In My Head: Amanda’s Favorites Playlist

A good playlist consists of a diverse variety of sounds, an element of surprise, and flows together well. It is the act of creating a concept through a mix of lyrics and sounds from a variety of artists. Playlists can convey a certain mood, keep your music organized, or you can send it to someone you care about.

A couple of years ago, I started a playlist for chill R&B songs called “In My Head”. Artists such as Rihanna, Smino, Summer Walker, Kehlani, and Frank Ocean were constantly on repeat at the time. After I started this playlist, the COVID-19 pandemic caused quarantine to begin, keeping me inside the house. During this time, I started to explore new genres, artists, and songs.

Today, “In My Head” is a playlist of over 1700 songs and 108 hours of music. While there was a concept before, it has gradually developed into a playlist detailing certain moments of my life. Today, I will be highlighting some of my favorite songs from the playlist.

“Higher” by Rihanna

And I know I could be more creative

and come up with poetic lines

but I’m turnt up upstairs and I love you

is the only thing that’s in my mind

Rihanna “Higher”

I truly believe “Higher” is one of Rihanna’s rawest performances. The raspiness of her voice combined with the reckless lyrics shows a state of desperation that is beautiful to observe. The instrumental samples “Beside You” by The Soulful Strings, and adds a heavenly effect to the entire piece that contrasts the impulsive lyrics.

I truly believe “Higher” is one of Rihanna’s rawest performances. The raspiness of her voice combined with the reckless lyrics shows a state of desperation that is beautiful to observe. The instrumental samples “Beside You” by The Soulful Strings, and adds a heavenly effect to the entire piece that contrasts the impulsive lyrics.

“New Sky” by SiR ft. Kadhja Bonet

Already made my escape

something you can’t run away from

I wanted the weather to change

try my best to outrun the rain

SiR “New Sky”

“New Sky” highlights the idea of escapism after ending a relationship. The song follows someone who is trying to run away from their thoughts regarding their break-up. The song uses an analogy of an airplane flying into a new horizon, but how finding a new location won’t make the memories go away. The singer starts to rethink the actions he made in his past relationship and how a new location will not change anything. The song features Kadhja Bonet, whose angelic voice makes the listener feel as if they are floating.

“Conversion” by Leon Bridges

Heart like the nail that were driven through your skin

I was smacked in the face with grace

your righteousness given to me

Leon Bridges “Conversion”

“Conversion” is Leon Bridge’s interpretation of the hymnal “At the Cross” and an amazing way to conclude an EP. A complex, raw explanation of Leon Bridge’s salvation and his turning away from sin. The repetition of certain lyrics from the hymnal and the continuous instrumental creates an atmosphere of fellowship with the singer. Leon Bridge’s soulful voice flows beautifully on the church organ melody. 

“Weak For Your Love” by Thee Sacred Souls

You have my heart inside your hands (you have my heart)

baby, be careful what you do to me (be careful, baby)

Thee Sacred Souls “Weak For Your Love”

Thee Sacred Souls is an R&B/soul group who takes inspiration from ‘60s soul and funk music. “Weak for your Love” highlights a man’s yearning for his woman. The repetition of the lyrics allows the listener to reflect on the concept of young love. Josh Lane’s voice is warm, lovely, and displays a wonderful range in the chorus as the harmonies on the track nicely echo the singer. The entire album has a retro, old-school, and timeless feel that is an easy listen.

“Sour Flower” by Lianne La Havas 

No more

looking out for someone else but me

fighting an old war

reaching for something out of reach

Lianne La Havas “Sour Flower”

Sour Flower highlights self-reflection and growth following the grief at the end of a relationship. As the closing track on the album, the term “sour flower” stems from a phrase La Havas’ late great-grandmother would use to describe a hardship. The instrumental and vocals are slowly building throughout the track in intensity. The vocals and guitar build on top of each other as La Havas’ realizes that she needs to find the strength to walk away completely, and to work on herself. The entire album highlights the different phases of a relationship, and this track slowly ends with the singer laughing and shouting “That’s it, it’s done!”

“Blood On Me” by Sampha

I nearly lose my grip, but you held on to me

and you shake me, and tell me that I’m okay, but

I swear they smell the blood on me

Sampha “Blood On Me”

“Blood On Me” takes the listener on a journey through the concepts of anxiety, paranoia, and guilt. The song is a perfect illustration of how anxiety builds up within an individual. The echoing “ayy, oh, I am, ayy, oh” throughout the song as well as the growing intensity imitates an accelerating heartbeat. Sampha’s tone is unique, clear, and beautiful, but in this song, it sounds as if he is running out of breath. This intentional artistic choice highlights the concept of running out of time or running away from something. 

There are a lot of songs that I have outgrown on this playlist, and I am slightly embarrassed by the title. However, I keep most of the songs on this album as it highlights certain milestones in my adolescence. You could point at any song in the playlist and I could tell you exactly where I was in life and what I was going through making it special to me.