It’s been a while! Some of you may know this as ‘Current Faves‘, which I posted regularly on the Instagram Stories on my music acount for 4 years. I’ve rebranded back to what I used to do here on the blog and call them my Monthly Mixtapes.

The idea? I love music (if you hadn’t already figured), especially discovering and sharing new finds. So on the last weekend of each month (late this time due to ill health), I’ll be posting a selection of songs I’ve been devouring that month. A selection of old and new. Some stuff will be commercial and some won’t. There are no rules, just songs which speak to me.

I hope you enjoy reading my selections and possibly finding something you like here. If not, that’s cool too. I just really appreciate every read and visit here!

Let’s dive in…

Guy Sebastian – Angels Brought Me Here, Again
Guy Sebastian has reworked his 2003 winners ballad into a vibey house remix. Fan response has been mixed but I am HERE for it! The key change transitions between verse and chorus works exquisitely in this exquisitely produced, nostalgic house version.

Billy Porter and Luke Evans – Always Be My Man
This dramatic musical theatre-esque ballad is lifted from the soundtrack of ‘Our Son’, in which both Billy Porter and Luke Evans star. Their voices gel beautifully together over gospel inspired piano chords & huge sweeping strings. Beautiful.

Kenya Grace – Paris
Moody drum and bass/Garage vibes with mumbled vocals and modern society-slamming lyrics which highlight the perils of modern dating.

Madison Beer – Sweet Relief
I love this moody, brooding slice of mellow indie-pop. Distant, gentle guitar strums & mumbled lyrics are paired beautifully over driving drum beats which then give way to a Fleetwood Mac-inspired chorus.

Diana Ross – Not Over You Yet
I’m obsessed with this late nineties mellow R&B song with very of-its-time weird electro percussion over R&B beats & late night vibes. This is one of Diana’s best and has become my favourite of hers since discovering it a few months back. Irresistable.

Ryan Beatty – Bright Red
This is simply gorgeous, mellow & hazy with its distant piano melodies over a shuffling beat. Sublime songwriting with lyrics which document the sweetness of love & uncertainty of life without ever becoming morbid or melancholic. Cannot get enough of this!

Amy Winehouse – Best Friends, Right?
I am in such an Amy phase right now! This sweet, jazzy & frank track was originally from the ‘Frank’ sessions and would often open her live sets around this time but ultimately, the studio version remained unreleased until after her death. Amy always had a magic which shone through on all her records but there’s something about this honest, laidback song which feels even more special. Sublime.

Paul Russell – Lil Boo Thing
Irrestiably fun from start to finish! Sampling the 70’s disco classic ‘Best of My Love’, this cheeky, fresh & funky hip hop remake tastefully nods towards the original with a fresh take.

Coco Jones and Justin Timberlake – ICU (Remix)
There’s just not enough top tier R&B around anymore and this has filled the void beautifully for me. I haven’t heard something as smooth and sensual as this in a long time. The D’Angelo-inspired wonky beat & hazy reverbed harmonies are the perfect backdrop to the brilliant vocal performances by Coco & Justin. Sublime.

I am absolutely here for the revival of his Pop smash! Evidently a brilliant, iconic piece of Pop in its own right, the ‘Saltburn’ effect has introduced this to new legions of fans (& let’s face it, that scene is something else!) Utilising disco elements with an insane bass line and Chic-like guitar riffs & Sophie’s iconic British accent vocals, it’s simply pop perfection.

Ariana Grande – Yes, and?
Ari has SLAYED on this comeback record! Utilising Ballroom & House music influences not dissimilar to Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ & Mabel’s ‘Let them know’ which screams self-assurance and flamboyance, Ari feeds us another self-love dance anthem which encourages us to be our own best friend. A SMASH!

Sabrina Carpenter – Feather
Pop perfection with funky bass lines, dreamy vocal effects, bubblegum melodies and an irresistable chorus. SO good!

Great Good Fine Ok – Midnight Rain
American Pop duo Great Good Fine Ok reimagine Taylor Swift’s 2022 electropop
track into a late 70’s yacht rock track with live percussion and funky guitars. It works perfectly & I arguably like it more than the original!

Sko/Torp – Celebrate
This is an irresistable, uplifting and sunny track from Danish duo Sko/Torp with tight guitar-work, a funky bass line & perfect melodies. Absolute perfection!

Erykah Badu – Hello
A perfect, mellow, sunny morning slice of neo-soul with perfect jazzy piano chords, Andre 3000’s classic trademark vocals and Erykah Badu’s sublime vocals. Sublime.

Like what you hear? Or want to devour them properly? Here’s all of the songs in one playlist: