June Music 2023

New

Rating out of 10

METRO BOOMIN PRESENTS SPIDER-MAN ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE (SOUNDTRACK...DELUXE) by Metro Boomin - 7.0

I was SUPER excited when Metro Boomin announced he was producing the Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack because his recent run had been excellent thus far. However, I started to get nervous when I saw an overwhelming amount of promo for it. I know it was probably Sony driving it, but the more I saw ads for the soundtrack on my timeline, the more I worried it wouldn't live up to the hype. It served its purpose as a soundtrack. However, it didn't have the same staying power as the first movie's soundtrack. Don't get me wrong, I listened to "Am I Dreaming" and "Hummingbird" every day this month, but neither amounted to what "Sunflower" was. Relistening to the Across the Spider-Verse soundtrack now, it's not that the songs were bad, but that I didn't find myself pressing play on many of them out of the context of the movie. Though the first soundtrack was much more iconic, this soundtrack did a good job of capturing the tone of growth and maturity and matched the film's intensity.

Other things I listened to:

• Jonas Brothers by Jonas Brothers

• A Little Bit Longer by Jonas Brothers

• Lines, Vines & Trying Times by Jonas Brothers

• "Snail (feat. Chloe Moriondo" by Cavetown

"Attention" by Doja Cat - 6.0

In all honesty, I forgot this song existed. Relistening to it now, I still don't love the pre-chorus or the chorus, but the verses eat! I don't think it was the comeback single Doja wanted it to be, but it wasn't bad. I haven't secured my tour tickets yet, but I'm sure I will sometime eventually.

'Decent by Tobi Lou - 8.0

If you haven't checked for Tobi Lou since "Buff Baby," you need to tune in IMMEDIATELY. Shout out Sophie for putting me on to this excellence back in 2018 (I'm still mad at your mom for not letting you go to his concert with me because he hasn't been back here since). I wasn't sure what to expect with 'Decent but I was far from disappointed. The production was excellent and the features were PERFECTION. Getting Dame D.O.L.L.A. on "Pain Boy Advanced" was genius (Tobi should've let Dame cook a little more, but hopefully he'll release the extended version). I also loved "Break (feat. rä lomac & Glassface)" and "Hit & Run (feat. Chief Keef, Saba & internetboy)".

Pink Tape by Lil Uzi Vert - 6.4

I liked this album more than I thought I would. I didn't love a lot of the songs, but I didn't hate any of them either. Pink Tape is the first Uzi project that I've listened to in full, and I guess I can understand the appeal. Pitchfork called the album "bloated and messy," but I kind of lived for the chaos. It was campy and fun, and I had a good time. My favourite songs are "Flooded The Face," "Aye (feat. Travis Scott)," and, of course, "Just Wanna Rock."

Republic

Free Agency

Generation Now/Atlantic

Kemosabe/RCA

BUSINESS IS BUSINESS by Young Thug - DNF

I was bamboozled by Metro Boomin. I planned on listening to BUSINESS IS BUSINESS on my commute to work, but I had to stop halfway through because it was that awful. I knew it was bad because I was reading a book so I wasn't even fully paying attention and I could still hear that it sounded like garbage. I don't usually listen to Young Thug. I just checked, and the only songs I have where Young Thug is the main artist are "The London (feat. J.Cole & Travis Scott)" and "Spaghetti Factory (feat. Metro Boomin)," which isn't even on streaming (I forgot who I was trying to impress with that). I literally only listend because of Metro's involvement. The production was fine, but everything else was a disaster. I know Metro Boomin released his version of the album, but I couldn't bring myself to listen to it. I couldn't even attempt to relisten to the original to write this review.

Nancy & the Crooked Cowboy by ggwendolyn - 9.2

Y'all need to tap into ggwendolyn ASAP. I can't even explain how much I love her music. I've already discussed some of the songs on this EP, but I want to clarify that every song is a hit. There are absolutely ZERO skips. Her pen is INSANE, which is evident in her song breakdowns on her Substack. I cried when I heard "I'm So Tired" for the first time (I tweeted that, and she said she recorded it in one take like that's so queenie). My other favourites are "Red Eye" and "My Year of Rest and Relaxation." I CANNOT wait for the album, and I really hope she comes to Toronto soon, but y'all already know I'll be seated in NYC or Detroit if I have to.

"Joy (Unspeakable) [feat. Pharrell Williams]" by Voices of Fire - 8.0

Black people x gospel music continue to stay undefeated. We already knew Pharell's a genius, but this collaboration with his uncle's gospel choir was truly inspired. I desperately wish I could've been in attendance at his Louis Vuitton show to see this performed live. From what I saw on Twitter and Tiktok, the entire production was incredible.

"Audition" by Morgan Julianna - 6.4

The awaited single from everyone's favourite Frankchella live streamer (@morgandoesntcare) is out! "Audition," is so much fun and the music video EATS. This was a good debut to the pop music scene and I can't wait to hear Morgan's next drops next!

"Vampire" by Olivia Rodrigo - 6.8

"Vampire" sounds like it should've been on Sour Deluxe, which isn't necessarily bad considering the GUTS cover art could've been a Target-exclusive Sour cover, which means the new album will likely have a similar feel. Regardless, I like "Vampire" and can't wait to scream the chorus when she returns on tour. I'm all for an angsty Olivia Rodrigo hit and "Vampire" was exactly that.

Geffen

Columbia

Morgan Julianna

Young Stoner Life/300 Enterainment

ggwendoyln

Highlights

This month's faves

Song of the Month: "Helmet" by Steve Lacy

I was super, super, SUPER late to Gemini Rights, but last month I finally made it and OMG what an album. Obviously, "Static" and "Bad Habit" are fantastic, but "Helmet," resonated with me the most. Even though I can't really relate to the lyrics at the moment, I felt seen.

Album of the Month: 4TH Wall by Ruel

4TH Wall has returned! I played this album on loop leading up to the concert, so of course it's back as the album of the month. Ruel ate his debut album like THAT is how you step onto the scene!

Artist of the Month: Ruel

How could Ruel not be the artist of the month? I was literally counting down the days until I got to see him live, and hearing him sing was a transcendent experience (more on that soon). Honestly, he's had this month on lock since I bought my ticket back in March.

Heavy Rotation

The music I had on repeat this month

Songs:

• "I'm So Tired" by ggwendolyn

• "Shelf" by Jonas Brothers

• "Muddy Feet (feat. Sia)" by Miley Cyrus

• "I Just Threw out the Love of My Dreams" by Weezer

• "Papi's Home" by Drake

Albums:

• 4TH WALL by Ruel

• Gemini Rights by Steve Lacy

• k bye for now (swt live) by Ariana Grande

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