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Bop Shop: Songs From Boygenius, Donna Missal, Jisoo, And More

You say you want a revolution

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.

Boygenius: “Revolution 0”

There’s just something about Phoebe Bridgers softly singing threats of violence. In 2020, she obliquely menaced a skinhead neighbor; on this great album cut from Boygenius’ long-awaited debut album The Record — finally out today — the force is retaliation for a broken nose. “Figure out where they live / So I can kick their teeth in,” she sighs. The song sparkles with similar lyrical gems (“I don’t wanna die / That’s a lie,” “You wanted a song / So it’s gonna be a short one”), and when Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus arrive to add a bit of muscle to Bridgers’ gentle delivery, it’s like looking into a case of diamonds as the sun bounces off the glass. You know, the usual Boygenius situation. (Bonus: The string section! Give these three major-label money again. And next time, double it.) —Patrick Hosken

Donna Missal: “Flicker”

For her “Flicker” music video, New Jersey singer Donna Missal gets down and dirty in a dilapidated warehouse, dancing away her troubles and attempting to connect with what appears to be her transparent twin. It’s obvious Missal is reflecting on the impulsive parts of herself that ignite a recurring flicker of ferocity. The intensity of the choreography, compelling considering she had no prior dance experience, manifests the song’s themes of spontaneity and escapism. This upbeat track is best played on the dance floor when you want to transform into that untamed version of yourself. —Gwyn Cutler

Jisoo: “Flower”

As the fourth and final member of Blackpink to go solo, lead vocalist Jisoo does not disappoint with “Flower,” a soft, sophisticated mid-tempo song that shows her undying elegance and personal style, both sonically and visually. The lead track off her debut Me (out today), “Flower” layers unique and unexpected production elements, with the K-pop star’s distinctively airy vocals crooning about lost love and new beginnings through botanical and natural references. “I fly away like a white petal / It’s all on you that you didn’t hold on,” she sings. “Drawn by a gentle wind / Spring comes but we say bye, bye, bye.” It’s accompanied by a subtle, striking music video told over multiple chapters, each of which encompasses its own distinct mise en scène.Though fans are left with “nothing but the scent of a flower” after nearly three minutes, one can only hope that Jisoo continues to show the world that she is not a just a budding soloist, but one in full bloom. —Sarina Bhutani

Jalen Ngonda: “If You Don’t Want My Love”

Jalen Ngonda has mastered the ‘70s soul sound with a modernized production — no wonder he opens for Thee Sacred Souls. Instant nostalgia is ingrained: With each excited ad-lib and vocal undulation from this powerhouse, he preserves and perhaps even surpasses the passion sung by beloved soul artists of the past. This magnificent man grew up on Motown, and it shows in both his music and his sleek fashion sense. —Gwyn Cutler

Alé Araya ft. Joseph Chilliams: “Midnight Gospel”

Creatures of the night will unite once they hear this sultry, dance-‘til-dawn bop. Bound to peak your intrigue is Alé Araya, who tantalizes with wisps of enticing words. Her voice meshes mysteriously well with rapper Joseph Chilliams’ rasp, giving their collaboration equilibrium. The music video is mesmerizing, catching both the light and your eye with each seductive movement. The flickered frames of the artists’ animated avatars are the most interesting touch, and the song itself will get you to sway your hips with ease before even asking your permission. —Gwyn Cutler

Band Nah: “Shine”

On this sprightly gem from Korean indie group Band Nah, a synth squiggle acts as a second hook to leader Nah Sang-hyun’s comforting lyrics. The mix is loud, the sound is lush, and the joy is real. As leader Nah told MTV News recently, “I hope that this moment will also seem brighter when we look back on it years from now.” —Patrick Hosken

Ashleyyy: “Eazy Breezy”

In need of getting-ready-for-the-night hype track? Singer-dancer Ashleyyy delivers on her bad bitch anthem “Eazy Breezy.” It embodies the sensual essence of the mid-2000s club scene while still being entirely contemporary. Watch as Ashleyyy throws it back with her dancers and makes it look easy, breezy, and beautiful. When she pulls an Issa Rae, assessing herself in the mirror with a quirky confidence as she sings a cappella, it’s evident that this R&B queen is as relatable as she is remarkable. —Gwyn Cutler

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