Summer travels have me off my game. I’ve been sleeping on these flights and not listening to music y’all! But I’m back and there’s a lot of catching up to be done so let’s jump right on in shall we:
Listen, dance music is making a comeback and I’m so here for it. I was an Ellie Goulding fanatic back in 2011, and this song with Big Sean was a pairing I was NOT expecting to pop up on my Release Radar this week, and hey, I’m not mad at it. I liked the song 4 seconds in, the opening rhythm did it for me right away.
K CAMP kinda go. For real. Man makes bops and I keep him in steady rotation on my daily playlists, honestly. I wish I had a more articulate explanation for why I like his music so much, but I don’t because I just do, and I think sometimes that’s good enough.
I know y’all have probably already listened to the greatness that is this whole album and you don’t need my co-sign, but in case you’re a little late to the party, go turn this album on and find your faves to dance through the rest of summer (honorable mention to “For My Hand” featuring Ed Sheeran, also a favorite from the album).
Phabo is back on my list again, and as far as I’m concerned, he can’t miss. His voice reminds me of a tone child between Lyfe Jennings and Tyrese, but the music reminds me of early Trey Songz and Jeremih, with a heavier bass to modernize the whole sound– and it all just works for me. I think his album artworks give you the vibes pretty accurately, too. Maybe it’s just me.
Something is in the water this week, because this is another song that I turned on and liked instantly. Rexx Life Raj has been on my list before as well and now we have a brand new album to dive into, and look, listening to full albums is a whole project, I get it. If you’re going to start anywhere though, I recommend this one.
I love Lizzo. I do. Her music reminds me of that friend that you genuinely love but sometimes they’re just a lot, sometimes you just want to chill and their energy just doesn’t sit in your spirit. This song is that surprise chill moment where you can take a deep breath and appreciate that they understand the vibes. I can love an unapologetically obnoxious moment but I also like reveling in unexpected tenderness, and that’s what I got from this one, and I’ll take it.
Another song I liked immediately. Literally as soon as it started. This is definitely an errand song, I would turn this on when I’m getting in my car headed to the grocery store, or walking around Home Depot, or while I’m folding laundry. It invites you to just ride along without calling your attention away from whatever is in front of you. I think it’s the synth/brass combo, very expertly executed over a strong bass knock. Respect.
This is a grungier Forever 21 bop than your typical F21 bop, but it’s a F21 bop nonetheless. Or like a typical Urban Outfitters song. I always have to give y’all at least one in my weekly lists and this one is solid. It’s making me want to go shopping for a corset/baggy jean outfit as we speak.
Calling all 2000s R&B lovers, the king of the slow jam bop is back with a classic. This sounds like a Ne-Yo song in all the right ways, and it’s nothing like the modern R&B I’ve grown accustomed to today and that’s what I like about it. Clean, simple, sweet, and still grounded in a Motown/New Jack Swing vibe that’s just very Ne-Yo. The beat reminds me of both “If It Isn’t Love” and “Human Nature”.
I saw Sampha in the feature and already knew I’d like this song. I love that the production of this song drives it forward almost sneakily. The words feel like they’re telling the story, but in reality, it’s the beat setting the tone and progressing the narrative– as soon as the beat drops out, you’re brought back into reality, only to get pulled in again. I promise I’m not high writing this.
Follow the playlists above to keep up with the weekly updates! Catch y’all next time ✌🏼
-T