TikTok has undeniably transformed the music landscape, with viral sounds often becoming as iconic as the songs themselves. Yet, as trends shift and the algorithm evolves, it’s easy to get stuck in a cycle of overused tracks. For listeners seeking something fresh, we ventured into the depths of lesser-known music, exploring crate-digging and new soundscapes that offer exciting alternatives to popular TikTok staples. Here’s a few new songs you can listen to!
- “Apple” – Charli XCX
Replacement: “Ponyboy” by SOPHIE
Charli XCX’s new album, Brat, has populated TikTok, and you will either be hearing the very high-energy beats of Apple or the bubbly lyrics of 360 recycling through your for you page. With the Apple dance being on everyone’s for you page, it is no surprise that it has popularized Charli XCX’s album, Brat,” greatly. Personally, I loved the hyperpop aspect of her album, but when I heard it a gazillion times, I couldn’t help but grow tired of hearing the “bratty” lyrics. So, I went on a deep dive into a song that replicates Apple’s bubbly beats and carefree lyrics and stumbled across “Ponyboy” by SOPHIE. Apple’s vibe of living life on the edge is not replicated here, but it takes more of a futuresque lyricism style. But, the music production style is similar and is exactly what I was searching for.
- “Good Graces” – Sabrina Carpenter
Replacement: “No Words” by Erik Hassle
“Good Graces” by Sabrina Carpenter came from her brand new album, “Short and Sweet.” She writes with a catchy and upbeat vibe but focuses on empowering oneself after a relationship. There is a combination of pop sounds with just a tiny bit of indie sprinkled into it, and the strong vocals and lively rhythm make it quite memorable. No Words by Erik Hassle encapsulates the same message as “Good Graces,” but in a more soulful way. Good Graces has a very playful undertone to it, while No Words has a poetic undertone, but their production is quite similar. There is a blend of pop and vulnerable indie sounds. It talks about communication and emotional complexity, which is a message that Sabrina Carpenter explores.
- “Die For Me” – Chase Atlantic
Replacement: “D.U.I” by Daniel Di Angelo
As an avid reader, BookTok videos generously grace my feed, and recently, Chase Atlantic’s new single has been used over and over. Personally, I am very biased toward this band as it is one of the top most listened to bands on my Spotify, and I am always looking for new music just like this. Daniel Di Angelo came across my recommendation on Spotify and has become an absolute staple of my music listening. The production of “D.U.I” by Daniel Di Angelo is quite similar to “Die For Me.” The intense blend of guitar usage, tenor saxophone, and music programming in “Die For Me” is also used in “D.U.I” and the rest of Di Angelo’s music. He has a biker vibe to his music, similar to Chase Atlantic.
- “Juna” – Clairo
Replacement: “The Man” by Gigi Perez
The “you know me, you know me” trend that has littered TikTok with its cute revelations of things that are important to users is very popular. Clairo wrote that this song has a very dreamy, atmospheric production with introspective lyrics. Her style is very mellow and has lo-fi beats and electro and indie-pop influences. A song that I found which had the ethereal vibe to it was “The Man” by Gigi Perez. Recently, Perez’s song “Sailor Song” went viral and I explored more into Perez and loved “The Man.” It had the same ethereal vibe.
- “No Chill” – PartyNextDoor
Replacement: “3AM in Oakland” by Karri
“No Chill” by PartyNextDoor is, no doubt, one of the most popular songs at our school. PartyNextDoor is one of the most listened to artists amongst us, and we all love the production and throw of the lyrics. The smooth, moody production and catchy melodies which blend R&B with electro elements can be found at “3AM in Oakland” by Karri. It has a laid-back vibe and is similar to PartyNextDoor’s vocal style, which increases the appeal.
- “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” – Mick Jenkins
Replacement: “One of Them Girls” by Lee Brice
The song from Twisters has tornadoes through our for you pages (please get the pun), and it has been very laid-back and has key jazz productions. It is very smooth and has very reflective lyrics, and features a mellow, atmospheric sound that has hints of hip-hop as well. If you want to venture into that exact niche of country, a song I found is “One of Them Girls” by Lee Brice. They both have similar country productions, and I love how identical it is to “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma.” The song is definitely something you would feel like putting on at high volume driving through a ranch.
