#HitsOfTomorrow: A Weekly Rundown Of The ‘Should-Be’ Hits

From David Kushner, 070 Shake to Ali Gatie and Imbanek and more

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September 23, 2023

#HitsOfTomorrow: A Weekly Rundown Of The ‘Should-Be’ Hits

Two exceptional artists give birth to new album eras today. Ironically, one is trying to prove that she is indeed her own self while the other proves that age is literally nothing more than a number.

Doja Cat releases probably her strongest set to date with Scarlet. Featuring the #1 global hit “Paint The Town Red,” the album proves to all the naysayers that Doja Cat is not only here to stay, she’s gonna keep slaying and proving to be the most interesting and eclectic superstar we have today. The singles leading up to the album release already proved her undisputed rap skills but here, beyond just getting our attention – we are getting to see an artist provide layers to their talent, something most other Top 40 artists will do, but in separate eras. We get that served here all in just one album. This LP has elevated Doja Cat to a place where very few hip-hop/rap artists have gone, a mainstream talent with acceptance for all her avatars. Standout tracks are surely “F—k The Girls (FTG)” and “Agora Hills.”

One could argue a similar path has been achieved by Kylie Minogue who releases her 16th album this week with Tension. The fact that she’s well into her fourth decade and still making relevant LPs is simply outstanding. The album is arguably Minogue’s strongest collective set in years and works not just because there is banger after banger but because the honesty/sincerity that we’ve seen the singer project over the years alongside the sensual feels real and not marketed or forced. Kylie always just sounds Kylie regardless the style. I really hope the album continues to give us hits and “Padam Padam” isn’t the only Top 10 single. There are literally at least half a dozen standout tracks and here’s hoping we don’t let age define an era’s longevity. Highlights of the album are the title track, “Hands” and “Hold On To Now.” (must be a single!)

Beyond these two records, there are plenty of new single releases including the likes of blink-182 who return with ONE MORE TIME, Shakira teams up with Fuerza Regida for another likely smash on “El Jefe,” Troye Sivan gives us “Got Me Started,” the next single after “Rush” (cleverly sampling Bag Raider’s ubiquitous hit “Shooting Stars”) while Kane Brown reminds us that “I Can Feel It.”

Of course, there are plenty of other tracks that deserve a little more attention – the SHOULD-BE hits if you will. Here are this week’s #HitsOfTonorrow.

“DEAD MAN” – David Kushner

After the global viral success of “Daylight,” David Kushner proves that his talent to give us cinematic tension in the course of a song is far from isolated to one hit. “Dead Man” continues the journey of the young man who has proven that the “lower octave” can be as successful at Top 40 radio. We’ve seen a sudden rise of singer-songwriters of late thanks to TikTok and I hope this one trend continues because in this market, it’s hard to get less manufactured talent even if they have to go through social media to get their much-warranted fame and acclaim. Another smash!

“BLACK DRESS” – 070 Shake

Similar to Kushner, 070 Shake has seen a meteoric rise this year and after the smash success of “Escapism” earlier this year with RAYE, it’s great to have the artist shining on their own in a single that deserves to be her first solo single to crack the global Top 40. “Black Dress” is a moody, atmospheric and perfect for any fall playlist. It also just happens to be a great single and hopefully will allow the singer to break further free from the indie scene and much more into the mainstream space where her talent will be celebrated on a grander scale. Winner.

“ONE LAST DANCE” – Imanbek, Ali Gatie

Ali Gatie is criminally underrated. With the same gusto that his pop vocals fused seamlessly with soulful production, we get a further extension of that same energy here on the club ready “One Last Dance” by Imanbek. The single is a banger and truly deserves to get all the mainstream attention it deserves. Unlike many dance-pop singles, Gatie’s voice isn’t butchered beyond recognition and that’s what makes the track feel special – it’s just an incredibly melodic slice of pop… and yes, it’s a hit!

“FALLING IN LOVE” – JKING, Dinah Jane

You can’t really go wrong when “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is sampled in a track right? Well, I could give a few examples but thankfully this week, JKING and former Fifth Harmony member Dinah Jane give us an infectious new single “Falling In Love” that perfectly infuses the sample with their combine energies. Jane has struggled commercially after the girl group split up and I think this might possibly be her strongest mainstream Top 40 single to date without it sounding “manufactured” or derivative. I hope Jane continues to help her confidence in her own sound – please go in this direction! A bop!

“LITTLE BLUE” – Jacob Collier, Brandi Carlile

Jacob Collier can basically do no wrong. As he readies his next LP (and some upcoming shows in India!), he releases the first single from Djesse Vol. 4. The single is gorgeous as to be expected and with Brandi Carlile attached, you know you are in for a treat. While neither are necessarily mainstays on mainstream charts, the song here is just so good, you hope programmers don’t sleep on this track that has the chance to be a smash for months to come. There was a small cynical voice in me that was wondering if the track was dropped at the tail-end of the Grammy eligibility period as it is a surefire contender but thankfully, that window ended last week and so the single and the subsequent album will be in contention next year. Brilliant!

Even More Hits!