Papooz “Love Me Better” Review: The New Anthem of 2026 Indie Pop

Papooz Just Dropped “Love Me Better” and It’s a Total Mood

If you’ve been following Papooz since the “Ann Wants to Dance” days, you know Ulysse Cottin and Armand Penicaut have a gift for making music that feels like a vintage postcard from a beach you’ve never been to.

Their latest single, “Love Me Better,” doesn’t stray from that DNA, but it definitely feels like the duo is growing up. It’s got that signature French nonchalance, but there’s a new layer of polish here that proves they aren’t just “the guys with the catchy tropical riffs” anymore.

The Vibe: 70s Soul Meets Modern Indie

“Love Me Better” hits that sweet spot between a Steely Dan deep cut and a modern Phoenix track. It’s got a bassline that actually moves, but it’s the vocal harmonies that really carry it. There is something so specific about the way their voices blend—it’s androgynous, breezy, and effortlessly cool.

• The Hook: It stays in your head for hours, but not in an annoying way.

• The Production: It’s crisp. You can hear the space between the instruments, which is a breath of fresh air in an era of over-compressed pop.

• The Lyrics: While the beat makes you want to grab a drink, the lyrics are actually pretty introspective. It’s a song about drawing a line in the sand and realizing you’re worth more than a lukewarm connection.

Why You Should Care

In 2026, it’s easy to get buried in “sad girl” indie or hyper-active synth-pop. Papooz occupies this weird, wonderful middle ground. They make “smart pop”—music that works just as well for a focused headphone listen as it does for a backyard party.

“Love Me Better” feels like the natural evolution of their 2024 album RESONATE. It’s tighter, more confident, and arguably one of the most “instant” songs they’ve ever released.

The Verdict: If your playlist has been feeling a little stale, this is the reset button. It’s sophisticated, slightly cynical, and deeply infectious.