I have a habit of organizing my playlists by months, so I thought why not share one? This month I’m taking you through the songs that got me through last month, May of 2018. A ton of great music was released this month as well as some older albums I either connected with for the first time or re-connected with due to seeing them in concert (here’s looking at you, Harry). I hope you enjoy these songs as much as I have enjoyed them over the past month.

10. Four Out of Five – Arctic Monkeys

Early this month I “discovered” the whole catalogue of the Arctic Monkeys. I’ve been aware of them since their debut, but I guess they didn’t wear enough eyeliner for my tastes when they released their debut album in 2006 (13-year-old me was all about The Killers, Fall Out Boy and Panic! At the Disco). I’ve had a few favorites by them over the years, but they were mainly limited to singles such as “I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor”, “Fluorescent Adolescent” and “R U Mine?”. Now, at 24, I was ready to dive into a catalogue that includes six studio albums and many EPs.

I had to pick one Arctic Monkeys song for this post, so, although it’s not my favorite, I decided it was the most relevant. Arctic Monkeys released their sixth studio album, Tranquility Base Hotel and Casino, this month and, after listening to their earlier works on repeat for two weeks, it was less than fulfilling. Many of my favorite albums I hated or thought were boring at first, so I am committed to giving this new one a chance. “Four Out of Five” is the lead single from the album and the first time I heard it I didn’t even let it play to the end. I didn’t understand the Bowie-inspired vocals coming from Alex Turner and the slow plodding effects of the fuzzy guitars and methodically placed piano chords. I wanted the interesting observational lyrical cadences of their first album, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not and the rhythms and guitar riffs of their fifth, A.M. Most of all, I didn’t understand why the band members now look like creepy uncle DJs from the 1980s (please shave the goatee, Alex Turner! Bring back the leather jacket and slicked back hair!)

Although I know I am not selling this song and new album very well, I would like to say that this song has grown on me. It’s a new sound for the Arctic Monkeys and although I haven’t been a fan long, I respect and admire a band’s ability to grow and break new ground with their sound. Give it a listen and if you don’t like it the first time, try, try again.

Favorite Lyric:

I put a taqueria on the roof

It was well reviewed

Four stars out of five

And that’s unheard of

9. Slow Burn – Kacey Musgraves

If you know me, you know that I am not a big country fan. I find that a lot of new country music is very repetitive and not very interesting, but Kacey Musgraves a unique gem within the genre. She writes about doing what makes you happy, not judging others and the beauty of the world around us and how we should appreciate it. Essentially she’s an indie queen in cowboy boots and with a Texas twang.

I probably wouldn’t have noticed Musgraves had it not been for her appearance on Saturday Night Live this May. I was surprisingly captivated by her haunting, clear vocals and interesting lyrics. Intrigued, I looked up her recently released album, Golden Hour, and decided to give it a try. I ended up loving it and I urge you, even if you’re the most die-hard anti-country music listener, to give it try. You might find that she is your new secret guilty pleasure.

Favorite Lyric:

Good in a glass, good on green

Good when you’re putting your hands all over me

8. Graffiti – Chvrches

When Scotland’s Chvrches (pronounced “Churches”, spelled with a v to make internet searches easier) has been around for a while. When they released their debut album, The Bones of What You Believe, in September of 2013, Chvrches quickly became an important part of the soundtrack to my university years. Their next album, 2015’s Every Open Eye, was similarly satisfying. I had high hopes for their third album, which was released on May 25^th, and I was not disappointed.

On their third album, Love is Dead, the band maintains the synth-led pop focus that made me love them in the first place. Electro-dance beats are paired with lyrics that are often nostalgic, melancholy and pensive. Lauren Mayberry’s beautiful, clear voice rings out over the electronic backbeats and together the vocals and instrumentals work to effectively bring the desired message to the listener in an extremely emotive way.

One track that stood out to me from Love is Dead, was a song called “Graffiti”. It’s everything I love about Chrvches: a verse with a steady beat that bursts into an explosive chorus, nostalgic and melancholy lyrics, Mayberry’s gorgeous voice. The lyrics speak of a relationship gone bad, likening writing their names in graffiti on a bathroom stall to the impermanence that love or friendship can have (We wrote our names along the bathroom walls / Graffitiing our hearts across the stalls). The lyrics are layered and interesting, and I loved this song the second I heard it. You will too!

Favorite Lyrics:

How did you see me? We didn’t know what we wanted to be

When did we move on? I didn’t feel it, nobody told me

7. New Light – John Mayer

This. Music. Video.

I’ve never been a huge John Mayer fan. Not because I don’t like him, but simply because I’ve never been extremely interested in the type of music he releases. I adore his debut record (starting to feel like I have a thing for debut albums) and many a road trip with my family had Room for Squares playing on the car speakers.

“New Light” probably wouldn’t have intentionally reached my ears had I not come across a still from the music video on a favorite Instagram account, @commentsbycelebs. It looked funny, so I went to YouTube to see what all the fuss was about.

I was not disappointed, and the video is an extremely amusing mashup of Mayer in a ridiculous outfit in front of various green screen scenarios (running past the pyramids, skiing, staring wistfully into a sunset). He looks as if he’s given up and not trying, and as amusing as it is, it is also extremely endearing. The song is super catchy as well, and Mayer sings about being lonely and asking a girl to give him a chance. It’s a great tune and even better video, definitely worth a watch and a listen.

Favorite Lyric:

What do I do with all this love that’s running through my veins for you?

6. Pynk – Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae is one of those artists that never disappoints. Everything she releases is unique against the current popular music landscape, her chameleon-like talent allowing her to cross genres with ease.

The song “Pynk” is unmistakably influenced by Grimes, who appears on the track. Interestingly, members of the band Aerosmith, whose 1997’s song “Pink” is sampled in Monae’s, have writing credits on the song. (I’m not suggesting you go listen to Aerosmith’s version, I did and I was definitely not into it). The backbeat is poppy in a way that Grimes is known for, and the choruses are layered with harmonies that are reminiscent of other songs by Monae.

The lyrics are all about self-love and acceptance. As Monae states: “PYNK is the color that unites us all, for pink is the color found in the deepest and darkest nooks and crannies of humans everywhere…” This song has a great message and a great sound. Further still, the video is an incredible visual display, with a clear statement of celebrating the female body.

Favorite Lyrics:

Pink when you’re blushing inside, baby

Pink is the truth you can’t hide, maybe

Pink like the folds of your brain, crazy

Pink as we all go insane

5. Turn – The Wombats

If you haven’t noticed by now, I love utilizing music to reminisce. It must have been 2006 and I bought an import of the British magazine Rock Sound because Panic! At the Disco was on the cover. Lucky for me, this also included a CD of up and coming, but little known, British bands. I cannot remember who else was on this mix – but I do remember that the Wombats were.

Since then, I have enjoyed most of what The Wombats have released, though sometimes they slip off my radar. I stumbled across “Turn” through the catalogue of a Swedish pop artist named Dagny, who is featured on a fabulous remix of the track. Turns out, The Wombats released a new album, Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life, in February and I was entirely unaware. So, lucky me, I had a new album to listen to! It doesn’t stray far from their previous work and their lyrics are just as witty and their sound just as Britpop/rock as ever.

Lyrics contain such gems as “You could give an aspirin the headache of its life” and “They say the best memories are the ones that we forget / Like listening to Drake at your best friend’s swimming pool”. Turn is all about feeling nostalgic for a romance that maybe has met its end. “Turn” is a great tune about loving someone that maybe you shouldn’t.

Favorite Lyrics:

I like the way your brain works, I like the way you try

To run with the wolf pack when your legs are tired

4. Shotgun – George Ezra

George Ezra is an absolute treasure. Seldom do artists come across as sincere and earnest as he does. He demonstrates this sincerity and earnestness through his podcast, George Ezra and Friends, a weekly podcast where he interviews an impressive lineup of musicians (Elton John! Lily Allen! Ed Sheeran!). He talks to artists about musicianship, songwriting, touring and music in general. In a world where musicians are more likely to be asked about their social media or dating lives, it’s refreshing and fascinating to get to hear about the actual music, especially through a conversation between two actual musicians.

George released his second album, Staying at Tamara’s, in March, and, as you can see, I haven’t stopped listening to it since it was released. It’s hit after hit (minus one or two I could do without) and “Shotgun” is by far my favorite. I love songs that feel like a summer day, driving with the windows down and the volume turned up. “Shotgun”, referring to the passenger seat, not the weapon, is an homage to the feelings of being carefree and happy on a road trip. He uses a bouncy beat and positive lyrics to bring this message across. The first verse of the song is almost sparsely accompanied before an infectious bass line is brought in during the first chorus, aided further still by the addition of a brass section.

This song will be a great addition to any summer playlist, and the entire album is worth a listen!

Favorite Lyrics:

Time flies by in the yellow and green

Stick around and you’ll see what I mean

There’s a mountaintop that I’m dreaming of

If you need me you know where I’ll be

3. If You’re Over Me – Years and Years

Man, I love Years and Years. It’s been far too long since they released their first album, Communion, in 2015. This band excels at writing ear catching hooks and infectious dance beats and their songs can get stuck in your head for days. Their lyrics are refreshingly honest takes on relationships, usually, and Olly Alexander’s voice is more unique than that of a typical dance/electro/pop/uncategorizable  band.

“If You’re Over Me” is the second lead single from their upcoming sophomore album Palo Santo. Palo Santo is a concept album about a world in which robots rule the world and they catch humans and force them to dance in cabarets for them, hoping to experience something close to a human emotion. While it sounds interesting the singles released from the album so far are not clear-cut concept album songs.

“If You’re Over Me” has a simple lyrical message, and it’s about someone wanting their partner to stop being indecisive and just leave if he’s not interested in continuing the relationship. The video is amazing as well, with intriguing choreography and an always stellar performance from Alexander. Watch, listen and I dare you keep yourself from dancing a little as you fall in love with Years and Years.

Favorite Lyrics:

There you go, there, I said it

Don’t look at me all offended

You played games and it ended

I’ve got to look out for me

2. All of Harry Styles’ Self-Titled Debut Album

Okay, I know this is a song list and I’m cheating here, but I’m being honest when I say this whole album was on repeat all month. Also this isn’t the first time I’ve been obsessed with this album since it came out a year ago this month. I saw Harry Styles perform in Hong Kong at the beginning of the May and I simply had such an amazing time. If you’re rolling your eyes at the former One Direction member’s inclusion so close to the top of this list keep an open mind and hear me out. If you can’t bear it, skip to the bottom of this section for the summary.

Yeah, he’s attractive. Yeah, he’s famous for being in a boy band loved by millions of screaming teenage girls around the world. But does that mean he’s not talented? No, it does not. It is extremely rare that I will like every single song on any record, and this guy achieved the impossible. Every song draws influences from the best of 60s and 70s rock such as Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, The Beatles and, whether intentionally or not, The Allman Brothers Band. It seems like Styles is trying to find the hat that suits him best and the thing is that, really, all the hats fit.

I could pick a favorite track from the album, but that would be today’s favorite and probably would change tomorrow. One semi-constant favorite is “Kiwi”, a song that brings to mind Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” and is reminiscent of many similar songs from the British Rock wave of the mid-2000s (I was quite pleased to write this only to find upon researching that a journalist from Noisey had the same idea). It seems that perhaps the song started as a joke, with Styles sing/shouting lyrics like “I’m having your baby, it’s none of your business” and “It’s New York, baby, always jacked up / Holland Tunnel for a nose, it’s always backed up”. It’s truly infectious.

Another constant favorite is “Two Ghosts”. The song is about two people that have fallen out of love, trying to pick up the pieces and remember how they were before: “I’m just trying to remember how it feels to have a heartbeat”. As the Noisey article linked above noted, this song is eerily similar to The Allman Brothers Band’s “Melissa”. I hadn’t made this connection before but it’s certain that “Two Ghosts” was influenced by the classic 1972 track. The emotiveness of Styles’ voice is showcased on this song as he holds onto every note as if he’s sad to sing it (I said keep an open mind, I’m almost done!).

Whatever you think about One Direction, their fan base, or the perception of tastelessness that many people have about those who like Harry Styles and One Direction, it must be admitted that this album is different. Styles didn’t choose to write and record forgettable pop hits about drinking and getting down on a dance floor. He chose to go with his gut and emulate the bands he loves. That in itself is admirable after the phenomenon that was One Direction.

TL;DR:  This album rocks and don’t be a snob about him being a former boy band member.

Noisey Article: https://noisey.vice.com/en_ca/article/qkgnkb/harry-styles-debut-album-obviously-has-70s-rock-influences

1. This is America – Childish Gambino

I mean, who wasn’t listening to “This is America” this month? The music video is incredible, and Childish Gambino is incredible. The layers upon layers of symbolism and social commentary in the video and the song are fascinating, but I’m going to leave the explanations of that symbolism to someone better qualified: https://www.cnn.com/2018/05/07/entertainment/childish-gambino-this-america-video/index.html

I’ve been a fan of Childish Gambino/Donald Glover’s for a long time. I love his hooks and his wordplay, and he grows more talented with each release. He’s a guy that really can do it all, as is proved by his involvement in the awesome show Atlanta and recent appearance as a young Lando Calrissian in the newest Star Wars development. He’s come a long way from his character in Community and I’m excited to see where his career will take him next.

Definitely watch the video if you haven’t seen it already.

 

You can listen on Spotify here:

https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/sophloveless/playlist/1XbT6oFClWkTltYc0D1Vb1

Follow me on Instagram at @sophloveless !