Drop Everything Now
This week's edition includes a question of the day followed by albums and songs I'm loving right now.
Hey everyone!
Last week marked 4 months of working from home. As Miranda Priestly would say, time is moving at a glacial pace, but it’s also moving faster than ever. In the blink of an eye, we’re halfway through summer and 2020.
Zoom exhaustion is real, and I like to break the monotony during every afternoon Oracle team meeting with my group of 10, going around answering a “question of the day” one of us comes up with. One of my favorite questions recently…is at the end of this newsletter, so stay tuned!
Highlighting the albums, songs, lyrics, and playlists I'm loving lately. Spotify links included for you to enjoy wherever you are.
Albums | Listen to these in their entirety from front to back, the only way to do it.
Ellie Goulding released her fourth studio album last Friday. After quickly ramping up to fame and living what she recalls a real temporary-ness to her life on tour, she describes the making of this album as an opportunity to stand still and reflect. That reflection led to a new level of EG, back and better than ever.
Music has this beautiful ability to be a soundtrack to the stages of our lives. “Funny how a melody sounds like a memory…” Yeah, Eric Church said it best. This album by Johnnyswim takes me back to my senior year at Baylor. Amanda Sudano (daughter of the famous Donna Summer) and Abner Ramirez have smooth like velvet voices that effortlessly melt together. The gorgeous harmonies will steal your heart. My favorites include: Live While We’re Young, Paris in June, and You and I, but the entire album is stunning.
Because this month marks ten years of One Direction. In March 2012, my sister and I were in the audience of their first American show at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas, singing and dancing to the hits from their debut album. Their fourth studio album has more of the greats: Steal My Girl, Ready to Run, 18, and Night Changes.
RN | Three songs I’m loving...right now.
Loving this new reimagined EP from flor, but mostly this gem. It’s a sweet gift to fans who miss dancing around with them on tour.
I heard this song for the first time while working at a Santa Monica coffee shop. I wasn’t super familiar with Mac Miller’s work, but this song is genius. Starting with barbershop harmonies that lead to a beat drop you instantly bop to.
A classic song remixed by Surf Mesa + Emilee. Found this one while researching Spotify search engine optimization. In the newfound (and perhaps short-lived) world of TikTok, labels are changing song titles to adhere to viral lyrics, making it easier for listeners to find on streaming services. This is why you see an “I love you baby” in parentheses instead of the famous “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.”
Lyrics on Loop | Find the lyrics that speak to your soul and never let go.
Look at the stars, look how they shine for you
Let’s get rich and give everybody nice sweaters and teach them how to dance
New Music Friday | Don’t worry, I didn’t forget about the new Taylor album. My sister and I did a live Zoom listening party so more on that next week. Safe to say these four other favorites are in the same vein as folklore.
If you could curate the set list, which artist would you choose to see perform live? My answer is easy: Ed Sheeran. +, ×, and ÷ are all works of art. Plus, seeing that loop pedal mastery live in action is goals.
Who would you choose? I’d love to hear from you, just hit reply.
Donya