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Another month, another mixtape! It feels like a second ago since I posted the last one, but I was late with January’s.
I really, really love this collection of songs and am excited to share them. My hope is always that you will find something new, whether you read the whole blog, scan read or just listen to previews.
I know we are all short on time, therefore I’m going to star including my Essential 3 picks at the top for those wanting to read a bitesize edition.
So with no further ado, let’s dive in!
The Essential 3
Bullion and Carly Rae Jepsen – Rare
Dreamy night-time synthpop with a hint of Annie Lennox and The Blue Nile.
Another Sky – The Pain
Electrifying indie with stunning falsetto vocals and a kick-ass climax.
She Says She – C’est Si Bon
Vibey, funky disco which emulates the 70’s sound perfectly.
The Long List
Bullion and Carly Rae Jepsen – Rare
This is quite possibly my favourite song at present. Dreamy, eerie and mellow with whispered, echoing vocals, Bullion and Carly Rae Jepsen’s vocals compliment each other perfectly. There’s no over-singing or vocal tricks here, just lovely vocals drenched in echo effects, gliding effortlessly over a synthpop backing track which doesn’t feel too dissimilar from the work of Scottish band The Blue Nile. It’s a little The Blue Nile, a little Annie Lennox and a little The Cocteau twins in the best way. Sublime.
Another Sky – The Pain
God, I LOVE this! Heard it on BBC Radio 1 the other day in the car and fell instantly in love, immediately turning it up full blast. Lyrics drenched in insecurity and naivety, with a humorous edge are sang with the rich-toned, captivating vocals from lead singer Katrin Vincent and build progressively before the song culminates in a heavy Foo Fighters-like climax. It’s memorable, majestic and bloody brilliant.
She Says She – C’est Ci Bon
Vibey. Funky. Psycadelic. Disco. Simply perfect from start to finish. Close your eyes and be transported to the classic sound of 70’s disco with a contemporary touch.
Cleo Soul – Airplane
This is simply beautiful. Over minimalist instrumentation comprised of little more than acoustic guitars, a bass guitar and drums, Cleo Soul sings of overcoming adversity using the metaphor of a little bird with a wounded wing who will learn to fly again. Gorgeous.
JUNG and Dagny – Something Beautiful
This is POP PERFECTION! A wonderful collaboaration between Norweigan pop queen Dagny and Swedish duo JUNG, it’s an uplifting, carefree 80’s-inspired Pop Bop with irresistable melodies and jangling guitars. Dagny and lead singer Jonas Jung Larsen’s vocals compliment each other perfectly, particularly on the huge chorus with it’s buyoyant synth riffs and punchy bass line. It’s a little Huey Lewis and The News, a little The 1975 and a little indie-rock too. An absolute smash of a song!
Man Alive – What Are The Chances
Mark Prendergast is better known as Kodaline’s co-founder, co-writer and guitarist and is now embarking on side project: Man Alive. Co-written by James Vincent McMorrow, this stunning song utilises organic instrumentation and is comprised of acoustic guitars, lovely piano riffs and a lovely chord progression, with limited-fuss-production. It’s a snapshot of a tormented man, alone with his thoughts late at night, wondering if a relationship is worth salvaging. Stunning.
George Clanton – I Been Young
I was utterly convinced from listening to this song, then checking out the music video that this must have been a huge 90’s electronica track that I somehow missed. But no, it turns out this is new and just captures the sound and imagery of that time perfectly. A brilliant, punchy drum track serves as the heartbeat to this, with many hazy electronic elements and vocals scattered throughout, punctuated by a huge anthemic chorus.
The Lighthouse Family – Super 8
I’ve fallen deeply in love with The Lighthouse Family recently. Their mellow, uplifting easy-listening discography is a perect antidote to the stresses of life. I keep returning to this wonderfully uplifting album track from 2019’s ‘Blue Sky in Your Head’ with Tunde Baiyewu’s distinct, rich vocals accompanied by a slickly-produced backing track comprised of rich string arrangements, smooth guitars and a driving drum beat. Brilliant chorus on this and this track should have absolutely been a single. Sublime.
Sidibe – Nothing At All
I have fallen head over heels in love with the majestic Sidibe since this song was suggested to me on Spotify a couple of months back. In many ways, her music feels like a cross between Janet Jackson and Sade, utilising a soft, sultry R&B sound with hints of Soul. I love this mellow slice of R&B with it’s funk guitars and gentle melodies. Beautiful.
Sidibe – Go On Ahead
Sidibe again. This dreamy, brooding R&B track soaked in longing and nostalgia is desperately crying out to be part of the soundtrack of people’s summer. A relaxing, mellow track, it feels like Janet Jackson at her sexiest in the best way. Gorgeous.
Himika Akaneya – Stereo Sunset
Despite not having a clue in regards to the lyrical content on this due to the language barrier, I love this dreamy and blissfully melodic electro-pop track by Himika Akaneya. Apparently it’s the end theme for the anime adaptation of MF Ghost. Really love the huge production on this and the warmth in the layered synthesisers and chord progression.
Olivia Dean – Ladies Room (Live from Somerset House)
Spotify suggested this live version to me and boy I’m glad it did! I subsequently checked out Olivia Dean’s debut album and loved it. This laidback, neo-soul sprinkled pop track documents the comararderie often encountered by women in public bathrooms. The studio version is great too, but there’s a power and an extra glimmer on this live version with it’s live instrumentation, particularly the brass section and punchy bass line.
James Arthur – Bittersweet Love
This is a brilliant sound for James. Utilising a funky groove evidently inspired by The 1975 but keeping the listener on their toes with a heavy Kings of Leon styled bridge, it’s big, it’s loud and it’s effortlessly catchy.
TOLEDO – Soda Can
I love this hazy indie track with a late-summer vibe from American indie-rock duo Toledo. It feels very mid-noughties indie, like it belonged in an offbeat comedy or teen movie, but in all the right ways.
Kenny Thomas – Got It On Time
Soul legend Kenny Thomas, who was at the peak of his fame in the early nineties dropped this back in 2022. Feeling fresh and funky, yet remaining loyal to his trademark sound, this song is expertly produced and slick.
B00TY and Loose Ends – Matter of Time
Another Spotify-suggested track which got it SO right! This chilled-out, infectiously catchy Soul track is by LA electro-soul duo B00TY and Carl McIntosh from British R&B group Loose Ends. It’s a winning collaboration with memorable melodies over easy-going instrumentation including brass instruments, warm keyboard chords and a funky bass line.
Once again, if you wanted to listen to all of these back to back (and yes, I realise that this is unlikely but still!), you can find the playlist (along with a couple of other songs I haven’t featured here) below:
The Music Box. 