MAJOR MAESTRO: The Weeknd

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Ultimate Quarantine Playlist

It has indeed been sometime since I took some time off to create a playlist. This time, I had a lot of time on my hands, considering I had 10 long never ending days to think about it. As you might have guessed, this is because I am serving my government mandated 10 days of quarantine prison. Other than pondering where I went wrong, or how I managed to get myself positive for the dreaded Covid-19 virus, I also had time to listen to music. This stupid manmade virus (oh yeah! I have bought into the conspiracy theories) has placed the whole entertainment industry at risk. While the Americas and Europe are slowly coming out of their stringent social distancing guidelines, third world countries such as Sri Lanka can only dream about concerts or live shows for that matter.

In this backdrop, we all need a proper quarantine playlist. This playlist is for those of you who are facing an island wide lockdown or is in quarantine or self-isolation. Whatever, boredom you are facing I suggest you listen to this playlist. It has been formulated with intricate milestones of this pandemic and also the must-listen songs that you may have missed out due to these trying times.

I. Return of Disco

Did you know that disco made a triumphant come back? While it has always been a favorite genre of mine, popular back in the 70s, I never imagined that this was a genre that could ever fare well again on the charts, given the penchant the millennials have for genres such as Hip Hop, EDM and Dancepop. However, was I proved wrong. We have Dua Lipa to thank for. Her album, Future Nostalgia set the stage for the return of this long forgotten genre. While her entire album is infused with disco, the most successful singles are Don’t Stop Now, Levitating and Break My Heart.

Dua Lipa’s success was followed by The Weeknd, with his platinum hit Blinding Lights. Blinding Lights ended up as the Year-End number in 2020 on both sides of the Atlantic with 8 non-consecutive weeks at the top in the UK and topped the US for 4 weeks and is still in the charts, now holding the record longest charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 with 88 weeks as of this post. He followed this up with In Your Eyes and Save Your Tears both addictive duets, the latter of which also topped the US.

Kylie Minogue’s 15^th album was aptly titled Disco, which paid tribute the bygone era of the 70s and also made Minogue the first female artist to have number one album in the UK in 5 consecutive decades. The 6^th studio album released by 90s pop icons, Steps also included several disco tracks. Sophie Ellis-Bexter’s latest studio album, Songs from the Kitchen Disco, has a brilliant cover of Alcazar’s Crying at the Discotheque and also a 2020 edition of her 2000-hit, Groovejet.

Newcomer Doja Cat had her big breakthrough in early 2020 with a timely disco track, Say So. She has followed this up recently with Kiss Me More, featuring R&B singer SZA. Lady Gaga was a dancepop sensation in the late noughties and the early 2010s. However, certain singles off her latest album, Chromatica explores elements of disco, particularly Rain On Me and 911. Other notable disco tracks include K-Pop boy band BTS’s foray into English with their worldwide hit, Dynamite, Elton John collaborations with Years & Years where they cover Pet Shop Boys’ hit, It’s a Sin, and Dua Lipa where the duo mashup John’s past hits Sacrifice and Rocket Man; Victoria Monét’s Experience and Kygo’s reworking of Donna Summer’s 1979-hit, Hot Stuff.

II. Artists Redefined

Sorry, the old Taylor can’t come to the phone right now. Because she’s dead again. Covid-19 really put everyone in isolation, whether you like it or not. When Taylor Swift went into isolation, she reinvented herself. This time Swift has entered a folk-rock era. With back-to-back multiplatinum albums, Folklore and Evermore, within a span of a mere six months, Swift proved that you only needed inspiration and lone time to produce hits. Both lead singles off the albums, Cardigan and Willow reached No.1 in the US.

While Swift became more mellow and distant from the mainstream, her pal Ed Sheeran, embraced the dark side of peer pressure. His latest hit Bad Habits, is proof that even the most idiosyncratic artist will cave for commercial success. Bad Habits is the lead single from his upcoming album “=” and is a dancepop track, most unusual for the folk pop singer. We will have to wait and see whether the entire album is a sell-out.

Former One Direction member, Harry Styles has chosen more of a mainstream pop sound for his 2^nd studio album, Fine Line. His first album paid homage to the glam rock era and this redefined flavor in his new album ensured success on the charts for singles, Watermelon Sugar, Golden and Adore You.

Some artists have to redefine themselves due to circumstances beyond their control. Girl band Little Mix had to face a big obstacle in December 2020, when Jesy Nelson left the group due to mental health struggles. This was just as the group was making a chart come back after their departure from Simon Cowell’s record label, Syco Music. Their single, Sweet Melody was climbing the charts and actually reached No.1 in the UK, soon after Nelson’s departure. However, the group was determined to continue as trio. The title track off their 6^th studio album, Confetti, reached the top 10 in the UK and they had their first collaboration with EDM artists David Guetta and Galantis, Heartbreak Anthem which proved to be a critical and commercial hit.

III. New Comers

Several new comers have left their mark on the charts and they have also proven that they are capable of producing noteworthy music. While TikTok and other social media platforms have clearly ruined the chances of good productions reaching the echelons of charts, some fortunately beat the odds and achieve this. Some of these artists are The Kid LAROI, Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McCrae and 24kGoldn. A few Australian artists also emerged during the pandemic era particularly Tones and I, Masked Wolf and Glass Animals.

Some high profile artists collaborated to form new ventures during this era. First we see DJs Martin Solveig and Jax Jones collaborate as Europa. Their hit single All Day and Night with Madison Beer preceded the pandemic, but the dance track Tequila with RAYE was released after. Silk Sonic was formed in 2021 by R&B artists Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak. Their debut single Leave the Door Open was a commercial hit reaching No.1 in the US.

Eurovision faced a major setback as the 2020 edition to be held in Rotterdam, Netherlands was cancelled due to the pandemic. The Netherlands won back in 2019 with Duncan Laurence’s Arcade. The song experienced new traction in 2020 after the release of the duet version with American artist FLETCHER. At the 2021 Eurovision, Italy won the contest with Måneskin’s rock track, Zitti e Buoni. With the victory at Eurovision, Måneskin propelled to fame with their singles Beggin’ and I Wanna Be Your Slave charting in several territories.

IV. Pity Party Floor-fillers

Due to constant lockdowns, curfews and social distancing guidelines, dancing with friends and family seems like a fantasy for most of us. While we wallow in our pity parties, certain artists have produced a number of hits that are worthy floor-fillers at any party. EDM legend Tiësto has resurfaced with numerous hits for his portfolio, proving that age is definitely never a barrier for those who can improvise and adapt to the times.

Jason Derulo has also made a much anticipated come back on the charts with several hits such as the global smash, Savage Love, sampled from Jawsh 685’s Siren Beat. Ava Max has been busy during the pandemic as she managed to release her debut studio album, Heaven & Hell in 2020. The Black Eyed Peas managed to impact the charts with their Spanglish 8^th studio album, Translation. This is the first time the Peas have made chart gain after the permanent departure of Fergie from the group to pursue her solo career.

Other notable tracks – Pussycat Dolls’ comeback single, React; Nathan Evans’ sea shanty turned viral TikTok sensation, Wellerman; Shakira’s sampling of Inner Circle’s Sweat in Me Gusta; Topic’s reworking of ATB’s 9PM as Your Love and Surf Mesa’s ILY, which samples Frank Valli’s Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

V. Top Picks from the Covid-19 Era

The final 30 songs are those that you clearly should be aware of during these trying times. From the fan favorites like Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Sam Smith and Katy Perry to the lesser known artists such as Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, Pop Smoke and Ella Henderson, I have included genres for everyone. The final 10 songs I have listed are for anyone who is dealing with the pandemic directly, and to overcome such emotional trauma and to be resilient and courageous. These songs also express about kindness, about how to be calm and that it is okay not to be okay.

So I hope you enjoy this carefully curated quarantine playlist:

The Weeknd – Blinding lights
The Weeknd ft. Doja Cat – In your eyes
The Weeknd & Ariana Grande – Save your tears
Doja Cat – Say so
Doja Cat ft. SZA – Kiss me more
Dua Lipa – Don’t start now
Dua Lipa ft. DaBaby – Levitating
Dua Lipa – Break my heart
Kylie Minogue – Magic
Kylie Minogue – Say something
Years & Years with Elton John – It’s a sin
Elton John & Dua Lipa – Cold heart
Steps – Something in my eyes
Sophie Ellis-Bexter – Crying at the discotheque
Sophie Ellis-Bexter – Groovejet (If this ain’t love) 2020
Kygo & Donna Summer – Hot stuff
Victoria Monét, Khalid & SG Lewis – Experience
Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande – Rain on me
Lady Gaga – 911
BTS – Dynamite

Attention!!!

Now that we have skimmed through the overrated hits of yesteryear, it is time to take a glance at those songs that were overlooked. Before moving on to the year-end compilations of 2018, we must finally recognize those undervalued records that were passed over for one reason or the other. Similar to the overrated hits, we have reduced the number of entries to make room for the explanations. However, here too we have the honorable entries.

It is quite interesting to note that most of the underrated songs on this list are by well-known mainstream artists unlike the compilation last year. Some of the reasons that these tracks did not receive the due recognition was that 2017 was a gargantuan year for pop with heavy weights such as Ed Sheeran maintaining chart dominance and a sudden wave of Spanglish remixes and rap overtaking the industry in the latter part of the year. Lana Del Rey ft. The Weeknd’s Lust for Life takes the crown, with DNCE ft. Nicki Minaj’s Kissing Strangers in second place. As far as genres are concerned, the entire list is pop with subgenres of electropop, dreampop, synthpop and dancepop in the mix. So here are the 15 most underrated songs of 2017:

1. Lana Del Rey ft. The Weeknd – Lust for life

As far as dreampop goes Del Rey always manages to deliver. Lust for Life sees her collaborating with The Weeknd and hit making producer Max Martin on the title track of the global chart topping album. The sultry production includes a creative music video and is a departure from the melancholic undertones of her other hits achieving the perfect duet. The failure of this song to achieve its chart potential may be Del Rey’s mistake in overlooking this track and releasing Love as the lead single.

2. DNCE ft. Nicki Minaj – Kissing strangers

It is absolutely bewildering how Cake by the Ocean was such a monumental hit and this being equally great failed to even chart. This fast paced dance pop track features Nicki Minaj who delivers a banger of a rap verse. While the charts did not acknowledge its worth, radio stations and dance floors worldwide recognized its value.

3. Lorde ft. Post Malone, Khalid & SZA – Homemade dynamite

It was extremely surprising to see that this did not receive the chart success it deserved considering the current chart darlings featured on the record. While the single version does not give out much oomph, the remix featuring the other trio really adds color to a somewhat somber anthem. This perfect collaboration fuses R&B with Synthpop and sees the individual artists complementing each other’s genres and presence on the track.

4. Taylor Swift – Call it what you want

Hailing from the much anticipated album Reputation, this soft pop ballad really outshines all the rest including the lead single Look What You Made Me Do, the edgy starter ….Ready For It? and the radio hit Delicate. However, Swift only released this as a promotional single. It’s a shame since we never even got the chance to witness whether it will have any potential on the charts.

5. Bruno Mars vs. David Guetta – Versace on the floor

Mars’ 24K Magic is not everyone’s kettle of fish as even his sweeping Grammy wins were heavily criticized by those who believed there were other nominees that deserved the wins over him. One thing for sure, out of the singles released from the album this definitely stands out. While the single is good, Guetta’s remix adds more flavour to the song, producing a dance anthem out of the otherwise very slow and laidback record.

6. Nick Jonas – Find you

This pop track featuring an acoustic guitar and an understated electronic beat is better than all of his previous singles combined. Released as the second single off his upcoming fourth studio album, the track was also performed at the American Music Awards last year. While live performances of such caliber usually boost sales and as a result chart movements, it is surprising how badly this single performed.

7. Ariana Grande ft. Future – Everyday

This electropop and trap record was the fourth single off her third studio album Dangerous Woman. Three hits preceded this track all different from the other. However, this was the edgiest out of all of them with an EDM banger of a chorus and a verse by Future. The reason due to its mediocre performance could be Grande’s continued presence in the charts and radio for over a year leading to fans getting a bit tired of Grande particularly with Side to Side which ruled airplay for quite a while. So this should have been ideally released as the second single after the title lead single.

8. Echosmith – Goodbye

Echosmith first entered the mainstream with their insecurity anthem Cool Kids. However, they have failed to garner any attention since then. Goodbye is a promotional single off their third EP Inside a Dream. It features a catchy guitar riff accompanied by memorable lyrics and a peppy beat. When the song was released accompanied by a music video preceding the album, the record was considered and ideally suited to be the lead single. However, Echosmith too committed the fatal mistake of passing this and selecting Over My Head as the lead single.

9. Niall Horan – Too much to ask

As far as music goes, Horan has far exceeded the expectations of all One Directioners. He turned out to be the most creative in his music surpassing Liam Payne with his mainstream fetish, Harry Styles with his glam rock feel, Zayn Mallik with his tripping sound and Louis Tomlinson with only his fan appeal. His single Too Much to Ask follows in the footsteps of his hit Slow Hands. While it received moderate chart success this slow pop ballad should have fared better.

10. Stargate ft. Pink & Sia – Waterfall

Stargate is a Norwegian production duo behind the biggest hits in the industry ranging from those of Beyonce, Rihanna, Ne-Yo, Wiz Khalifa, Selena Gomez, Coldplay, Tinie Tempah and many more. So when they released a track of their own featuring the powerful vocals of Sia and Pink, it was predicted to be a chart success. But this proved to be wrong as the record failed to gain any ground even in their home state, only achieving moderate success in Australia.

Honorable mentions

11. David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne – Light my body up

12. Olly Murs & Louisa Johnson – Unpredictable

13. Gabrielle Aplin – Love so slow

14. Halsey ft. Lauren Jauregui – Strangers

15. Pixie Lott ft. Stylo G – Won’t forget you

Till the next chord...

At Ease!!!

My Favorite Hits of 2017

Attention!!!

2017 was indeed an interesting year. While the greatest hits of the year failed to find a place on this list with the exception of Despacito, I found the average hits more to my liking. In terms of my taste, EDM, Rap and Pop clearly ruled the global charts and also this compilation. Genre wise it is a smorgasbord of sub-genres with a few entries from Latin Pop and Hip-Hop. Several artists have numerous entries, the highest of which is Nicki Minaj with 4 entries as a featured artist followed by Charlie Puth, Taylor Swift, Julia Michaels, Jason Derulo, Niall Horan, Cardi B, Maroon 5, SZA, The Weeknd, Demi Lovato, David Guetta and Bruno Mars each with 2 entries .

However, my most favorite from all of last year’s releases was Kygo’s EDM smash hit It Ain’t Me containing Selena Gomez’ haunting vocals followed by G-Eazy’s pump anthem No Limit and Rita Ora’s Anywhere. So here are my top 50 favorite hits of 2017 in descending order:

Kygo & Selena Gomez – It ain’t me
G-Eazy ft. Cardi B & A$AP Rocky – No limit
Rita Ora – Anywhere
French Montana ft. Swae Lee – Unforgettable
DNCE ft. Nicki Minaj – Kissing strangers
Maroon 5 ft. SZA – What lovers do
Charlie Puth – How long
Julia Michaels – Issues
Taylor Swift – Call it what you want
Portugal. The Man – Feel it still
Imagine Dragons – Thunder
Lana Del Rey ft. The Weeknd – Lust for life
Martin Jenson – Solo dance
Jason Derulo – Tip toe
Nick Jonas – Find you
Echosmith – Goodbye
Liam Payne ft. Quavo – Strip that down
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito
Demi Lovato ft. Iggy Azalea – Kingdom come
Harry Styles – Sign of the times
Cardi B – Bodak yellow (money moves)
Drake – Passionfruit
Maroon 5 ft. Future – Cold
Pixie Lott ft. Stylo G – Won’t forget you
Taylor Swift – Look what you made me do
Niall Horan – Too much to ask
Lorde ft. Post Malone, SZA & Khalid – Homemade dynamite
Shawn Mendes – There’s nothing holdin’ me back
David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj & Lil Wayne – Light my body up
The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk – I feel it coming
Jason Derulo ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign – Swalla
Jax Jones ft. Demi Lovato & Stefflon Don – Instruction
Dua Lipa – Be the one
Ariana Grande – Everyday
Halsey ft. Lauren Jauregui – Strangers
Stargate ft. Pink & Sia – Waterfall
Alesso – Falling
Bruno Mars – That’s what I like
CNCO ft. Little Mix – Reggaetón lento
Olly Murs & Louisa Johnson – Unpredictable
Julia Michaels – Uh huh
Gabrielle Aplin – Love so slow
Zara Larsson – I would like
Charlie Puth – Attention
Bruno Mars vs. David Guetta – Versace on the floor
Anne Marie – Ciao adios
Ed Sheeran – Perfect
Rag N’ Bone Man – Human
Calvin Harris ft. Pharrell Williams, Katy Perry & Big Sean – Feels
Niall Horan – Slow hands

Till the next favs...

At Ease!!!

Xposition - February, 2018

Attention!!!

Although the Grammys are over, we are not done with the awards season, as we have UK’s biggest music night to celebrate with Dua Lipa and Stormzy emerging as the top winners at the 2018 BRIT Awards. Lipa took home British Breakthrough and British Female while Stormzy took home the British Male and the coveted Album of the Year for Gang Signs and Prayer. The night’s memorable performances included Dua Lipa with her summer smash New Rules, Ed Sheeran with Supermarker Flowers, Rita Ora with a medley of Your Song, Anywhere and For You accompanied by Liam Payne and a surprise performance by Liam Gallagher with Oasis hit Live Forever. Other recipients include:

· British Group: Gorillaz

· British Producer of the Year: Steve Mac

· British Single: Rag ‘n’ Bone Man – Human

· British Artist Video of the Year: Harry Styles – Sign of the Times

· International Male Solo Artist: Kendrick Lamar

· International Female Solo Artist: Lorde

· International Group: Foo Fighters

· BRITs Global Success Award: Ed Sheeran

In other music news, Justin Timberlake performed at the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show. With mixed to negative reviews, Timberlake had big shoes to fill as Lady Gaga put on quite a legendary performance the year before. Introduced by none other than Jimmy Fallon, Timberlake performed a medley of songs including his newest single at the time Filthy and his former hits Rock Your Body, Senorita, SexyBack, My Love, Cry Me A River and Until The End of Time. He then gave tribute to Prince in his Minneapolis-native Prince with the latter’s hit I Would Die 4 U and proceeded to close the set with Mirrors and Can’t Stop The Feeling!

Meanwhile, IFPI has released the world’s top 10 bestselling music acts of 2017 and none other than Ed Sheeran the sole Brit on the list takes the crown. It’s a no-brainer that he would top the list after whopping album sales for his latest studio album ÷ and the global smash hit Shape of You which topped almost all the charts worldwide. The acts compose of 7 Americans and 2 Canadians. The 10 acts are:

1. Ed Sheeran

2. Drake

3. Taylor Swift

4. Kendrick Lamar

5. Eminem

6. Bruno Mars

7. The Weeknd

8. Imagine Dragons

9. Linkin Park

10. The Chainsmokers

In the US, Drake’s God Plan debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100 from the first week ending Camila Cabello featuring Young Thug’s Havana short stint at the top during the last week of January. God’s Plan remained at the pole position throughout the month. During the month Bebe Rexha featuring Flo Rida Georgia Line’s Meant To Be, Justin Timberlake featuring Chris Stapleton’s Say Something as well as the theme songs from the Black Panther: Kendrick Lamar and The Weeknd’s Pray For Me and Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s All The Stars all entered the top 10.

In the UK too, Drake debuted atop the charts with God’s Plan ending Eminem featuring Ed Sheeran’s River one week No.1. During the month Dua Lipa’s IDGAF, Jax Jones ft. Ina Wroldsen’s Breathe, Sigrid’s Strangers and the theme song from The Greatest Showman, Keala Settle’s This is Me all entered the top 10.

Other songs which became popular during the month were:

1. Rudimental ft. Macklemore, Jess Glynne and Dan Caplen – These days

2. Marshmello & Anne Marie – Friends

3. Drake – Diplomatic immunity

4. G-Eazy ft. Charlie Puth – Sober

5. Migos – Stir fry

6. BlocBoy JB ft. Drake – Look alive

7. Paloma Faith – Till I’m done

Till the next beat...

At Ease!!!

Best Love Songs of 2017

Attention!!!

While 2016 was a disappointment in the outpour of love songs, the same cannot be said about 2017. Since 2017 belonged to Ed Sheeran, it should not come as a major surprise that it his duet version of Perfect with Beyonce is what takes the crown on this compilation. His global mega hit Shape of You also appears on the list, although not among the top ranks. At a close second is Lana Del Rey's mesmerizing hit, Love, followed by Brett Young's country hit In Case You Didn't Know.

In terms of genre we see mostly Pop songs with the likes of veteran crooners such as John Mayer and Michael Buble also making appearances. Rita Ora's comeback is also featured with both her hits Your Song and Anywhere within the top 10. Lana Del Rey has another entry, her other being Lust For Life, a collaboration with The Weeknd, the latter having his hit I Feel It Coming also on the list. G-Eazy and Halsey appear with their Him & I, a sappiness oozing duet between the lovestruck duo. New artists such as Julia Michaels, Lauv and Starley also have entries on the list alongside former One Direction members Zayn, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson and former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello. So hope you enjoy the top 30 love songs of 2017:

Ed Sheeran & Beyonce – Perfect
Lana Del Rey – Love
Brett Young – In case you didn’t know
Rita Ora – Your song
John Mayer – Love on the weekend
Rita Ora – Anywhere
Michael Bublé – I believe in you
Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson – Symphony
Louis Tomlinson ft. Bebe Rexha & Digital Farm Animals – Back to you
Julia Michaels – Issues
Daniel Caesar ft. H.E.R. – Best part
Ed Sheeran – Shape of you
Zayn ft. Sia – Dusk till dawn
Starley – Call on me
G-Eazy & Halsey – Him & I
Echosmith – Get into my car
Lauv – I like me better
HAIM – Want you back
Dua Lipa ft. Miguel – Lost in your light
Lana Del Rey ft. The Weeknd – Lust for life
Harry Styles – Sweet creature
Camila Cabello – Never be the same
Taylor Swift – Call it what you want
Miley Cyrus – Malibu
DJ Snake & Lauv – A different way
Demi Lovato – Tell me you love me
The Weeknd ft. Daft Punk – I feel it coming
Kendrick Lamar ft. Zacari – Love
Lady Gaga – The cure
Selena Gomez & Marshmello – Wolves

Till the next sonnet...

At Ease!!!

Best Music Videos of 2016

Attention!!!

This is a long overdue post, but nevertheless one that is required to complete the year-end lists which would finally include the Most Successful Artists of 2016. Although 2015 produced a wide array of remarkable videos, 2016 could not match the predecessor in terms of visual aesthetics. Nevertheless, the directors and choreographers were not lethargic last year, as there were some beautiful videos that were produced.

Coldplay of course takes the top spot with Up & up with its awesome and bizarre visual with the entire sequence being engulfed in top notch animation. Next we have Sia who teamed up with Maddie Zeigler once again for a perfectly choreographed video. Down the list we have one more where the two team up for Sia's Cheap Thrills (although released as a video this is life performance). In third place we have PUP's Sleep in heat, which sees Stranger Things cast member Finn Wolfhard putting on emotional performance with a dog.

Leading the fray with two entries each are Coldplay, Sia, Kanye West, Beyonce, Clean Bandit and Bebe Rexha. However, Bey's uncredited appearance in Coldplay's Hymn for the Weekend accumulates her entries to three as she appears in the video. 2016 covered a wide range of genres from Pop, Rock and EDM to Rap, Trap and Reggae Fusion which is a mishmash of the best kind. Some of the biggest hits of the year such as The Weeknd's Starboy, Jutsin Timberlake's Can't Stop the Feeling and Clean Bandit's Rockabye are all featured here because of their awesome videos. However, The Chainsmokers' Closer and Lukas Graham's 7 Years are not here because they are not great videos. So here are the 50 best music videos of 2016: