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Bop Shop: Songs From Liv.e, Brockhampton, Rebecca Black, And More

The end of one era and the exciting kickoff of others

The search for the ever-elusive "bop" is difficult. Playlists and streaming-service recommendations can only do so much. They often leave a lingering question: Are these songs really good, or are they just new?

Enter Bop Shop, a hand-picked selection of songs from the MTV News team. This weekly collection doesn't discriminate by genre and can include anything — it's a snapshot of what's on our minds and what sounds good. We'll keep it fresh with the latest music, but expect a few oldies (but goodies) every once in a while, too. Get ready: The Bop Shop is now open for business.

Liv.e: “Wild Animals”

The classic sound of “Wild Animals,” a spirited if laidback new cut from Liv.e — the “e” is silent — is tempered with some interesting twists. Subtle samples cut through the jazzy piano-and-drums framework, leaving plenty of canvas for the 24-year-old L.A. artist to paint with her hypnotizing voice. When it ends, it’s like waking from a dream. Live.e’s second album, Girl in the Half Pearl, is out February 10. —Patrick Hosken

Rebecca Black: “Crumbs”

Over a decade ago, Rebecca Black was the subject of memes and cyberbullying, but this hasn’t stopped her from making a music-industry comeback. On new hyperpop single “Crumbs,” you get a cherry, yet chaotic taste of her upcoming debut studio album Let Her Burn, which will drop in early 2023. Accompanied with fitting futuristic visuals, Black metaphorically and physically dives in her body and mind, exploring her vulnerability and kinky sexuality. “Drain me out slowly / I’ll thank you for your time / Drink me unholy / Chain me, chain me for my crimes,” she sings with sultry vocals. Black has relinquished her control by embracing submission. —Athena Serrano

Brockhampton: “Goodbye”

If you’ve followed Brockhampton from the jump, or from when they jump-started to stardom, you know how much their final albums mean. Yes, you heard right, albums. In addition to the long-awaited album The Family that dropped yesterday, today they released another surprise album, TM! They really love closure, but they love their fans more. The Family launches Kevin Abstract as their lead, making the perfect segue into his solo career. He offers personal anecdotes and hard truths within the lyrics, each song embodying a stage of grief since going through their band’s breakup. TM feels more like the final full Brockhampton album as it features more verses from the other members. It’s also got that same hype and finesse their audience has adored from the get-go. This bombshell double album drop bestowed to us as a fond farewell is unheard of, but I’ve never put it past the boys to break boundaries. —Gwyn Cutler

Tanukichan: “Don’t Give Up”

Hannah van Loon, the architect of Tanukichan’s sound, says she looked to pop-rock radio for inspiration on her forthcoming LP, Gizmo, out March 3. You can hear it immediately on “Don’t Give Up,” a fuzzy and dreamy single that marries the swooning forlornness of The Cranberries with late-’90s drum loops. It’s dark enough to be menacing, but van Loon’s soft vocals provide enough lightness for the tune to grow wings and soar. —Patrick Hosken

Sault: “Valley of the Ocean”

Fans of funky collective Sault have had a field day as they have dropped not one, not two, but five albums in one day, each with its own distinctive genre! What did we do to deserve such divine generosity? We can’t question this already mysterious group — they don’t even explicitly reveal who’s featured on their tracks, though big names have been unmasked so far. Like previous releases, these have empowering messages coupled with an enigmatic, energetic sound that incites who it invites. “Fight For Love” is the recent rising hit that I believe will get the most kudos, but the hidden gem is “Valley of the Ocean.” —Gwyn Cutler

Heart to Gold: “Respect”

Acoustic punk alert! If singer Grant Whiteoak, who leads Midwestern outfit Heart to Gold, simply had a different vocal register, perhaps the group wouldn’t sound so much like The Replacements — pop-minded with a ragged edge. But they’re from the Twin Cities, so it was probably their destiny. On “Respect,” his profane lines are still charming, and his throaty delivery underscores every moment. —Patrick Hosken

Jafaris: “Sirens”

Born in Ireland with roots from Zimbabwe, Jafaris is back in the global spotlight for his scintillating single “Sirens.” This looping waltz of plucked strings over gentle verses will make you want to vanish in the swirling snow with a runaway lover. His video was filmed in the icy sectors of Europe in March 2020 right before the COVID lockdowns — giving a chilling context to its already isolated and distant visuals. "Cause if I hear the sirens I step on the gas just to run away,” he sings, “will you run with me?" —Gwyn Cutler

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