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

No fools here, this weekend we see some big new releases from the likes of Tyler, The Creator with his CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST: The Estate Sale LP and the record from supergroup boygenius. The week also sees sleeper hit maven Melanie Martinez return with her album PORTALS. It’s only a matter of time before one of the singles from the set becomes a surprise hit. You have to wonder at this point, should it be a surprise? She’s become a steady hitmaker!

We also finally get the feature-length debut LP from Chloe. It’s a little strange to see her single  “Surprise” not make the cut but there are several tracks that likely could catapult the singer into a 2023 Top 40 mainstay. “Cheatback” featuring Future is the highlight for me on the set and here’s hoping programmers take notice. 

While these singles will likely impact the charts and streaming, there are several songs that might fall below the radar (or not be appreciated above the initial hype) and thus, deserve to get a shout-out here as this week’s #HitsOfTomorrow, the should-be hits that deserve our attention!

“FLOWER” – JISOO

So does Blackpink’s JISOO really need any more promotion than she’s probably getting right now for her debut single “Flower” from upcoming album ME? Truthfully, no. But after the initial hype for the single and the killer music video, there is the song, and while it may not reach the heights of the similarly titled smash from Miley Cyrus, the track is a cut above the rest. “Flower” has all the potential to not only impact the charts on initial weekend but it can go the distance and become a breakout hit for the singer who has never sounded more confident and ready to get us going. The mildly Latin-tinged single is stylistically different than the girl-group’s efforts, making space for an interesting solo career ahead for JISOO. We’ve yet to find that Justin Timberlake/Camila Cabello/Harry Styles from the K-Pop world of bands, but something tells me that she could be the one.

“IF YOU WANT SOMEBODY” – Elderbrook

Sophomore slump? Hardly. Elderbrook returns with another set of soulfully-charged electronic jams with his Little Love LP. While the album contains previously released singles like “Talk It Over” (with Vintage Culture) and “Beautiful Morning” (a previous #HOT selection), there are many standout tracks. “If You Want Somebody” is the strongest track on the album and must become a single in the coming days. The single is the perfect blend of Elderbrook’s charming vocals, a melodic house vibe and a ready for social media strand of lyrics that work as well in going viral, as it complements the entire album experience. While the artist continues to captivate audiences across the globe, his presence on playlists and outside of the dance format hasn’t reached the levels they deserve and this single might be the right song to give the world the chance to make him the big Top 40 star he deserves to be.

“TELL MAMA” – ALMA

ALMA is just a few short weeks away from releasing her own sophomore album Time Machine. She gives us another instant pop smash this week with “Tell Mama.” The single fits perfectly into the empowerment zone that has seemingly hit its stride in 2023. The confessional single is yet another glimpse into the real ALMA and we can’t wait for the entire album to ride along with the artist, through the highs and lows. Rhythmically, the song is more midtempo than her previous efforts but we kind of like that ALMA’s has taken it slow here. After all, reflection sometimes gives perspective and with this single, we should be reflecting on the fact that the singer has given us another worthy single and potential hit!

“CANDLE FLAME” – Jungle, Erick the Architect

Another album on the way – albeit with some time remaining – is British producer duo Jungle. “Candle Flame” featuring Erick The Architect is a welcome return and a fantastic introduction to the upcoming VOLCANO LP. The single ups the game from previous efforts by the band, giving us a glimpse into the ups and downs of a relationship but with a level of relatability and nuance that makes for a breakout hit that should make its way onto plenty of spring and summer playlists and in a perfect world, a Top 40 smash to boot!

“FREETOWN” – Kara Marni, Big Zuu

Kara Marni is back and she’s collabing with Big Zuu. While not necessarily the duo you were expecting to come together, it’s always a wonderous surprise when two underrated talents strike gold. The single maintains the chill vibe through and through, highlighting the natural energy the two share on the soulful record. We don’t get such genuinely fun collab singles anymore. Most feel overproduced, overstuffed and there’s no room left for the song or the artists to breathe – here we get room to enjoy the track and 100 percent feel the mood. “Freetown” may not be an instant smash but it’s a grower and I’m sure you’ll be singing along to the incredibly catchy chorus by the end of the first listen and then some!

Even More Hits!

“UNAVAILABLE” – Davido, Musa Keys

“SUBSTITUTION” – Purple Disco Machine, Kungs

“I LOVED A BOY” – Thomas Headon

“IT’S EUPHORIC” – Georgia

Listen To #HITSOFTOMORROW Playlist on Spotify!