On Repeat
A little musical care package from our ears to yours!
Between the Lines and Killer Instinct are collaborating on a new publication called Ear Candy to serve your sonic sweet tooth.
In this series called On Repeat, we honor how this publication started, by sharing tracks that are meaningful to us in different ways right now. Here, you will find brief reviews on songs new and old, to give your playlists that extra personal touch.
Happy new year everyone! We’re back. To start the year off, we’re sharing tracks that are sincerely on repeat for us at the top of 2026. Let the vibes sink in through your headphones of choice and enjoy!
Who isn’t a sucker for a trap R&B track over a classic 90’s beat? At just 22 years old, hailing from Dallas, Texas, 4batz’s Still Shinin certainly has left an impression. Although it remains to be seen what we might expect from the young artist moving forward, this project shows a wealth of promise and talent. There are some standout tracks that make this ensemble well worth the listen, and “Big On You” is one gem you might take away from giving it a shot.
Born in Germany of Nigerian descent, raised across Africa and Europe but claiming the UK, Odeal’s sound reflects his dynamic background. And “Nights in the Sun” is exemplary of that sound. With a beat you can two step, twerk, or Kizomba to, it’s hard to take this off repeat. He’s an undeniable global sensation at the top of the year, and the play count proves that.
Released October 24, 2025, Leon continues his streak of creating a vibe that doesn’t lie. After the release of the critically acclaimed album Mutt, listeners were hungry for even more and were in turn treated to another solid body of work before the year’s end. This funk infused track beautifully caters to his voice and strings in plenty of his signature runs. The song shows how his on again off again relationship had him wanting just “5 more minutes” of her time. However, the crooner was unable to attain it. It’s woeful, but the bright instrumental keeps it lighthearted, allowing the song to be played over and over again.
“The best thing a man can do is, what he said he would,” is how Summer Walker opens the first verse of this song, and I bet every woman who heard it snapped their fingers in agreement! “Don’t Make Me Do It” captures the best parts of R&B and the worst parts of a failing relationship. The queen of heartbreak knows how to pour her emotions onto the track, and this one in particular stuck with us. It’s smooth, touching. It will keep you replaying it for years to come. The transition to “Tempted” is also fabulous, as it provides even more lyrical context to the song. Summer might be stuck between choosing herself or a man, but this track is undoubtedly some of her best work.
If you liked what you heard here, be sure to check out Alyssa’s blog “Notes from Heaven”, and tune into Killer Frequency every Friday at 1pm AST to catch these ear drops live!
We’re releasing fresh treats for your sweet tooth every Thursday to keep your playlists tasty. In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing sonic self-portraits. We’ll be using song selections to share stories about ourselves, the writers behind this publication. Stay tuned!
Tell us what you’re listening to in the comments!