How Much Do You Know About Alt-Rock Royalty, The Smashing Pumpkins?

DC Studio’s summer blockbuster just hit theaters earlier this month and has since been receiving soaring reviews despite its shift from the usually brooding films from the franchise. It just goes to show that perhaps the secret to a great superhero film is to give a little bit more color. 

More than just a reboot, James Gunn’s “Superman” features a complete tonal shift, a philosophical face-off, and a scene-stealing superdog. This vibrant reimagining follows the iconic superhero as he faces off against a calculating tech mogul in a battle that goes beyond fists and into ideals. While the core of the story mainly presents the classic clash between strengths and smarts, it’s also supplemented by a story that revolves around humanity through engaging characters, a relevant conflict shaped by rapidly advancing technologies, and relationship dynamics packed with humor and heart. 

Both light-hearted and action-packed, this new “Superman” starring David Corenswet may not be the hero we’ve all come to know, but the film’s fresh take on this iconic comic book character surprisingly works. Here’s why.  

Warning: spoilers ahead!

James Gunn Explores the True Power of a Hero

In every superhero film, there’s a hero and a villain. Personally, “Superman” was one of those superheroes who was hard to kind of empathize with — not because he was unlikeable, but because he was too invincible. It was hard to pit any villain against this tall, dark, and handsome alien when he literally has one flaw — one that doesn’t even exist on this planet.  

But what happens when technology makes the impossible possible? The answer is shown in the opening of the film when our protagonist crashes into the snowy arctic terrain, bloodied and obviously defeated. From that very first scene, our attentions were captured. This wasn’t your regular Superman, or rather, this might be the most regular Superman there ever was — and that's not necessarily a bad thing. 

The story follows Superman (David Corenswet), who has already been established as Earth’s hero for over three years, as he battles with Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), an ordinary man without any superpowers but boasts unparalleled intelligence, vast wealth, and a tech empire with all the resources he needs to defeat metahumans like Superman, create his own, and even invent portals to new worlds, which he calls a Pocket Universe. 

In the film, Superman intervenes in a conflict between Boravia and Jarhanpur, which saves countless lives but triggers political backlash. Additionally, Luthor also unleashes a robot-like entity known as Ultraman, who seems to be at par with the hero’s strengths and can anticipate his attacks, which led to his downfall in the first part of the movie. After being healed in the Fortress of Solitude with the help of his superdog, Krypto, Superman returns as Clark Kent to the Daily Planet, while Luthor breaks into his icy fortress and retrieves the message from his Kryptonian parents that suggests Kal-El (Superman’s birth name) was meant to conquer Earth rather than save it — a message the hero didn’t know as he only heard the first half of the video since it was supposedly damaged on its way to Earth. Luthor exposes the message, which turns public opinion sharply against the hero. 

The succeeding events of the film revolve around Clark’s struggle to reconcile his alien heritage with his human upbringing, a fresh take on the hero’s internal psyche. One of our favorite parts of this film is how well the story humanizes Superman, showing us that one’s identity isn’t solely based on one’s origins but also in the values they adopt. Actor David Corenswet was able to deliver a fantastic performance as he gave the mighty hero a deep earnestness and relatable vulnerability. There were comments online that said he seemed the most “approachable” among the actors who played Superman, and we couldn’t agree more. He definitely made the character more grounded, like he truly grew up on Earth, just like any other human on the planet.  

In the climactic battle, Superman confronts Luthor, who has been orchestrating a great plan to turn everyone against him and kill him, consumed by his envy of the hero. We especially liked his dramatic monologue where he says, “His [Superman] strength illuminates how weak we really are… My envy is power.” We believe these words show how strong feelings, such as envy, can shape monsters.  

Nicholas Hoult’s performance was commendable. We loved his portrayal of this supervillain who is both evil and impressive, and how the story utilized his strength to create a new weakness for the hero — one that went beyond Kryptonite. With the tech advancements, Luthor was able to create metahumans strong enough to challenge and defeat Superman. We saw this in how Metamorpho (Anthony Carrigan) can transmute his body into Kryptonite, rendering the hero powerless while imprisoned. A smart idea, as expected from a villainous genius, and raises a question: can brains really beat brawns?

Some reviews have mentioned that this Superman has made the hero “soft,” but we think otherwise. It was only that his strength amplified in areas outside of his physical might. This can be seen through his companions, such as Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), who had always been a damsel in distress in the franchise, now played a more active role in saving the day when she went looking for Superman while he was imprisoned in a Pocket Universe. 

The Justice Gang composed of Mister Terrific (Edi Gathegi), Green Lantern (Nathan Fillion), and Hawkgirl (Isabela Merced), may seem downright funny but more than providing comic relief in between the action, they showed us that the relationships you make — the true friends you have can help defeat your battles, which in a way also makes you stronger. It was a heartfelt scene how the Justice Gang took over the battle on the Boravian border while Superman took care of the massive rift tearing the city apart. For a character known for working alone and being invincible, it’s nice seeing him being part of a team. 

Let’s also not forget Krypto, the adopted superdog, who stole the hearts of audiences with his playful yet heroic acts, proving that a dog is truly a man’s best friend — and hero. 

Another notable scene was Lois and Clark’s talk at her apartment as they argued over his actions in interfering with a foreign country’s battles. In an interview with Josh Horowitz, James Gunn pointed out that this 12-minute scene had remained unchanged from the first draft to the final cut. Having long conversations usually stumps an action film’s pacing, but we believe this scene did more good than damage, as it showed us that Superman is just like us, that he can get frustrated and make reckless decisions. The director has named it one of his favorite scenes, and dare we say it was also one of ours. It's proof that conversations that are positioned well in an action-packed film can be a powerful tool in further deepening audiences’ understanding of characters, including their beliefs, behavior, and struggles.  

And speaking of Lois and Clark, Rachel and David shared a very palpable chemistry. Even though they didn’t have as much screen time together, the scenes they were in made up for it and more.

It also had interesting music, which gave off vibes from other lighthearted superhero films like Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “Thor: Love and Thunder.” The punk-rock tunes definitely gave it a fun edge. Not much going on in the costume department, but we do appreciate the finer details in Superman’s suit, and how it looks much better than the plain blue and red tights.

Despite its strong conflict and characters, we do believe that it still had some pacing issues due to the multiple subplots and many characters, which were sometimes disorienting. It distracted us from the actual plotline, hoping to find the reason why and how they fit into the bigger picture. Despite this, the script was able to maintain momentum and reached the climax with a good bang — and by bang, we mean a good fight that blends both spectacle and emotional resonance. 

Final Verdict

Fresh, heartfelt, and action-packed, “Superman” delivered impressive visuals that we all expected from a superhero film while still being shaped by its deeply emotional take on the hero’s greatest strength: being human. 

Although the CGI and action sequences feel recycled from other superhero films, as they were things we have seen before, the movie makes up for its story, character development, and impressive casting. This “Superman” film is definitely a memorable one in the franchise, having given it a new look and aura brimming with heart, excellent world-building, and bright comic-book energy that made it stand out from DC’s dark releases. This is an era of superhero films we totally support, and we’d love to see more of it in the future!

If you haven’t seen this on the big screen yet, you’re missing out. “Superman” is now showing in a cinema near you!

Follow Superman on Facebook and Instagram or stay tuned on Warner Bros. Entertainment on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram for more jam-packed films coming your way. 

“This is for all my ladies who don’t get hyped enough…” It truly was — for all the ladies.  

South Korean girl group TWICE is welcoming their 10th year powerfully, and still utterly full of love. Their fourth studio album, “This Is For,” is a confident and empowering declaration — solidifying their evolved and matured sound, while doubling down on their love for their fans (and for themselves) across a 14-track run. 

Released four years after “Formula of Love: O+T=<3” and its lead single “Scientist,” “This Is For” stands as a clear marker of their growth: not just in music, but in message and emotion. More than anything, the album feels like a gift; a celebration of TWICE’s growth as artists. 

Their earlier records may have played on crushes, first loves, and chemistry, but “This Is For” leans into maturity, female empowerment, and romantic frustrations. Here, they are embracing their womanhood gracefully and unapologetically. 

Underneath all the glitter, synths, and glamour, TWICE is now done proving their worth to everyone — they’re just being who they are: artists, women, and icons that perform because they love it.

Known for their stunning visuals, polished choreography, and “no-skip” discography, TWICE has always flawlessly delivered excellence with every era. But “This Is For” pushes past all that. This album is their most mature work yet, honoring themselves and who they are becoming in the name of love. 

Let’s take a deep dive into the album’s 14 tracks and see how each track represents their growth as artists and as women in the industry. 

The First Listen: “This Is For”

The album is made up of 14 tracks, mostly in English, with some songs weaving in Korean lyrics for added depth. From soaring anthems to heartfelt slow burns, from electro-pop highs to smooth R&B grooves, each track reveals a different layer of TWICE’s evolving artistry. Genre-wise, the album smoothly ties in dance-pop and contemporary R&B, with UK garage-filled rhythms and nostalgic calls back to Y2K beats. 

“FOUR” kicks off the album with an invitation: “Get ready for the ride.” It’s an energetic, synth-filled opener that sets the tone for the album musically, inviting those listening to join in the party. With a catchy melody and slick production, the track transitions smoothly into the title track.

“THIS IS FOR” might be TWICE’s shortest title track to date, only having 2:11 minutes, but it hits harder than most. An empowering anthem right from the beginning, the song is less about the length and more about the message — tight verses, a high-energy chorus, and confident lyrics. The song is both a love letter and a celebration of identity — and TWICE made sure to get their message heard, line by line. 

The vibe slows down to sleek synth-pop and R&B pop rhythms with “OPTIONS,” still echoing the confidence from the previous track. TWICE’s cool girl persona is on full display in the track, with the girls singing about making choices and proudly declaring their worth. The song is modern and effortlessly cool, oozing with subtle attitude and self-assurance.

TWICE’s power crescendos with “MARS” — the song blends ethereal synth-pop with R&B, with lyrics painting a picture of an otherworldly kind of love. The chorus begins with Mina and Tzuyu’s breathy vocals and later escalates to a powerful post-chorus by Jihyo and Nayeon. It’s the kind of song that’ll have you gasping right in the middle of listening to it; it’s just a good song to belt out. 

“RIGHT HAND GIRL” is sassy, cheeky, and downright cool, channeling Y2K R&B pop with TWICE’s own flavor. The lyrics are flirty, somewhat suggestive, and are the words of a self-assured woman who knows what she wants — and gets it. The song’s production is clean, smooth, and catchy, and gives TWICE a chance to play around with their low-register vocals and raps. 

“PEACH GELATO” feels like a grown-up nod to TWICE’s classic bubblegum pop sound — sweet, playful, with just a hint of retro city pop. It’s girly in the best way: light, fizzy, and effortlessly romantic. With lyrics capturing that “love at first sight on the dance floor” kind of high, and playful guitar riffs that suit their vocals perfectly, this track is easy to love and enjoy. It’s the kind of song you’ll want on your road trip playlist, like the wind is blowing through your hair. 

“HI HELLO” leans more into a mellow synth-pop groove, riding on steady beats that keep it grounded. Lyrically, it explores the messiness of mixed signals and the limbo of where you stand in a relationship. While it may not stay on your radar on the first listen, it can sort of creep up on you after you listen to it for a while — just like some of their past B-sides. It’s one of the slow songs in their album, but it still fits their overall vibe. 

“BATTITUDE,” is the album’s first unit track, featuring Nayeon, Jeongyeon, Momo, and Mina. The song is bass-heavy and bold, channeling early 2000s swagger, dripping with edge and charisma. Think “Hollaback Girl” energy, but with TWICE’s flavor. It’s a girl crush anthem, with the girls declaring themselves as “baddies with attitude.” It’s loud, confident, and oh so addictive, and is a fresh take on TWICE’s femme baddie persona that they’ve been hinting at with their past releases. 

“DAT AHH DAT OOH,” featuring members Sana, Jihyo, Dahyun, Chaeyoung, and Tzuyu, gives a similar vibe to “BATTITUDE,” but with a groovier vibe and even more swagger. It radiates the girl group’s bold confidence, while subtly paying homage to their debut track “Like OOH-AHH.” It’s also a nostalgic listen, giving off early 2000s but hotter, punchier, and still unapologetically TWICE. 

“LET LOVE GO,” featuring Jeongyeon, Momo, Sana, and Tzuyu, is a reflective mid-tempo R&B pop track that carries emotional weight. It’s a powerful and honest ballad about the strength of walking away from love and becoming stronger from it. Each member is given space to shine in this track, adding to the tenderness of its message and mood.

“G.O.A.T.,” featuring Mina, Dahyun, and Chaeyoung, is the anthem that we expected from the first listen — but with a twist. With lyrics dedicated to drive, grit, and determination, the song is accompanied by aggressive raps and hard-hitting beats, owning up to their declaration of being the “Greatest of All Time.” Underneath all that energy, the track also feels like a reflection of TWICE’s quiet determination over the years — the kind that’s pushed them to go above and beyond the industry’s expectation of them time and time again. It may not be as loud as we thought, but their message shows. 

“TALK” may just be TWICE’s most mature-sounding song yet, with Nayeon and Jihyo taking the reins. It’s a sultry R&B pop slow pop, with a hint of lo-fi and alt-leaning beats, without being overly done. Lyrically, it’s about the raw desire to communicate, to open up, and build trust. There’s passion laced in every note, and TWICE’s vocal powerhouses deliver it smoothly and with pure excellence. It’s moody, smooth, and mature, and the perfect closer to the album’s unit tracks — a clear marker of how much these women have grown over the years. 

TWICE’s energy lulls into a soft, heartfelt ballad with “SEESAW,” with lyrics using the playground staple as a metaphor for the ups and downs of an imbalanced relationship. It’s a reflective slow burn anchored in alt-R&B and smooth synth beats, tenderly depicting the vulnerabilities of a love that’s no longer in sync. The track may be one of the softer ones in the album, but it’s as emotionally resonant as the others. 

The album closes with “HEARTBREAK AVENUE,” perfectly capturing the feelings of being tired, confused, and torn between wanting more from a relationship that’s only filled with disappointment. Another track with smooth R&B pop, the song is the perfect song to walk to while admiring the mesmerizing city lights on a slow night. The girl group’s voices carry the emotion in the song, allowing every listener to feel their ache and sadness. It’s weird to hear the album end on a bittersweet note, but it nevertheless pulls the threads of TWICE’s themes of growth, womanhood, and emotional honesty with quiet strength. 

Final Verdict

The listening experience of “This Is For” was nothing short of gratifying, and TWICE definitely succeeded in releasing an album that encapsulates their growth and strength as artists — and as women in an evolving industry. Their album confidently showcased their group’s synergy and the reason for their longevity under the spotlight. 

It also highlighted how the girl group is unafraid of exploring sounds outside of their usual roster. While TWICE is known for their vibrant, upbeat sound, “This Is For” shows their willingness to expand, experiment, and evolve, while still being grounded in who they are.

The entire album was well-produced, especially with the number of renowned producers and artists credited under it. However, we do wish that the TWICE members had some participation in its creation — it would have felt like a better way to enter their 10th year in the industry with tracks that they themselves have produced. 

Apart from that, TWICE’s fourth studio album is still a stellar record in our eyes. It truly is an album that deserves to be hyped, especially for ONCEs that have grown up together with them. 

“This Is For” is out now on all digital platforms worldwide via JYP Entertainment and Republic Records. 

A deluxe version of the album was also released, now including an “extended” version of the title track and “Takedown” from Netflix’s “K-Pop Demon Hunters” soundtrack, performed by Jeongyeon, Jihyo, and Chaeyoung. 

There are music festivals, and then there’s Sprite Beach Fest — a free, open-to-all, beachfront mega-party that pulled in an estimated crowd of 70,000 and left zero doubts about Coca-Cola knowing exactly what the Gen Zs need. Held in one of Vietnam’s rising destinations, Da Nang, Sprite Beach Fest was more than just a summer celebration — a promise from Sprite that they are glad to deliver every year. The type of celebration that leaves your skin tanned just right after enjoying the beach, your throat sore from singing, your camera roll blessed with endless videos of your favorite artists, and your shoes full of sand. In other words, an unforgettable experience.

First off, the lineup was stacked with Vietnam’s hottest artists, and the event venue had to match that. They chose My Khe Beach, and the vibes were immaculate.

Water cannons blasted over thousands of screaming fans during the initial DJ sets. But this wasn’t just some influencer bait or brand marketing overdrive. Sprite Beach Fest had real substance because that crowd? You can’t fake that energy, no matter how many cute activities, free products, or interactive installations you wave at them.

Vietnam was the perfect crowd. Respectful, hyped, and straight-up energetic. 

People came from all over the country and began lining up the night before. By the time the show was about to start, the energy was so electric that it was literally spilling onto the sidewalks. Yet, no chaos, no pushing, no bad energy — just people sharing in each other’s joy and infecting each other with happiness. It was the kind of space where you could scream your lungs out and still feel like you were in a safe, welcoming space. Fortunately, even as the crowd eventually had the local authorities rerouting traffic due to their sheer volume, everything still went off without a hitch.

Coca-Cola’s decision to host festivals and events like Sprite Beach Fest isn’t just clever marketing — it’s a genuine read of what youth culture in Asia is craving right now. And they’re ready to deliver on the high-energy, music-forward, community-centric gatherings that favor authenticity over aesthetic and vibes over manufacturing viral moments.

The Beat Asia witnessed these gatherings first-hand. 

From last year’s Coke Studio Fandom Concert in Manila to the Sprite Beach Fest in Da Nang, here’s why Coca-Cola events are about more than just chilled drinks- and why you should be at the next one.

Taking Summer to a Whole New Level

Sprite Beach Fest was every bit as loud as possible — and it was just what we needed to cap off the week. Da Nang, while an overall chill city, was ready for a different kind of chill: one that matched the summer heat, local vibe, and beats that you can’t ignore. 

Sprite set up a giant 20-foot inflatable slide that had people landing in a pool of plastic balls, “soda dispenser” showers, a slip-and-slide and see-saw, and a temperature display that said out loud what everybody was feeling: it was hot alright. Thankfully, Sprite also set up a drinks booth to keep the crowd cool as the energy grew hotter.

Then there was the stage. It’s like pairing Waterbomb Festival’s aquatic chaos with the aesthetic and effects of Rolling Loud. 

We’re talking water cannons, pyrotechnics, massive LED screens (aside from the main stage, they also made sure the crowd was well served by placing standalone LED screens in other parts of the venue), and giant speakers that made sure you could hear every note from the artists. Sprite Beach Fest’s organizers weren’t playing safe — clearly, go big or go home was Sprite’s directive. And they succeeded.

Artists Brought the Heat and Immense Coolness

Sprite Beach Fest’s lineup was curated to bring the hottest Vietnamese artists all on one stage, engineered to ignite a crowd that was eager to match their spirit. Each artist brought their signature style and character, matched perfectly with Sprite’s effortlessly cool branding, and conversed with the crowd through their songs. 

Whether you’re a longtime fan or hearing these acts for the first time, everyone was easily swept up in the vibrant energy of the beach fest.

HURRYKNG was the spark that set Sprite Beach Fest on fire. His energy hit just like the first carbonated sip of a freshly opened can of Sprite. He burst onto the stage with a charisma that needed no translation, launching straight into hits like "Một Công Đôi Việc," "Chưa Phải Là Yêu," and "AIRPLANE MODE." 

The crowd immediately locked in and took part in this masterclass in hype-building. HURRYKNG delivered an opening act that raised the bar high — fortunately, however, the rest of the lineup was ready to meet him there.

Next came JSOL, whose stage presence seemed like lightning in a bottle. His set didn’t just entertain, it electrified the audience. Songs like "LOVE SAND" and "NGÁO NGƠ" kept everyone’s energy up as he turned the heat to an 11 on a scale of 10. The confidence, swagger, and vocals hit hard — JSOL made sure his time was something the crowd will remember.

Then came LOW G, stepping in like the calm before a storm. But make no mistake, he didn’t dial down the energy — he just brought a refined version that had the crowd nodding to every beat. His laid-back presence gave way to explosive moments in "An Thần," "Simp Gái 808 (Maiki Remix)," and "HOP ON DA SHOW." The beats were unrelenting but controlled, and the crowd fed off his chill intensity. Sprite is chill, but LOW G is cooler.

When RHYDER took the stage, things escalated fast. It wasn’t just a performance; it was another lesson in crowd participation. He commanded the crowd with ease, and the audience was eager to respond. Whether waving their foam sticks or chanting after RHYDER, there was an instant connection between him and his fans that you can’t script.

But if the night needed a finale to match its fever pitch, Duơng Domic more than delivered. His set was truly unforgettable. Every hit, from "A đến Ă" to "Yêu Em 2 Ngày" and "Mất Kết Nối," felt like it was made for a moment like this. It didn’t matter if you knew the lyrics or not. The crowd became one — vibing, jumping, waving, and singing like there’s no tomorrow. You could almost feel everyone taking a mental snapshot to keep this moment locked in their minds forever.

What Makes Sprite Beach Fest Hit Different?

To understand the soul of Sprite Beach Fest, The Beat Asia spoke to the man in charge. Tin Le, Coca-Cola’s Head of Marketing Vietnam and Cambodia, offered insight into why Sprite doesn’t just host events, they create cultural experiences.

“Vietnam is a country with very long coastlines, so every year, as a summer promise, we want to bring the Sprite activations throughout the country along these areas,” he explained. 

“This has been a promise we have kept for the consumers for three years now, that we celebrate one of the biggest summer occasions on the beach with our consumers in Da Nang.”

For Coca-Cola, Sprite isn’t just a drink; it’s a rallying cry. “Heat Happens, Stay Cool” isn’t just about the temperature. It’s about attitude. “It’s about encouraging people to come out and play. Don’t let the heat block the way…or heated moments bring you down,” he shared. That ethos — pushing past obstacles with high spirits — is something that Sprite stands for.

“So if you want to do something, go ahead and do it. If you want to have fun in the summer heat, or if you like your spicy food, go ahead and enjoy it. Sprite will accompany [you through] all that.”

Music, naturally, fits that message. “Music is the biggest passion point of [the] Vietnamese [people]. But not just the Vietnamese, ASP (Asia-Pacific) consumers and the global consumers as well,” Tin said. 

And it’s not just any music. “If you go through the whole lineup of all the [artists] we have chosen for our concerts, they're all cool singers reflecting [the spirit of our consumers].” 

He added, “The Gen Z consumers, they like to stay cool against whatever challenges are thrown at them. That very positive attitude against all kinds of heated moments…that is something that makes our music connect with them.”

Why You Should Attend the Next Coca-Cola Event

Sprite Beach Fest is just one of Coca-Cola’s many events around the globe, following an evolving blueprint for brand-led entertainment that doesn’t feel like a giant advertisement (despite the huge installations screaming their brand). The plan is simple.

Be where the people are. Celebrate what they care about. Don’t interrupt culture; contribute to it.

Coca-Cola has been testing this across Asia, and the results speak volumes. 

In the Philippines, the Coke Studio: Ultimate Fandom Concert last 2024 turned heads, broke hearts (in a good way), and also lit up the SM Mall of Asia Arena. With a diverse lineup that included NewJeans, ALAMAT, Kyle Echarri, Illest Morena, and Nik Makino, the event tapped into K-Pop stans, P-Pop loyalists, and all-around music lovers who wanted to partake in a night to remember. And Coke gave it to them.

But Sprite Beach Fest isn’t the end. For one, Coke Studio Season 9 is coming soon on Sept. 5, 2025! No details yet on the lineup, but their Instagram post suggests following Coca-Cola's official partners (Jollibee, 7-Eleven, Grab, and Lazada) to find out how you can grab tickets to one of the hottest music festivals in the Philippines.

Following Coke Studio is another major festival in Japan, Coca-Cola X Fes. 2025, which is scheduled for Oct. 11 to 12, 2025 at the Saitama Super Arena, Japan. The lineup, needless to say, is a dream: XG, Creepy Nuts, &TEAM, Camilo, ano, and Natori were recently confirmed to join the festival. Check out their website to find out how to win exclusive Coca-Cola merchandise or tickets to Coca-Cola X Fes. 2025.

It’s clear, though, that Coca-Cola isn’t just reacting to youth culture; they’re helping to shape it. 

Given that “Coke” is reportedly the 2nd most recognized word in the world, just behind “okay,” it’s no wonder that they’re in tune with pop culture — even with every new generation being born. Whether it’s on a Vietnamese beach, Manila arena, or Japanese stadium, their activations are less about visibility and more about credibility. 

Have you ever wondered why Red Bull hosts so many extreme sports events worldwide? This is why.

Sprite Beach Fest proves that the future of brand engagement isn’t about gimmicks. It’s about genuine connection. And Coca-Cola, in all its fizzy, carbonated genius, seems to have cracked the code. For us, though, we still haven’t moved on from the Da Nang fest, which is another way of saying, we will block off our calendars the moment they announce the next Coke happening — and we’ll be there again, ready to sing our lungs out.

Check out their website for more information. Follow Sprite on Instagram and Coca-Cola on Instagram. 

The music world is consistently “on,” so the launch of new singles and records is never-ending. And for music lovers like us, that’s like getting cake each time!

As we step into July, it’s that time of year when our playlists are beginning to feel a little dry, but there’s nothing a good summer bop and some catchy bangers can’t fix. From a debuting beauty queen artist to comebacks from certified music icons such as Laufey and Rosé of BLACKPINK, these singles are hitting hard. 

Whether you’re looking to update your playlist or find your new favorite singer, we’ve got the sonic hydration you need with six new singles people are about to be (if not already) obsessed with. 

“Rainbow” by Krishnah Gravidez

Krishnah Gravidez may not have won the 2025 Miss World title, but she didn’t go empty-handed, having been crowned Miss World Asia after ranking in the Top 8. 

This month, she’s showcasing that she’s more than just a beauty with the release of her debut cover single, “Rainbow” — a beloved South Border classic. The song conveys a message of resilience and hope, highlighting that beauty can be found amid life’s challenges.  

“Rainbow sums up not only my life as a beauty queen but also my life in general, because the message from the song says a lot about resilience, about not giving up, and looking at the positive side of things,” Krishnah told The Beat Asia.

The singer also mentioned how her journey had been transformative, and how she had learned not only to be the best version of herself but also to see pageants in a different light.

“When I entered the Miss World competition, I saw pageants from a different perspective. It’s more about helping others, giving back to the community, and just not being afraid of telling who you are and your story as a person. That’s what I actually did when I was crowned as Miss World Philippines 2024.”

We always welcome a good cover, and it’s a nice palette cleanser to add to your playlist, especially since Krishnah’s soothing vocals gave this popular track a more laid-back sound and a brand new vibe. 

Listen to “Rainbow” now. Follow Krishnah Gravidez on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.

“Lover Girl” by Laufey

The GRAMMY®-winning artist is back with another soul-stirring track about the quiet heartbreak of missing someone deeply. “Lover Girl” is a bossa nova-infused track that doubles as a confession, wrapped up in Laufey’s signature charm and timeless sheen. 

“The hardest part of loving someone is being away from them. This is that story.” Laufey explained in the press release. The song balances optimism in ache — the sound is slightly upbeat and whimsical, but the lyrics are anchored in longing. It makes sense that it’s a certified “soft-girl anthem.”

The new single comes from her forthcoming album, “A Matter of Time,” which comes out on Aug. 2. Laufey had captured hearts with her personal coming-of-age tales in “Everything I Know About Love” (2022) and further cemented herself as an artist who makes the music of old feel timeless with her GRAMMY®-winning “Bewitched” (2023), which told the story of young love, brought to life be sweeping orchestral arrangements, jazz, and her signature alto tone. 

This latest single shows that Laufey’s new album will continue to embody her beloved influences with the artist revealing, “I’m constantly thinking about classical and jazz, how to properly preserve them and pay homage. I just wanted to let my heart wander."

Listen to "Lover Girl" now. Follow Laufey on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.

“All At Once” by Shye

Singapore’s indie-pop darling, Shye, just dropped a new heartbreak song to add to your playlists. In “All At Once,” the singer-songwriter delivers a haunting, atmospheric track that captures the quiet devastation of heartbreak. What’s interesting about this new single is that it’s a continuation of her previous song, “Waited for You,” deepening the emotional storyline and conveying the journey from longing to the aftermath, which is acceptance. 

“The song sings about being haunted by the memories of a person who has moved on, while you're still stuck in the echoes of what was,” the producer explained. 

The song begins with the sentence, “I think of you and all that you promised,” immediately setting the poignant tone of the track. The chorus, which is anchored on the repeated plea “Come back to me,” conveys that heart-wrenching loop of pretending to feel okay, when you’re really unraveling on the inside. 

“It's the kind of grief that seeps into everything around you — where you start to see the one you lost in everything and everyone. When you know it's over and you have to move on, but it's easier said than done,” Shye added.

If you’re going through your own heartbreak or simply want a sentimental track for your rainy day playlist, this is it. 

Listen to "All At Once" now. Follow Shye on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram.

“365” by ONE OR EIGHT

Rising Japanese boy group, ONE OR EIGHT, makes an exciting comeback with their fan tribute track, “365.” The song marks their first release since announcing their partnership with major record label, Atlantic Music Group. 

As the title suggests, “365” is a song about wanting to be by a loved one’s side every single day of the year. Produced by renowned songwriter Nasri, who has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Halsey, this new single is the peak love song of the summer, composed of a captivating melody with resonant beats. 

“’365’ is ONE OR EIGHT’s first love song, and we wanted to express how it feels when you're thinking about a special someone. The title also represents the length of time of our auditions for WARPs DIG, which was the beginning of our journey to become ONE OR EIGHT. That’s why the number means so much to us,” explained member Reia. “Through the lyrics, we want to express our immense gratitude and love for all of our fans, 1DERZ, who have been rooting for us over the past year and sharing many unforgettable moments with us.”

The song came alongside a music video directed by Osrin, founder of PERIMETRON, who has worked with massive artists such as King Gnu, millennium parade, and GLAY. The song is presented in a cinematic backdrop, weaving the group’s unforgettable memories of love and time together.  

The group is also gearing up for a fan meet tour in Asia, with Bangkok (July 26) being their first fan meet in the region. You can buy your tickets here.

Listen to "365" now. Follow ONE OR EIGHT on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram.

“On My Mind” by Alex Warren feat. ROSÉ of BLACKPINK

Breakout singer Alex Warren just scored the biggest collab this month as he teamed up with Rosé of BLACKPINK in “On My Mind.” The new single is a surprise track from his upcoming album, “You’ll be Alright, Kid,” slated to drop on July 18. 

“On My Mind” is a soaring love song embodying the Gen Z sensation’s signature anthemic pop style, infused with a cinematic flair and raw emotion. Produced by hitmakers Ammo and John Ryan, this folk-pop ballad centers on the theme of longing and nostalgia, as the lyrics sing about a past relationship that still lingers in dreams or memories. It’s poetic, atmospheric, and the way Alex and Rosé’s vocals blend together is sonically beautiful, giving a solid heartfelt track with an intimate storytelling. 

10/10, it’s the song you’d play in that brief moment when the sun sets on the horizon, giving way to the moon and the stars. 

Listen to "On My Mind" now. Follow Alex Warren on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram. You can also follow Rosé on Instagram.

“Golden Hour” by Muri and Shigge

Filipino soul-pop artist, Muri, just teased her collaborative single with Japanese electronic producer, Shigge, set to drop on all streaming platforms worldwide on July 11. 

“Golden Hour” is the brainchild of the singer and Tokyo-based beatmaker, conceived during an intensive songwriting camp at the AXEAN Festival in Bali, Indonesia last year. The musicians had a spontaneous studio session, which evolved into months of sonic exchange between Tokyo, London, and Manila.

“I found Shigge’s music really unique and forward-thinking,” Muri shared in a press statement. “When we got the chance to work with each other at the songwriting camp, I felt we could make a really cool world fusing our styles together. For me, music is all about experimenting and trying something new, and this is a result of that.”

This track will be the first official release from their joint EP, “SETSUNA,” which is slated to drop next month. The EP is described as a cross-cultural music production like no other, featuring lo-fi house beats, ambient soundscapes, and neo-soul vocals. 

To celebrate the release, the duo is also embarking on a two-city tour in Tokyo (July 22 and 24, 2025) and Makati City (Aug. 1 and 2, 2025). 

Check out “Golden Hour” here. You can follow Miru on Facebook,  X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram, and Shigge on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and X (Formerly Twitter).