Hi, happy Monday! I’ve been listening to a lot lately, so just some thoughts and a quick roundup!
Out of sheer curiosity, I listened to Gracie Abrams’ album, The Secret of Us. I have never understood her appeal (that babyish, cursive-style singing voice drives me crazy) but I wanted to see what was what. The folks at Who? Weekly referred to this album as “Taylor Swift runoff,” and I completely agree. Aaron Dessner, Taylor’s second favorite collaborator, co-wrote and co-produced most this album, and it is obvious! The best song here, “Close to You,” is the only one Dessner had no hand in. Telling!
One of my sources likes the new Camila Cabello album, C,XOXO, so I did my duty and tuned in. I’m not a Camila convert, but the album has its moments!
My preferred new-album-from-a-former-member-of-Fifth Harmony (niche!) is DOPAMINE by Normani. I really like this album, but am sad that Normani’s record label doesn’t seem to know what to do with her. This album took YEARS to put out and now that it’s here, there is basically no marketing buzz? Why she is not performing on every late night show is beyond me! She’s got a great voice and can really dance, so she should be in the current Main Pop Girl conversation much more!
Remi Wolf’s new album, Big Ideas, is so fun. Lots of this album went straight onto the “drinks on the porch” mix if that gives you a sense of the general vibe.
Clairo’s new album, Charm, also saw several entries to “drinks on the porch.” It has a ‘70s, Carole King-esque sound. Very warm and lush!
Also listened to lots of new singles including tracks from Kesha, Lana del Rey and Quavo, Grace Enger, Bartees Strange, and more!
(Decidedly not on today’s mix: the new Katy Perry single. I spent 2 minutes and 43 seconds listening to “WOMAN’S WORLD,” and never need to spend another moment on it! If everyone had just gotten on board with “Never Really Over,” her best song since “Teenage Dream,” she might not feel desperate enough in her career to release bad songs with bad people!)
Anywayyy! Have a great week!
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