Another week closer to summer, and we got so many new projects and singles that dropped this week– hell, half of this list dropped just hours ago. There were way too many to fit into a Top 10 list for sure, so bear with me, I chose to highlight the songs that stood out to me right away, but who knows, my appetite may change next week or the week after and we’ll revisit. But without further adieu, here’s my top picks for the week of April 29, 2022:
I’ve always been a fan of their music, since the Cloud19 days. I’m excited to dive into this new album, blue water road, fresh off its release last night. This song speaks really well to the aesthetic and feel of the album: soothing, like a meditation. But the lyrics and flow, especially in the second verse, balance the gritty and down-to-earth vibes Kehlani stays rooted in.
This is a super solid album all around and it’s versatile. There’s so many different sounds and vibes for different parts of my day and aspects of my life. This week, though, this is the bounce that’s hitting the most for me. Maybe it’s because the beat was the perfect speed for my HIIT circuit in the gym this week. If you need to switch it up, this is the mellow bop I recommend.
Another all-around great release that I’m still taking my time with, there’s just so many gems. Honorable mentions for “Fake Love in LA” and “About You” which have also been on repeat, but this one has that bounce that has been infectious in my step this week. Zacari, yet again, in his bag, and he sounds so nice on this joint. Summer is around the corner, and this song is coming along with me to the beach.
I’m new to this one, not true to this one. Josh Levi is a voice I didn’t know until this week but I am intrigued and would like to hear more. The clarity of his tone comes through in the beginning of the song and it made me stop and listen. And y’all know I’m a sucker for melodramatic self-reflection put to a slow melody. Easiest way to get my co-sign.
Did the features pull me into listening to this one? Absolutely. Do I regret it? Definitely not. Tems is in her bag, Drake is in his pocket on this beat, Future knew exactly what he was doing getting them both on this moody ass song, because my moody ass is living for every second. Perfect song to listen to while gazing longingly out of an airplane window, by the way. Put it on repeat for the whole flight if you really want to be the main character of your own drama.
I haven’t been in a Forever 21 store in years but this song instantly transports me back into those bright white floors and rows of color-coordinated pastel blazers and floral dresses. In all seriousness, I do seek out millennial department store music every now and then and this song gives me those feel good Urban Outfitters vibes. Just to break up my week and sprinkle something new into the mix, catch me getting ready to go to this song for the rest of spring.
Sam Smith is back with everything we love about them. Honest reflections, encouragement for self-love, a nice choir moment. Welcome home, love, we’ve missed you.
ANOTHER great project that dropped this week with more iconic collaborations and moments. The power house lady power in these features did not disappoint, and PJ Morton overall has gifted us with a bright yet grounded sound that feels both modern and vintage. Well done, PJ.
This song encapsulates how my life feels right now, sonically. Steady beat, little bit of bounce, but not too assuming. Sweet but confident. Persistently progressing and sure of which direction to go in, but also not afraid to pause and spend a little time in any one spot. Some retro vibes because why not, but still grounded in the present. Trust me, listen and hear it for yourself.
I honestly couldn’t tell you if it was the falsetto switch up juxtaposed with the bass or the steady keyboard refrain in this one that got me through my stair climber sessions this week, but this was my the secret weapon! It’s my guilty pleasure song this week, okay? Okay.
I’ve decided I’m going to rotate the songs every ten weeks, so give these a listen before they get switched out! How y’all feel about my picks? With me or against me, let me know in the comments!
-T