The Rotation: August Edition
Okay, I finally put down my playlist “Zombie Apocalypse and Chill” and picked up some new music. Most of these albums are 20-45 minutes long, so I listen to at least four of them a day. They’re also mainly themed around love, which is lowkey weird. What is my conscious telling me? Hm. Anyways. Check out the albums I’ve been listening to for the past month.
Brandy – B7
I grew up on Brandy, so this album made me very nostalgic of my Afrodisiac days. This album gave me all the feels I needed. I’m not gone flex, after track nine, I kind of tune out, but it is a well-produced, amazing storytelling, R&B Album. She tells the story of love, heart break, the highs and lows, and that’s all I could really ask for. I mean, sis hasn’t made an album in what feels like (and could possibly be) a decade, so I think I wasn’t expecting a “come back” album but a “hey I can still sing and still love doing music” project and that’s what I got. I also would like to add that she BODIED Monica in that Verzuz battle. Argue with ya momma.
Sada Baby – Bartier Bounty 2
Because what would my rotation be without some Trap music. The longest album in my rotation at one hour, Bartier Bounty 2 is the best thing to blast when you’re driving through your parents’ suburban neighborhood or slidin’ down the highway. Before the album released, I was watching interviews and vlogs of him and Yachty. The idea of Lil Yachty and Sada Baby on a track together made zero sense to me until I heard “KourtSide.” After hearing “On God gang gang” I had the Triller video ready to go. I don’t know if it’s the Midwest and my obsession for Detroit rappers or what. I honestly just think Sada Baby never misses.
Jacob Collier - Djesse, Vol. 3
Before this album even dropped, I listened to the same singles from it on repeat for hours. Now that the entire album is out, I can’t get it out of my head. I kid you not, I listen to it five times a day. The production on this album is like nothing I’ve ever heard. You can tell Collier produces and plays most of the instruments on these songs. This is a pure work of art, and definitely in my Top 10 albums of 2020. I would tell you my favorite songs, but they’re all amazing, and each day I have a new favorite. Also, 10/10 recommend watching his at home tiny desk on YouTube.
Elaine – Elements
I was browsing through the new music section in Apple Music, because I’ve really been thinking to myself like man, do I listen to all the same stuff? Am I even different? Anyways, in trying to branch out, I found Elaine’s new album Elements. It’s this beautiful, R&B album that makes you want to be in love, but you know you enjoy it so much more alone. Her vocals are so soft and pure (whatever that means). I can’t even say it reminds me of anybody, which is great. My favorite song is “When we’re alone.”
Victoria Monét – Jaguar
I’m not gone lie, at first this album was very overwhelming. I think I wasn’t ready for the album to be focused around sex. No issue there, but sometimes I can be a bit prude. I think it was the beginning of “Jaguar” that made me jump, but after the second listen I was hooked. This groovy, sensual album is a before, during, and after shower masterpiece. It makes you want to get up and dance in your underwear, Cameron Diaz in Charlie’s Angels style. I will say, I could’ve gone without “Ass Like That.” Some of her lyrics period were like, “lol did she really just say that,” but the production over lyricism in me shrugged my shoulders.
E Dub – Another Side of Me (EP)
This isn’t in my rotation because I’ trying to put on for my friend from A&T or anything. This is legitimately an amazing EP. I think what did it for me was sampling “Thirsty” by PARTYNEXTDOOR on “Jada’s interlude.” This felt like when your favorite rapper shows his soft side and you’re like “hold on now you might be onto something.” Like, remember when we realized Drake could sing a little bit, and he expanded his whole audience? Yeah, it’s giving. But I mean duh, the EP is titled Another Side of Me and that’s exactly what we got. From start to finish, this was wonderfully done.
Honorable mentions:
Haim – 3AM (it’s a song, but probably one of the best songs I’ve heard all year)
Omar Apollo – Stereo
KYLE – See You When I am Famous!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bryson Tiller - T R A P S O U L
Paul McCartney & Wings – Wingspan: Hits and History
*To listen to these songs, check out my playlist “End of summer outro”