March is a month of transition, so it’s understandable that this month’s playlist has a little bit of everything. Here in Toronto, the weather can’t decide whether it wants to stick with the bitter chill of winter or the welcome warmth and sunshine of spring. Likewise, at school, I’m bouncing from assignment to assignment, with every short burst of down time interrupted by panic mode.
I need music for every mood. You know what that means: Get ready for some great variety!
Scroll down for this month’s full ‘finds & faves’ playlist and some must-listen tracks.
Find: “FRIENDS” – Marshmello & Anne-Marie
Dubbed the official friend-zone anthem, “FRIENDS” is an unapologetic declaration that “You say you love me, I say you crazy / We’re nothing more than friends.” It reminds me of Demi Lovato’s 2013 track “Something That We’re Not” but with an even stronger rejection. This is dance music producer Marshmello’s third single blowing up the airwaves – it joins “Silence” with Khalid and “Wolves” with Selena Gomez – and highlights Anne-Marie’s bold and sassy vocals. Even if you are lucky enough to have steered clear of the friend zone thus far, you will love this catchy, fun song.
Fave: “Strangers” – Sigrid
“Strangers” is the happiest sad song I have ever heard. Sigrid sings about a romance that seems so perfect – as if it were straight out of the movies – but could never last. I love that the song sounds like it actually could be right out of a movie soundtrack – Sigrid and producer Martin Sjølie thought everything through! The verses will have you tearing up, while the chorus will have you dancing in your chair. It’s impossible to not want to sing along.
Find: “Runaway” – Felix Cartal feat. REGN
Canadian DJ/producer Felix Cartal is finally getting his well-deserved time in the spotlight with his sleeper hit “Get What You Give,” certified gold in Canada and nominated for two JUNO awards this year. His latest hit, “Runaway,” features incredible vocals from rising star REGN and is loud and groovy in all the right ways. Look out for Cartal’s debut full-length album later this year – if “Runaway” is any indication, we’re in for a treat.
Fave: “HIM” – Sam Smith
When I first heard this song on Sam Smith’s new album, I was struck by its hymn-like sound and Smith’s vulnerability both in the lyrics and vocal delivery. It’s the first song in his discography that deals explicitly with coming out and a gay relationship and its message that love is love will surely resonate with a lot of people. I recently wrote a 2,000-word paper focusing entirely on this song, so as you can imagine it was on repeat for quite some time – and I didn’t mind at all.
Find: “In My Blood” – Shawn Mendes
Tell your friends – Shawn Mendes is BACK and he is better than ever. The first of two singles released from his upcoming third studio album, “In My Blood” reflects the new sound Mendes has been crafting for himself over the past year. It’s heavier and more revealing than his previous work, but fans of his acoustic roots can rest assured that they haven’t gone anywhere. If anything, they’re even more evident now as Mendes lets his vocals soar and insists that even the worst anxieties can’t keep him down.
Fave: “Main Girl” – Charlotte Cardin
This song truly takes my breath away. You can hear the sadness and frustration in Charlotte Cardin’s stunning voice as she sings about being the “side chick” who is only called upon when her man gets bored with his “main girl.” Though this song came out in 2017, Cardin’s star continues to rise and I would highly recommend this song as a first listen.
What’s on your playlist this month? Share it with me in the comments below or over on Twitter @angelamcleanx. I’m always looking for new artists!
(Playlist Cover: Marshmello and Anne-Marie graphic made by Toon53 Productions; text added)
