#HitsOfTomorrow: A Weekly Rundown Of The ‘Should-Be’ Hits ft Bjork and Rosalia, The Maine, Matoma and More

This week also brings new music from Ella Eyre and Tiggs Da Author, Alcemist with Local, Humble the Giant and others

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November 25, 2023

So the last month of the year is quickly approaching and that means this is the second to last column of the year for our Hits Of Tomorrow. It’s been quite the year and I’ve already begun tabulating for this year’s Top 100 of 2023. Stay tuned for that!

While last week had a fresh batch of big new releases, this week is a little low on star wattage but that doesn’t mean we are short of big new singles. In fact, the biggest singles actually might go slightly under the radars this week mainly because many radio stations and streaming playlists are quickly switching formats to all holiday music.

Having said that, keep in mind if tracks release after December 1st, 2023 – they will not be eligible for my year-end chart and similarly, songs that were released after December 2022 are (so that’s a big relief for SZA fans at the end of this year, hint hint). Now let’s get things started with the SHOULD-BE hits. Here are this week’s #HitsOfTomorrow.

“Oral” – Bjork, ROSALIA

Probably two names we’d never thought we’d see together and of all the people in the world to have Bjork get us to hear ROSALIA perform in English – this is too good to be true. It helps that “Oral” happens to be one of Bjork’s most instantly catchy “pop” songs. Yes, the Icelandic icon gives us a wonderful new record, with a purpose (all proceeds go towards funding the people of Fjord Seyðisfjörður who are protesting the foreign salmon fishing) AND the two stars manage to give us an incredible music video (yes, the music video can still be relevant!). While I really don’t know which genre or station will be brave enough to play it, I’m aiming for Top 40 and gonna say it’s so weird and unique that in many ways, it’s the only place it fits. This isn’t alternative, this is genius.

“thoughts i have while lying in bed” – The Maine, Beach Weather

I don’t really often feature new versions of songs when other artists jump on but “thoughts i have while lying in bed” deserves a special mention because Beach Weather add a special ingredient to the new edition that elevates an already good song by The Maine into a very much more commercial venture. I’m so not against two acts working side by side to mutually help one another and gain new fans. This is perfect synergy and here’s hoping their work together helps the song crack the Top 40 and become a global hit for both deserving bands.

“Head In The Ground” – Ella Eyre, Tiggs Da Author

Ella Eyre is one of those familiar voices that is so distinct and then you start playing back in your mind the number of big hits she’s given over the years and yet you wonder, why the fuck is she not a bigger name? “Head In The Ground” is catchy from the get-go and the single aided by Tiggs Da Author is yet another bop that has made the artist such a mainstay on the U.K. charts. That success hasn’t necessarily translated well to other parts of the world, so I’m gonna keep shining a light on Eyre because she deserves it and because is a summer smash that can keep us warm this winter.

“Break My Own Heart” – Matoma, HARLEE

One of the few DJs that have lasted a decade plus and you often can’t instantly recognize their sound, and that’s a good thing. I appreciate Matoma’s sonic evolution and here with HARLEE, “Break My Own Heart” serves as a club-ready hit but with a melodic sense that often is lacking from the genre. HARLEE isn’t a household name yet but here’s hoping with Matoma’s ace production, the track manages to break free from the genre confines and becomes a bonafide Top 40 hit. It will break my own heart if this doesn’t hit!

“Double Rum” – Alcemist, Local

So I have to admit I’m happy at the quasi-DnB revival that’s been going on. Mainstreaming drum and bass in 2023 again has definitely been a major highlight for me sonically and I love that so many acts are getting in on the fun. Here we have DnB Allstars Alcemist and Local coming together for the very fun, very retro yet very current “Double Rum.” Catchy AF, there is no reason why the track won’t be making its way onto many a playlist far into next year. Just try not to move to this!

Even More Hits!