Big hooks lead us into the last half of February. And when stacked up with open-hearted lyrics and plenty of punch, these bops define this week’s pop rock picks. From arena-sized choruses to emotionally charged storytelling, these releases lean into clarity and confidence. Let’s get stuck in ❤️🔥
Exzenya – That’s the Story of My Life
Exzenya delivers a bold, anthemic pop rock statement that reframes vulnerability as strength and self-possession
That’s the Story of My Life, builds on driving instrumentation and a soaring chorus that lands with purpose. Layered, Kate Bush-like vocals, unique phrasing and punchy guitars give the track lift, balancing emotional weight with radio-ready clarity.
Exzenya, an emerging US indie artist, uses this single as a defining moment within her 12-song concept album. Leaning into themes of resilience, reinvention and hard-earned growth, she transforms a familiar phrase into a declaration of ownership and evolution. Definitely one to check out this week.
Kent Olsson – Just Tonight
Kent Olsson crafts a hook-first pop rock cut that pairs raspy vocals with a standout, big-chorus energy
Just Tonight, is built around gritty lead vocals, a punchy rhythm section and a chorus designed to stick. A stunning pre-chorus gives it extra lift, capturing that restless, after-dark atmosphere.
Kent Olsson, a Swedish songwriter and producer based in Västerås, brings decades of experience into this international collaboration. The track reflects his knack for blending pop clarity with rock edge, creating music that feels both polished and emotionally direct. A genuine pop rock banger.
Hana Piranha – Valentine
Hana Piranha pushes theatrical pop rock into wonderfully bold territory with a fiercely individual, emotionally exposed new single
Valentine, leans into dramatic dynamics, textured instrumentation and a vocal performance that feels both intimate and confrontational. There is a tension running through the arrangement that keeps it gripping, and by the time the first chorus hits I’m definitely sold.
Hana Piranha, born in Wellington and now based in England, draws on a life shaped by classical training and boundary-pushing creativity. This release continues her tradition of diaristic songwriting, blurring art and life in a way that feels unapologetically personal. Check this out, it’s essential listening this week.
Eileen Carey – This Is Where
Eileen Carey delivers an uplifting pop rock statement driven by warm melodies and heart-filled storytelling
This Is Where, balances steady drums, shimmering guitars and a chorus that opens up with optimism. Its reflective tone is matched by an accessible, radio-ready sheen.
Eileen Carey, an award-winning singer-songwriter based in Altadena, California, brings her West Coast pop-country sensibility into a broader pop rock frame here. The single reinforces her reputation for emotionally honest songwriting with a positive, forward-looking edge. It’s a great song, perfect for Sunday driving. I’ll be returning to this one this year.
TRACE CO. – Burn The Ships
TRACE CO. ignite high-energy pop rock with faith-driven conviction and a chorus built for arenas filled with collective voices
Burn The Ships, charges ahead on driving guitars, energetic drums and a hook that lands with urgency. The arrangement keeps the momentum high from first verse to final chorus. It’s got a wonderful sheen to it, with a melody that really, really works.
TRACE CO, a touring worship band rooted in strong belief and community, channel their message into anthemic songwriting. This single captures their mission to pair spiritually grounded lyrics with dynamic, crowd-ready energy. It’s a big, big tune and we look forward to hearing more.
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