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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Best and Worst Celebrity Encounters of 2020

Best and Worst Celebrity Encounters of 2020 blog cover by Angela McLean

If you know me or have scrolled through my Instagram, you likely understand why people call me “that girl who meets tons of celebs.” It’s true—I’ve been lucky to meet A-listers like George Clooney (he really did say I was the best!), Selena Gomez (multiple times!), Michael B. Jordan (People’s Sexiest Man of 2020 😉) and Khloe Kardashian, just to name a few. This year, the pandemic certainly disrupted my normal celebrity selfie streak, but the rise of virtual concerts and meet-and-greets also allowed me to score once-in-a-lifetime experiences with several of my favourite artists.

As I look back on the year’s camera roll and prepare for another year of being a ~professional fangirl~, read through the inside scoop on my best and worst (!) celeb encounters of 2020. I’m not sparing any details!

Best

Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby (left) and Angela McLean (right)

Let’s start with one of the highlights of my year, if not my entire life. Sidney Crosby is my all-time fave hockey player and I’ve had so many close encounters with him, to the point my friends and I were nearly convinced I was cursed. I actually did get a car selfie with Sid a few years ago (hi, 2015 Angela!) at the Pittsburgh Penguins’ practice facility, but I was determined to get a full body/posed photo and say more than just “Hi, can I get a picture?!?”

In February pre-pandemic, when we were all more optimistic about everything in life, I declared it was about time I get that photo. I dragged my up-for-anything work friend on an adventure to the team hotel (which is very well documented) in Toronto. By some MIRACLE, we were there for no more than 15 minutes before the heavens—that is, the elevator doors—opened and I got my moment with Sidney! He was very gracious with both of us and I was able to quickly tell him how much this meant to me.

As you can imagine, seeing Sidney made attending the game later that much sweeter. I’m looking forward to the return of the NHL in 2021 — and fingers crossed that my Penguins make it into the playoffs! 🐧

Julia Michaels and JP Saxe

Julia Michaels (left) and Angela McLean (right)

Though you probably know these two talented artists together from their critically-acclaimed hit duet “If The World Was Ending” (unknowingly-yet-perfectly timed for the events of 2020), I’m a long-time fan of both Julia Michaels and JP Saxe individually.

Julia, a songwriter to the stars, has been a writing inspiration of mine for years, and I know JP through the Toronto music industry circles. It was fitting, then, that I ended up meeting them both on the same night!

In January, after it was confirmed JP and Julia were dating (how adorable!), I saw Julia post that she was with JP as he rehearsed for a show that night in Toronto. I got to the venue early enough to catch them both heading to a pre-show dinner and they could not have been kinder!

I saw Julia first and it was so cool to snap a few selfies with her and chat about her beautiful lyrics and headlining show in Toronto just two months prior.

JP Saxe (left) and Angela McLean (right)Shortly after, I caught up with JP and complimented his Raptors shirt—the perfect attire for a sold-out show in his hometown!

I’m so happy JP and Julia now have their first GRAMMY nomination together for this song. Song of the Year…no big deal! For more from Julia and JP, listen to their heartwarming new holiday single, “Kissin’ in the Cold.”

Ally Brooke

Ally Brooke (left) and Angela McLean (right)

Meeting Fifth Harmony singer Ally Brooke this past year will always be memorable for two reasons: It was Ally’s first headlining tour and concert in Toronto, which is always a special show (ask any artist!), and it was my first meet-and-greet—just days before the March lockdown—where you had to use hand sanitizer before you went up to the musician. Thinking about sanitizer and other forms of PPE and physical distancing, it’s truly insane to consider how much will change within the live event industry once we start returning to “normal.”

On the bright side of things, Ally was an absolute sweetheart, spending several minutes talking with each fan at the M&G and even coming back out to take more photos and sign autographs for anyone who waited after the show. This was my second time meeting Ally after having interviewed Fifth Harmony early in their career, and she somehow remembered exact details about that day! It always strikes me when artists manage to remember details about fans and/or interviewers and it proves the appreciation and love often goes both ways.

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15 New Christmas Songs for Your 2020 Holiday Playlist

Christmas Playlist 2020 Cover

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!

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September Favourites

September Favourites Angela McLean blog post

Farewell summer and hello fall! To kick off this new season, browse through my latest fashion faves, beauty must-haves and playlist additions, plus preview what’s next in my reading pile. There are so many options here for pandemic-approved entertainment!

Fashion

Jilly Jacket 2.0 try on

* Leopard Print (and the Jilly Jacket 2.0) *

Jilly Jacket 2.0, Joe Fresh, $89 (currently unavailable online; in stock in select Canadian stores) // SIMILAR: Go-H20 Water-Resistant Narrow-Channel Puffer Jacket in Olive Leopard Print, Old Navy, $60 (sale); VERO MODA Cana Puffer Jacket in Leopard, The Bay, $49.99 (sale)

Leopard print has returned as one of the hottest looks of the season and I’m seeing it pop up in all sorts of styles — jeans, sweaters, cardigans… but nothing is cozier than an oversized, fit-for-fall puffer jacket! Canadian retailer Joe Fresh, with the help of West Coast influencer Jillian Harris, launched the “it” jacket of the season with this trendy, longline leopard print puffer (pictured above), dubbed the Jilly Jacket 2.0. Needless to say, I was in love at first sight — and it was so worth the fight to snag one online! In fact, demand for the jacket broke Joe Fresh’s website, with many customers trying for 7+ hours to get one of the limited quantities available. I’m still hearing reports of restocks at physical stores, so keep an eye out (or check out one of the similar jackets linked above!).

Old Navy Face Masks

* Masks *

Assorted Styles, Old Navy, 5/$15 (great value!)

In case you’ve missed the headlines, the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic is officially underway in many regions, including my home province of Ontario, Canada. To keep everyone safe, face masks will remain the must-have accessory for the fall/winter fashion season. Fortunately, there are now so many cute and comfortable styles that it’s tempting to buy one to match every look in my closet. I’m still a huge fan of Old Navy’s masks, which come in packs of 5 or 10 and are fit for the whole family with designs like tie dye, camo and plaid.

Beauty/Skincare

Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez

* Rare Beauty *

Fave products: With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm in Blessed, Rare Beauty at Sephora, $21; Always An Optimist Illuminating Primer, Rare Beauty at Sephora, $18 (mini) or $34 (full)

Singer, actress and business powerhouse Selena Gomez did not disappoint with her highly-anticipated Rare Beauty line, which received great praise from fans and beauty influencers alike upon its launch earlier this month. I’m looking forward to trying more products from the collection but already love the lip balm, which is highly pigmented and moisturizing (so hard to find!), and the illuminating primer, which masks your pores while giving you a beautiful, lit-from-within glow.

FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid review

* FAB Pharma BHA Acne Spot Treatment Gel 2% Salicylic Acid | First Aid Beauty *

Sephora, $34

Maskne be gone! This product from First Aid Beauty (a FAB brand, if I do say so myself!) has been a holy grail to stopping breakouts in their tracks, especially around my chin. My skin has always responded well to salicylic acid, so I was super happy to find this. When applying, remember a little goes a long way!

Books

While I catch up on my growing book pile, here are the next two reads on my list!

My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg

* My Own Words by Ruth Bader Ginsburg with Mary Hartnett and Wendy W. Williams *

Available from Indigo for $24.62 (sale)

Earlier this month, we lost an iconic voice for women’s rights, social justice and a better world following the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a beloved Supreme Court Justice (the second female to hold the title) and co-founder of the Women’s Rights Project at the ACLU. I remember wanting to read this book when it came out in 2018 and have since picked it up to learn more about Ruth’s inspiring upbringing and journey. Rest in power, RBG!

Meaning of Mariah Carey book

* The Meaning of Mariah Carey by Mariah Carey with Michaela Angela Davis *

Available from Indigo for $25 (sale)

Fresh out on bookshelves, Mariah Carey’s long-awaited memoir is Mariah unfiltered. Mariah goes deep into her childhood and shares behind the scenes secrets about her songs, struggles and survival, giving readers an incredible inside look at one of the industry’s biggest stars. Bonus: the 11-hour Audible audiobook is narrated by Mimi herself, with musical moments weaved in throughout the memoir. This may finally get me on the audiobook train!

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July Favourites

Angela McLean July Favourites

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

Without a doubt, we can all say Summer 2020 is like no other. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, restrictions remain in place on travel, gatherings and so many other traditional summer pleasures. Concerts and festivals have gone virtual, including Chicago’s Lollapalooza (which I was finally set to attend!), and most amusement parks remain closed or are opening with highly limited capacity. But despite this summer looking unusual at best (and downright lonely and depressing at its worst), there are still plenty of ways to make the most of it.

Live out your best summer dreams responsibly with my latest fashion and skincare must-haves, streaming recommendations and playlist additions.

Fashion

Who says you can’t look your best during a pandemic?!
Swimsuits for Days
(Photo via @ardene/Instagram)

* Swimwear *

Assorted Styles from SHEIN, starting at $3 (snakeskin set, $9.50; two-tone one piece, $19) // Assorted Styles from Ardene, starting at $5 (floral top, $10; bold blue bottom, $17.43)

Raise your hand if, like me, you also want to restock your entire swimwear drawer every time summer rolls around. 🙋 While you likely don’t need a new poolside ‘fit for every day of the week, an extra bikini top or matching set is the perfect guilt-free pandemic purchase. I’ve linked some super affordable and trendy options from SHEIN and Ardene above for under $20! A nearby beach is surely calling your name — just remember to socially distance and leave if it gets too crowded.

Need a beach read? Head over to my blog post from last summer listing 5 hot titles!

Old Navy Face Masks

* Face Masks *

Old Navy, $15 for 5 // Gap, $20 for 3

In case you missed the memo, face masks are still the hottest (and, in many cities, must-have 😉) accessory of the summer. Check out my recent blog post where I proved this essential piece of PPE doesn’t have to sacrifice your personal style.

Poshmark and Depop Accounts to Follow

* Clothing Resale Apps *

Did you miss out on your favourite artist’s limited-run merchandise? Have shopper’s regret from a previous purchase? Still looking for the perfect basic tees and vintage jeans? Allow me to pass along my latest quarantine activity! I’ve fully hopped on the clothing resale app bandwagon, both to hunt down new wardrobe staples and make money selling old faves. Check out my profiles on Poshmark (shopangelaaaxo) and Depop (angelaaaxoxo) — I’ll be listing so many more pieces soon!

Skincare

Skincare = self-care — and this is more valuable than ever during a pandemic.
We all need to be in this together!
Clarisonic and Avon Cleansing Brushes
(Photos via Clarisonic *left* and Avon *right*)

* Face Cleansing Brush *

MIA PRIMA Sonic Cleansing Face Brush, Clarisonic, $69.50 // Anew Clean Cleansing Brush, Avon, $34.99

Cleansing is a key step in my daily skincare routine, so it’s surprising I took this long to try out a cleansing brush for some self pampering. I use one from Avon two to three times a week and noticed a difference in my face almost right away.

Cleansing brushes work well on all skin types and help products like your serums and moisturizers absorb better and faster. It’s also painless to set up and use, so why not give it a try?! Clarisonic, one of the original brands in the cleansing brush space, is shutting down at the end of September, so act fast to score 50% off their classic MIA PRIMA brush and save on other cleansing and massaging devices across their site.

Boscia Clear Complexion Blotting Linens flatlay
(Photo via Amazon)

* Blotting Papers *

Clear Complexion Blotting Linens by Boscia, Sephora, $14

Oily sisters, unite! Blotting papers are nothing short of a life saver all year round, but I can’t leave the house without them during the summer when a little extra face shine/beauty sweat is inevitable. Just be sure to dab lightly on any problem areas — and it doesn’t hurt to use setting spray in the morning and a refreshing mist like MAC Prep + Prime Fix+ throughout the day to keep your look extra secure.

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