s explicit, it’s groovy, it’s Sabrina at her most playful. Then the music video, directed by Bardia Zeinali (‘Please Please Please’ genius) with a gloriously drag-ified Colman Domingo, throws her into a Rocky Horror-inspired funhouse. Underneath the camp spectacle is a sharper edge: a nod to how her full public attention arrived only once she was sexualised—something she’s spoken about candidly with Rolling Stone. This isn’t just the master bedroom—it’s where wit, desire, and cultural critique all tangle in the sheets.
Bathroom
‘When Did You Get So Hot?’ isn’t some finger-tapping, chin-scratching musing about a new crush—it’s a mirror-check anthem, a full-blown compliment you’re tossing right back at yourself. Picture it: you stumble into the bathroom, do a once-over in the mirror, and bam—the glow-up hits like the harsh ring-light setting you accidentally leave on for selfies. This isn’t self-doubt, this is self-devotion. 💅 Another three-co-piloted production, it’s stacked with the signature Sabrina-isms that keep you grinning. She peppers in those talking-singing moments like side-eye commentary, switching inflection verse by verse so it feels like she’s giving herself a pep talk and FaceTiming you from the vanity at the same time.
At just over two minutes, it’s the shortest song on the record—but that’s the point. It doesn’t take long at all to clock the baddie you’ve become. And because this isMTV Cribs (Sabrina version), the bathroom isn’t just a bathroom—it’s a glowing temple of self-love. Think a marble vanity littered with lipstick-stained dog collars, a bathtub begging for bubble selfies, and Sabrina winking at herself in the mirror like, “Yeah… when did I get so hot?”
So, which room are you locking the door of, refusing to ever leave? ✨ Give Man’s Best Friend another whirl, pick a couple of lyrics to pin up on its walls like neon signs, and then spill it on our socials—Twitter, Instagram, Facebook. We’ll be snooping like nosy neighbors waiting for the invite. 🪩
Have Mercy have returned with The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been, a record that digs deeper, hits harder, and shows the band at their sharpest yet. It’s a milestone moment for a group that’s been shaping the Baltimore alt-rock scene for over 15 years.
The release kicks off with a hometown show before the band heads out with Boys Night Out this fall. We caught up with Andrew, lead guitarist of Have Mercy, to talk about the making of the new album, the moments that still hit the hardest on stage, and why some traditions, like “Pizza Forever,” will never die.
Hello, and welcome to the Honey Pop! Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. Could you give our readers a quick introduction for someone who may not be familiar with Have Mercy? Sure! I’m Andrew, and I play lead guitar for Have Mercy. We’re an alternative rock band from Baltimore, MD, and we’ve been rocking and rolling together for just over 15 years.
Have Mercy’s music has clearly struck a chord with listeners over the years. Was there a particular moment when you thought, “Wow, this is really reaching people?” For me, it was on our first headliner tour with Head North, Somos, and You Me And Everyone We Know. We had just done a ton of support tours and saw more and more people singing along, but this was our first headlining tour, and we weren’t sure if anyone was gonna come, and the fans just packed every single venue.
From your breakout debut, The Earth Pushed Back, to now releasing The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been, that’s over a decade of Have Mercy! What does it feel like to look back and see how far the band has come? It’s a strange and cool feeling being able to look back at these little time capsules of where we were in our lives, and for me to see how far we have come as musicians and songwriters. Looking back at the earlier songs, they were cool and are still fun to play live. But the newer stuff is more technical and “harder,” and because of that challenge, it’s fun to play them live.
You guys are celebrating the release with a hometown show in Baltimore! How does playing back home in Baltimore compare to anywhere else on the map? We wouldn’t have it any other way. Baltimore has come a long way since we started out music-wise and has always been eclectic. You’d go to a show, and it would be like putting the promoter’s iPod on shuffle, cause you’d have some indie bands, emo bands, and then punk and hardcore. It was one big bowl of music stew that is still amazing and so cool. I’m glad we have bands and artists like Turnstile, Jivebomb, Dan Deacon, and Animal Collective repping our city!
You’ve noted that this release is “the album we’ve always wanted to create.” What made this the right time for that record to happen? We write songs together that evolve from either a jam or a voice memo. Now we’re finally musically and creatively capable of doing that. When we were younger, we barely knew what we were doing musically and couldn’t communicate what we wanted each other to do when we were jamming. Now it’s like “Hey, try something like this?” And we’ll do the take and make it happen, and even if we don’t use it, we have it, and we did it.
The album’s supporting single, ‘little pieces,’ is about putting yourself back together. Was there a specific turning point or moment that made its way directly into that song? That’s a Brian question. I know for me, it was getting sober. I stopped drinking on September 17th, 2021. And when I quit drinking, I literally didn’t have anything going on except a loving partner and the guys in the band. I really dove back into guitar to keep my mind off alcohol, and I really think that’s what helped put me back together—were the ‘little pieces’ in my life of my partner, my boys, and my guitar.
Your music has always walked the line between vulnerability and intensity. Is there one lyric on The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been that you think hits hardest, or an older line that still hits you the hardest when you sing it? “I had a life and I had friends.” from our song ‘Two Years.’ I scream it to the crowd every time we play it live since we wrote it. It’s such a powerful line. Off the new album, I felt a very heavy emotional weight when I first heard the chorus to ‘August 17th.’ My mom passed during COVID, and I didn’t have a chance to say goodbye in person; and when I first heard those lyrics, I just sat back in my chair and was like, “Holy sh!t” cause I’d never really processed it completely.
You’re heading out this October with Boys Night Out for their Trainwreck anniversary tour! What are you most looking forward to about being back on the road? Getting to hang out with all our fans and friends, seeing one of the greatest rock and roll bands, BNO, play my favorite album every night, and of course, the post-rock food. Seeing who can get the healthiest and least healthy truck stop food.
After six albums and more than a decade together, is there anything from the early days of Have Mercy that’s still part of your DNA as a band—whether it’s a pre-show ritual, a piece of advice, or even a “don’t do this on tour” lesson? Two things that have stayed with us forever are: we’re best friends first before anything. These are my ride-or-die guys. We are always there for each other. The second thing: “Pizza Forever.”
Courtesy of Big Picture Media
Lastly, if The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been were a place in the real world, where would it be, and why? When I first heard the title of the record, I thought of nature. Just being out in the middle of nature alone with nobody around, no cell service. It’s both a very scary and very freeing thing.
What do you think of The Loneliest Place I’ve Ever Been? Will you be catching Have Mercy when they hit the road with Boys Night Out this fall? Let us know your favorite tracks and tour plans in the comments below, or come talk all things Have Mercy with us over on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
We, as many people did, have listened to Hayley Williams’ new album,Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party, on repeat since its release. We can’t even count how many times we kept repeating, basically all of these tracks. This album follows a collection of 17 singles, 16 of which we heard before, and one previously unreleased, ‘Parachute.’ We can go on and on about ‘Parachute,’ but that will have to wait. We love that she put it all in one place so that we can listen to each song back-to-back. We also appreciate the order in which they decided to place the songs.
Tracklist:
‘Ice In My OJ’
‘Glum’
‘Kill Me’
‘Whim’
‘Mirtazapine’
‘Disappearing Man’
‘Love Me Different’
‘Brotherly Hate’
Negative Self Talk’
‘Ego Death At A Bacherloretty Party’
‘Hard’
‘Discovery Channel’
‘True Believer’
‘Zissou’
‘Dream Girl In Shibuya’
‘Blood Bros’
‘I Won’t Quit On You’
‘Parachute’
We have to admit every single track ate with the lyrics. We initially tried making a list and narrowing down which song was our favorite, but we soon realized how difficult it was. Then tried lyrics, but as we said, they were just too good. So, here’s a list of our most replayed parts of the album. Enjoy!
‘Ice In My OJ’
Okay, look, there are a couple of parts in this track that had us hitting replay, like her tribute to an old project she was a part of, Mammoth City Messengers. She took that old part of her past self and reinvented it to be a banger with ‘Ice In My OJ.’ But there was one specific part that stood out, which was the chorus. We just love how almost gritty the “I’m in a Band!” part mixed with the “ah” part sounds. It’s just too good. It was such a great choice to open the album.
“Ah, ah-ah-ah, ah (I’m in a band, I’m in a band) (I’m in a band, I’m in a band)“
‘Parachute’
We obviously had to include ‘Parachute’ since it’s the only song that wasn’t included in the original releases, plus it was our most replayed song on the album. Whatever you may think this track is about, we all agree that the track carries all the emotion and hits us with back-to-back punches. The part that just oozed emotion, as well as our favorite part, is the whole second verse. It really surprised us the first time we heard it, and we haven’t stopped singing it with the same emotion Hayley does ever since.
“You told mе you waited for me, you said that you won Asked me on a plane from Rio, do I ever think of us? And you were at my wedding, I was broken, you were drunk You could’ve told me not to do it, I would’ve run, I would’ve run Tell me what was the moment, you decided to give up You could’ve told me what you wanted, I would’ve done, I would’ve done Anything, I would’ve done anything”
‘Zissou’
For ‘Zissou,’ we honestly love the references from the song, such as the inspiration from the song ‘Life On Mars?’ which is featured in the movie The Aquatic Life, specifically with lyrics like “Vem cá, me dá a sua língua.” It also has a reference to Megan The Stallion with the line “Megan called it “Monster Soup“” referring to Megan The Stallion talking about all the hidden stuff in the ocean. Out of all of that, our most replayed part has to be the second verse.
“Keep telling you the water’s fine Megan called it “Monster Soup” But the monsters are you and I We don’t have anything to lose”
‘True Believer’
‘True Believer’ was an immediate hit when it was first released, and for good reasons. Hayley has always been someone who speaks out, whether in her day-to-day life, during interviews, or in her music. She always helps put more eyes and ears on things. This track references racism in the South, religion, hypocrisy, and historical events that are worth knowing about, as well as songs that discuss the same topics. There is so much to take away from this track, but our most replayed part has to be the pre-chorus, specifically with its references to history and ongoing events.
“The South will not rise again ‘Til it’s paid forevery sin Strange fruit, hard bargain Till the roots, Southern Gotham”
‘Love Me Different’
‘Love Me Different’ is one of those tracks that we wish were longer; we could’ve listened to three more minutes of this track. Hayley’s voice just sounds so good in this, plus the beat was just so good, especially the sampled parts from Phoenix’s track ‘Fior di Latte.’ Go listen to their song and come back to this one, and you’ll hear it. Now, our favorite part comes from the post-chorus, where she starts off strong and almost angry, then ends the part softly. Plus, the “huh” almost sounds like a sigh, and we just love it.
“And I want someone to love me different Huh”
We honestly could go on and on about everything we love about the Ego Death At A Bachorlette Party. We love how the beginning of ‘Mirtazapine’ reminds us of the beginning of Olivia Rodrigo’s ‘ballad of a homeschooled girl,’ or how in ‘Glum,’ Hayley changes her voice until she slows it down with the line “I wonder,” then it’s her actual voice. *Sigh* see! We could go on and on about every track on this album.
But that’s not all, guys, because Hayley Williams has said, and we quote, “we’re not done yet, there’s more,” so please excuse us as we scream. What does Hayley Williams have in store for us? Guess we just have to wait and find out, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled and continue listening to Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party.
What were your favorite lyrics from the album? Let us know in the comments down below or over on Twitter @thehoneypop, and don’t forget to talk to us on Facebook and Instagram!
