
Formed in 2018, Black Pumas is an American band based in Austin, Texas, fronted by singer/songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist/producer Adrian Quesada. Their music has been described as psychedelic soul, R&B and neo-soul, with strong blues and funk influences, and their distinctive sound alternates between a visceral rawness and smooth soulfulness, and everything in between. They’ve already earned six Grammy nominations over a three-year period for Best New Artist, Record of the Year, American Roots Performance, Album of the Year, Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Album. Their beautiful soulful single “More Than a Love Song”, from their second album Chronicles of a Diamond, takes over the top spot on my Weekly Top 30, after spending four weeks at #3. The song, which has an arresting gospel quality, recently spent six non-consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Adult Alternative Airplay chart.
“Now and Then” by the Beatles (which has dropped completely off the Billboard Hot 100 after just two weeks, but is #2 on the AAA chart) and “Atomic City” by U2 enter my top 10. Two high-energy songs make their debut this week: “Blame Brett” by Toronto, Canada-based all-female indie rock band The Beaches, at #29, and “Pretty Vicious” by British glam rock band The Struts, at #30.
- MORE THAN A LOVE SONG – Black Pumas (3)
- HONEY (ARE U COMING?) – Måneskin (1)
- ONE MORE TIME – blink-182 (2)
- DARLING – Western Jaguar (5)
- THE AMERICAN DREAM IS KILLING ME – Green Day (8)
- MY KINDA GIRL – The 23s (6)
- THE DEATH OF PEACE OF MIND – Bad Omens (7)
- UNDER YOU – Foo Fighters (4)
- NOW AND THEN – The Beatles (11)
- ATOMIC CITY – U2 (13)
- THE SHAMEFUL – Amongst Liars (14)
- ANGRY – The Rolling Stones (15)
- YOUR SIDE OF TOWN – The Killers (16)
- ATTRACTION – Wild Horse (18)
- EVICTED – Wilco (10)
- RUN AWAY WITH ME – Cold War Kids (17)
- SUMMER OF LUV – Portugal. The Man ft. Unknown Mortal Orchestra (9)
- GOOD OLD DAYS – The Revivalists (19)
- MY LOVE MINE ALL MINE – Mitski (20)
- LOVING YOU – Cannons (12)
- WILD – Brian Lambert, Harmoni Kelley & Marc Schuster (22)
- ALL I DIE FOR – SWiiMS (23)
- COOL ABOUT IT – boygenius (24)
- WHITE HORSE – Chris Stapleton (26)
- MODERN GIRL – Bleachers (27)
- WHAT NOW – Brittany Howard (28)
- HOW DID YOU GET HERE? – Antony Szmierek (29)
- HOUDINI – Dua Lipa (30)
- BLAME BRETT – The Beaches (N)
- PRETTY VICIOUS – The Struts (N)
Great list as usual! The new U2 track has a great sound — the hook reminds me a little bit of “Call Me” by Blondie!
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Thanks Marc. Yes, I heard that similarity the first time I listened to “Atomic City”.
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Most assuredly I never would have listened to the Black Pumas if not for you providing that clip. I can say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Us old guys, maybe there’s still hope!
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Happy to enlighten and introduce you to some great new music Randy!
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As you always do!
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Black Pumas have a cool sound. There’s something haunting about their songs. Off their current album, I previously featured “Angel”, which really gives me chills.
I also like your new entries. The Struts immediately sounded familiar and no wonder – in August 2020, I included one of the tracks from their then-new album “Strange Day” in my weekly music review.
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Black Pumas are great.
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I’m going to check them out.
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If you’re referring to Black Pumas, I think you’ll like them Bernadette.
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I am referring to Black Pumas
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I discovered the Black Pumas several months ago. Great sound. 👍🏻🎶
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Yes they do. Thanks Michele.
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Another awesome list! The Killers, Portugal the Man, Dua Lipa, Black Pumas, and a few more makes for some very eclectic and good listening.
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Glad you’re enjoying some of my selections!
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Nice! The song encompasses many sounds and styles.
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Thank you, it surely does!
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