What I'm Listening to This Week: Sabrina Carpenter, Dvsn, and a Gift From Beyoncé
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In this edition of What I'm Listening to This Week, Sabrina Carpenter's fourth studio album is music to my old millennial ears. I'm also spinning the Beyoncé-produced, appropriately titled The Lion King: The Gift, which is brimming with beats that will have you booking a vacation. And because we're still in the grips of Mercury retrograde, there's a Dvsn anthem I think you'll love, plus a new-ish Ra Ra Riot song that I heard in a bar. Here's what you should slam the play button on this week and why.
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The Lion King: The Gift by Beyoncé and Various Artists
I really thought Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter was done tearing my edges out after the Homecoming documentary, but I should have known better. A children's movie soundtrack full of Afrobeats and produced by Queen Bey? Walt Disney is certainly quaking.
Standout track: "Brown Skin Girl," because Blue's vocals are everything — and I get a little emotional thinking about how much I needed a song like this when I was her age.
"Hate Me" by Ellie Goulding feat. Juice Wrld
Ellie Goulding's ethereal voice makes any song sound better. I'm obsessed with her latest single, which is all about a salty ex. I love running to it, and it's just one of those tracks that makes you feel like a bad (and maybe slightly evil) b*tch.
"Miss Me?" by Dvsn
This is the hottest song for Mercury retrograde! As you know, the retrograde tends to have a boomerang effect, bringing back exes, fallen friends, and more people you probably don't want anything to do with! This new track from Canadian R&B duo Dvsn has a great beat and regretful lyrics (my favorite combo), and will make you feel secure in your decision not to respond to that "U up?" text.
"Hot" by Dodgr
Not only is Euphoria one of the best shows I've watched this year, but the soundtrack is incredible, too. I look forward to falling in love with a new song or two each week — thanks to lead composer Labrinth — and "Hot" quickly became a favorite after I heard it play during the credits in episode six. I love the playful beat and puppy references!
"Bad to Worse" by Ra Ra Riot
This song isn't new — it came out in March — but it's new to me, so here you go. I was grabbing drinks with a friend when it came on, at which time I promptly asked the bartender for "another Rosé and the name of this song, please." That's it, that's the story.
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Singular Act II by Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter, my Gen-Z queen. The fourth studio album from the very talented singer and actress is absolutely everything this old millennial needed for the Summer. I dance around my apartment to "Pushing 20" as if I'm not actually pushing toward qualifying for Medicaid.
Standout track: "I Can't Stop Me," because I like what I like what I la-la-like.