July Music 2023
The summer releases are summering!
MUSIC
Blaize Exeter
8/21/2023
New
Rating out of 10
Speak Now (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift Boomin - 8.2
I LOVE Speak Now. So, of course, I was excited when Taylor announced she was re-recording that album next. TV held up for the most part. "Better Than Revenge" was horrendous, but with vault tracks like "I Can See You" and "Electric Touch," it all balances out. I still need some more time with the record to see if I like it more than Red (TV), but I think it's on track to becoming my favourite re-recording.
Other things I listened to:
The Album by Jonas Brothers
"Digits" by Young Thug
"fukumean" by Gunna
"Sprinter" by Dave & Central Cee
"Rush" by Troye Sivan - 6.5
It's embarrassing that I never had my Troye Sivan era, but I have a feeling that it's imminent with this new album on the way. I can't listen to "Rush," without the visuals playing in my head because they're SO fantastic. This song is catchy and fun and perfect for the summer. Someone on Twitter said it sounds like music in a Coke ad, and they're absolutely correct. They fumbled the bag by not making a commercial using this song.
Utopia by Travis Scott - 6.2
Utopia is the third Travis Scott project that I've listened to in full (I still haven't gotten around to Astroworld). The album wasn't bad. It lacked depth, but I liked the production. Also, there's something to say about an artist who only shines in collaboration with other artists (except "Deleresto (Echoes) and "Telekinesis" because Beyoncé and Sza ate him up on their respective tracks). Out of the ten songs I saved, only one is a solo track ("Hyena"). I also like "Till Further Notice," "Skitzo and "'Circus Maximus."
Barbie The Album by Various Artists - 6.3
I don't think there could've been a better soundtrack for Barbie. This collection of songs is cute, campy and perfect for the blockbuster of the summer. "Pink," is a GENIUS opening song. I'll admit that a good amount of tracks don't have longevity, but "Barbie World (with Aqua), "Dance the Night," and "I'm Just Ken" definitely do. Not to mention, Billie Eilish WILL be collecting an Academy Award for "What Was I Made For." Other Gems include: "Man I Am," "Silver Platter," and "Hey Blondie."
Republic
Epic/Cactus Jack
Atlantic
Capitol
Sunburn by Dominic Fike - 8.0
Another zero-skip album for Mr. Fike! I remember reading that he wasn't happy with his last project, but you can tell that he put his heart and soul into this album. His Floridian roots and childhood experiences are the foundation of this project, and you can hear the authenticity on each track. I didn't think it was possible, but Sunburn still gets better with each listen. "Dancing In the Courthouse," was a great choice for the lead single. It gives you a little insight into what the album sounds like without giving away too much. It's also just a good song. I also love "Think Fast," "Mona Lisa," and the title track. This album was a great summer release, and I absolutely CANNOT wait until he comes to Toronto in a few weeks.
3 of Us by FLO - 6.0
I have been waiting for the release of "Control Freak" since FLO performed it at their Toronto show. I would've been more than fine if they just released the single, but a whole EP? I feel spoiled. All four songs are cute, but "Control Freak" and "Suite Life (Familiar)" are my favourites. They already proved they weren't a one-hit-wonder with "Fly Girl," so this project is just a reminder that FLO is here to stay.
Columbia
Island Records
Highlights
This month's faves
Song of the Month: "No Enhancers" by Jack Harlow
I can't make the music not bop (word to AsToldByKenya).
Album of the Month: Renaissance by Beyoncé
Self explanatory.
Artist of the Month: Beyoncé
Y'all already knew. That concert made my entire life BTW.
Heavy Rotation
The music I had on repeat this month
Songs:
"cross your mind" by ROLE MODEL
"Kamikaze" by Omar Apollo
"The Good Life" by Weezer
"Down the Line" by Remi Wolf
"Pure/Honey" by Beyoncé
Albums:
Sunburn by Dominic Fike
Hold The Girl by Rina Sawayama
k, bye for now by Ariana Grande