What’s good, friends! It’s been a minute, but I’m back with a little update…

In my personal (and very possibly jaded) opinion, I feel like this has been a bit of an underwhelming year in music. I have kept a relatively small selection of bops and jams in heavy rotation throughout the summer, but here are some highlights with a high number of plays in my iTunes library. Check it out and talk to me!

“Just Friends” – Amy Winehouse

This might be the most crucial song on this post. After watching the Amy documentary earlier this summer, re-discovering Amy Winehouse’s discography has given me absolute life. I did not appreciate her artistry or her music near enough when she was alive, but my perspective has definitely changed. I highly recommend watching the film.

I love the island vibes of this song. Every instrument contributes in a beautiful way, and as usual, Amy’s lyrics take the music to a higher level. My favorite part of it all is the little jig that the music break induces from Amy, and she nails it every time *crying face emoji* (see here).

 

“Church On Sunday” – Grace

Winehouse’s influence can be heard on this and many of the songs on Grace’s FMA album. This is super soulful with some semi-savage lyrics. I dig.

I really want to see Grace’s career pop off because I think she has a great sound and voice. It was hard to chose between the two songs, but I love “Say” from this album as well. It’s produced by Mannie Fresh (!!).

“Faithful (Cover)” – Tone Stith

Although VIEWS was a flop in my eyes, some good things did come of it… Tone Stith’s cover of “Faithful” by Aubrey Drake Graham takes the best part of the original and turns it into the song that we truly deserved.

“Late to the Party” – Kacey Musgraves

Sidenote: I’m noticing that some grimy (in a good way) women are trending on this list…

Anywho, Kacey Musgraves is dope! I don’t usually say this, but “Late to the Party” is #goals for real. Plus, it’s basically a 90s R&B song with a twang. APPROVED.

 

“Rush (Remix) (feat. Kehlani)” – Starrah

I discussed the original on the very first In Heavy Rotation, but because it’s such a lovely song, I am taking the opportunity to bring it back up again after the recent release of this version. Nothing is really different besides the addition of a fun Kehlani bit at the end of the track. It’s cool, and her lil’ adlibs are devilishly angelic.

“Sound Like Who” – iLoveMakonnen

Strictly for the turn-up. I feel invincible when this comes on.

“Pick Up the Phone (feat. Quavo)” – Travis Scott & Young Thug

I wish this song would’ve caught on earlier in the summer! It sounds like how pineapples taste – a sweet, tropical sliver of sunlight that’s good for your health.

And my girl, Starrah, helped write the song. A+ vibes.

“Women of Los Angeles (feat. Eric Bellinger)” – Wale

This is one of my favorites from Wale’s Summer On Sunset mixtape.  SOS was definitely slept on and is full of bangers, so I recommend that you head –> here <– now and take a listen.

“Women of Los Angeles” is just a fun, smooth track. Wale let loose on this mixtape and delivered some light, vibey jams. I think it is a pleasant shift, and it makes me excited for his upcoming album SHINE. “Thought It” is fun for the car ride as well.

“Black Beatles (feat. Gucci Mane)” – Rae Sremmurd

First of all, the vibrations from Swae Lee’s falsetto are like a warm Snuggie around my heart. He sounds cosmic on this track. I imagine that this is what they listen to in other galaxies.

If it isn’t already, this song is probably going to be everywhere in the coming months. Straight banger.

“Distraction” – Kehlani

Kehlani went on a little tear during the summer, releasing a new song every week for about a month. They’ve all been hot, but this screams “90s R&B”, which is the quickest way to my heart.

“Once” – Maren Morris

Another country stunner. Maren Morris’ Hero is a very cool album. I’m not sure if “Once” is my favorite off of Hero, but the church organ is amazing and adds a great amount of nostalgia to the song. Again, this is another soulful one with some nice lyrics.

“Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song Is About You” – Janet Jackson

I think it is always healthy to have a dose of Janet. in the rotation. For me, this is one of her most enjoyable trash-talking tracks. Plus, the beat is HARD. AS. NAILS.