On the Record: BGYO, Jack Harlow, Fourth, and Everything We Had On Repeat in March

Here’s everything we replayed nonstop this month, from “Truman” by Han and Felix of Stray Kids to Lil Tecca’s first single of the year.

At the end of each month, we go On the Record to share the latest songs we’ve added to our playlist. Bringing the international music scene straight to your device, each list contains a combination of established and up-and-coming artists from around the world.

From carefree, breezy T-pop to sultry Brazilian phonk, these are the tracks we’re welcoming in spring with.

Lexie Liu – “POP GIRL”

Lexie Liu brought her finest PGC — Pop Girl Chic — to her latest release, a dreamy dance-pop tune that touches on ‘it girl’ energy in the modern era. In “POP GIRL,” Liu describes the contradicting realities that she experiences as both a singer-songwriter and social media user. On stage, Liu oozes effortless star quality, melding genres across an expansive discography. When the lights are down, however, she finds herself in a position similar to that of millions of women around the world: scrolling on social media, involuntarily creating anxious comparisons and unfounded insecurities.

Jack Harlow ft. Doja Cat – “Just Us”

“Just Us” is the latest song to come ahead of Jack Harlow’s upcoming record. The track, featuring Doja Cat, recalls his past flow with quippy lyrics, denoting his tantalizing interest in the song’s subject. In the cameo-packed music video, Harlow’s attention falls on Doja Cat, who slides into the second verse with ease. The two have tangible chemistry, locking in on each other as life at the restaurant (Horses, in Los Angeles, for those curious) continues in the background.

Véra – “TICK-TOCK (Say It)”

AirAsia — correct, the Malaysian airline — put together a five-member Thai girl group to support its brand communications. Cabin crew members Pleng, Min, Mind, Aimma and Genne, made their debut as Véra with the single “TICK-TOCK (Say It)” on March 21. As per a press statement, the song encourages listeners to “seize the moment and make bold decisions” and reflects AirAsia’s emphasis on punctuality. “TICK-TOCK (Say It)” is a dreamy pop song with a simple instrumental that introduces music as a marketing platform. Complete with a music video and choreography, Véra’s debut could easily pass for a new T-Pop act’s first endeavor.

Sebastián Yatra – “La Pelirroja”

Sebastián Yatra took fans on a sentimental journey with “La Pelirroja.” The ballad, driven by a deceptively rhythmic guitar instrumental, describes a heart-wrenching and inconsistent relationship. Yatra showcases his vocal chops as he sings about the confusing push and pull of an uncertain love. The release comes on the heels of the Colombian singer’s Broadway debut in Chicago at the end of 2024 and alongside the announcement of a summer tour across South America later this year.

Tokischa – “PISCIS”

Dominican rapper Tokischa gave her Brazilian fan base a taste of home with “PISCIS,” her first venture into the Brazilian phonk genre with Papatinho. Tokischa channels a tangible confidence in “PISCIS,” creating a feeling of empowerment for her listeners. With a classic phonk high-hat and a sprinkle of lyrics in Portuguese, Tokischa honors Brazilian club culture with her unique musical flair. As per a press statement, “PISCIS” marks the end of Tokischa’s current era and hints at the next step of her career: experimenting with new sounds as she continues to mature as an artist.

Immasoul and PJ Sin Suela – “BIGSHORTYS”

International collaboration “BIGSHORTYS” brought together Afro-Mexican singer Immasoul and Puerto Rican rapper PJ Sin Suela. As the title of Immasoul’s debut album, “BIGSHORTYS” is a contagious dance track that invites the listener in for a good time. Immasoul and PJ Sin Suela trade verses seamlessly, sultry vocals meshing with uptempo rap refrains. The singers demonstrate easygoing chemistry in the accompanying music video, shot in Mexico City. “I wanted to properly show PJ around Mexico City — the culture, the colors — and spend a day singing our big shortys anthem with the most organic, documentary-style energy. Plus, it was also amazing to get to dance with my friends who are big shortys like me,” Immasoul shared in a press statement.

Lil Tecca – “Dark Thoughts”

“Dark Thoughts,” an upbeat track with contrastingly emotional lyrics, is American rapper Lil Tecca’s first single of the year. Tecca has proven to be an impressive rising star in the hip-hop world since his debut. With “Dark Thoughts,” the rapper explores empathy and reflection on a “Frontin’” sample. “Dark Thoughts” taps into Y2K nostalgia with its catchy snare and synth melody. All the while, Tecca finds his flow in expressing his support for a partner going through a difficult time.

BGYO – “Divine”

Filipino boy group BGYO released their self-titled EP on March 13. BGYO features new songs and fan favorites, including the 2024 summer hit “Trash” and member Mikki’s “Andito Lang.” With this collection, BGYO tackles multiple pop subgenres in both English and Tagalog — a nod to their growing global presence and appreciation for their Filipino identity. The title track, “Divine,” is a groovy and upbeat ode to love that anticipates summer with its outdoor visuals.

f5ve – Magic Clock

Japanese girl group f5ve travels back in time with “Magic Clock,” a track that taps into early 2000s’ sounds. Complete with paperboy caps and capris, the music video is a flawless homage to Y2K style. Coming in at under 2 minutes and 30 seconds, the song is a short expression of the desire to rewind time to a fun night out. Unlike the group’s previous releases, which lean on deeper electronic instrumentals, “Magic Clock” is a simple pop song filled with satisfying harmonies.

FOURTH – ซึมซับ (DOUBTLESS)

FOURTH welcomed spring with the soft pop hit “ซึมซับ (DOUBTLESS)” and its accompanying music video. The Thai star tells a heartwarming love story about his unwavering dedication to his lover. Against the backdrop of pastel hues and flowers galore — giving newfound life to “florals for spring” — FOURTH promises to assure his partner until they “have no doubt left in [him] at all.” “DOUBTLESS” is an easygoing, melodic tune that effortlessly complements FOURTH’s vocal tone. The single comes ahead of the multi-hyphenate’s fan meeting tour in the United States, alongside fellow actor GEMINI.

HAN & FELIX – “Truman”

Rappers Han and Felix of Stray Kids teamed up on “Truman,” one of the group’s unit releases off Mixtape: dominATE. The song opens with the duo rapping casually over a mellow piano, before switching quickly to a synth-heavy trap beat. Performed mostly in English, “Truman” is a straightforward flex with notes of gratitude and humanity sprinkled throughout. Felix and Han acknowledge their fans, STAY, and describe their luxurious, successful lifestyles — Felix even name-drops Louis Vuitton, a brand closely associated with him. Han shines in the second verse, where he raps primarily in Korean with clever bursts of English for well-timed rhymes.