A United Front

Michael’s Top 5 from Andie

Young Hearts – Benny Sings

“Why would he be smiling like that on such a miserable day?” – is what I imagine someone was thinking when I listened to this as part of my morning commute. The weather was absolutely terrible but I quickly found myself tapping away to the beat of the drums! The uplifting groove instantly reminded me of some of my favourite summers filled with teenage angst, enjoying water fights and making sense of the teenage experience through pushing boundaries. I find the lyrics touch on those themes of teenage naivete and feeling like you can conquer the world.

Charmed – Σtella

Ok but did you hear when that guitar kicked in? Honestly, any anxiety I had about pronouncing Σtella’s name wrong dissipated. Her soft sounding vocals were hypnotic to a level that I felt myself put in a trance through the most deserving and sweet lullaby. Even as I write this (- I am of course listening to the song), I find myself gently swaying side to side, anticipating a very hot summer where her voice will personify the cool breeze.

Somebody tell her I think of her the way she thinks of me! And ofcourse, I would stay.

Can’t Keep My Cool – Durand Jones & The Indicators

I enjoy a little old school. The soft blues melody reminds me of the time I spent as part of a percussion ensemble. We worked with the jazz group from a neighbouring school, and I can imagine us all playing along and complimenting the vocalist pouring their heart out on the microphone. For slightly obvious reasons, this reminds of my primary school crush and how strange it felt to notice myself become this ‘other person’ around her. It’s cute, and I’m glad I experienced ( – and probably will again experience) those butterflies.

Honey – Raveena

“Don’t you feel lucky that we can end the day like that?” On some level I really do. To me this track is the embodiment of settling down after a long day of work. I find every time I listen to this track I imagine getting much needed TLC. It makes me feel as if ‘everything counts’ when you know who you’re coming back to at the end of the day. Raveena’s gentle voice eases any tensions and it’s a top pick for songs I would relax to. A fitting name for a track that just oozes with good relaxing vibes.

Masterpiece – SAULT

I personally believe in the intelligence of nature… from golden aspect ratios, imaginary irrational numbers that go on forever, to how each fingerprint that exists, cannot and will not ever be duplicated. This song brings out my idealistic beliefs of how some individuals can complement each other so well that it’s a divinely perfect match. Almost as if the world was meticulously scheming to make sure two individuals would end up together like magnets or like how birds fly across many miles not knowing where they’re going, but trusting there is something for them there. This song to me is beautiful in how it represents a futile battle against nature; some things may happen against our best efforts. In the case of this song, time – the remedy for all ailments – can no longer help against something divinely orchestrated.

Andie’s Top 5 from Michael

Alan Forever – Lupe Fiasco

First of all…such a cool title; and second of all, Lupe Fiasco?! Yeah. Listening to the intro felt like moments of a cliffhanger to me, like I always had the thought in my head, “What’s gonna happen next?” Then that beat comes in after such a beautiful, piano-filled intro…then the hip-hop vocals hit you – what an awesome arrangement. The “Go Alan” part got me motivated and it made me feel something…even if my name isn’t Alan. “To teach you how to swim and then we’ll play Nintendo, Be with all your friends, dancing to the tempo” Doesn’t that just make you feel such good energy?

Honeycomb – Berhana

You know when a song just captures you at its first few seconds? That’s exactly what this Berhana song did to me. I mean…that drumroll? Absolutely. I’d really describe this song as a groovy pop mix that even pulls you to dance. Like, it’s impossible that this song won’t get you moving. I love that bit of isolated vocals after the first verse, it adds a lot of fun to the track! Believe me when I say that this song has the ability to put you in a good mood, because that’s exactly what it did for me!

U & I – Dayo Bello

Now this – this immediately gave me sitting-by-the-beach and laying-by-the-shore energy…and I was all for it. I think it was the first few beats of the song that reminded me of a “tropical” feel for some reason (or maybe I just really miss the beach). But nonetheless, the melody and the prominent percussion beat stuck with me all throughout the song and I think that’s what got me addicted. I also really love Dayo Bello’s vocals. It made me think of Giveon’s vocals – but kind of brighter and less deeper. And did you hear all those harmonies by the 2:00 minute mark? That was pure beauty, literally “music to my ears”!

band practice – Ambré

This song has been in my ‘On Repeat’ for how many weeks now! Ambré’s smooth and slow vocals just keep me so, so calm. I recall listening to this after a long Monday and it just brought me to a state of peace. In other words…I melted. It just had that certain effect on me and it even made me go back to my old serenity and light tones playlist. I absolutely love the play on lyrics and the title – “Can I practice on you? Can you practice on me too?” and then giving it the title ‘band practice’? That just blew my mind. It’s such a loving and passionate song. I end up closing my eyes and remembering some sweet memories.

Good & Plenty – Alex Isley

It was my first time hearing a track by this artist and I was surprised to see that it was even a collaboration with Masego and Jack Dine. Safe to say that the song got me so excited. It’s unreal – a perfect mix. I think I recall listening to this while in the gym and the head-bopping factor was 10/10! The R&B and Soul spirit that this song brought to the table was amazing. “Heaven at your fingertips, Don’t you let a minute slip, Just say you’ll have me” That was a great line that stuck with me. And the way Alex Isley brought it to life was heavenly.

Track Listing

• Pass the Vibes – Nico Segal
• MF GROOVE (with Ravyn Lenae) – Smino
• Oh Honey – Delegation
• Alan Forever (feat. Crystal Torres) – Lupe Fiasco
• Idol Eyes – Common Saints
• High – Tory Lanez
• Do You… – Miguel
• SWEET / I THOUGHT YOU WANTED TO DANCE (feat. Brent Faiyaz & Fana Hues) – Tyler, The Creator
• Under The Magnolia Tree – Pale Jay
• Honeycomb – Berhana
• Young Hearts – Benny Sings
• Young Folks – Peter Bjorn and John
• Charmed – Σtella
• Kiss Me – Sixpence None The Richer
• To Love Somebody – Bee Gees
• Don’t Ask My Neighbors – The Emotions
• Can’t Keep My Cool – Durand Jones & The Indications
• Can’t Wait – Jill Scott
• Someone to Love – Drugdealer
• U & I – Dayo Bello
• Crush (It’s Late, Just Stay) – Yumi Zouma
• Gimme Love – Joji
• Miss Summer – ODIE
• band practice – Ambré
• Honey – Raveena
• Good & Plenty – Alex Isley
• Masterpiece – SAULT
• While We’re Young – Jhené Aiko
• Hair Down – SiR
• Play No Games – Big Sean
• Finish Line / Drown (feat. T-Pain, Kirk Franklin, Eryn Allen Kane & Noname) – Chance the Rapper
• Ultralight Beam – Kanye West

Playlist image by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash