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

Beyond Taylor Swift's 'Speak Now,' we look at potential hits by Tomorrow x Together and Jonas Brothers, Jax Jones and Fireboy DML, Russ Millions, Priya Ragu and more

Published by

Amit Vaidya

July 8, 2023

Yet another “Taylor’s Version” is out – this time it’s her 2010 album Speak Now. The album marked a transformative time in Swift’s career as she edged her way towards pop but country love was still her bread and butter. The album will be swept up just like the previous re-recordings. Between her current album Midnights still generating hits, “Cruel Summer” from Lover becoming a viral summer smash and now this –Taylor Swift is truly giving us “Eras” in real! I’ve stopped asking the question of oversaturation – clearly, Swifties just don’t mind!

Beyond Swift, there are some other big releases including Sunburn from Dominik Fike, the feature-length set that has several single-worthy tracks on the album including “Think Fast” featuring Weezer! Rauw Alejandro also releases the much-anticipated Playa Saturno LP which proves yet again the amazing talent he is. The album is eclectic, contemporary and experimental all at the same time.

While all albums are likely to impact the charts, here we like to focus on the singles that deserve our little extra nudge – the SHOULD-BE hits of the week. Here are this week’s #HitsOfTomorrow.

“Do It Like That” – TOMORROW X TOGETHER, Jonas Brothers

Okay, this collab seemingly came out of nowhere! But then again, aren’t the best collabs the ones you never expected? K-pop heavyweights TOMORROW X TOGETHER link up with the always reliable Jonas Brothers for the Ryan Tedder-produced “Do It Like That.” This is an instant smash and much more than the many K-pop collabs that have come out recently, this one really nails it, staying true to both bands’ styles and personalities. TXT have been expanding their reach globally and this single is likely to catapult them to dare I say, BTS levels, at least when it comes to radio hits! Programmers may hesitate because TXT are still deemed too K-pop (even though they’ve even got a Billboard 200 #1 under their belt). They’d be wrong to ignore this track. WINNER!

(Sidenote – it was a close call between this single and “Barbie Dreams” by FIFTY FIFTY with Kaliii, another great K-pop collab that uses the melody of “Together Again” by Janet Jackson to nostalgic perfection!)

“Me And My Guitar” – Jax Jones, Fireboy DML

Speaking of strange collabs, I also would not have expected Jax Jones and Fireboy DML to be put together, but their effort pays off in spades. The inspirational track feels more personal and that is warranted as Jones has been writing songs with his classical guitar for decades. That story comes across openly and honestly in Fireboy’s hands, as his voice perfectly narrates this love. It’s interesting that some of the best tracks as of late are between DJs and producers and singer-songwriters. Maybe as music becomes more global in its universality and reach, we understand that just one voice sometimes isn’t enough, or maybe with culture and times now, we actually are spending more time talking about the composers/producers because they are getting actual topline billing on songs. Perfect for the summer.

“Easy” – Priya Ragu

Priya Ragu’s first single of 2023 “Easy” is a joy. She gives us a killer new track with a UK garage beat that as easily could have fit on the radio in the early 2000s as it does today, thanks to the production (incidentally handled by her brother Japhna Gold) that feels more of an homage rather than a rehash. Ragu’s greatest strength is her ability to morph vocally and add the needed soulfulness to make the song feel emotionally close. The single has the blueprint needed to be a U.K. smash for sure but I’d argue the lyrical strength of the track and Ragu’s vocals combine for a global hit that programmers should take note and give the single the chance to climb into the Top 40!

“One Man” – Russ Millions

Let’s get this straight people. Drill is here to stay and one of its latest hitmakers Russ Millions is surely proving to be a force. “One Man” is an excellent step for the artist towards global drill dominance! The instrumental alone will get folks moving but Millions knows what folks want and this should easily become a smash much like “Sprinter” has for Dave & Central Cee.

“Do You Want Me” – Hayden James, Bob Moses

It’s been a winning week for collaborations and yet another example is Hayden James and Bob Moses coming together for “Do You Want Me.” This isn’t the first time the two have had their names attached to a song. My 2018 #1 song of the year was Bob Moses’ “Back Down” and my favorite remix for the single was done by none other than Hayden James. So to now have both acts actually work together on the single is just divine. The ethereal, euphoric energy that both already exude just reaches even greater heights with the track and while both are traditional “dance” artists – this single is just too good to be relegated to genre playlists and radio stations. This is Top 40 material, hands down.

Even More Hits!