Before I jump right into it, let me give you some context. I’ve been creating these monthly playlists since 2016. They are very much the soundtrack to my life and clicking through any of them automatically brings back the associated memories too. It‘s pretty cool!
The playlists are usually a mixture of new songs and nostalgia, both from popular artists and also lesser known folks and local artists in the communities I engage with. The genres range massively too. The lesser known artists are why I wanted to start sharing these. There is so much talent everywhere, it’d be a shame to not share.
But enough talking now, let’s get into August 2020! This is going to be so much better if you’re listening to the tracks as I go through them so I’m linking the playlist here. (Sorry Spotify users).
August 2020 comes in at 62 songs.
I started the month heavy in my nostalgic feels with Miley Cyrus’ 2008 “Breakout” album.
It’s followed by “Owner”, a summery track from a rising Afro-Swing producer. This one came from Henrie’s IG story one day.
Next up we have tracks from JUNO’s debut album. I like the acoustic sound across this entire album. Sometimes I’m looking for a lighter sound and this was it.
“Strawberry Shortcake” by Melanie Martinez. Again, from someone’s IG story. (Yes, I am that person who listens). This track caught me instantly. If you’re familiar with Kiiara, it’s a similar vibe. Anyone who knows me knows this is a dark pop vibe that I love.
“On My Way” is one of my favourite songs ever. It has been since I first heard Jvck James perform it live while opening for Ella Mai way back in January 2019. This song belongs to B.
Mike Posner next. “I took a Pill in Ibiza”. This is such a throwback to my year abroad in Cali! Tropical house elevates my mood. I think that’s why it popped into my head after On My Way.
“Whatchamacallit”. Another track that belongs to B. But this one doesn’t make me sad at all. I love love LOVE this entire song. Ella and Chris sound amazing. The production is amazing. I used to listen to this on repeat in the car being the third harmony. The drums at 2:23? Bye. Beautiful. Top favourite songs in the world.
If you’re following the playlist as you’re reading this, you’ll notice this next track is by a new artist, R.A.E. Her sound is very time capsule 90’s. Probably one of the most refreshing artists I’ve come across this year. Check her out for real, she’s awesome.
“Say You Love Me” by Nakala. I honestly cannot remember where I heard this. But I liked it, and therefore it’s on the playlist.
Post Malone. Post, man. I did not pay enough attention to this guy until now. He is phenomenal, or at least this album is. I haven’t checked out the others in full yet.
Next up is another track from a newcomer duo, Fiji Blue. I came across this as an IG promoted story (yes, marketing does work). More chill tropical house vibes. “I should have told you that I loved you one more time” is such a powerful line. It almost made me send an impulsive message. Thing is, that message would have made no sense. Everyone knows how I feel.
Then I checked out Harry Styles’ album which was pretty good. I wrote about it in a previous blog post.
It’s followed by the rest of Post’s album.
Then we have a random Lil Baby track that I heard again somewhere and I remembered I liked. God, August really liked to throw out gut punches lol.
“Gold” by Kiiara. My dark pop space.
And then more summer vibes yes. “My One”, “Hips Don’t Lie”, Mahalia… ah summer.
More nostalgia follows. Hannah Montana to be precise. I wrote about this too right here. I cannot even deny that Hannah Montana makes me feel happy.
Ooh that Nao & 6lack track. The beat on this. The vocal delivery. 6lack's smooth verse. Again, top favourite songs in the world ever.
Of course, there’s a “What You Did” acoustic. I am a SUCKER for acoustics.
“ROCKSTAR”. This was the first song I added in Portugal. I heard it on the radio, and suddenly with Portuguese sunshine and driving on Portuguese roads, it sounded different and made it onto the playlist. It happens like that sometimes.
“Sua Cara”. Bop.
A lot of these next songs were songs that played on the radio and I instantly reminisced how great they were, or just Shazamed them because I was like “Oh my god, bop!” (You’ll realise very soon I do not listen to much radio in the UK anymore).
“My Oasis”, “Savage Love”, “Be Kind”, “Rain on Me”, “Paris”, “Unwritten”, “Spotlight”, “Mountains”– all SO good.
Okay, we’re reaching the end of the month now. I went back to my four favourite Plutónio songs. I think this guy is one of Portugal’s greatest talents. He’s also born a day before me, yay Cancers! Being very honest, I enjoy Lusofone rap way more than Anglo rap. I think it’s more melodic which probably has something to do with the influences, I’m not really sure. But I definitely love it immeasurably.
I closed out the month with Taylor Swift’s “You Belong with Me”. I promise you I had this one line (“–you’ve got a smile that could light up this whole town”) in my head for three days straight. The one line.
So there’s a little insight into how this playlist came to be. Hope you all enjoyed that! For anyone interested, you can follow September 2020 here :)
Warm vibes,
Steph
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