This week, I’m giving you a playlist of all of the things I can’t stop listening to– be it songs, albums, or performances. Ariana Grande’s new single “thank u, next” has been on repeat all week. My ears have been fused to my headphones and her voice follows me wherever I go, and this playlist is my attempt to break away from it.
“Normani x Calvin Harris”
This two-track EP was released a few weeks ago but has very recently become known to me. It combines the vocals of Normani, a former member of girl group Fifth Harmony, with the beats of veteran Scottish DJ Calvin Harris. “Checklist” (featuring Nigerian singer Wizkid) and “Slow Down” recall the sound of 90s and early 2000s R&B/Soul. Normani has set herself up to be a force of nature, the Ashanti or Mary J. Blige of our generation. After former groupmate Camila Cabello’s success as a solo act, Normani has poised herself to experience similar recognition as a talent in and of herself.
Ariana Grande in the Live Lounge
BBC Radio 1 presents live performances from established and upcoming artists in an intimate studio setting and have named it the Live Lounge. On the heels of the release of her latest album, “Sweetener”, Ariana Grande has taken to a stool in the Live Lounge to perform hits “no tears left to cry”, “god is a woman”, “R.E.M.” and a cover of “Them Changes” from Jazz artist Thundercat. The biggest pop sensation of 2018, Grande proves her vocals to be as sweet in person as they are on her album.
“Worst Nites” – Foster the People
The newest single from indie pop band Foster the People gives their fans the bouncy, synthesized, alternative sound that they’ve come to expect. The group who crashed into recognition with the hit “Pumped Up Kicks” in 2010 and who surprised audiences with “Sit Next to Me”, which charted from their album released last year, have dropped this single. The cover art shows a pink cartoon fantasy version of LA and the music video is a surrealist portrayal of a clown at his day job.
“A Good Girl” – Ralph
Up-and-coming Canadian pop artist Ralph released her first full length album this fall, “A Good Girl”. Ultra modern but reminiscent of 80s synth, her songs are simple but oh, so relatable. “Tables Have Turned”, the third single preceding the album and its frontrunner in downloads, details the moment in a relationship where you fall — hard. This song, along with “Long Distance Lover”, “Gimme”, and “Weather”, stun in this guaranteed star’s debut — don’t miss it.
“Baby” – Clean Bandit feat. Marina & Luis Fonsi
Marina, who recently shed ¾ of her stage name “Marina and the Diamonds”, frontlines the latest track from English electronic group, Clean Bandit, alongside Luis Fonsi (“Despacito”). Marina, a practical recluse in between her albums’ releases, has emerged from her hibernation to grace us with her expansive range, silky smooth vocals, and an easily discernible Welsh accent. “Baby”, a Latin-inspired track, is all Spanish guitars and club beats; Marina laments a love she let get away as she is already in a relationship with someone else.