In this edition, we bring you tender musical nostalgia, sensual tracks that are sure to be earworms, deep philosophical questions and gentle reminders you might require.
Listen to the full playlist right here:
Michael Scott Parker – “Golden Hour”
The track begins with the drums and guitar creating a rhythm that instantly feels familiar, like an old childhood blanket you re-discover at your parents’ house. Her voice then comes in, rich and soothing, conveying the depth of someone who has truly lived through the meaning of the lyrics she is singing. The song maintains a consistent pace for six and a half minutes. “Golden Hour” stays true to its structure with a steady rhythm until a faint, almost imperceptible ticking sound appears, adding just the right amount of texture to prevent the listening experience from becoming too relaxed. It’s her voice that creates the magical feeling that makes you feel as though you have returned to your childhood home.
Nancy Carey Johnson – “Shine Your Light”
This song is a gentle reminder that despite the world’s relentless attempts to darken you, it is possible to remain to be uniquely you.
It’s primarily a vocal performance. But before the lyrics even catch up, you can know where the song is going just by listening to Johnson’s arc, which starts in a near-whisper and builds to a full, powerful belt by the conclusion. The whole experience revolves around regaining something, and it’s very cathartic, like a sunrise emerging after the darkest part of the night.
The song, which is about the light that is already within of you, has enough faith in its own structure to let the voice do the most persuasive work.
Milyam – “Intimacy”
Beginning with a bassline that enters slowly and softly before any vocals, Milyam crafts the song with immense care. When the voice enters, it feels like breathing rather than merely singing. The restrained vocals with the distortions layered onto them become the central anchor of the song.
The raspy. whispery voice combined with the rapid, decisive beats builds the intimacy that she sings about as she sings- “you know I’m all yours”. Equal parts sensual and passionate, Milyam holds the same slow building sensation throughout the song, making for an infectious track that you hum to yourself as you go about your day.
Queens Fool – “Bourboncy”
Before anything else has a chance to speak, distorted guitars open the song. From that point on, “Bourboncy” keeps up its intensity thanks to a guitar riff. This is the kind of track that becomes easy to hum after only one listen. It’s an American-inspired guitar-driven rock song that lets you picture yourself driving along a long, wide road.
After the initial energy subsides, the beat gradually enters, giving the sound a stable base. Heartache, perplexity, and a bar stool where responses are anticipated; bourbon represents the elusive clarity that never materializes. The song’s conclusion is what prevents it from seeming overpowering. It ends with accepting loss without becoming mired in it.
Flinn – “Ancient Light”
With purposefully muted synths, it begins as though it’s something remembered, giving the impression of an orchestral arrangement, until Flinn’s voice enters with a low hum and takes command of the song.
The layered vocals are mesmerizing, the high pitched voice sitting atop the lower one makes the the song’s core question, “Who will dance on the fruit, that has fallen from the vine?” that much more pressing.
The track sticks in your head long after it’s over thanks to jangly guitars and a warm bass beat. A soft blend of guitar and piano at the end provides a tranquil manner to end rather than a definitive solution.
