Mabel Archives - Angela McLean

Music Monday, New Music Friday, Playlists

15 New Christmas Songs for Your 2020 Holiday Playlist

December 14, 2020 No Comments

Regardless of the date on the calendar, the Christmas season isn’t officially underway until your local radio station first plays Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Thanks to the power of music, while many of our holiday traditions will understandably look very different this year, Christmas carols will continue to bring us together.

As much as I love the signature songs of the season, I also love discovering original tracks and fresh takes on holiday classics to add to my annual playlist. Check out new Christmas songs from the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Sam Smith, Tori Kelly and yes, the Queen of Christmas music herself, Mariah Carey, below!

* Christmas 2020 Playlist *

“Merry Christmas to Your Face” by Jordin Sparks

Off her new holiday album Cider & Hennessy (her first full-length release since 2015!), American Idol winner Jordin Sparks sets the mood with a cute and catchy track about wanting to spend Christmas with your favourite person while opening presents, laughing and playing all day. Nothing sounds better!

“I Need You Christmas” by Jonas Brothers

Whether it’s because we’re growing up or just dealing with a drastically different “pandemic holiday,” it’s easy to miss the sweet innocence of Christmases’ past. The holidays spent “waiting for Santa to show [and] caroling late night” can sound like a distant dream sometimes. With this follow-up single to 2019’s “Like It’s Christmas,” Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas deliver another heartwarming Christmas track about holding on to hope and that festive feeling.

“Under The Mistletoe” by Kelly Clarkson and Brett Eldredge

Kelly Clarkson is at the top of her Christmas music game! I still have her beautiful 2013 album ‘Wrapped In Red’ on repeat, and I’m so excited to add this merry new collaboration with country singer Brett Eldredge to the mix.

“Last Christmas” by Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor gives the Christmas classic “Last Christmas” new life on her recently-released holiday album, aptly titled ‘A Very Trainor Christmas.’ Meghan’s voice perfectly fits the vibe of the song, which will forever be one of my fave Christmas carols!

“Christmas Blues” by Sabrina Claudio and The Weeknd

Get ready to grab your special someone, turn up your speakers and slow dance by the Christmas tree! Sabrina Claudio and The Weeknd sound enchanting on this beautiful holiday song off of Sabrina’s new Christmas album of the same name.

“The Lighthouse Keeper” by Sam Smith

Every holiday playlist needs at least one mellow melody. Sam Smith, who had a massive year with the release of their third studio album, just delivered the tearjerker of the holiday season with this breathtaking new single, produced by ‘Love Goes’ collaborator Labrinth. “If any year could make me look forward to the sounds of Christmas, it would be 2020 as more than ever before we are yearning to be around our friends and family once again,” Sam said ahead of the track’s release. Amen to that.

“Joy to the World / Joyful, Joyful” by Tori Kelly

I challenge you to find a more fun rendition of “Joy to the World” — it’s an impossible task! Tori Kelly’s voice is simply incredible and will ignite an irresistible glow inside of you. I highly recommend checking out the rest of her new Christmas album, ‘A Tori Kelly Christmas,’ for 41 minutes of pure holiday vibes!

“Oh Santa!” by Mariah Carey feat. Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson

A long-awaited highlight of Mariah Carey’s new Apple TV+ holiday special, this Mariah x Ariana x Jennifer collab is undeniably the star-studded spectacle of the season!

Music Monday, Playlists

September Playlist: Fun & Fresh

September 30, 2019 No Comments

With the leaves falling to mark the start of fall, I’m also turning a new leaf — and highlighting all the new music filling my ears this month! From star-studded collaborations to the latest bops from rising artists, a new season is the perfect time to take your music library to the next level. Plus, why not impress your friends with your fresh finds? No thanks needed — everyone deserves a bangin’ playlist.

Plug in your headphones or turn up your speakers, and get amped up to enjoy some of my fave new songs and the new artists you need on your radar.

“Like This” — Sofi Tukker

I haven’t stopped raving about Sofi Tukker for the past two months, after finally having the chance to see the party duo live in Montreal (at one of their unforgettable Animal Talk club parties, nonetheless). Side note: They put on a MUST-see show — and it takes a lot for me to say that!

They premiered this song in Montreal and I was immediately counting down the days until their ‘Dancing On The People’ EP release to get the studio version for my playlist. It’s an irresistible jam and always puts me in the best mood! Take a listen and try to prove me wrong. ㋡

Playlists

July Playlist: Summer Fling

July 31, 2019 No Comments

Summer is always a hot season for love. There’s simply no denying that summer romances just hit different and inspire endless possibilities for incredible memories. From sunsets to patio nights and drive-in dates, there’s so much to see and do with your boo (or your BFFs, because you are just as amazing on your own!).

Of course, you need a bangin’ soundtrack to fill the air during your summer road trips (with the windows down, of course), pool parties and chill days in. Luckily, fun and flirty love songs are a summer staple. Check out 60 of them — plus a breakup banger or two for those lost loves — below on this month’s playlist.

“Chase the Summer” – Chantel Jeffries feat. Jeremih

Get ready for an endless summer with DJ and producer Chantel Jeffries’ club-ready summer single as your amp-up anthem! Joining forces with rapper Jeremih, Chantel’s latest release is perfect for every summer occasion — the beat is irresistible and instantly puts you in a good mood. The music video will also spark your inner travel bug, so stick around YouTube to start trip planning with some stunning travel vlogs.

Playlists

March Playlist: Moody Music

March 30, 2019 No Comments

Unless my iPod is dead (specifically my iPod Classic—I still carry around that vintage gem), you will always see me with my headphones in, listening to music. What am I listening to, you might be wondering? It’s certainly a question I always think about when I’m people watching as I walk around downtown.

The better question is, what really gets me up and moving? The answer: Music with attitude, spunk and a perfect mix of confidence and cockiness. It gets me walking faster and feeling like a total boss—but, most importantly, it keeps me awake. I can almost forego my afternoon Starbucks with the right mix of music.

Here are some of my favourite feisty finds for my Moody Music playlist.

“Wow.” – Post Malone

No one can bring Post Malone down—he’s busy travelling the world, playing beer pong in various cities, releasing smash after smash, and just living his best life. With lyrics like “It’s a moment when I show up, got ‘em sayin’ wow,” and “Yeah, your grandmama probably know me,” consider this the modern-day “TiK ToK.” Also, let it be a remember to tell yourself ‘wow’ – you’re pretty awesome.