Song of the Week
I listen to a lot of music, and I'm personally interested in seeing how my taste in music changes over time. As such, I've started this very small pet project: I document my favourite song of the week.
This project is definitely still a work in progress - I think there's a lot of cool statistical analysis I can do here. For now, give the artist count a look.
Oh yeah, and here's the Spotify
playlist, for your convenience.
And, a compact version (+
covers-only version), if you're into that.

Besties | Black Country, New Road
Amazingly cute and melancholic. Very intrigued to see the new BCNR!
indie rock // 2025

BAILE INoLVIDABLE | Bad Bunny
Didn’t have a 6-minute PR salsa banger on my 2025 bingo card, but I’m all for it!
salsa // 2025

Sugar in the Tank | Julien Baker, TORRES
Beautiful duet; excited for this album!
indie rock // 2024

Do You Have A Destination | Mac Miller
Mac’s estate (and family) have done an absolutely stellar job releasing music posthumously while still preserving his legacy.
rap // 2025

The Ballad of Matt & Mica | Magdalena Bay
I haven’t been able to get this album out of my head for the past month! This hook is so infectious.
synth pop // 2024

Beautiful Boy | The Last Dinner Party
Me too, me too. (and one of the best debut albums I’ve seen in this decade!)
indie rock // 2024

Image | Magdalena Bay
Absolute bop; I don’t think I gave this album the flowers it deserved when it first came out. Imaginal Disk has been on repeat for me!
synth pop // 2024

Like The End | James Blake
This song feels immense. It’s so beautiful, yet it also makes me feel so hopeless.
alt r&b // 2024

Balloon | Tyler, The Creator, Doechii
I never had a chance to spotlight a CHROMAKOPIA song when it first came out. Doechii’s infectious energy makes this a standout in a standout album cycle.
rap // 2024

tv off | Kendrick Lamar, Lefty Gunplay
What a victory lap - the “MUSTAAAAAAARD” is just the cherry on top. Also just an incredible album - Kenny is an absolute hitmaker.
rap // 2024

Ma Meilleure Ennemie | Stromae, Pomme
Wow, what an ending to an absolutely stunning show. And I always love to see Stromae win!
dance // 2024

Skurrr | MIKE, Tony Seltzer
Effortlessly smooth.
rap // 2024

whatcha gotta say | thủy, Blxst
Feel like she’s so underrated - absolute bop!
pop // 2024

Buttons | Lyn Lapid
Killer hook, and some hilarious social media promo.
pop // 2024

Roc Steady | Megan Thee Stallion, Flo Milli
Just as fun as it sounds - Megan kills it on a beat that feels very Flo!
rap // 2024

In The Living Room | Maggie Rogers
Stellar single, and an absolutely stellar concert performance! Maggie is an absolute diva live!
pop-rock // 2024

Locals (Girls like us) | underscores, gabby start
An absolutely infectious genre-mashing earworm that re-entered my rotation. Can’t help but smile!
hyperrock? // 2023

Wassup | Powers Pleasant, Jasiah, Tkay Maidza
Leagues above the average producer album!
rap // 2024

Let's Go Back | Jungle
Such a smooth single in the vein of Back On 74. Stellar!
neo soul // 2024

Toast | CLAUDIA
Such a catchy set of runs in the hook!
pop // 2024

DENIAL IS A RIVER | Doechii
Unhinged and at her best!
rap // 2024

CRAZY | LE SSERAFIM
Absolute house bop.
kpop // 2024

No Broke Boys | Tinashe
Tinashe has just been so fun lately!
r&b // 2024

Fantasy | Luna Li
Serene and ethereal. And produced by Scott Zhang!! Thank you Muthu :)
dream pop // 2024

Beaches | beabadoobee
Album is filled with absolute earworms - perhaps her best yet!
alt rock // 2024

NISSAN ALTIMA | Doechii
These swamp sessions are a treat - lethal tempo, beat, and flow.
rap // 2024

either on or off the drugs | JPEGMAFIA
Absolutely in his pocket with a gorgeous sample flip.
rap // 2024

Where Them Girls At | Megan Thee Stallion
Straightforward Megan banger, as expected.
rap // 2024

No Problems | Ginger Root
Just delightfully groovy - excited for this album!
indie pop // 2024

Add Up My Love | Clairo
Holy shit, this Clairo album is so good. The perfect instrumentals for her vibe.
indie pop // 2024

Black Cherri | Suzi Wu, Zac Carper
Another brain-tickler à la upbeat 100 gecs and burbank house.
noise rock? // 2022

Any Way | L'Impératrice, Maggie Rogers
Fastueux, superbe, luxueux.
dance pop // 2024

The girl, so confusing version with lorde | Charli XCX, Lorde
She’s back, and she’s back! Surprised (and hooked) by the vulnerability.
alt pop // 2024

Forbidden Feelingz | Nia Archives
Went on a massive Boiler Room binge this week, and it shows.
dance // 2024

Speed of Light | dhruv
I originally slightly doubted this single, but it really grew on me - dhruv (and his production taste) really doesn’t miss.
pop // 2024

Sexy to Someone | Clairo
Me too, Clairo, me too.
indie pop // 2024

Étouffée | Vince Staples
Vince yet again is in his pocket - buttery smooth flows and laid-back beats with his own flavour of social commentary.
rap // 2024

LUNCH | Billie Eilish
Surprise bop? Hard and soft?
pop // 2024

Steel | Matt Champion, Dora Jar
Out of left field, but probably my favourite post-BROCKHAMPTON album from the boys so far!
alt pop // 2024

Not Like Us | Kendrick Lamar
Absolutely devastating; I can’t believe I’m here for this pop culture moment. So many thoughts.
rap // 2024

Jokes On Me | Audrey Nuna
Brilliant execution of what I think is a pretty crowded sound.
rap // 2024

dancinwithsomebawdy | ericdoa
Did not expect this out of Eric at all, but this is an absolute bop - we’ll take those.
dance // 2024

R&B | English Teacher
Reminds me of Wet Leg in the best way possible!
alt rock // 2024

No Machine | Adrianne Lenker
Serene, beautiful, and a tinge of sadness - exactly what I expected.
indie folk // 2024

16 CARRIAGES | Beyoncé
Album is a great balance of vulnerability and absolute bops!
country // 2024

Like That | Future, Metro Boomin, Kendrick Lamar
How could I avoid this? Kendrick is hungry - there is no big three. Metro brings a surprising flip on a generally overplayed sample.
rap // 2024

violet | Marianne Ross
This is very Mitski/boygenius/beabadoobee/Laufey-core… I’ve been played…
indie pop // 2023

Goddess | Laufey
You already know…
jazz pop // 2024

Von dutch | Charli XCX
It’s Charli, baby…
electropop // 2024

OMG | Suki Waterhouse
Earworm chorus and the right balance of grunge - excited for this album!
indie rock // 2024

Marigold | Mia Day
Shoutout Mia!
indie rock // 2023

Tragedy | dhruv
How does this man never miss??
pop // 2024

Despair, Hangover & Ecstasy | The Dø
Can you believe that this song is almost a decade old? I can’t.
electropop // 2014

whiplash | 2hollis
Another brain-tickler!
alt electronic // 2023

née-nah | 21 Savage, Travis Scott, Metro Boomin
In an era where each of these artists are slightly off their peak, this song is an absolute pleasure, a return to form.
rap // 2024

Not My Fault | Reneé Rapp, Megan Thee Stallion
Another absolute bop. I’m not sure why Reneé seems to have a grip on online music discourse right now, but I’m all for it!
pop // 2023

Every Day Is The Worst Day Of My Life | The Lemon Twigs
Facts.
soft rock // 2023

Night Shift | Lucy Dacus
A sombering and belt out crying song to end 2023.
indie rock // 2018

Vampire Empire | Big Thief
Such a powerful earworm with an eclectic chorus. Can’t believe this isn’t attached to an album (yet?).
indie folk // 2023

Otro Atardecer | Bad Bunny, The Marías
Never gave this song its flowers when it first came out, but better late than never! Feels like a Marías featuring Bad Bunny in my favourite way.
latin pop // 2022

we're all eating each other | Juliet Ivy
Bright and nihilistic. Great job on a debut EP!
indie pop // 2023

Not Strong Enough | boygenius
Been on a bit of a boygenius kick this past week, and I can’t believe that this wasn’t already an SOTW!
indie rock // 2023

bloom | ネクライトーキー
Enjoyed the new Scott Pilgrim more than I thought I would!
jrock // 2023

Don't Know How To Keep Loving You | Julia Jacklin
Truly crushing.
indie pop // 2019

Cobra | Megan Thee Stallion
Megan continues to kill the sad and introspective hot girl music from Traumazine.
rap // 2023

To Summer, From Cole - Audio Hug | J. Cole
Maybe one of the sweetest rap songs I’ve ever heard?
rap // 2023

But Not For Me | Chet Baker
Been on a massive Chet Baker binge this week!
vocal jazz // 1954

A Night To Remember | beabadoobee, Laufey
The duo I never knew I needed? And excited for Laufey’s potential feature run.
alt pop // 2023

What's The Time Where You Are | Troye Sivan
Just another straight bop.
pop // 2023

Fucking Depressed | Bad Daughter
rt
alt rock // 2020

EVERYTHING IS RED | Koven Wei
I triple-taked when I saw this randomly; what a surprise from an old neighbour. Proud of him!
alt rock // 2023

Nachts wach | Miksu / Macloud, makko
Is this what language envy feels like? What an absolute bop.
german dance-rap? // 2022

1-800-Nas&Hit | Nas, Hit-Boy
The end (?) of a mind-blowing era. I don’t think we’ll see a six album run like this any time soon.
rap // 2023

While You Were Sleeping | Laufey
Of course she’s done it again. Jealous of my friends who saw her live in LA!
jazz pop // 2023

Charge It | ENNY
ENNY’s flow is absolutely pristine; she excels on these laid-back beats.
rap // 2023

踊り子 | Vaundy
Bye Boston (and the work bestie)! What a smooth, danceable song.
jpop // 2023

Oh No Darling! | Sarah Kinsley
As my summer winds down, gotta give it to one of my songs of the summer. Shoutout Becky!
alt rock // 2023

ABC | Polyphia, Sophia Black
This song is such an earworm: the perfect balance of Polyphia’s insane technical skill and a piece that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
prog rock // 2022

HEARTBREAKER CLUB | City Girl, tiffi, Highvyn
The City Girl x tiffi combination is elite.
pop // 2022

Come Over | Carly Rae Jepsen
She’s back :)
pop // 2023

Rush | Troye Sivan
Absolute bop.
pop // 2023

Hunned Bandz | Tanukichan
Laid-back, relaxing, and chill rock - perfect for a hot summer.
indie rock // 2018

FUNKFEST | grouptherapy.
This gives me BROCKHAMPTON levels of excitement! What a flexible and unique album.
alt rap // 2023

Professor X | Dave
Nuts beat, and the “Little man want to jump on FIFA, so I’m close to the sun like Icarus” line has me cackling.
rap // 2019

Nails | Saint Levant
Saint Levant’s genre-bending trilingual rap is smooth as butter. The music video definitely made me chuckle.
rap // 2023

All I Wanted | Paramore
Ugh, this emo rock era was a time. Love Paramore.
emo rock // 2009

From The Start | Laufey
I cannot underscore how amazing Laufey is. Elegant, charming, beautiful.
jazz pop // 2023

The Hillbillies | Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar
Glad to see the pgLang boys having fun.
rap // 2023

Daydreaming | NxWorries, Anderson .Paak, Knxwledge
Quite excited for this album, it’s another win for .Paak!
r&b // 2023

Master P | KAYTRANADA, Aminé, Big Sean
bop bop bop
rap // 2023

MOTHERLESS | Killer Mike, Eryn Allen Kane
Painful, but also great timing.
rap // 2023

Love, Try Not To Let Go | Julia Jacklin
Breaking a too-long streak of rap with a punchy, powerful, and almost overwhelming moden power ballad.
indie rock // 2022

Gang Gang Gang | Jack Harlow
It surprises me just how many people (including Fantano!) are missing what this song is about: a critique of “brotherhood” and its lack of accountability. Coming from an all-boys school that was hyperfixated on brotherhood above all else, this song hits too close to home. Really wasn’t expecting this from Jack Harlow!
rap // 2023

For DOOM | Open Mike Eagle
On a massive rap binge recently, and so naturally tending towards OME!
rap // 2022

Prom Night | Chance the Rapper
This for everybody’s fucking prom night.
rap // 2012

pg baby | redveil
On a redveil grind.
rap // 2022

SORRY NOT SORRY | Tyler, The Creator
Beautiful music video for a beautiful era of rap.
rap // 2023

Kingdom Hearts Key | JPEGMAFIA, Danny Brown, redveil
I have never cackled so much while being thoroughly amazed by a project’s production. This one is closer to easy listening compared to … some of the other songs. Those scare me.
rap // 2023

Slipping Into Darkness | Hit-Boy, The Alchemist
Alchemist over a Hit-Boy beat, Hit-Boy over a Alchemist beat. Beautiful.
rap // 2023

Weight | redveil
This is top-notch production; one of the more innovative soul samples I’ve listened to!
rap // 2020

Eye Know | De La Soul, Otis Redding
Can’t believe that De La is finally back. What a classic!
rap // 1989

Tally | midwxst, Denzel Curry
It’s not polished, but it’s fun.
rap // 2023

Chameleon | Dark Dazey
To me it’s wild that Fantano has now reviewed Dark Dazey. Feels like I’m seeing a band blow up in real-time!
indie rock // 2023

OutRight | Wild Party
Super slow week and not much new music. This song is almost a nostalgia trip à la Two Door Cinema Club.
indie rock // 2014

CUFF IT | Beyoncé
Shoutout Beyoncé for nabbing the most Grammys ever.
dance // 2022

Two Tens | Cordae, Anderson .Paak
It’s not RNP, but it shouldn’t be. Smooth!
rap // 2023

GOATED. | Armani White, Denzel Curry
Denzel imbues a simple beat and chorus with inventive wordplay, effortlessly switches flows, and that signature Denzel energy.
rap // 2023

Shinunoga E-Wa / 死ぬのがいいわ | Fuji Kaze / 藤井風
So late to the trend, but what a medley of pop, jazz, and rap production.
jpop // 2020

One Mic One Gun | Nas, 21 Savage
Been bumping this for the past month. What a great way to squash a beef!
rap // 2022

King | Florence + The Machine
Can’t believe I missed this!
pop rock // 2022

Gorilla | Little Simz
Will never say no thank you to more Little Simz.
rap // 2022

Kill Bill | SZA
Finally, new SZA - and it’s stellar.
r&b // 2022

Look Out! | Peach Pit
Smooth and serene for a sleep-filled Seattle.
alt rock // 2022

Feel The Fiyaaaah | Metro Boomin, A$AP Rocky, Takeoff
Stellar sample. Somber, neat alphabet verse from Takeoff. Album’s not perfect, but Metro is definitely back.
rap // 2022

うっせぇわ | Ado
Absolutely out of this world vocal range and production! I’m much too late to this bandwagon.
japanese electropop // 2020

First Time | Nas
Nas & Hit-Boy run it back on KD3 and the quality is still there. Unparalleled.
rap // 2022

Die For You | Joji
And I hope it’s true
pop // 2022

As The World Caves In | Matt Maltese
It’s hard to reconcile how absurd this song premise is with its beauty; I love both Matt and Sarah’s versions. Does feel like things are caving in :/
pop // 2018

patience interlude | Baby Keem
a stellar deluxe
rap // 2022

Sideways | Carly Rae Jepsen
crj crj crj
pop // 2022

HEAD | Devon Again
in my head
pop // 2022

Heavenly Father | Isaiah Rashad
rap // 2014

i tried | slowthai
rap // 2021

KAZINO | BIBI
How did I miss this when it came out?
pop // 2020

Forgot About | Priya Ragu
how could
pop // 2021

Stoked | Weston Estate
huge weston estate week
indie pop // 2022

Still | Kenny Beats
I’ve loved following Kenny ever since The Cave and his Twitch stream. LOUIE is his raw creativity, love of the art, and playfulness all bundled in a tight beat pack. Stellar.
instrumental hip-hop // 2022

Crack Sandwich | JID
JID dances around the beat like it’s ballet, doesn’t pull punches like it’s boxing, and tackles tough subject matter like it’s football - entrancing.
rap // 2022

Budget | Megan Thee Stallion, Latto
I don’t know what’s more killer: Megan’s flow or the sample.
rap // 2022

SAN FRANCISCO SIDEWALK | Tiffany Day
Close by, a different production style, and introspective noise. Love.
pop // 2022

ENERGY | Beyoncé, Beam
This album has an energy out of this world - everything the Drake album wanted to be.
dance pop // 2022

Shatter | Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers is back with a fiery passion. Love every minute of this album.
alt pop // 2022

Timeless | Ambar Lucid
An admittedly subpar album cover hides one of the smoothest hooks I’ve heard this year, and probably, ever.
alt pop // 2022

Beware of the Dogs | Stella Donnelly
Something about this album and this song just hit different. There’s a pain and timbre in her voice that’s patently unique.
indie pop-rock // 2019

TAKE A CHANCE | DOMi & JD BECK, Anderson .Paak
It seems like just yesterday that I saw DOMi and JD hang out with Kenny Beats on stream. There’s something unique about their music. They make me feel old.
jazz r&b // 2022

hollaback bitch | Mura Masa, Shygirl, Channel Tres
Absolute earworm from three artists perfectly in their zone.
alt r&b // 2022

Sorry | Deb Never
Surprised this is Deb’s first appearance!
alt rock // 2021

Glimpse of Us | Joji
Fast week, slow song.
ballad // 2022

Cash In Cash Out | Pharrell Williams, 21 Savage, Tyler, The Creator
Infectious hook, but the standout feature is the music video.
rap // 2022

Music For A Sushi Restaurant | Harry Styles
What an awful week to wrap up. This song was a highlight, though.
pop // 2022

Listening To Me Sing | Jacklen Ro
Great seeing them (and Dark Dazey, Even Kevin, Lola Rice) live. This song in particular was stellar; the Spotify mix doesn’t do it justice.
alt rock // 2019

Auntie Diaries | Kendrick Lamar
It is remarkably good that one of the largest names in the music industry centers an entire song on transphobia and trans support. Time will tell how this will age, and there are some things I’m not qualified to comment on; nevertheless, impactful.
rap // 2022

Father Time | Kendrick Lamar, Sampha
An astounding portrait of toxic masculinity.
rap // 2022

The Heart Part 5 | Kendrick Lamar
IT’S HAPPENING.
rap // 2022

Forever | HAIM
In-person HAIM was a completely different vibe - congrats on 15 years to them!
indie rock/pop // 2013

Dreamin Of The Past | Pusha T, Kanye West
Push on Pharrell and Kanye is a murderous combination.
coke rap // 2022

END OF THE WORLD | MICHELLE
A stellar album front to back - the personality of someone who’s always the wholesome life of the party.
indie pop // 2022

Love It If We Made It | Rina Sawayama
Everything I love about a good cover - innovating on the core identity of the song with a very novel, Rina-like twist.
alt pop // 2020

BROKEN PLATES | Tiffany Day
“LOVE. LOVE! SICK. SICK!” hits different live.
pop // 2022

Instant Crush | Daft Punk, Julian Casablanca
Wow, I’ve forgotten just how stellar this album is. Daft Punk really are legends.
electronic // 2013

Close Your Eyes | Kim Petras
Cursed song enters the rotation.
electronic pop // 2019

Since I Left You | The Avalanches
Since I Left You was on constant rotation during an otherwise terrible finals week.
dance // 2000

Your Type | Alvvays
Antisocialites returns to SOTW in great fashion!
indie pop // 2017

HAZARD DUTY PAY! | JPEGMAFIA
I’m so glad this song is finally on streaming; Peggy weaves his flow through a stunning sample.
rap // 2022

Life's a Bitch | Nas, AZ, Olu Dara
title
rap // 1994

MAGIC | Vince Staples, Mustard
Beat and flow feeling like magic.
rap // 2022

Silver into Rain | Luna Li, beabadoobee
Stellar combo.
dream pop/rock // 2022

Going Bad | Meek Mill, Drake
Been saying “lot of Murakami in the hallway” too frequently as of late.
rap // 2018

Walkin | Denzel Curry
Denzel murders a stellar sample.
rap // 2022

Surround Sound | JID, 21 Savage, Baby Tate
Please give us the new JID album!!
rap // 2022

Chaise Longue | Wet Leg
What a song!
alt rock // 2021

Go Away | Omar Apollo
Chromeo and Omar Apollo is an absolutely stellar production collab, and it shows.
r&b // 2021

Happier Than Ever | Billie Eilish
In love with the mood and build-up of this song. The “that shit’s embarassing” hits different.
alt pop // 2021

Neon Guts | Lil Uzi Vert, Pharrell Williams
I’ve been obsessed with Pharrell’s 4-count recently, and this song is a prime example.
rap // 2017

burbank house | tsubi club
Brain tickling.
noise rock? // 2021

Futon | Ūla
How can you make a futon cute?
bedroom pop // 2020

Blue Gatorade | Dark Dazey
This is my “other people’s Spotify Wrappeds” find of the year. This song is so serene and beautiful.
psychedelic rock // 2021

PISTOLWHIP | spill tab
Live spill tab was stellar, as was this song. Love Claire!
indie rock // 2021

Jam & Butterfly | DPR LIVE, Crush, eaJ
Haven’t gotten around to really listening to Silk Sonic or Red; still riding the HITC high.
k-r&b // 2020

Fairy Tale | Seori
Hearing this live (or even on a loud speaker) is absolutely insane. Prob my fave find from HITC!
k-r&b // 2020

Charmander | Aminé
I’m down for hyperpop Aminé.
rap // 2021

get off my dick | Zack Fox, Kenny Beats
It’s times like these that I reconsider making this a public blog.
rap // 2021

Diablo | Mac Miller
This Faces re-release is absolutely nuts. Has made my week and will likely dominate my 2021 rotation. Diablo is so smooth.
rap // 2014

Grade A | spill tab, JAWNY
Super excited to see spill tab soon!!
indie pop/rock // 2021

Lucy | Yenkee
Something special!
lo-fi pop // 2020

DOLLA SIGN SLIME | Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion
Lil Nas X is on a roll, and he deserves every single bit of it.
rap // 2021

scapegoats | Baby Keem
Album has surprisingly been in heavy rotation for me. Keem is such a breath of fresh air for this new age of rap.
rap // 2021

Miss Understood | Little Simz
Easily AOTY material for me. Little Simz cements herself as the best of the best, no contest.
rap // 2021

Story 2 | clipping.
The changing time signature on this song is so nuts.
experimental rap // 2014

family ties | Baby Keem, Kendrick Lamar
Smokin’ on top fives, stop playin’, I’m that guy
rap // 2021

the sky is pink | jenny nuo
it’s been a slow music week for me, so i’ll give a shoutout :)
bedroom pop // 2019

Every Summertime | NIKI
Did I impulse buy Head in the Clouds tickets? Mayhaps.
pop // 2021

Where'd All the Time Go? | Dr. Dog
Reminded of this song by a friend. Title’s true!
psychedelic rock // 2010

Break It Off | PinkPantheress
something something too much time on music note app
drum and bass // 2021

Hypotheticals | Lake Street Dive
Hypotheticals is insanely catchy. Rachael Price’s voice layers over a beautiful medley of keyboards and strings. The bassline is so groovy. And, above all, the song’s progression is perfectly timed. Immaculate.
indie pop // 2021

High Beams | Tkay Maidza
Tkay is absolutely killing it (and one of my fave rising stars) - she effortlessly blends innovative beats, graceful singing, and absolute bars. Can’t wait for a full album.
rap // 2021

ARE YOU WITH THAT? | Vince Staples
I have enjoyed streaming VINCE STAPLES by VINCE STAPLES. Truly, VINCE STAPLES by VINCE STAPLES has been one of my favourite Vince Staples projects.
rap // 2021

Little by Little | The Marías
The Marías knock it out of the park with their debut studio album. They blend together dreamy synths, a powerful but mesmerizing bass, and María’s hypnotizing voice to paint their signature sound.
psychedelic soul // 2021

Metropolis | Logic
A friend reminded me of this song, and other than the slightly-cringe outro on Tarantino movies, the flow is still as smooth as it was seven years ago.
rap // 2014

HEAVY METAL | Paris Texas
A late shoutout, but HEAVY METAL deserves it and more. Paris Texas tie up noise rap in an aggressive yet palatable package.
rap // 2021

Far Away | EASHA
I did end up going Far Away! But beyond that, EASHA is definitely someone to look out for - her groove is so springly and joyful.
pop // 2021

CALONE | Tiffany Day
Tiffany Day is just so catchy. Bop after bop after bop.
pop // 2021

astrid | glaive
I think I’ve played this song over 30 times in the past two weeks?
hyperpop // 2020

good 4 u | Olivia Rodrigo
Officially joining the Olivia Rodrigo hype train. SOUR is joining AOTY contention for me.
pop // 2021

Runnin Runnin Runnin | Biskwiq, YBN Nahmir
Biskwiq has one of the best trap-to-lo-fi flips that I’ve heard in a while!
rap // 2018

Durag Activity | Baby Keem, Travis Scott
durag activity
rap // 2021

Shot You Down | Isaiah Rashad, Jay Rock, ScHoolboy Q
One of my friends says that this song makes them feel invincible, and I can’t disagree.
rap // 2014

OK | 6 Dogs
I’m not sure exactly why, but after watching this Lyrical Lemonade video this song played on repeat in my head. RIP.
rap // 2018

waves - Tame Impala Remix | Miguel, Tame Impala
Something about this remix just sticks.
psychedelic r&b // 2016

CHAIN ON | BROCKHAMPTON, JPEGMAFIA
I’m not entirely sure if we’re at SATURATION levels, but I am never one to complain for more BROCKHAMPTON. Peggy is a great addition too!
rap // 2021

Big Boss Rabbit | Freddie Gibbs
I’ve been on an absolute Gibbs binge these past few weeks; his flow is speedy but buttery smooth in this song.
rap // 2021

Don't Need You | Genesis Owusu
Quirky, but a vibe.
rap // 2021

Freeze Tag | Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, Kamasi Washington, Phoelix
Slow week, slow song. An amazing team creates an amazing blend of jazz, soul, r&b, and rap.
soul // 2020

Leave The Door Open | Silk Sonic, Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak
What a duo, smooth af. Don’t want to get too hyped, but this could be AOTY …
r&b // 2021

Whats Next | Drake
It’s like clockwork. The culture vulture drops another banger, and I begrudingly put it into the playlist.
rap // 2021

Cocaine Parties | Freddie Gibbs, Madlib
Freddie absolutely bodies one of Madlib’s best beats. If only we got Madlib, Freddie, and Kendrick … (note: this song was taken off of Spotify shortly after, presumably from sample clearing issues)
rap // 2021

Skegee | JID
JID cements himself as one of the best of the new wave: conscious lyrics, buttery smooth flow, and unique production.
rap // 2021

Is It Any Wonder? | Durand Jones & The Indications
Continuing the Black Pumas-adjacent trend. Serene.
neo-soul // 2016

Morning Coffee | Chevy, Nalba
A bright-ish song for a not-so-bright-ish week.
bedroom pop // 2020

Colors | Black Pumas
Black Pumas is a huge find for me; along with the Alabama Shakes, they have this entrancing approach to modern soul, blues, and rock that’s rare to find.
soul // 2019

Punching Bag | Wallice
I use this word a lot, but this song is really an earworm. Super excited to see their second song!
bedroom pop // 2020

Super Rich Kids | Frank Ocean, Earl Sweatshirt
It’s been a huge Frank Ocean kinda week for me.
alt r&b // 2012

Marinate | Zack Fox
I have no justification. This song is just hilarious.
rap // 2020

Crush | Duckwrth
The groove and bassline for this song is just so danceable. I know I’ve said this a lot, but I really mean it.
rap // 2019

All Caps | Madvillain, MF DOOM, Madlib
RIP to a legend. All Caps when you spell the man name.
rap // 2004

80's makeout session | dacelynn
It’s been a slow-ish week, so here’s a slow-ish bedroom pop song.
bedroom pop // 2019

Don't Get Chipped | Vince Staples
Finals gave me little time to listen to new music, and I ended up leaning back on some Kenny Beats production. Giving FM! the shoutout it deserves!
rap // 2018

82 92 | Statik Selektah, Termanology, Mac Miller
Can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this song before! Vintage Mac, Statik Selektah brings his best. And look at that album cover.
rap // 2011

YOU'RE SO FUCKING MEAN TO ME | Tiffany Day
Is Tiffany Day OVERDRAMATIC? Maybe. Is this song a bop? Yup.
pop // 2020

真夜中のドア〜Stay With Me | Miki Matsubara
A fitting 100th song. A bubbly, danceable, melodic voice and groove. A perfect example of jazz-infused city pop. A reminder of my (artificial) Japanese roots.
jpop // 1980

FOOL'S GOLD | Aries
Aries is my guilty pleasure, and FOOL’S GOLD is my pyrite. The pieces just come together so well on this song.
pop // 2020

Sangria | $NOT, Denzel Curry
Production is absolutely insane, $NOT definitely punches above his weight, and Denzel absolutely kills his verse. Amazing flute sample.
rap // 2020

MORE | K/DA, Madison Beer, (G)I-DLE, Lexie Liu, Jaira Burns
I can’t believe it, but I’m actually stanning a virtual kpop group from Riot Games. What a time to be alive.
kpop // 2020

positions | Ariana Grande
stream positions
pop // 2020

I Keep Calling | James Blake
A new type of serene.
alt pop // 2020

LAX | Vulfpeck
Oh my, this song is just so catchy and danceable. Joey Dosik brings some great vocals to an immaculate bassline.
funk // 2020

Runnin | 21 Savage, Metro Boomin
This album? Absolutely nuts. Best trap release front-to-back this year, and 21 + Metro is always a lethal combination. Love the innovation here.
rap // 2020

Scholarships | Drake, Future
What a Time to Be Alive. 5 years!
rap // 2015

Don't Wanna | HAIM
Damn. This album is awesome. HAIM maintains catchy pop bops (like Don’t Wanna) but also playfully explore their boundaries.
indie rock // 2020

You Can Get It | BUMPER
This is something that I never knew I wanted but absolutely blew me away: Japanese Breakfast with happy-go-lucky production and vocals makes my day.
electropop // 2020

ok on your own | mxmtoon, Carly Rae Jepsen
Two pop queens absolutely kill it. Song has only been out for a day or so, and it’s already dominated my week.
pop // 2020

THE BADDEST | K/DA, (G)I-DLE, Bea Miller, Wolftyla
Hm, this is awkward. Am I ashamed? Maybe. Am I really ashamed? Absolutely not. Love the addition of Bea Miller too!
kpop // 2020

Woodlawn | Aminé
Aminé continues being an interesting and unique voice in the rap game. Great confident banger.
rap // 2020

CUT EM IN | Anderson .Paak, Rick Ross
Paak just … doesn’t miss. Running circles on the game.
rap // 2020

Soul Food II | Logic
I can’t believe I actually enjoyed a new Logic release. A fitting end to his career, though I doubt he’s done for good.
rap // 2020

ROYL | Chloe x Halle
This album is just straight bangers and anthems from front to back. Absolutely nuts for a sophomore album with this much creative control; definitely want to hear more.
r&b // 2020

exile | Taylor Swift, Bon Iver
This song is by two undergound indie artists, Taylor Swift and Bon Iver. You probably haven’t heard of them, I can’t blame you.
pop // 2020

Shine | Joey Bada$$
Need some Shine. Joey is back.
rap // 2020

Politics & Violence | Dominic Fike
At this point, they seem to be one and the same. Smooth AF song though.
pop rap // 2020

Heat Waves | Glass Animals
Late nights in the middle of June.
alternative // 2020

North Pole | Injury Reserve
RIP Groggs.
alt rap // 2017

Lockdown | Anderson .Paak
Still topical. Still relevant. .Paak is back.
rap // 2020

Song 33 | Noname
Noname x Madlib is insane, and this is by far the smoothest, chillest call-out I’ve ever heard. Still topical, still relevant.
rap // 2020

Institutionalized | Kendrick Lamar, Bilal, Anna Wise, Snoop Dogg
Still topical, still relevant.
rap // 2015

Fuck Tha Police | N.W.A.
Seems topical. Black Lives Matter.
rap // 1988

damn right | Little Simz
Little Simz never ceases to drop quality track after quality track. One of the few rappers that I’m still excited about.
rap // 2020

If Only | Raveena
If silk had a voice, Raveena has it. Absolutely absurd.
r&b // 2017

goodnight n go | Ariana Grande
It’s funny, because I haven’t had a good night’s sleep, and I can’t go anywhere. Still, a dreamy song - if too dreamy.
pop // 2018

with you | seth arlan
This song hits harder than I expected it. Nice summer vibes, laid-back instrumentals, and cute lyrics.
indie pop // 2018

Tokyo Love Hotel | Rina Sawayama
Rina’s new album is superb, a debut that she’s definitely deserving of. A solid AOTY contender for me!
pop // 2020

Gimme Love | Joji
Joji’s very hit-or-miss for me, but this one is definitely a hit. An absolutely infectious nighttime hook.
pop // 2020

My Love | Anna of the North
A super uplifting, danceable, all-around feel-good song. Shoutout to Jessica for the rec!
pop // 2019

Animal Spirits | Vulfpeck
The Beautiful Song. Reminds me of going outside with people, which is something I miss.
funk pop // 2016

Faith | The Weeknd
I’ve been on a Weeknd binge all week (and Weeknd); After Hours is like a perfect period piece.
r&b // 2020

XS | Rina Sawayama
Another bop from Rina, no surprise here.
electropop // 2020

Talk Is Cheap | Chet Faker
One of the best songs of the past decade, and written/performed/produced by only one person. Nick Murphy is a polygot with his vocal range, serene and gripping production, and impactful lyricism.
electronica // 2014

Dragonball Durag | Thundercat
Thundercat is an amazing bassist. This song just has good vibes, and that’s something I think we all need right now.
funk // 2020

ringtone (remix) | 100 gecs, Charli XCX, Rico Nasty, Kero Kero Bonito
This is peak internet.
gec // 2020

death bed | Powfu, beabadoobee
A pretty creative spin on Coffee that’s been stuck in my head for the past two weeks. Lyrics are a melancholy kind of sad.
alt rap // 2020

Nothing in Return | Monsune
I’ve been on a Monsune binge this week! Definitely looking forward to his concert this spring break!!!
alt pop // 2017

I Would Do Anything For You | Foster The People
A catchy, danceable, feel-good bop. Classic Foster The People, but without the dark undertones.
indie pop // 2011

Shoota | Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert
I’ve listened to this song more than 20 times in the past two weeks. It’s mind-numbingly infectious.
rap // 2018

Gotta Have It | JAY-Z, Kanye West
Kanye chops up this sample beautifully and absolutely kills his first verse. WTT is slowly moving up my Kanye rankings.
rap // 2011

Blue World | Mac Miller
A painful, but well-deserved sendoff. Cements Mac’s legacy. RIP.
rap // 2020

Lost In Yesterday | Tame Impala
Have you ever heard of Tame Impala? They have this one song, “The Less I Know The Better”, but you probably haven’t heard of it.
psychedelic rock // 2020

Dreams Tonite | Alvvays
I don’t think I’ve gotten tired of the “saw you in a dream” trope yet, and Alvvays makes one of the best of the genre.
indie pop // 2017

Digital | IDK
Shit slaps. Entire album seamlessly alternates between banger and introspection.
rap // 2019

Toronto | Snoh Aalegra
It’s good to be back.
r&b // 2019

Sugarplum Elegy | NIKI
Just, wow. NIKI keeps on blowing my mind. Super happy this finally got released to Spotify, just in time for the holiday season.
pop // 2019

Otis | JAY-Z, Kanye West, Otis Redding
JAY-Z is back on Spotify - what more can I say.
rap // 2011

Blinding Lights | The Weeknd
Excited for our resident Toronto sadboi to be back!
pop // 2019

OUTTA MY MIND | Monsune
I can’t get this melody outta my mind. Absolutely infectious, smooth & sweet.
alt pop // 2019

Alaska | Maggie Rogers
This week has been a Maggie Rogers kinda week.
art pop // 2019

COMMA$ | LORD$OFDOGTOWN
A posse cut with an infectious flow and beat. Reminds me of SWEET in the best way possible.
rap // 2019

The Games We Play | Pusha T
After a disappointing Kanye release, I needed to be reminded that Kanye still could make good music. Pusha T’s solid-as-always lines never hurt.
rap // 2018

ringtone | 100 gecs
I really can’t explain why I like 100 gecs, but they’ve been stuck in my head this past week. Probably the weirdest music I’ve heard this year. gecgecgec.
gec // 2019

I Don't Miss You At All | FINNEAS
Maybe the most unconvincing song of all time. Kinda nuts how much young talent this family has, between FINNEAS and Billie - it’s almost unfair.
pop // 2019

La La Lost You | NIKI
NIKI is absolutely killing it.
pop // 2019

For Real | Mallrat
An adorably cute, positive song. “And you didn’t even wanna die once this week” is a strange but graceful hook.
pop // 2016

Vossi Bop | Stormzy
Punchy one-liners, solid flow, and a very catchy beat. Stormzy brings the bread and butter of a chart-topping rap song.
rap // 2019

White Mercedes | Charli XCX
Charli’s back baby.
pop // 2019

Tenderness | Jay Som
Anak Ko has been on repeat for me this past month. Jay Som is definitely an underrated gem, and I’m excited to hear more and more from her!!!
indie rock // 2019

Indigo | NIKI
Wow, I’m just addicted to this song. Love the sugary-sweet synths and the colourful chorus.
pop // 2019

dream of you | mxmtoon
I am unbearbly excited for the masquerade. maia hasn’t disappointed yet!
bedroom pop // 2019

SUGAR | BROCKHAMPTON
The BROCKHAMPTON boys are back, and they’re sad.
pop rap // 2019

suburban wonderland | BETWEEN FRIENDS
I’m glad that I’ve left the ‘burbs, but there is something special about it that I miss.
indie pop // 2017

Closer To You | Clairo
Some of this album is just… so sad. Clairo rips out emotions with minimal production and vocals.
indie pop // 2019

Sunday Best | Surfaces
This is just such a feel good song. It’s got me feeling blessed, never stressed. And you bet it’s got me on my sunday best.
r&b // 2019

4EVER | Clairo
I’ve fully become a Wallows and Clairo addict at this point. 4EVER will tide me over until I listen to Immunity.
indie pop // 2018

Are You Bored Yet? | Wallows, Clairo
Wallows x Clairo is like the Ed Sheeran collab album for softbois. I can’t believe I just typed that sentence.
indie rock // 2019

Hands Down (Reprise) | The Greeting Committee
The original is one of my favourite songs, so I can’t believe that I discovered the reprise so late. Hands down my favourite cute song.
indie pop // 2017

Selfish | Little Simz, Cleo Sol
GREY Area is one of the only rap albums where I’ve added every single song to my playlist. Little Simz hits hard, but most importantly, she hits consistently.
rap // 2019

Cocoa Butter Kisses | Chance the Rapper, Vic Mensa, Twista
i think my quality of life has significantly improved now that acid rap is back on spotify
— matt wang (@welcomemattwang) June 30, 2019</blockquote>
rap // 2013

Chinese New Year | SALES
Chinese New Year was a long time ago, but I’m still down. SALES sells me on an amazing hook and a raw sound.
pop // 2014

Feels Right | Carly Rae Jepsen, Electric Guest
You thought I wouldn’t be rocking new Carly? She doesn’t stop embracing core elements of electro pop to keep on making bops.
pop // 2019

3 Nights | Dominic Fike
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this absolute earworm. I want more Dominic x BROCKHAMPTON.
alt pop // 2018

Oom Sha La La | Haley Heynderickx
I Need to Start a Garden.
indie folk // 2018

EARFQUAKE | Tyler, The Creator
IGOR is unabashedly raw, emotional, and personal. Tyler presents a fresh take in an oversaturated rap scene, and a possible AOTY.
rap // 2019

Grilled Cheese | Peach Face
Grilled Cheese is an absolute earworm; I’m surprised that this is Peach Face’s only song on Spotify, ‘cause it’s so damn catchy.
bedroom pop // 2018

I Like (the idea of) You | Tessa Violet
Tessa Violet drops another summer bop, filled with lovesick lyrics and production that makes you wanna dance.
indie pop // 2019

prom dress | mxmtoon
New mxmtoon? Emotional vulnerability? Minimal production? Beautiful vocals? Instant banger.
bedroom pop // 2019

Boyer | Kevin Abstract
The BROCKHAMPTON boys do it again. Energetic production, vibrant vocals, and personal slices of Kevin’s life.
rap // 2019

Distant | Wayllo
Someone I went to high school with dropped a single, and it’s fire. Reminds me of Snakehips, Major Lazer, and Louis the Child, in the best way possible.
electro pop // 2019

Hookers | Tierra Whack
Tierra brings a refreshing and whacky take on contemporary rap, delivering a deeply emotional and passionate performance in just one minute.
rap // 2018

Butterflies | Kacey Musgraves
I’m a bit late to the party, but Kacey Musgraves weaves together a beautifully melancholic pop-country album - chock full of tearjerkers and “aww” moments.
country // 2018

bad guy | Billie Eilish
Billie brings a unique, consistent, and pretty spooky sound: a welcome addition to a pop scene filled with bland mediocrity, and from a 17 year-old no less.
pop // 2019

Upside Down | Jack Johnson and Friends
Was surprised that this wasn’t a Metro Boomin’ collab, because this shit slaps.
pop // 2006

Pristine | Snail Mail
Pristine is yet another addition to simp session bedroom pop and indie rock - as cliché as it sounds, you really do feel her pain.
indie rock // 2018

No Drug Like Me | Carly Rae Jepsen
Carly’s back with more bops. What else can I say.
pop // 2019

Locket | Crumb
Locket is a tantalizing earworm, a combination of smooth rock and jazz-like elements that’s been stuck in my head for the past few weeks.
indie rock // 2017

Forever Always | Peter Cottontale, Chance the Rapper, Daniel Caesar, Madison Ryann Ward, YEBBA
A surprisingly star-studded feel-good song - something that definitely helps with a rough week of work.
indie pop // 2018

Gimme The Loot | The Notorious B.I.G
Considering the prominence of “Gimme The Loot” as a producer tag and adlib, I thought it’d be nice to take it back to the OG. Biggie is just a straight killer on this track.
rap // 1994

5% TINT | Travis Scott
Travis weaves together a spooky vibe with a haunting piano chord, barebones beats, and his signature eerie autotune.
rap // 2018

You Only Like Me With The Lights Out | Avid Dancer
Strong, raw guitars and an equally raw voice addictingly convey a truth that nobody wants to hear.
alt rock // 2016

Rivers and Roads | The Head and the Heart
A much-too-relatable emotional ballad about missed friends and love songs - bread and butter for any university student.
indie folk // 2011

Lovers Rock | TV Girl
Lovers Rock is entrancing, smooth pop at its best - something I imagine in the background of an upscale restaurant.
indie pop // 2014

Ruin Your Night | Sorcha Richardson
This is the catchiest sanger (sad banger) I’ve heard so far. The lyrics are so simple, yet so depressing.
indie pop // 2016

Crush | Tessa Violet
Crush is what I love about modern pop: innovative and flashy production backed by simple but effective lyrics.
indie pop // 2018

Loving Is Easy | Rex Orange County, Benny Sings
Rex Orange County makes another catchy and relatable love ballad.
indie pop // 2017