August Music 2023

New

Rating out of 10

Snow Angel by Reneé Rapp - 6.7

Reneé Rapp is a STAR. Snow Angel is an excellent debut album. There are multiple hits, but my favourites are the title track and "Poison Poison". Losing Reneé on the Sex Lives of College Girls is devastating but on the upside, we're gaining a main pop girl.

Other things I listened to:

• Mid Air by Paris Texas

• You Still Here, Ho? (Extended) by Flo Milli

• The Age of Pleasure by Janelle Monae

• "Digits" by Young Thug

• "fukumean" by Gunna

• "Sprinter" by Dave & Central Cee

"Paint The Town Red" by Doja Cat - 6.5

I don't think this song was the rebrand Doja hoped for because "Paint The Town Red" could've easily been on Hot Pink Deluxe. It wasn't quite a hit for me, but I enjoyed the song and am interested to hear what the album has in store.

AR by Addison Rae - 6.0

If you had told me a year ago that I would be writing about Addison Rae's music, I would've NEVER believed you. I'm still kind of gagged. But "Obsessed" and "2 Die 4" are pop hits! As AsToldByKenya says, I can't make the music not bop.

Yours Truly (Tenth Anniversary Edition) by Ariana Grande - 8.3

I already loved Yours Truly, but the live tracks???? IMMACULATE. I hope this means that Miss Ponytail will be returning to the studio soon because dropping Positions and then never talking about it again was insane. I'd love a new era, but My Everything's 10th anniversary is also coming up so I'd be satisfied with "Break Your Heart Right Back" live.

Interscope

Sandlot

Republic

Smiley Miley/Columbia

"Caturday" by Tobi Lou & Farada - 6.8

I'm officially in prep mode for the Tobi Lou concert! The new music he's released has been pretty good so far, and "Caturday" is no exception. The song has a classic Tobi Lou sound, and I don't know how else to explain it but it sounds like a warm blanket.

"Angel" by Halle - 5.9

I wasn't sure what to expect with Halle's debut single, but "Angel" was cute! After her performance in The Little Mermaid, there was no question that she could stand her own ground. Those runs were insane! Even though I'm in desperate need of another Chloe x Halle album, I'm excited to see what's next for Halle's solo career.

Free Agency

Parkwood/Columbia

"Ice Slippin" by Omar Apollo - 5.6

I liked it! I wanted to love it, but at this point in time, I can't say I do. "Ice Slippin" might turn out to be a grower, but for now, it's a bit of a disappointment. The rollout was fantastic though! #Justiceforthefulllengthversion

"Used To Be Young" by Miley Cyrus - 6.5

TBH, Miley's voice could make anything sound good. If "Used To Be Young" was sung by anyone else, it would be mediocre at best. However, coming from Miley, you can feel the nostalgia and emotion woven into the song. I don't see this song being a long term favourite, but I'm enjoying it for now.

"Single Soon" by Selena Gomez - 4.8

The epitome of retail music.

Interscope

Warner

Kemosabe/RCA

Highlights

This month's faves

Song of the Month: "On My Mama" by Victoria Monet

I listened to this song so much I almost bought a ticket to her Toronto show. Mind you that's the only song I've listened to off of her new album.

Album of the Month: Sunburn by Dominic Fike

As I said in last month's music wrap-up, Sunburn only gets better with every listen and I already loved it after the first one. This album just captures the essence of summer so well!

Artist of the Month: Jonas Brothers

I wish I was a fan sooner! Preparing for the concert was so much fun and listening to Jonas Brothers on my commute made my work days a little brighter.

Heavy Rotation

The music I had on repeat this month

Songs:

• "Sunburn" by Dominic Fike

• "Year 3000" by Jonas Brothers

• "The Good Life" by Weezer

• "Ant Pile" by Dominic Fike

• "Shelf" by Jonas Brothers

Albums:

• The Album by Jonas Brothers

• Channel Orange by Frank Ocean

• Speak Now (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift

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