So, this is weird. May felt like a really great month for music while it was going on, and yet I don’t have much to talk about. At least, not compared to previous months. Maybe it’s just because the quality was so good.
And it was good. I found some great songs and artists to jam to this month. As usual, I won’t be discussing every single song, but you can follow the link below to my full May playlist.
I’ve noticed my tastes trending a little more pop as the weather gets warmer, so you’ll see a lot of that here today. So I guess I’m not a total indie kid. At the very least, maybe this month’s recommendations will be more palatable.
- “Assassin” by Au/Ra: This is a dark pop gem. We love callout anthems!
- “Juice” by Lizzo: This song has such powerful Bruno Mars energy, I love it.
- “Summer Days” (feat. Patrick Stump & Macklemore)” by Martin Garrix: This song is such a bop. I just wish Macklemore wasn’t in it.
- “Back in My Arms” by Carlie Hanson: What? Ren Strange is recommending a gay pop song? That’s unheard of!
- “Pumpkin” by The Regrettes: I never knew I needed a soft song by The Regrettes until I had it. Romeo is still full of shit though.
- “This Baby Don’t Cry” by K. Flay: This song was a grower, but it eventually won me over.
- “Thinkin Bout You” by Ciara: This song is Prince-meets-Janet Jackson and I’m all about it.
- “Unless You’re Drowning” by Emotional Oranges: Dare I say, their best song yet? It manages a fine balance between not caring, and actually caring a little bit (a lot bit).
- “New Eyes” by Adam Lambert: He’s back and now he’s inspired by the Beatles. This album is going to be fire.
- “Nightmare” by Halsey: Oh, wait. This song is the reason I didn’t listen to much else. I’ve had this angry, cathartic anthem on repeat for days. This is absolutely one of Halsey’s best songs.
- “Intervention” Anna Akana: This song comes from the mind of someone who is clearly still very sick, but it slaps.
This is easily one of my favorite albums of the year so far. This is alternative pop perfection. For my more in-depth thoughts, check out my review.
As I said in a previous post, I was sick towards the end of the month. Being sick made me sad, which made me want to listen to something comforting. For me, that’s Demi. And, let me tell you, this album still holds up. Fantastic work by Ms. Lovato.
After seeing her performance at the Billboard Music Awards, I remembered how much I used to love Mariah Carey. So I spent some time jamming out to the diva herself. It’s clear why she’s such an icon.
What music were you into? Share your recommendations in the comments!
Strange Storyteller 