AKMU – How People Move
Since my trek to the Blackpink concert earlier this month, my interest in K-pop has reignited a bit. I only just discovered this brother-sister duo, and I am obsessed with them. They have such a unique style and sound that is incredibly pleasant to listen to. This particular song, an upbeat, jazzy number, is easily my favorite. If you are intrigued by the intimidating world of K-pop, but aren’t a fan of “standard” pop music in general, AKMU might be the best place to start.
Blackpink – As if It’s Your Last
Aaaand speaking of K-pop, I’ve been on a Blackpink kick ever since attending their concert at the Prudential Center. This song is my hands-down favorite. It gives me “magical girl” vibes, if that makes any sense – it’s kind of like a classic anime opening, with a more modern twist in the rapping parts.
Chloe x Halle – Wolf at Your Door
This selection comes from the album “For the Throne,” which features songs inspired by Game of Thrones. It’s my favorite song on the album, mixing R&B with lyrics reminiscent of favorite characters and scenes from the series. I love the sound of this one the most, though I do have a few of the other tracks from the album on my recent playlist as well. If you’re mourning the end of the show, give this song – and the rest of the album – a listen.
Raleigh Ritchie – Time in a Tree
Aaaand speaking of Game of Thrones, Grey Worm – or Jacob Anderson, also known as Raleigh Ritchie – is a recording artist! I’ve liked a lot of his previous work, and his lyrics always convey a powerful message to make the listener think. In this song, I especially like the refrain, but also “I get wound up, from the ground up / And I don’t know why / Turn the sound up, drown the noise out / Swallow, don’t cry / Got an anxious heart, and it’s stone made / Can’t take paper or heartbreak.” He’s great – if you haven’t listened to him before, give this song a listen!
A Perfect Circle – So Long, and Thanks for All The Fish
Who doesn’t love a topical rock song that references what is afflicting society during this day and age? I sure do. And this one is super catchy. Worth listening to just for the lyrics.
Utada Hikaru – Don’t Think Twice
This song serves as the English theme for the long-awaited Kingdom Hearts III, released this past January for the PS4. The predecessors of this song – Simple and Clean, and Sanctuary, the themes for Kingdom Hearts I and IIrespectively – pop up in my playlists now and again, but this one is a new addition that is frequently played. It might mean more to me as a fan of the series, because it makes me think of the game when I listen to it…. but also Utada is queen.
Zac Efron and Zendaya – Rewrite the Stars
I am not on the The Greatest Showman bandwagon. Haven’t seen it, and don’t plan to – though I love all of the actors in it. But I gotta say, the soundtrack is a banger. I’ve only recently listened to the soundtrack in depth, and I adore this song the most. Gotta love the whole “star-crossed lovers, but we can’t be together because society hates it” angle. It works, and this song sounds beautiful and has a crazy good replay factor. Also, I love Zendaya.
(My Game of Thrones season 8 post will be on Monday!)
Frostwritten 