Music of the Month: December 2017

Well, it’s time for my last Music of the Month post of the year. Over the course of the month, I’ve been doing some thinking about how I do this monthly meme. Instead of focusing only on music released during the month of the post, I’m going to discuss my favorite music I’ve been listening to during said month. This will erase restrictions based on release date, allowing me to talk about music I’ve been enjoying that came out at an earlier date. It also allows me to talk about artists and albums, rather than restricting myself to specific songs. This will help some with some of the repetition. Instead of waiting until the new year to put this change into practice, I’m going to start today (useful, seeing as there weren’t many new releases period, let alone ones I liked). And so, from the good to the great, here’s the music I’ve really been loving this December:

“I Don’t Want It At All” by Kim Petras: This electro-pop jam is honestly the biggest mood. Kim sings about how she wants all this expensive stuff, but only if someone else buys it for her. It sounds shallow and that’s because it is. But it’s also just really fun and poppy. She’s a great artist for fans of Charli XCX. Definitely check this bop out.
“Spits on Girls” by Amy Shark: This chill track is a callout to all those boys who hate girls and treat them poorly. It advocates standing up for yourself in the darkest way possible. Primarily acoustic, Amy’s vocals caress your ears intimately. I love singing along to this song, especially the “ah ah ah ah aahh ah” part. It’s a good song. You should give it a listen.
“Out of My Head (feat. Tove Lo and ALMA)” by Charli XCX: I haven’t been the biggest fan of Charli’s mixtapes, but I love this song. All three of these women’s voices complement each other so well. The song is about a lover who treats you poorly, but that you’re trash for anyway. It’s dancy yet chill, sparse yet heartfelt. I really like it and think you might too.
“Ain’t No Way (Aretha Franklin Cover)” by Demi Lovato: Over the years, Demi has covered this song several times. She auditioned for Camp Rock with this song and performed it again in concert in 2015. This version was a cover she did for Spotify and it’s easily her best yet. Her R&B-trained vocals shine on this gorgeous ballad. Seriously, support my girl and listen to this cover.
“When I Was Young” by MØ: This funky pop track is really cool. It reflects on the carefree nature of childhood, before life got difficult. It reminisces, missing such a time. Now she has to learn to cope and survive. Her vocals are strangely raw for such an upbeat song. This is one you’ve probably all heard, but if not, go check it out.
“Ben Franklin’s Song” by The Decemberists: A cut song from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, this is an indie anthem about— who else— Benjamin Franklin. It’s pretty hilarious. If you’re a fan of Hamilton, definitely check it out.
E•MO•TION and E•MO•TION: Side B by Carly Rae Jepsen/“Trouble in the Streets (feat. Carly Rae Jepsen)” by BC Unidos: I’m a bit late to the party, but I really got into this album and EP this month. Carly Rae Jepsen is the queen of the ‘80s Revival and every song is a masterpiece. Seriously, these are such quality releases. I can’t believe you all let her flop. On the other hand, “Trouble in the Streets” is a new release. The whole song is driven by Western-sounding guitar and Carly’s fragile vocals. It’s a bop and a half and deserves more recognition.
Chance the Rapper: Despite seeing him in concert (at the Firefly Music Festival), I only really started getting into his music recently. I’ve only been listening to Coloring Book, but I really enjoy it. I like how he raps and sings, and how he brings joy and soul to the genre. Favorites include “Same Drugs,” “No Problem,” “All Night,” and “Angels.” Please go listen to him. Together we can give him the chart success he rightfully deserves.
Paloma Faith: I found her music while browsing on iTunes and now I’m obsessed. She has kind of a burlesque aesthetic to her sound and I’m living for it. What’s more, her voice is amazing. I’m mostly only familiar with her first album, but I just downloaded the other three and I’m into it. A great artist who’s super underrated. Give her a listen if you value anything at all.