Reading Time: 3 minutes

Hey Hey!

I’m back with my final Mixtape of the year. Sorry I’m late (as always!) – life’s been busy.

A short but sweet one from me for November, therefore there’s no ‘Essential 5’ in this post. Lots of songs on repeat but these were my standouts.

I’ll be posting music still but have something different planned for December… (watch this space!)

As always, I really appreciate every visit and read so thanks for being here, and let’s dive in!

The Long List

Tom Grennan – Higher
Justice for this absolute bop! Slick, uplifting, and effortlessly catchy, Tom’s raspy vocals shine on this flamboyant pop track, complete with stomping percussion, a punchy bassline, and irresistible melodies. I hadn’t realised this was written by the guys from Before You Exit—a band I love—so it all makes sense now!

Vacation Manor – You
A stunning, gentle, acoustic-driven track with beautiful chords, softly sung lyrics, and gorgeous falsetto melodies in the chorus. It has a late-night vibe, exploring the challenges of a relationship and expressing regret over avoidance rather than confrontation. There’s a hint of 1990s indie here, and it’s breathtakingly beautiful.

Julia Michaels – Heaven II
I love Julia Michaels. She’s the genius behind many pop hits (including much of Sabrina Carpenter’s latest work) but is also an incredible artist in her own right. On this sensual pop track, featuring soft guitar strums, slightly distorted vocals, and Bon Iver-esque synthy chords, she’s unapologetically bold—and it works perfectly.

The Free Label – Change Your Mind
I discovered this through an Instagram advert for the band, and it was so worth it! Dreamy and soulful with jazzy undertones, this warm, nostalgic, and romantic R&B track has a 1970s throwback vibe. Absolutely gorgeous.

Addison Rae – Aquamarine
A perfect yet totally different follow-up to her smash hit Diet Pepsi, this electro banger features hints of Eurodance. Dreamy, sensual, and euphoric, it’s absolutely psychedelic!

Corook – Blankets
This quirky alt-pop track features twinkly synths, syrupy-sweet vocals, and lovely chords, rounded off with a vocoder addition from American singer-songwriter Corook. It has a touch of 1980s soul in the best way.

Confidence Man – I CAN’T LOSE YOU
This euphoric, hugely fun electropop anthem by Australian indie band Confidence Man is an absolute vibe! At first, I thought they were a DJ act, but discovering they’re a full band makes me love them even more. Such great energy on this track.

Zedd and John Mayer – Automatic Yes
This collaboration between electronic producer Zedd and John Mayer is a match made in music heaven. It’s a disco-electro-blues hybrid that combines John’s smooth vocals and signature guitar with Zedd’s bubbly electronic production. It’s fresh, dynamic, and works brilliantly. Love this!

The Corrs – Don’t Say You Love Me
A gorgeous ballad from Irish siblings The Corrs, taken from their iconic Talk on Corners album. Co-written by the band alongside legendary producer David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager, this fragile and vulnerable love song perfectly marries American adult contemporary with Irish folk. Absolutely stunning.

The Corrs – Runaway
Still an utterly beautiful love song that holds its own all these years later. From the heartfelt lyrics and sublime vocals to its iconic violin solo and perfect harmonies, everything about it is exquisite. I especially love the subtle key and rhythm changes during the climax. Gorgeous!

The Corrs – Radio
Final mention of The Corrs, I promise! I’ve always loved this breezy, wistful, and summery pop-rock track with its hints of 1980s influence. The contrast between the moody verses and uplifting chorus is brilliant.

Whitney Houston – I’m Every Woman
Chaka Khan’s original is fantastic, of course, but Whitney’s 1990s pop-house interpretation takes it to another level. I requested this for my 30th birthday party, and it was the song that got me on the dance floor! Such a feel-good anthem.

---

Wanna listen to all the songs? Unlikely but if you do, here’s the whole playlist!