Play/Listed Weekly, Nov 20th, 2020

Welcome to another weekly new music blog!

As you may have already noticed, this instalment is a little late. Not only that, but this week is also going to have a bit of a different format, due to the fact that Friday was my birthday (new music for me!), and there are several albums I’m excited about. So, instead of separating out the songs and the albums this week, I’ll be selecting one song from album to highlight on the playlist. I’ll keep my album comments to a minimum in order to get this published before the end of the weekend. ;)

Also, as usual, the album cover images are linked to the album on Spotify, and if you’re looking for older monthly playlists, you can access those (as well as other playlists) on my Spotify page. Enjoy!

Coping Mechanisms - Tayla Parx

This just might be the most exciting album to have come out this year. Tayla Parx is a brilliant and prolific songwriter, who is particularly good at working on other artists’ collections (like Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer or Ariana Grandé’s Positions), but has grown into making her own albums as well. Although I’ve shared a few singles released leading up to this Friday, I’ve chosen the album’s opener, “Sad” as my highlight for the playlist this week.

Sin Miedo - Kali Uchis

Kali Uchis’ sophomore album translates as “Without Fear,” and is a very well named career pivot, since this is her first primarily Spanish-language album. She may have lost some fans with different expectations, but I hope she gains a lot more with this offering. My current highlight is “Te Pongo Mal (Préndelo),” featuring the Puerto Rican Reggaeton duo Jowell and Randy, because it’s fun to dance to, but I still plan to spend plenty more time with this record.

Friend Goals - Tank and the Bangas

I’ve been waiting for this little EP, and it is a true treat. I think these songs are some of Tank’s most accessible hip hop to date, and while I’ve already highlighted a couple in prior months, my highlight for today is the album’s opener, “Fluff,” that outlines many of the band’s career highs and goals. Although I also love the Chika assisted “Mr. Insta” that I’ve been anticipating ever since the track list was released.

The Way You See Me - Tafari Anthony

Another EP that I’ve been excited about was released this weekend! In fact, about half of the songs on this little album have already made their way on to one playlist or another! But there are still some new gems, and my highlight for this week is going to have to be “When I Come To You”.

Euphoric Sad Songs - Raye

I currently cannot think of a more aptly titled album. All of the songs here sound like celebrations … until you listen to the lyrics. Although the Jolene-inspired “Natalie Don’t” was released earlier this year, I completely missed it, and feel like it needs to be the highlight this week. Luckily for us, since it is already a single, that means it has a music video too!

Good News - Megan Thee Stallion

After releasing one of my favourite EPs of the year back in March, Megan Thee Stallion follows Suga up with Good News. And yes, I recognize Megan’s raunchy style is not for everyone, but nobody can deny her mix of confidence and flow is contagious and magnetic. Obviously the “Savage” remix is phenomenal, but in terms of new tracks, I’m going to have to go with “Circles” as my playlist highlight.