The Bias List is a K-pop blog that also covers a fair amount of J-pop. But along with most music fans, I enjoy tracks from all around the world. So, I thought I’d start a monthly round-up of some of the non-K-pop songs that have caught my ear. No ratings — just highlights!

Though I’m not including any Beyoncé songs on this month’s playlist since there’s only been one actual single from Renaissance, you can bet I’ve been playing that album to death. I could’ve included any of its sixteen songs in this round-up.

February 2022 Edition

March 2022 Edition

April 2022 Edition

May 2022 Edition

June 2022 Edition

July 2022 Edition

Billy Idol – Cage

A new single from the 80’s legend himself? This is an unexpected treat, and that trademark sneer sounds just as potent today as it did thirty-five years ago.

Carly Rae Jepsen – Beach House

Based on the two singles so far, I’ve got no idea what to expect from Jepsen’s upcoming album. Beach House is fun piece of pop fluff, as irreverent as it is catchy.

The Killers – Boy

I’d listen to anything produced by Stuart Price — especially when paired with a band as great as The Killers. Boy scores extra points for sounding as if it’s about to segue into Erasure’s A Little Respect during the second verse.

KSI – Not Over Yet (ft. Tom Grennan)

I love the combination of trip hop beats and anthemic melodies on this self-empowerment anthem.

The Rampage – The Power

I didn’t quite gel with this one enough to give it a full review, but The Rampage continue to be one of J-pop’s strongest purveyors of energetic — slightly retro — hip-hop pop.

Rina Sawayama – Hold The Girl

Hold The Girl initially underwhelmed (mostly because I wanted it to sound more like its Like A Prayer-esque chorus), but the song has grown on me in a massive way. The evocative video certainly helps!

Sophie And The Giants – We Own The Night

Straightforward dance pop with a great beat and a catchy chorus. What’s not to love?

Takanori Nishikawa – Bucchigire

Yep, my beloved T.M.Revolution is still releasing music, albeit under his given name. Bucchigire is an intense rock howler, with a music video that drops into some of the singles Nishikawa has released over the past few years (including the excellent Crescent Cutlass).

Tove Lo – 2 Die 4

No One Dies From Love hit me hard a few months ago, but 2 Die 4 might be even better. Built around a sample from Hot Butter’s 1972 song Popcorn, the track takes that addictive loop right to the clubs.

U.S. Girls – So Typically Now

U.S. Girls is actually just one girl, but she gives So Typically Now a slowburn synth groove that grows quite addictive.