Now Playing: November

November 1st // "For Emma" - Bon Iver

    I picture myself driving through the bare trees in winter when I hear this song. When the horns come in at minute 2:45 I almost feel hopeful, but the lyrics reflect a separation. I keep a playlist in my brain of songs that are both perfect lyrically and musically. This track is right at home. This was released in 2007 so I am extremely late to the party, but the album as a whole is absolutely serene. I'm so excited to keep listening and understanding the lyrics. (2007)

November 2nd // "Uncatena" - Sylvan Esso 

    I heard this song at Bonnaroo in 2023 because I filmed it by accident and I have never looked back. Everyone I have ever played this for, loves it. When I get really into a song, I have to find every live version of it that exists online because live music is my life. This duo performs this song perfectly since it was released in 2014; the sign of a good touring act, consistency. This song also holds a deeper meaning because I followed someone blindly to an artist I have never heard before, and I would have never discovered them if I hadn't. It reminds me of the person I was with at the set, and how we no longer talk. It also makes me think really hard about the paths you choose to take in life and what would happen if you went down another one. I would have never gone to that set if I had not had ulterior motives, but this is one of the rare times in life I recognize something good came from a shitty situation. I always listen to it at least 3 times in a row when it comes on, and no, I have no clue what the lyrics mean. (2014)

November 3rd // "Glamorous" - Fergie ft. Ludacris

     Timeless. She could release this today and it would still have an effect on me. I was in elementary school singing this song, and it helped me spell G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S. Ludacris's part is iconic and it made me remember he also has the iconic rap in "Baby" - Justin Bieber. Listening to this song in 20204 makes me wonder if the interpretation of the lyrics would be the same because I sense a shift in artists publicly stating they dream of money or fame. Back in 2006 that lifestyle wasn't as accessible, and it was up to listeners' imagination of what wealth was; social media shows too much. This album is a top contender for "Pop Bible" in my opinion. Another song to listen to: "Boys Don't Cry" (2006)

November 4th // "Wings" - Mac Miller 

    One of my favorite songs of all time came on shuffle today and I played 10 times in a row. I named my blog after a lyric in this song, "follow me i'm on the up-and-up", which is steadily improving or becoming successful. I connect this lyric with mental health the most. Musically, this flows so perfect; from minute 2:00 and on is my favorite. Mac's voice takes me back to high school and always opens up a vault of emotions. Another song to listen to; "Come Back To Earth". (2018)

November 5th // "Let's Go Back" -  Jungle 

    I recently saw Jungle live for the first time since listening to them since 2018, and I could not stop listening to their latest single. They do a near perfect rendition of this on BBC Live Lounge. Lydia Kitto's permanent addition to the band was the best move they could have ever made in my opinion. They are without a doubt, the grooviest band out there right now. I am so happy they are getting their flowers. Another song to listen to: "Beat 54 (All Good Now)" (2024) 

November 6th // "The Lighthouse" - Stevie Nicks

    She needs no introduction...mother witch. This song was so personal for her to release so close to the election. Another desperate attempt to open the eyes of America. When I think about Stevie I get so emotional because she is someone I look up to desperately, and she had the courage to share her own abortion history. Not only is this song inspirational, it is so similar to her 80s sound. A killer rock song at 76 years old. Another song to listen to: "Sara (Live 1981)" (2024)

November 7th // "All Of Me Wants All Of You" - Sufjan Stevens

    My first introduction to Sufjan Stevens came from the movie Call Me By Your Name. I need to dive deeper into his music because the three I have on my phone are perfect. I have to put myself in a certain mindset when I listen to his music as I always feel empty when the music's over. The production in this song is so wonderful, and theres a surprise towards the end that I love. Another song to listen to:"Mystery Of Love". (2015)

November 8th // "Eternal Sunshine" - Ariana Grande

    This is my favorite Ariana Grande song ever! I appreciate this song so much after re-watching the movie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Ariana co-wrote every single song, which changed my perspective on her craft because I never considered her a song writer. The echoing vocals are fantastic. The little sparkle in the background that represents Atari is my favorite part. This song goes in my mental playlist with perfect lyrics and perfect production to match. Awards 100% do not reflect the art, but the fact this album is not nominated in any of the big 4 categories at the Grammys does not sit right with me. This album was so perfect and cohesive. I am so excited to listen to this live show if that time ever comes. Another song to listen to: "We Can't Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)" (2024)

November 9th // "Nothing Matters" - The Last Dinner Party

    Girl groups are so back...This all female indie-rock group is new to the scene from the UK! I think the entire album will be appreciated with time; however, this song is exceptional. I bought the 7in vinyl version of it that features an acoustic version and I'm afraid to open it and scratch it up. The lead singer keeps her accent when she sings, which makes it even better to sing along to; I could have seen Chappell Roan covering this at a Live Lounge for sure. The guitar twangs add so much groove to the song, and it is always a treat when an artist records a live album when they only have one album out. This song live from Gretchen, Berlin includes a loud crowd that sounds like they're actually singing backing vocals. I have a strong feeling they will be around. Another song to listen to: "Burn Alive". (2024) 

November 10th // "Noah" - MICHELLE

    I discovered this group while stalking a music venues website in Nashville and I ended up buying a ticket! This song sounds so classic already, I can't explain it. The entire group was born and raised in NYC, and it really shows in the album's diverse sound. I have tickets to see them in February, and this song is what I am most excited to hear! Another song to listen to: "Cathy". (2024)

November 11th // "When You're Gone" - The Cranberries 

    I think I listened to this on repeat for 3 days! I heard this for the first time walking around campus and I had to sit down and contemplate. Something about Delores' voice makes every song a karaoke song. One of the greatest opening lines ever, "hold on to love that is what I do, now that I found you", with pleading production. The definition of a rock ballad, and I can picture the crowds in the 90s swaying with lighters in the air. A true headbanger. Another song to listen to: "Linger". (1996) 

November 13th // "Flume" - Bon Iver

   The groups name is derived from "bon hiver", meaning "good winter", so the vibes are definitely received with this one. It must be something to do with winter-inspired tracks because the last time I experienced a level of obsession was with "River" - Joni Mitchell. It is so delicate it sounds like a demo; with only 17 lines in the entire song and background noise. Music that makes you coming back to gain a sense of understanding is so rare and this track just has something in it I want to know. There is a live performance of this track at the 2019 Raleigh show where the entire arena goes silent, and all you can hear is the echoing of his voice; it is one of the best versions I have ever heard. (2007)

November 14th // "APT." - ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

   APATEU-APT! APATEU-APT! am obsessed with this song. The music video is so entertaining too, I love the direction they took. The lyrics are simple and catchy with an obvious popularity on TikTok. "Don't you want me like I want you baby? Don't you need me like I need you now? Sleep tomorrow, but tonight go crazy. All you gotta do is just meet me at the...", such a banger. Apparently is is named after a popular drinking game played in Korean apartments. So awesome. For such a simple song, it is beyond catchy and I cannot wait for more from ROSÉ. (2024)

November 15th // "Dream Girl Evil" - Florence + The Machine 

    I listened to this album in full when it was originally released and somehow this song just clicked for me. Every song on this album seems to have a place; it's so cohesive. The drums and bass add such a depth. Her voice is so insane I can't believe a human being is capable of what she can do. Another song to listen to: "Mermaids" (2023)

November 16th // "Never Need Me" - Rachel Chinouriri 

    I have been seeing everyone talk about this artist for months and I totally get it. This song gives me y2k vibes, but from a sing-along perspective. The production is so loud in the best way; Olivia Rodrigo mixed with alternative synth. I feel like any artist could release this and I would enjoy it. After this song came up on a playlist I listened to the rest of the album, and it is so good. Another song to listen to: "Garden of Eden". (2023)

November 16th // "Dust" - Half Waif

    If there is any song from this list you must listen to, it's this one. I was stalking a music venues website for upcoming shows to explore and I discovered this artist, and I am so glad I did. This album has multiple self written and produced tracks which is so impressive. The artist went through a miscarriage and the pain of this ordeal comes out in her music. This song is unlike anything I have ever heard and after reading the synopsis of the album, I understand it more than ever. I want people to listen to this the same way they listened to "Drivers License"; although, they have no similarities aside from the stunning bridge. My album of the year truly, and having your pain transformed into art like this must feel unreal. This album was my top played album of November! Another song to listen to: "I-90". (2024)

November 17th // "Oblivion" - Victoria Bigelow

    Victoria Bigelow has the coolest sounding voice I have heard in modern times, I swear. This song has a familiar twang that you can hear in Suki Waterhouse's music. This could be a Born To Die b-side track! She also writes a lot of her songs by herself, which is so cool to see. Another song to listen to: "Under The Tree. (2024)

November 18th // "Tennis Court" - Lorde

    She was 16 years old...I don't think I need to say anymore. "I see the veins of my city, like they do in space" is such a simple lyric to understand, but I can't comprehend myself at 16 years old coming up with something like that. Pure Heroine is such a timeless piece of art. Another song to listen to: "Buzzcut Season". (2014)

November 19th // "New Romance" - Beach House 

    I love songs that make me drive fast! My favorite Beach House song ever; the beat drop makes me feel like I am driving through a tunnel. I don't even care that they actually say "ILYSFM" in the song. I have to hear this song live before I die! I am so excited to explore their music. Another song to listen to: "Superstar". (2022) 

November 20th // "Cherry Blossom" - Empire Of The Sun

    When I first heard this I got so excited because I knew Empire Of The Sun was back. This song makes me so happy whenever I listen to it, and I have absolutely tried to find every possible live version on YouTube. It is the perfect form of EDM for me, I think. A new album means a potential tour, and the Bonnaroo lineup will be announced soon...Another song to listen to: "Happy Like You". (2024)

November 21st // "Girl So Confusing" - Charli xcx ft. Lorde

    Girl. "It's just self defense, until you;re building a weapon", is such a relatable lyric. Lorde adds so much depth to this song with her lyrics; I have always found hers to be the ones I cherish the most. This song makes me think about everything bad I could have ever done to one of my friends, and how we're all just trying to do our best. It really is so confusing, but I would not wish to be anyone else. Another song to listen to: "Sympathy Is A Knife". (2024) 

November 22nd // "June Gloom" - Camila Cabello

    Everyone has those guilty pleasure songs, and for me this is definitely one of them. I have no idea why this song is so good, the lyrics aren't anything monumental; however the way she sings and the delivery is perfect. The lyrics, "Goddamn, I said 'remember last night', you said 'can't forget if I tried'. Goddamn, always been a problem, always been a problem", right before the beat drop is my favorite part to sing along to. It is one of those songs I think any pop star could have on their album and I would 100% enjoy it. There are a couple other standouts from the record, but the best choice was the album covers for both the standard and deluxe. She had both my top listened to song and album during October, and who knows if she will ever end up there again. Additional song to listen to: "I LUV IT". (2024)

November 23rd // "Don't Let Me Fall" - B.O.B

    Unpopular opinion, I love clicking shuffle on my entire in lieu of making whole playlists and I was thrilled to have this come back around! I used to listen to this as a kid and say, "when I learn to play piano i'm going to play this song", I was obsessed with it. I grew up with B.O.B and I never realized how formative some of his songs were for my childhood. The lyrics have a deeper meaning than those I have heard in other rap songs. This is my favorite song of his, but another one to listen to: "Both Of Us" ft. Taylor Swift. (2009)

November 24th // "Solo (Reprise)" - André 3000

    Lyrically one of the best songs on Blonde. The way rappers have to fit so many words in such a short amount of time must be such an exciting skill to hone. The lyrics are so meaningful, and significant for me because I agree with some of his feelings. I would love to get more insight into how they came about the production, and what it takes to envision a song like this. I think it is my favorite interlude, ever. I never thought it would be in my top two songs on the album, but "Self Control" will always have my heart. I don't have to get into how Blonde is a complete masterpiece; the next project from Ocean is long overdue. Another song to listen to: "Self Control". (2016)

November 25th // "Blind Eyed" - Orbit 

    I love, love, love this song. I cannot remember where I first heard it, but everytime it comes on shuffle I know I will listen multiple times in a row. I was lucky enough to hear this live at SXSW this year; the artist said the show was his first in America, ever. It is such a cinematic, special journey with synths galore. It is one of my favorite songs of all time. Another song to listen to: "Time In The Afternoon". (2021)

November 26th // "We Are The People" - Empire of the Sun

    I will absolutely love this song until I die. It is my top played song of the year, and once a month I take a day to listen to this on repeat. I have no explanation of why I feel my happiest when I am listening to this. I am 80% sure I am misinterpreting the lyrics, but I know that the meaning could be subjective. It is my anthem forever. I would do anything to hear this song live; I am monitoring their touring path 24/7. This song makes me feel infinite. Another song to listen to: "Half Mast". (2008) 

November 27th // "take your time" - Channel Tres ft. Tinashe

     This song is so fucking groovy. My favorite by song by Tres. I recommend anyone to check out his music; it is a mixture of rap and electronic. Every song he features on gains the one thing to make it better. I actually believe he could be the only rap artist to collaborate with Harry Styles, on the right song. Another song to listen to: "I've Been In Love" - Jungle & Channel tres. (2020)

November 28th // "Fireflies" - Owl City

    I have no idea why I got so obsessed with this song again, but I am so happy I did. I know Glee wishes they could have covered this song. It honestly makes me feel like a kid again, and all I can do is smile. I also have to laugh because the only thing I know about Owl City is he is the person Taylor Swift wrote "Enchanted" about...the more you know. Another song to listen to: "Enchanted" - Owl City's Version. (2009)

November 29th // "The Sunshine" - Infinity Song

    My friend reminded me of this song when she texted it to me, and I haven't stopped listening to it. I love, love, love this group so much. This is a family band...how fucking sick is that. I have never heard a group that sounds like this except for the group The Mamas And Papas. They have been around forever, and I respect their drive so much. I was so excited to explore their discography. Another song to listen to: "Haters Anthem". (2024)

November 30th // "Heart Of The Woods" - Kacey Musgraves

    I love this song so much. This entire album was in my top 2 of the year. It is folky, and makes me imagine im sitting on a tree leaf. Musgraves has always been very in-touch with nature, it is one of my favorite things about her music. I wish so badly she added this track to the setlist as I am seeing her twice in December. I got the lucky chance to see her at Austin City Limits Live for their 50th anniversary taping. I cannot imagine I am the sole fan of this song! I hope I can hear it live one day. Another song to listen to: "The Architect". (2024)

Tracks That Almost Made The Cut 

"Delete Forever" - Grimes

    Not your typical Grimes song at all....there's banjo! This is my all-time favorite song by her. (2020)

"I Hate It Here" - Taylor Swift

     Taylor needs to stop writing songs about my life...and once again, Aaron Dessner is crazy. (2024)

"Something Stupid" - Frank Sinatra & Nancy Sinatra 

    I finished Better Call Saul for the first time, and this song played in an episode on the exact day I had it stuck in my head #invisiblestring (1967)

"Buzzcut Season" - Lorde

    I feel like a child frolicking when I hear this song. One of my favorite songs of all time. (2014)

"Missing You" - Black Eyed Peas

    Absolutely phenomenal and I don't want to hear another word about it. (2009)

"Dream Hotel" - Tayla Parx

    I heard this for the first time live at a Live Nation event. Crazy beat drop after 3 glasses of wine. The track is about falling in love and breaking up in the same hotel. (2024)