(Originally published on angelamclean.ca)
It’s been over a year since I sat down and put together a playlist of my favourite tracks to share here on my blog. That changes now! Midway through each month of 2018, I will post my ‘finds & faves’ – a playlist of my favourite new tracks of the month and some oldies that remain oh-so-goodies.
January – the start of a new year. It’s a month that brings with it new opportunities for growth, self-discovery, self-reinvention and adventure. The same opportunities are granted to our favourite artists. Example: Justin Timberlake’s release of “Filthy,” the lead single off his upcoming album that has a ‘futuristic’ sound quite different from his previous work. Some critics have called it a ‘love it or hate it’ track – I love it.
Many of my ‘finds’ this month reflect that ‘newness’ – not only because they are new releases, but because they symbolize a fresh start in the artist’s career. Not to tease, but I’m excited to share on my thoughts on “She Loves Control,” a track off of Camila Cabello’s solo debut (read more below!)
My ‘faves,’ on the other hand, are all over the map, as a quick scroll through my music library will further prove. Some share messages that are worth keeping in mind heading into 2018, while others are simply great songs that I’m vibing with this month.
Scroll down for the full playlist and some highlighted tracks.
Find: “Out of My Head” – Charli XCX feat. Tove Lo & ALMA
My friends know that I’m one of the biggest Charli XCX fans on the block. I am an especially big fan of her recent releases; they’re edgier and riskier, which certainly paid off. This song, featuring Tove Lo, another fave of mine, and rising artist ALMA, is an all-around hit. Take a listen – you won’t be able to get it out of your head.
Fave: “Bloodstain” – Wrabel
“Bloodstain” is a track off Wrabel’s 2017 EP ‘We Could Be Beautiful.’ (In case you missed it, I interviewed Wrabel for RUtv News and we discussed this very EP.) From the very first time I heard this song, I knew it was one I would keep coming back to. It has the raw, emotionally-driven lyrics that Wrabel’s fans (including myself) resonate with, but they’re put to an infectious beat. I can hear hope coming through in Wrabel’s voice – that your heart may have been broken once (or twice, or several times), but that it’s OK and the right love will come when it’s ready. I say that’s a good attitude to head into 2018 with!
Find: “Finesse (Remix)” – Bruno Mars feat. Cardi B
Every month needs its own solid club banger. When I heard that Bruno Mars had released a remix of one of my fave bops, “Finesse,” with one of 2017’s biggest breakout hip-hop/rap artists Cardi B, I was ready to dance. I especially love the music video, which pays homage to the 90s hit show ‘In Living Color.’ Bruno can do no wrong!
Fave: “New Rules (KREAM Remix)” – Dua Lipa
Another remix made the list! Dua Lipa was one of my favourite artists of 2017 (remember when I correctly predicted she’d be an artist to watch?) and “New Rules” was the song we all needed, especially us girls. It had the whole ‘fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me’ message, but coming from Dua was more convincing than ever. Thanks to her, we certainly won’t pick up the phone, because we know he’s only drunk and alone. This remix by Norweigan duo KREAM keeps many of the same elements as the original, but adds a slightly-slowed-down, groovy twist. I dig it.
Find: “She Loves Control” – Camila Cabello
After Camila Cabello – yes, the former Fifth Harmony girl – slayed the world with her Latin-inspired single “Havana,” her debut solo album ‘Camila’ became one of the most highly anticipated releases of 2018. Just twelve days in, the album dropped, immediately hitting #1 on iTunes around the world. While the album somewhat lacked energy in the form of upbeat, mainstream pop songs, “She Loves Control” stands out as a bold, anthemic song with urban, reggae vibes. There are also traces of electronic influence thanks to co-producer Skrillex. “She Loves Control” will be on repeat!
Fave: “Love Like Thiis” – WITHOUT feat. Essie
None of my playlists are complete without some buzzworthy electro-pop music. I was so happy to find “Love Like Thiis” by production duo WITHOUT featuring up-and-coming Swedish vocalist Essie. Although it was released in fall 2017, the song continues to be discovered as it is featured in many popular YouTubers’ videos. The song’s production gives me awesome summer road trip vibes, which come very well-appreciated in the midst of a bitter cold January in Toronto.
What are you listening to this month? I want to hear from you! Share your faves with me in the comments or over on Twitter @angelamcleanx.
(Playlist Cover: Angela McLean)
