Music You Need to Hear from 2020 (Exposing My Spotify Wrapped!)

Music You Need to Hear from 2020 blog post cover

Every December, Spotify signals the end of the year with personalized Wrapped playlists rounding up users’ most-streamed songs. Despite how well you may think you know your own music taste, Spotify’s data doesn’t lie! Surprises are always guaranteed—whether it’s a song you listened to for three days straight early in the year and have since forgot about, or you just didn’t realize how obsessed you were with an artist or album track.

Press play on my official Top Songs of 2020 playlist below, featuring 100 of the year’s best bops from Jessie Ware, Dua Lipa, Tame Impala, Chloe x Halle and more. I’ve loved having this on repeat as I reminisce on the past 12 months of music!

Now, for one of the most anticipated “Best Of” lists of the year, let’s break down the Top Albums of 2020!

My Top 10 Albums of 2020 (according to Spotify)

Rina Sawayama's Sawayama album cover

10. Rina Sawayama, ‘SAWAYAMA’

Most played track: “Comme Des Garçons (Like the Boys)”

Jessie Ware's What's Your Pleasure album cover

9. Jessie Ware, ‘What’s Your Pleasure?’

Most played track: “In Your Eyes”

Sam Smith's Love Goes album cover

8. Sam Smith, ‘Love Goes’

Most played track: “Diamonds”

Sevdaliza's Shabrang album cover

7. Sevdaliza, ‘Shabrang’

Most played tracks: “Darkest Hour,” “Oh My God”

Lady Gaga's Chromatica album cover

6. Lady Gaga, ‘Chromatica’

Most played tracks: “Rain On Me” (with Ariana Grande), “Sour Candy” (with BLACKPINK)

The Weeknd's After Hours album cover

5. The Weeknd, ‘After Hours’

Most played tracks: “Too Late,” “Blinding Lights,” “Alone Again”

Dua Lipa's Future Nostalgia album cover

4. Dua Lipa, ‘Future Nostalgia’

Most played tracks: “Levitating” (feat. Madonna and Missy Elliott) [The Blessed Madonna Remix] (Club Future Nostalgia exclusive), “That Kind Of Woman” (Jacques Lu Cont Remix) (Club Future Nostalgia exclusive), “Fever” (feat. Angèle)

Selena Gomez's Rare album cover

3. Selena Gomez, ‘Rare’

Most played tracks: “A Sweeter Place” (feat. Kid Cudi), “Let Me Get Me,” “Look At Her Now,” “People You Know,” “Dance Again”

Tame Impala's The Slow Rush album cover

2. Tame Impala, ‘The Slow Rush’

Most played tracks: “Breathe Deeper,” “One More Year,” “Glimmer,” “It Might Be Time,” “Is It True”

Disclosure's ENERGY album cover

1. Disclosure, ‘ENERGY’

Most played tracks: “Reverie” (feat. Common), “Expressing What Matters,” “Ecstasy,” “Etran” (feat. Etran Finatawa), “Lavender” (feat. Channel Tres), “Get Close,” “Who Knew?” (feat. Mick Jenkins), “Douha (Mali Mali)” (feat. Fatoumata Diawara), “ENERGY”

Despite the music I highlighted each month in my Favourites playlist, here are some statistically-proven takeaways from my 2020 streaming habits:

  • My most streamed album of the year was 2019’s ‘Bubba’ by Montreal DJ-producer Kaytranada. Evidently, I was very excited to see his live show in the spring (RIP 2020 concert season.)
  • I was a big fan of dance remixes—anything to lift my spirits during long work days and workouts!
  • My favourite artists, including The Weeknd, Lady Gaga and Sam Smith, did what had to be done, contributing to the soundtrack of the year. But I was also thrilled to discover new artists like Sevdaliza and Rina Sawayama with fresh sounds and stories and I can’t wait to see what they bring in 2021.

The Best of the Best Albums of 2020

You know a great album as soon as you hear it—when each song flawlessly blends into the next and you want to sing, scream, shout, dance, cry, etc. the whole way through.

As I look back on the incredible bodies of work we were gifted this year, I’d firmly rank ‘After Hours’ (The Weeknd), ‘What’s Your Pleasure?’ (Jessie Ware) and ‘The Slow Rush’ (Tame Impala) as my top 3 albums of 2020. 😍

This year may have been dark, but thanks to so many incredible artists, music was a bright spot for all of us. Can’t wait to start building my 2021 playlist! 🎶

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Take 5 with Michelle Treacy

Michelle Treacy Interview - angelamclean.ca

In the midst of a year defined by political and social unrest — not to mention an unprecedented global pandemic — a new chapter is what we all need. For Canadian singer-songwriter Michelle Treacy, the release of her new single “Time Off From A Letdown” is just that — the start of something new, and something “unapologetically Michelle.”

Three years after releasing her breakout track “Armageddon,” Michelle won an episode of CTV’s music competition show The Launch and was officially “launched” into the spotlight with an angsty new single, “Emotional.” Fast forward a year, Michelle is stripping her sound down to the basics, embracing a more somber and reflective folk-pop tone that’s perfect for the times.

To celebrate her first independent release, I caught up with Michelle to chat about “Time Off From A Letdown,” using your platform and performing with Lady Gaga (yes, you read that right!).

What does “Time Off From A Letdown” represent for you?

Thematically, the song represents the feeling of letting everyone down the reality being that you are only letting yourself down by putting others first. It is about refocusing on yourself, as I have spent the last couple of years doing just that after going through a dark time in my life. The cinematic video is a beautiful representation of this created by an all-female team. It is a piece of art in its purest form, and I hope people take something from it. 

You’ve been vocal throughout the pandemic about mask education (masks are definitely sexy!) and #BlackLivesMatter. Why is it important for you to use your platform to shine a light on global issues?

I am really grateful to have a platform where people see my stuff and listen. If you have a platform and you’re not using it to educate people on current issues why bother having a platform? I am pro mask and #BlackLivesMatter. If you are not, you are on the wrong side of history. It’s time to get educated.

The pandemic has presented a bit of a creative block for many artists. Which singers have inspired you the most this year and why?

Finneas has inspired me a lot. He has taught me that you don’t need anything to make a good song and record. He taught me that recording from home is cool. I mean, look at all his work… all done from his bedroom. So, that’s what I’m doing now. All my music is recorded in my closet.

Can you share the story behind that moment with Lady Gaga where you got to perform with her on stage in Montreal? Also, I have to ask: What’s your favourite song off Chromatica?

Long story short, I got really lucky when it came to singing with Gaga in 2014. I had met her a bunch of times prior and asked her. She said yes and the rest is history. My favourite song off Chromatica is “Sine From Above.”

What’s next for you? Are you working towards another EP or perhaps an album?!

I’m working on a bunch of new music. No release date yet but it will be worth the wait I promise. We are gonna do this right this time!

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May Favourites

Angela McLean May Favourites

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links for Redbubble, SHEIN and Pura Vida Bracelets and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking these links.

As the famous saying goes, the show quarantine must go on.

Let’s start this off with an important PSA: PLEASE keep socially distancing and wearing a mask and/or gloves. If not for yourself, do it for your immunocompromised friends, parents, grandparents and neighbours. The better we keep this up, the sooner we can enjoy our beautiful summer weather!

As you do your part, stay comfortable, entertained and feeling your best with my latest faves across fashion, skincare, music, spring reads and bingeable TV.

Fashion

Music Face Masks

* Face Masks *

The Weeknd Mask, $20 // DNCE Mask, $18.82

If you haven’t already, get acquainted with our newest must-have fashion accessory. As I said in my last blog post dedicated to finding functional and fashionable masks, there’s no reason your PPE can’t be cute and true to your style.

Since I won’t be front row at their concerts anytime soon, I’m looking forward to receiving the two masks pictured above to show my support for The Weeknd and Joe Jonas’ band DNCE. Bonus: Proceeds from The Weeknd’s masks will be donated to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund, directly helping those affected in the music industry.

Nice France top

* Travel-Inspired Clothing *

Anthropologie, $80 // SIMILAR STYLES: Anthropologie, $188 (Hawaii/Aloha print); SHEIN, $17 (New York print)

It may be a total tourist move, but I love travel-inspired fashion pieces that represent my favourite cities.

Pre-COVID, I was supposed to spend the majority of this month jetsetting around Europe. 😢 When I found this Nice, France top while online shopping, I took it as a sign that I’ll be able to postpone my travels to when it’s safe to do so — and snap a picture of this shirt where it’s meant to be (and not in my front yard!).

Also, if you know me, you know I have a small addiction to buying anything and everything related to Hawaii — pineapple home decor, palm tree rings, you name it. I’ll take any excuse to spark my wanderlust and bring back those memories and feelings associated with paradise!

Let me know in the comments below which travel destinations you would rep!

Skincare

Laneige Lip Balm and Face Mask

* Lip Sleeping Mask | Laneige *

Sephora, $13+ (or try Laneige’s Hydration-To-Go! Normal to Dry Skin set, also from Sephora, $38)

I always feared Laneige’s best-selling Lip Sleeping Mask was just an overhyped lip balm, but I was very pleasantly surprised when I first tried it. To test it out for yourself, I highly recommend picking up a mini Good Night Kit to also score a sample size of their popular Water Sleeping Mask. The lip mask wouldn’t be an immediate repurchase for me as you can get similar results at a lower price point, but it’s a great gift to a friend or yourself (#SelfLoveClub). Bring on the smooches 💋

I’ll report back here and on Instagram @angelaaaxo with my thoughts on the mask!

Origins Hydrating Sleeping Mask

* Drink Up Intensive Overnight Hydrating Mask | Origins *

Sephora, $17-$33

This Origins leave-on face mask is one of the best I’ve ever used. Formulated with avocado and swiss glacier water, it instantly moisturizes and smooths skin well into the morning, giving you a beautiful dewy glow without breakouts or buildup. I use it as a once-a-week treat, so the $17 mini bottle is a great deal.

First Aid Beauty Oat Toner

* Ultra Repair Wild Oat Hydrating Toner | First Aid Beauty *

Sephora, $29

I raved about First Aid Beauty’s Fab Faves line in my April Favourites post and it looks like I’ve found another personal holy grail. Toner is a recent re-addition to my nightly skincare routine and this FAB pick is gentle, moisturizing and perfect for sensitive skin. Also, can we take a minute to admire this visually appealing promo photo?

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Pride Playlist

Pride Playlist

It’s time to get loud and be proud! June is Pride Month. Regardless of where and what you’re doing to celebrate, there’s no better time to let loose and be yourself. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Life is too short to be anything but in love with yourself and your life. If you’ve been slacking in that area, start now!

Amplify your Pride Month festivities with my 40-track playlist, linked below — and keep scrolling to preview some of my favourite Pride plays, new and old.

“Girls Like Girls” – Hayley Kiyoko

Girls can like girls, just like boys—and what about it? That’s the attitude “Lesbian Jesus” Hayley Kiyoko takes on in her smash single “Girls Like Girls,” which has amassed over 150 million listens online. From the start of her career, Kiyoko has been vocal about struggles faced by the LGBTQ community in her music, raising awareness of violence against transgender women on “One Bad Night” and highlighting self-doubt on “This Side of Paradise.” She’s described “Girls Like Girls” as a “female anthem for a girl stealing another guy’s girl,” contrasting the stereotypical girl-steals-girlfriend’s-guy/guy-steals-guy friend’s-girl themes.

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Playlist: February finds & faves

Cover photo for February finds & faves playlist

February – the month of romance. With Valentine’s Day being the hallmark of the month, it’s no wonder that the top songs and new releases in the music world are about love, lust, crushes and everything in between. My finds and faves playlist for February serves as no exception.

This month, I’ve been listening to artists that are kicking off 2018 with high expectations, reinventing their sounds, finally delivering full bodies of work and, of course, giving us tunes to love.

Scroll down for the full playlist and some highlighted tracks.

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