The world of pop never stands still and there’s always a new song waiting to be listened to. Here’s a new singles listing that’s both giving off urgency vibes to get us moving as well as some relaxing ones reminding us to take time and smell the proverbial roses.

One of 2023’s biggest bands, Dilaw returns with their new single in “Nilalang.” The Baguio and Benguet based group puts the emphasis on catchy melodies on their latest that starts off with some playful rhythms. While Dilaw has established itself as an alt-rock leaning band, the band—Dilaw Obero, Vie Dela Rosa, Leon Altomonte, Wayne Dela Rosa, En Altomonte and Tobi Samson—aren’t averse to playing pop. And this one definitely is as pop as it gets for Dilaw who lays down this bouncy bop which is practically an ode to this particular “Nilalang.” While the chorus lyrics are standard stuff whose premise goes ‘Sadyang maganda kang talaga sa lahat,’ it’s the kicker line ‘Nirekta mo ko sa puso ang lala’ that does the most damage in getting their all-feels message across.

Over October has been around since 2014 and was pegged by many as en route to be one of the biggest in the band scene. Josh Buizon, Josh Lua, Janessa Geronimo, Anton Rodriguez and Joric Canlas have been around enough to be considered as one of the alt-pop and rock’s brightest and can be mentioned alongside contemporaries like the Ransom Collective and Ben & Ben. A feat without the benefit of a mainstream hit! But Over October nonetheless has been churning out great music ever since. Their latest single “Kaakit-akit” is a modern alt-pop sounding number that plays to band’s strengths: strong melodic themes, framed on a tight arrangement punctuated by sparkling guitars, synth-pop instrumentation and a falsetto by Josh Buizon that cuts through it all. “Kaakit-akit” follows the similarly solid “Ikot” single the band released just earlier this year. As per their usual, Over October seems on the precipice of breaking out and it’s because of songs like these.  

Solo singer and songwriter Syd Harta covers the APO Hiking Society classic “Panalangin.” Syd Harta’s sweet sounding, dulcet tones are a vibe unto itself and just adds to the relaxed acoustic rendering of this OPM gem. When the band kicks in, the song becomes a lilting ballad that Syd aces and won’t be amiss playing on a ‘Enchantment Under The Sea’ type of prom. Just in case you’re wondering, that’s a ‘Back To The Future’ reference.

After her favorably received debut single, Atasha Muhlach returns with the equally compelling “Love Story Kong Bitin.” Playful with its theme (‘ituloy nyo na ang love story nyo / para maka move on na rin ako’) with its bouncy melodies and head bobbing beats, “Love Story Kong Bitin” is the kind of light, head-candy, pop song we need right now.  

Making his debut is singer Sean Lacuna with a lovely sounding, R&B-flavored ballad in “Magaan.” Sung with lilting falsettos and a fitting midtempo groove, and an  electric piano that outlines a vibing chord progression, Sean Lacuna stylishly shows how a proper heartbreak song for an ex is done.

And finally, how hot is Bini? Apparently, smoking as their latest single “Cherry On Top” shows. Released just a little over a week ago, the clubby dance track already has over 6 million streams to its credit. Nothing cutting edge about the song as it's fairly a straightforward dance pop track but that’s not the point. Bini just can’t miss at this stage and we might as well enjoy them while at it.

Listen to these tracks on the Pinoy Pop Playlist 2024 at https://spoti.fi/4bSkd2D