WHAT’S HOT AROUND THE WORLD THIS WEEK
- Eeshaan Singh-Basu
- Nov 14, 2024
- 2 min read
Hidden Gems Topping the Charts
Dominating the global charts this week is a collaboration between two chart-topping artists: APT by Rosé featuring Bruno Mars. With its infectious rhythm and catchy vibe, the track has also taken TikTok by storm.
If Rosé is new to you, you may recognise her as one of the powerhouse vocalists of the sensational Korean girl group, Blackpink. APT (short for ‘apartment’)—echoed in the song as the Korean apeteau—refers to a popular drinking game in South Korea, often enjoyed in friendly home settings, perfectly capturing the fun and affectionate energy of the song.
Rosé shares the global limelight with Blackpink bandmate Jennie and compatriots Aespa this week.
Jennie brings a razor-sharp, catwalk-confidence anthem with Mantra, which has also found a popular home on TikTok, especially among fashion enthusiasts.
Aespa, a Korean hyperpop group, keeps the ‘brat summer’ musical phenomenon alive with Whiplash, a hit featuring booming bass, overprocessed vocals, and punchy synths.
Across the globe, we find Tu Boda by Oscar Maydon and Fuerza Regida. This track offers an alternative take on the traditional Mexican corrido, rooted in lyrical storytelling with a touch of heartbreak. Though a hit primarily with Hispanic listeners, it’s a highly recommended listen for its folksy, danceable appeal.
Also noteworthy is the global success of two women writing love songs about women, drawing hundreds of millions of listeners. Gigi Perez and Chapell Roan bring vastly different approaches to lesbian love songs, with acoustic ballads and pop hits, respectively.
Household names like Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga (who also collaborated with Bruno Mars) hold steady in the charts, alongside Sabrina Carpenter with her smash hit Espresso and Please Please Please.
California-based rapper Tyler, the Creator claims several spots on the global top 20 with his new album, Chromakopia. True to form, Tyler’s work remains genre-bending, dense, and vivid—a testament to his artistry that, while an acquired taste for some, marks another of his triumphs.
Overall, we’re seeing traditional genres like pop and rock challenged by listeners with a growing taste for bolder, more innovative sounds. This trend promises great things for both creativity and sales alike.