By Maymunah Ibrahim
Quarantine has not been easy on any of us teenagers. While the weather has been pretty wet these past couple of days, once the sun comes out, we are very excited to go outside and spend time ith our friends. So, while inside, we look for comfort in the little things. To some, it may be drawing, playing video games, eating, reading, watching videos, talking to friends on the phone, writing, and a multitude of other activities. For me, there is nothing more comforting than an empowering music playlist.
A true R&B addict, I dive myself deep into the voices of artists singing sweet melodies and whispering loving phrases into my ear. I mean, who wouldn’t enjoy hearing someone tell them how beautiful they are?
Nobody, that’s who.
So this month’s issue, I’ve decided to bless you (you’re welcome) with my beautiful Pick-Me-Up Playlist, a combination of music I love to listen to when my hope seems lost.
Enjoy!
Eric Bellinger – “Sophisticated Lady”
Eric Bellinger has been my number one R&B artist since I discovered him in middle school. He has numerous hits that touch my heart and detail the love he has for women. Honestly, one listen to any of his albums and your standards will be so high, they beat the Eiffel Tower. ”Sophisticated Lady” is just one of his songs that have you believing that you “got all the class one man could ask for.”
Jacquees – “Special” ft. Jagged Edge
Okay, can I just say that this man right here, is the love of my life. Yep, I said it. So back off, sis.
Jacquees, although he was very young when he first got into the scene, has been a favorite of mine since 7th grade. He has countless love songs (not all clean, if you catch my drift) that give me goosebumps. His voice sounds like the equivalent to butterfly kisses, and his lyrics put me in a trance. This specific song makes my heart skip a beat, and I can’t help but picture him singing this straight to me! Oh gosh, I’m so in love. And you will be, too, so don’t sleep on him.
Okay, this was hard. I was stuck between Let ‘Em Know, Don’t (a classic, of course), and Self Righteous for a decent hour, but at the end, it seemed too clear. Bryson Tiller put himself on the map with his single Don’t, which came out in 2014 but caught hype in 2016. After hearing Don’t, I went and investigated and was met with the beauty that is Self Righteous. It was love at first lyric. The lyrics mixed with the beat made magic in my ear. I just hope that he saves my wedding date because he’s performing live and that’s that.
Tory Lanez – “Come Back To Me”
I am honestly so surprised that this song doesn’t get as much hype as it should. I know Tory uses a decent (and by decent, I mean T-Pain level) amount of autotune in a good majority of his music, but when he tosses that keyboard aside and gives us bare vocals, I truly believe that there is a God. Let me stop, it’s Ramadan and I need all of Allah’s blessings. However, this song puts my feelings on a thousand. I’m talking rapid heart beating, mind numbing, pure loving feelings. Listening to it makes me believe that love does exist, and I will find it eventually.
So, I recently found this man’s music, and I am not regretting it. I was looking for a song by another artist, and his name popped up (because of their identical titles) so I gave him a listen and, my godness, I couldn’t get enough. (The song is titled Slow, btw, so give it a listen, too.) After much digging, I found this gorgeous babe and it’s been in my Pick-Me-Up playlist ever since. This song makes me feel like I just bumped into my first love and we’re still in love with each other and, you know, your typical cliche. Give it a listen, trust me you’ll love it.
This song is the reason why my standards are through the roof. Elliott has opened my eyes to just how special and unique I am, and I deserve everything under the sun. Similar to Vedo, I found this song because I was searching for another. However, once I listened to this, that other artist seemed nonexistent. The sweetness of Elliott’s voice gives me butterflies and makes my heart skip a beat. The way he sings about willing to do anything for the women he clearly loves makes me expect nothing less from anyone who I am with. And if he doesn’t do it right The First Time, I’m gonna bounce.
I’ve grown up on this song. My mom was always a huge romantic, and I inherited that as well as her love for R&B. However, my dad was the one who introduced me to this song, because while I would get ready for school in elementary, he’d have this song playing loudly in the living room. He’d sing along to it, and once I learned the lyrics, I’d sing it right along with him. I may not be the biggest Wale fan, but this song will always be a timeless classic to me, and a go-to for any Pick-Me-Up playlist.
Now, I know you didn’t think I was gonna leave this man out. In my eyes, he’s the King of R&B, and that’s on periodt. Seriously though, this man has so many groundbreaking hits that I don’t have enough time to count them out. I would really be here all week. It was hard for me to pick what song best brought my heart to a stop, but this one came in close with Who’s Gonna (Nobody), Indigo, and Keep You In Mind. (You Changed Me by Jamie Foxx ft Chris is a banger too!) All in all, Tempo has that kick to it that the other songs are missing. I’ve played it more than I’ve played any other song by him, so it had to be up here. I feel like I don’t have to tell you this, but if you don’t have at least one Chris Brown song in your music library, seek help. Please.
Daniel Caesar – “Get You” ft. Kali Uchis
I ran into this heaven sent song on a rainy day, and it has been a part of my life ever since. What peaks my interest about this song is that it’s versatile and works with my crazy mood swings. One moment I’m happy and the next I’m crying rivers, and the fact that this song is very slow makes me able to play it in both aspects. This song and Hold Me Down were in a locked battle for who would claim the title, however Get You gives more of a mellow love vibe throughout. Daniel Caesar makes pure gold, I’d bet my siblings on it, so you need to check his stuff out. Like now
B. Smyth – “Eyes”
Jeff Sason – “Miss Solana“
I had to close off with a song that I found just two days ago, and one I haven’t been able to quit. Yes, I’ve had this song playing for two days straight, and I’m still not bored of it. I never heard of the name Jeff sason, but I found an edit that had used his song This Luv, and I was definitely vibing to it so I checked out his other work and then boom! Miss Solana gives me a calm vibe with the low beat that it works with, but the lyrics are what hit the hardest. “Crushing on a girl, But she’s not in my world, At least not yet,” caught my eye from the beginning and it has kept my attention to the end. Hearing someone professing their love and saying that, even though they do not have you yet, they will do whatever they can to have you, brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I did cry to this song (numerous times, mind you) and I’m not afraid to admit that. If music does not gain some sort of reaction from you, what are you even listening to?
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Well, there you have it. The 12 songs that cause my mood to do a full 180. You may not agree with me, but these songs have helped me through some tough times, and they always bring a smile to my face. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do