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.