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.
The second track on Kehlanis excellent It Was Good Until It Wasnt breezes by, colored with explicit details that revel in her own playfulness. Know you fuckin’ with a demon, she sings in an addictive melody, adding, Do ’bout anything to please ya. By the time Tory Lanez likens himself to a great white shark on the prowl, the songs almost over but no closer to winding down the pleasure. The song is as infinitely repeatable as the act it celebrates. Patrick Hosken
For its 10th anniversary, Utah pop-rock group Neon Trees recorded an acoustic rendition of their breakout debut single Animal. While the original mix featured loud guitars, explosive drums, and a pounding chorus, the group takes a softer approach with its anniversary touch-up. What was once a primal plea for more from a threatening romance now feels like a reflection on a doomed, yet enjoyable, cycle of love. Featuring a pulsing bassline, finger snaps, and a touch of lead vocalist Tyler Glenns gripping, flamboyant flair, its just as much of a bop the second time around. Carson Mlnarik
Jinkies, this is a jam! Meddling kids Lennon Stella and Charlie Puth are serving Scooby Snacks in the form of this addictive new track off the Scoob! movie album, inspired by the new animated film hitting VOD today (May 15). The collaboration will make you wish your Mystery Machine was a convertible because it is begging to blasted as you cruise down the highway with the wind whipping your hair. Who knew a shimmery summer bop would be the perfect soundtrack to your next ghost-hunting adventure? Zoinks, indeed! Chris Rudolph
Fletcher might be Bitter, but her latest track sounds like sweet, sweet revenge. Its the latest in a string of catchy breakup bops from the 26-year-old dance-pop singer, whose honeyed vocals lend a saccharine touch to a tale of queer love turned sour (Yeah, I know you think about me when you kiss her / I left a taste in your mouth / Can she taste me now?). Does the single sound familiar? Your ears dont deceive you: Bitter premiered in a January 2020 episode of Showtimes The L Word: Generation Q, but Fletcher officially released the song with a sensual new music video this week. No matter. Were eating it up either way. Sam Manzella
Theres an entire galaxy within the jazzy groove Jacob Collier creates here, peppered with falsetto hooks and popping bass licks. Mahalias smoky voice fills the spots between the twinkling stars, and Tys trademark silken croon makes the entire experience glow. What a trip. Patrick Hosken
With formidable flow and a confident stage presence, South Korean girl group (G)I-DLE are making waves internationally, and their newest release is a symbol of that progress: Following their initial foray into the United States market with the release of the album I Trust earlier this year, the crew has remastered their bold, debut single, “LATATA,” with English lyrics. With leader Soyeun showing off her linguistic versatility with her coy delivery of the second verse, the track is both a throwback to (G)I-DLE’s beginnings and an exciting look at their career to come. Coco Romack
