Yooooo. This song is a full-on BOP. It even features Future, who is in every song that is a jam. Everyday is from Ariana's new, excellent album Dangerous Woman. Anyway, this song (or her whole album, tbh) should have been called Good Shit, since it is exactly that. 
2. Floral and Fading - Pierce The Veil

Pierce The Veil was my favorite band when I was emo and mislead in life (read: high school). It took them about four years to write and produce Misadventures, their fourth studio album. The album was worth the wait PURELY because of this song. It's reminiscent of the happy tune with the underlying gore Bulletproof Love from their second album, Selfish Machines, and it's one of my favorites this year so far from the alternative music scene.
3. On Her Knees - MilesExperience

I first heard about MilesExperience on Twitter, since everyone seemed to love them. I gave them a listen and I was surprised. They gave off this very The Strokes meets Arctic Monkeys vibe because of the gritty sensuality their songs embody. On Her Knees is from their debut album Again and Against, and it's a slow burner. It makes you want to shimmy while stroking a feather boa or something embarrassingly sexy like that.
4. 3 Strikes - Terror Jr.

It's quite embarrassing to know this song, since it debuted on Kylie Jenner's Glosses music video. True enough, I discovered this because of the aforementioned video. I asked myself while watching Kylie's big ass saunter towards her expensive car, "What is that song? It's a BOP." So I searched it on Google and apparently, there's some controversy around it. Word on the street is that Kylie's the one behind this song, masked behind a music stage name, Terror Jr. Terror Jr. (the supposed "band" behind the song) only created their social media accounts when the Glosses video came out, which is a little fishy, if you thought about it. But, hmm. I don't know. It's a catchy, good song and if Kylie doesn't want the credit for it, that's even weirder.
5. Controlla - Drake

Like, controllaaaa. Controlla. YES. This is yet another super catchy bop from Drake, the King of Memes. Taken from his new album Views, this is one of the songs that shine on the album. I've observed that the best Drake songs are the ones where he's singing about "finding love" and other Drake-y stuff. Honestly, this would have sounded better if Rihanna was in the song somewhere, even just as vocal backing, but that's just a thought since it's already really great.
6. Sila - SUD

Knock-knock. Who's there? Cinnamon. Cinnamon who? Walang papantay sa'yo, maging cinnamon sila...LMFAO okay I'm done, please don't close your tab. I LOVE this song, and I don't care how mainstream it's becoming, because it definitely deserves the attention it's getting. Whenever I'm singing it out loud, people ask me with bewildered eyes, "Janina? You listen to OPM? Since when?" and I'm like yes hunty, since now, because this song is The Shit. Sud's vocals, that saxophone solo, those lyrics? LAWD. It's like when God threw all the good music out in the world, SUD caught all of it.
7. Grammar Nazi - Reese Lansangan

The whole time I was listening to this song, I was raising my eyebrows to how much I could relate to it. As Grammar Nazi myself, I found it so fitting in so many situations. The way Reese sang about how some people say "stuffs"...lol. Anyway, it's a really cute song, if you're into those soft acoustic numbers.
8. Wanted - Kehlani

Kehlani is one of the most promising rnb singers this year since she released her Grammy-nominated mixtape, You Should Be Here. The whole mixtape is a favorite of mine, but here's one of my favorites. Wanted is short, but it delivers so much in only two minutes and eleven seconds. 
9. Giant Peach - Wolf Alice
A year later and My Love Is Cool remains in my most-played playlist on iTunes. Wolf Alice always packs a punch in each song, no matter how gritty or how smooth. This particular number is especially gritty, and it gives off major 90s grunge band vibes. Not to mention that I aspire to be as badass and indie chic as their frontwoman Ellie Rowsell. 10. Drowning - Banks

Halsey who? ...Okay before all you Halsoot stans come for me, what I'm going to say is the truth. Banks is the best solo woman artist in the underground scene nowadays. Her lyrics hit home, her voice is actually good, and she's really pretty. I've always fantasized about a The Weeknd and Banks collab, because hello? Who wouldn't want that? I especially like this song because of its subtle sensuality and lyrics.

I hope everyone's enjoying the warm weekend. It's been a while since I worked up a healthy sweat, since Los Banos has been serving sweater weather all week last week. Manila, for once, I'm grateful for the heat. Thanks.

Whether it's hitting the mall with the family, or getting cozy at home, watching a movie with the air conditioner turned all the way up, I'm sure it's been a pretty chill 48 hours for everyone. As for me, the Monday blues are starting to creep up and taunt me. I have about four requirements to pass this week, and I've been sitting miserably on my laptop all day. *sigh*

Anyway, enough of that. While I was typing away, I had this really cool, really relaxing playlist on. Eventually, an idea popped up in my mind: Why don't I share this on my blog? 

Since I'm at a loss for what to post here, it seemed like a good idea to share the playlist with you all. It's an eclectic mix of alternative, indie-textured sounds and smooth, guitar-driven rnb (Music journalist Janina wants to come out on this post. Let her). Not to mention that I've been practically obsessed with The 1975's excellent new album that I won't name because it's a chore to even think about its long title. Pretentious titles aside, it's a really good album, nonetheless. Good doesn't even put it. It's great. Pure genius.

Before this turns into another rant on how cool my favorite band is, I'm gonna get all music journalism-y and start talking about the tracks I picked out. *yay*

ILYSB - LANY



I just recently found out about this band through my noisy, music-loving Twitter timeline. I went ahead and checked them out, and to say that I was pleased is an understatement. It's hard to find a band similar to Wild Nothing mixed with the electronic sounds of MGMT. It's a good combination, if you don't know what I'm talking about. Just listen to the song if you wanna know what I mean.

Drive - Oh Wonder


I freaking love this song so much. The beautiful notes of a string quartet is at the center of this sprawling number, letting the honest vocals of Jospehine Vander Gucht soar through its layers. Not only is it beautiful, but you'll find yourself humming this unconsciously. It has a sophisticated catch to it.

King City - Majid Jordan


Majid Jordan. Sounds familiar, huh? They were featured on one of Drake's most well-liked songs, Hold On, We're Going Home, the song Arctic Monkeys did a spectacular cover of. It's not surprising that I fell in love with Majid Jordan when I gave their debut album a listen. It's rnb, it's alternative, it's...I don't know how to describe it. It's just smooth, romantic, and buzzing. Give this song a listen and you'll want more, I'm not even kidding.
Somebody Else - The 1975

Here it is! This is my favorite song off their new album, I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it (I finally typed that out). You would definitely expect a song like this from The 1975. It's predictable, but it's still excellent in all its complex glory. Even the lyrics will make you stop and thank the heavens for a band like The 1975.
iT's YoU - ZAYN

Zayn Malik has been an enigma in the pop world since he left pop boy band One Direction to pursue a solo career. Still keeping his mysterious and brooding aura, this song perfectly illustrates (again) just how good he can sing. His falsetto is probably the 9th wonder of the world, the 8th wonder being his face. "iT's YoU" (why is it stylized that way, I feel silly typing it) is a great follow-up to "Pillowtalk" with its buttery beat and mystery-coated lyrics.
SLS - PARTYNEXTDOOR

There's something about this song that's Future-y and at the same time Ty Dolla $ign-y. It's probably PND's filtered voice over a booming bass and the references to parties and strippers? It's a good song to make out to, probably. Not that I've tried it.
Simple Things - Miguel

Miguel is one my favorite rnb artists. This song is a personal overall favorite of mine, with its genuine lyrics and simple guitar production. The video is a treat too (it features supermodel Gigi Hadid), and it makes me want to go to LA or something. But anyway, I love this song a lot. It's simple but effective (mind the pun).
forhim. - Troye Sivan ft. Allday

forhim. is a cute song. The cool synths and the infectious beat makes you want to dance on your feet. Troye Sivan's relaxing voice is a nice finishing touch to the song. This song is rumored to be about Troye's boyfriend Connor Franta, and if it's true, then what a lucky dude. 
Sazed - STRFKR

Songs with pulsing beats are my cup of tea. They're reminiscent of midnight drives and red lipstick. If red lipstick and high heels were a song, it would be this one. I don't know why. It also likens to lazing around on a beach and building lumpy sandcastles.
Hypocrite - Cage the Elephant

I'll be honest. I don't have much to say about this song. Just give it a listen (lol).
Soul Trippin - Swim Deep

Swim Deep is one of my favorite indie rock outfits. This song in particular serves a relaxing bassline and an overall summery vibe. Very timely. It also reminds me of Harry Styles and his kale.
Spotless Mind - Jhene Aiko

You all probably know Jhene Aiko as the lady who sang the line "eat the booty like groceries" on Omarion's semi-hit Chris Brown collab "Post to Be". I'd like to reiterate that Jhene has been singing about her soul, love, and her daughter for quite some time now, thanks. "Spotless Mind" is my favorite track on her album, Souled Out. I love the sun-in-your-face-and-melting-popsicles imagery it puts in your head.
My Hair - The Maine
This song has a funny background to it. John O'Callaghan, vocalist of alternative indie band The Maine, grew out his hair at some point a few years ago. His fans were yelling at him to cut it, some were even calling him "grandpa", among other names. This song is probably their biggest Dissing The Haters track.

Anyway, this track is also a beloved favorite of mine. I had this on repeat while we were on vacation in Subic, Zambales last year. I listen to it and suddenly I'm back in clear blue waters and gazing at the big blue sky. 
And that concludes this month's playlist. I'll be sharing one every month from now on. :) I already have this playlist on Spotify, you can follow it if you like! I might add some new tunes from time to time.