It's been awhile since I have posted a playlist, so I think that I will throw it back in time a bit and show you this gem that I meant to post on the date above (shhhh...the internet lies sometimes). Anyway, here are a few of the songs that orchestrated my dismal January, enjoy!
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For lack of better words 2016 was not the best: personally and socially; save for maybe the music world, which saw the rise of many soon-to-be greats and continuation of the those already established. Although 2017 is shaping up to be interesting, the least we can hope for as music fans is the continuation of killer tracks, LP’s, and EP’s from those we love and those we have yet to discover. Fortunately, artists like The xx, London Grammar, and Laura Marling have already blessed us with new tracks to help ease us into the new year.
"Say Something Loving" - The xx
You know when you hear the first few beats of a song and it just puts a smile on your face? Well this song does just that. “Say Something Loving,” the second single taken from The xx’s new album, “I See You” (available TODAY) definitely plays upon the band’s more “mainstream” sound, which can be attributed to lighter uptempo beats, the reemergence of synth (in popular culture), and a stronger vocal presence. Elements, however still exist from 2012’s “Coexist,” mainly in the seamless transitions and hip-hop influenced production. "Rooting For You" - London Grammar: London trio London Grammar beautifully orchestrated fans' arrival into the new year with the release of their new single, “Rooting For You.” Staying true to their cinematic essence, the song plays with isolated piano chords, swelling guitars, and orchestral strings, the markings of which are nothing without Hannah Reid’s haunting, etherial voice lacing them together. This along with its seamless production creates an ebb and flow which mirrors the contrast between uncertainty and hesitation and unbridled devotion portrayed by the lyrics: “I know it’s hard / Only you and I / Is it all for me? / Because I know it’s all for you.”
"Wild Fire" - Laura Marling: Crashes ignite Laura Marling’s second single, “Wild Fire," off her 6th album, “Semper Femina” (out March 10th), while Marling’s masterful soul-tinged folk voice keeps the song at a steady burn. Breezy acoustic guitars and gospel harmonies round out this reflection on what it means to exist. “(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano" - Sampha: I am highly anticipating Sampha’s debut album (which is slated to drop this upcoming year) and “(No One Knows Me) Like The Piano" only adds to the excitement. Stripped down to the bare bones, this piano ballad is a love-letter to Sampha’s beginnings; it draws upon heartfelt lyrics and layered vocals to express feelings of nostalgia and longing. “Away From Today” - Dan Croll: “Away From Today,” Dan Croll’s third release from his upcoming sophomore album, greets listeners with a brass horn straight out of the opening sequence of a movie. However, the simplicity in production quickly takes a turn when layered with summery guitars, cosmic synths (straight out of science fiction), and strange animal noises. As these disparate sounds lay the foundation of the song, it’s Croll’s lyrics which cast a sudo-western narrative. |