Hayley Kiyoko’s “Curious” Is One Of The First Great Pop Songs Of 2018

Mike Wass | January 17, 2018 6:58 am
The Drop: Kygo & Hayley Kiyoko
Your guide to New Music Friday featuring gems from Kygo and Hayley Kiyoko.

Hayley Kiyoko has been quietly churning out pristine electro-pop anthems for the last couple of years (“This Side Of Paradise” is still that song), but the triple threat took it to the next level on 2016 EP, Citrine. That swift, upward trajectory continues with “Curious,” the lead single from her highly-anticipated debut LP, Expectations (due March 30). While buzz track “Feelings” took a more alt approach, this is the 26-year-old’s most overt pop moment to date and it’s something of a revelation.

“Calling me up so late at night, are we just friends?” Hayley ponders in a verse over rubbery synths. “You say you wanted me, but you’re sleeping with him.” Her confusion/frustration bubbles to the surface in the knockout chorus. “I’m just curious, is it serious?” This is a seriously great addition to the canon of LGBT pop songs with its unusually honest and all-too relatable lyrics. Ultimately, it has an empowering message. “This song is all about self-respect and knowing when to walk away when someone you care about is playing games,” she reveals in the press release.

As one of the first great pop songs of 2018, “Curious” deserves a sizzling visual and Hayley also comes through with tongue-in-cheek extravaganza that involves a sexy make-out session and a little choreography. Watch the rising star do her thing up top and pre-order Expectations here.

Uh huh honey 📷: @bychristianlanza

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