POP

Funny Little Fears
By Damiano David

Damiano David, former Eurovision winner and charismatic frontman of Måneskin, recently released his solo debut album, Funny Little Fears and it’s a refreshing take on mainstream pop, a drastic shift from the singer’s rockstar roots.

Voices opens the album with emphasis on a new start and the inner conflict he battles within, leading into Next Summer, a memorable ballad that showcases Damiano’s impressive vocal range. Dove Cameron’s surprise feature on Zombie Lady amplifies the haunting romance depicted in the track, as the pair harmonise in the last chorus.

The album takes on a sombre note in Sick of Myself, where the singer discusses feelings of unworthiness. This theme carries through similarly in Born With a Broken Heart, although it translates differently as the artist sings about being unfixable and wanting someone to love him despite it.

The First Time is an upbeat tune that will have your foot tapping steadily along to the beat as Damiano builds suspense to a catchy chorus before the album moves on to Perfect Life. The 12th track is a slow acoustic ballad that tugs on the listener’s heartstrings from beginning to end. The album closes with Silverlines and Solitude (No One Understands), two melancholy tracks. The latter builds to a crescendo before petering off into a calm instrumental ending. Overall, the album makes for an intriguing listen as it is vastly different from the singer’s previous sound. While each track feels similar to the next, the themes, tone and rhythm draw listeners in with his soulful voice and lyrics.

POP, UK R&B, UK RAP

Fancy That
By PinkPantheress

Fancy That is PinkPantheress’ second nine-track mixtape following her earlier 2021 release. The singer first hinted at the project in March 2025 when her official website changed its theme.

The first two tracks, Illegal and Girl Like Me, are catchy dance numbers with a hard-hitting beat that reminds listeners of an exciting night out. Tonight, the lead single, introduces a synth that follows the singer’s vocals. The production is both sensual and upbeat, framing the lyrics in a euphoric light. Stars is catchy and upbeat, with some of the chorus being sampled from Just Jack’s Starz in Their Eyes. Rather than sampling melody though, PinkPantheress shares similar lyrics to Just Jack’s 2007 debut.

After the 24 second Intermission, Noises starts off with the singer rapping over a steady beat, though the speed and tempo slows as the character she plays hears strange sounds and delves into a fearful paranoia. Nice to know you is a relaxing pop number with a rap break in the middle, making the song all the more memorable.

The last two tracks, Stateside and Romeo, take on a hopeful, romantic tone as the singer talks about finding her Romeo, alluding to Shakespeare’s famous play Romeo and Juliet. The album makes for a fun listening experience, verging on playful as the singer has quirky lyrics sprinkled in throughout.