Listen!!! (#668)

Ahoy,

well, I'm trying my best, but I wish it was easier. :P
Fun fact: new Billboard charts get released on a Tuesday, which makes things a bit more difficult.

My last week in covers:

Most played artists:

• Madonna : Fan times. I created a little mixtape of her songs.
  
• Robert Francis : Workout context. I was listening to "Before Nightfall" again, which was the album that let me get to know his music.
  
• Dua Lipa : Fam times. Because of a little chat about her music, I was in the mood for "Future Nostalgia".
  
• Sleaford Mods : New album context. I guess that fans can be happy with "Spare Ribs". I was surprised of a few singing parts, but overall I couldn't really recognize the messages and I was disappointed of the instrumentals.

Most played tracks:

• Aly & AJ - Listen!!! : A nice indie bop with a retro feel. :)

Noteworthy:

• Blackout Problems : New album context. I was really looking forward to "DARK", and it has its moments. I guess, I will revisit a few tracks soon.
  
• shame : New album context. Tbh apart from a few tracks "Drunk Tank Pink" is not my cup of tea.
  
• ZAYN : New album context. It took me just a few songs to get a feeling that "Nobody Is Listening" might turn out quite boring. And for me it did. :-/
  
• Epik High : New album and recommendation context. I can't really say anything about "Epik High Is Here 上, Pt. 1" - except maybe that it's okay.
  
• NEØV : New album context. I was surprised how easy it felt to listen to "Picture Of A Good Life", because the songs were nicely put together.
  
• You Me At Six : New album context. Tbh I had high hopes for "SUCKAPUNCH", but I didn't like most of it much.
  

 Scrobble count: 170:320

News

no, not this week :-/

 

New entries

Album charts (Germany)

[01] LX - Inhale - Exhale : Who?

[02] Yung Kafa & Kücük Efendi - Yin und Yang : Who?

[03] ZSK - Ende der Welt : Ooh, some German punk music with a bunch of messages.

[04] Wiener Philharmoniker / Riccardo Muti - Neujahrskonzert 2021 - New Year's Concert : Wow, also some classical music could make its way.

[09] Shame - Drunk Tank Pink : Nice.

[10] Sleaford Mods - Spare Ribs : Hmkay.

Single charts (Germany)

[01] KASIMIR1441 x badmómzjay - Ohne Dich : Uh, what? A two-minute-track about the usual topics like looks and drugs. Idc.

[02] Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License : She is rising over here. ^^

[04] RIN - Dirty South : Oh boy. At least this one sounds more original than other new releases. And a trippy video is also a plus.

[07] Pietro Lombardi - Warum : Warum = why? Yes, why is such a mediocre song this successful? Yikes, it even comes with a Drake quote. -.-

Albums Chart Top 100 (UK)

[01] You Me At Six - SUCKAPUNCH : Wow. Good for them. A great success.

[03] Eminem - Music To Ne Murdered By : Thanks to the re-release this album made a jump back to the top ten.

[04] Sleaford Mods - Spare Ribs : Hmkay.

[05] Why Don't We - The Good Times And The Bad Ones : Hm, maybe I should give this album a try.

[08] Shame - Drunk Tank Pink : Nice.

Singles Chart Top 100 (UK)

[01] Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License : A 2nd week at the top.

[02] Anne-Marie, KSI & Digital Farm Animals - Don't Play : Hmkay. Quite basic electro pop.

[03] Ariana Grande - 34+35 : A new peak position for this song in its 12th week. I'm very sure, that this refers to the new remix version.

Billboard 200 (USA) - week of January 23

[01] Morgan Wallen - Dangerous: The Double Album : Who? Okay, this is a Country album. Interesting.

[04] Jazmine Sullivan - Heaux Tales : Hm, and this one is filled with R'n'B. Also interesting.

[06] The Weeknd - After Hours : Back in the top ten in its 43rd week.

Billboard 200 (USA) - week of January 30

[01] Morgan Wallen - Dangerous: The Double Album : Okay. 

[03] Why Don't We - The Good Times And The Bad Ones : Even overseas this group is popular?

[07] Eminem - Music To Ne Murdered By : Back in the top ten in its 52th week.

Billboard Hot 100 (USA) - week of January 23

[01] Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License : Okay.

Billboard Hot 100 (USA) - week of January 30

[01] Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License : Okay. Again?

[02] Ariana Grande - 34+35 : A new peak position, I guess. In its 12th week.

Cheerio!

Start/Stop/Rewind (#667)

Ahoy,

well, here it is - my first delay of the year... :-/

My last week in covers:

Most played artists:

• Aaron Frazer : New album context. "Introducing..." features nice soul tracks.
  
• Jacob Collier : Recommendation context. This British (Grammy winning) artist did a quite elaborate version of the classic "Moon River". And his latest album "Djesse, Vol. 3" is also nominated for a Grammy. So I checked it out. The music style felt quite difficult to process.
  
• Big Data : Workout context. I was listening to "2.0". 

Most played tracks:

• COMA - Start/Stop/Rewind : It seems like this mellow electro pop tune might become my first bop of the year. Try it. :)

Noteworthy:

• ENHYPEN : Research context. I'm preparing a big radio show about the history of K-Pop. And this group marks one of the more recent debuts. I've checked out "Border : Day One", which sounds quite nice, if you don't have too high expectations.
  
• You Me At Six : New album context. I was getting to know the first tracks of "SUCKAPUNCH" - and it wasn't easy.
  
• Madonna : Fan times.
• Azealia Banks : Party playlist context. I remembered the highlights of "Broke With Expensive Taste" - that are "Gimme A Chance" and "Ice Princess". I know about the artist's arguable expressions, but I won't let this my personal taste in music.
  
• Herbie : Party playlist context. His 1995 album "Fingers" came with "I Believe", which was a favorite track of mine back then. 
  

Scrobble count: 170.210

 

News

█ Silk City's new track features Ellie Goulding. Diplo and Mark Ronson also seem to be involved. The music video for "New Love" comes with body positivity vibes and a colorful retro disco theme.

 

New entries

Album charts (Germany)

[01] Daniela Alfinito - Splitter aus Glück : Uhm, no, thanks. (But congratz) ^^ 

[02] 18 Karat - Narco Trafficante : Another successful rap entry.

[03] Celo & Abdi - Mietwagentape 2 : (see above)

[04] Barry Gibb - Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers' Songbook, Vol. 1 : This might sound cruel, but I was wondering, if the artist is still alive. And yes, he is. ^^

[06] Passenger - Songs For The Drunk And Broken Hearted : I'm not sure, if I will give this a try... but hey, some nice acoustic pop.

Single charts (Germany)

[01] Katja Krasavice x ELIF - Highway : Hm, I don't know. I guess it's the lyrics that make me question this well-produced song.

[03] Miksu / Macloud - Lonely (feat. Selmon, Bausa & reezy) : Some feature overload for a quite simple (and very short) track. It fits the spirit of the time.

[04] Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License : OK, a new face. A slightly new sound. And it's about heartache. Target group: young people. And look - it worked.

Albums Chart Top 100 (UK)

[01] Barry Gibb - Greenfields: The Gibb Brothers' Songbook, Vol. 1 : Hmkay. Makes sense.

[02] Passenger - Songs For The Drunk And Broken Hearted : OK, so this artist is still popular.

Singles Chart Top 100 (UK)

[01] Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License : Wow. How did this happen?

[07] Kid Laroi - Without You : Seems like a blend of Justin Bieber and Lewis Capaldi. ^^ And now I know, where a certain TikTok-trending lyric line comes from.

Billboard 200 (USA)

[01] Taylor Swift - Evermore : And she's back. ^^

[09] Juice WRLD - Legends Never Die : This one made it back to the top ten - in its 26th week.

[10] Lil Baby - My Turn : In its 45th week this album could reach the top ten again.

Billboard Hot 100 (USA)

[01] Olivia Rodrigo - Drivers License : WTF!? Spooky success.

[09] Morgan Wallen - Wasted On You : Seems like another heartbreak anthem. But well-produced.

[10] SZA - Good Days : In its 3rd week this track reached a new peak.

Cheerio!

Lose Your Head (#666)

Ahoy,

okay, I think I will have to get used to the increased amount of researching. :D 

My last week in covers:

Most played artists:

• Sea Girls : I couldn't remember their 2020 album "Open Up Your Head". Some songs are fun and some not.
  
• Celldweller : Workout context. Tbh I can't remember how "Offworld" came into my playlist.
  
• The War On Drugs : Fan times. I can still recommend "A Deeper Understanding" to everyone.
  
• Carrie Underwood : Fan times. Plus an evening of me singing her songs. ;) 

Most played tracks:

• Paul McCartney - Women And Wives : Radio context. Because of some research I was listening to that song more than once.

Noteworthy:

• Bladee & Mechatok : New album context. I've checked out some tracks of "Good Luck", but that wasn't so much fun.
  
• Céline Dion : Fan times.
  

 

News

█ London Grammar released another pre-single for their upcoming album "Californian Soil" (out on April 9). "Lose Your Head" comes with a very beautiful and simple video.

█ The Weeknd's new video "Save Your Tears" shows him with disturbing facial features - and it reminds me of those late days of Elvis, when he did let himself go. 2021 marks the third year of his "After Hours" era. 

█ ZAYN released "Vibez", which is the second pre-single of his upcoming album "Nobody Is Listening" - out on Friday. The music video seems more creative than the song. And the artist looks tired.

New entries

Album charts (Germany)

[01] AC/DC - Power Up : Welcome back to the top. I'm not sure, if I should give it a try.

[08] Roger Waters - Us + Them (Soundtrack) : Seems like there has been a film release.

Single charts (Germany)

[01] Apache 207 - Angst : Hm, tbh he had stronger songs.

[02] Ufo361 & Bonez MC - 7 : Hm, despite the nice production, I can't support such content.

[08] Tiësto - The Business : Ooh, this is a nice song. And a creative music video is also a plus.

[10] Robin Schulz - All We Got (feat. Kiddo) : Yes, a catchy and simple tune. :)

Albums Chart Top 100 (UK)

[01] Taylor Swift - Evermore : What a surprise... not.

[10] Kid Laroi - F**k Love : Who?

Singles Chart Top 100 (UK)

[01] Little Mix - Sweet Melody : Hm, I might check that one out - with little expectations, of course.

[04] Justin Bieber - Anyone : Okay, he still has some impact over there.

[05] Dua Lipa - Levitating : This one made a big jump back to the top ten - maybe because of a bunch of remixes.

Billboard 200 (USA)

[01] Playboi Carti - Whole Lotta Red : Okay. I've never heard from this artist. And now he has a number one (hip-hop) album.

[03] Lil Durk - The Voice : In its second week this album entered the top ten. Hm.

Billboard Hot 100 (USA)

[01] 24kGoldn - Mood (feat. iann dior) : It seems amazing how successful this track has become.

[02] Ariana Grande - Positions : Hm, okay. I'm wondering, if some social network (like TikTok) might have something to do with that achievement.

[03] The Weeknd -  Blinding Lights : Uhm, seems like 2020 all over again. But in this case I don't mind. :P

Cheerio!

Night Moves (#665)

Ahoy,

it's the first Music Monday of 2021 and I made some changes over here. I think, I will enjoy the bigger research part. :)

My last week in covers:

Most played artists:

• Roosevelt : Fan (and party) times.
• Darren Hayes : Flashback context. This (new) year the album "Secret Codes And Battleships" will have its 10th anniversary. Wow.  
  
• Madonna : Fan times.
  

Most played tracks:

• Roosevelt - Night Moves : This bop won't get boring to me. I could blast it on a weekly basis. :)

Noteworthy:

• Giant Rooks : Fan times.
• Stray Kids : Fan times.
• Bear's Den : Fan times.
• The Weeknd : Fan times.
• Thirteen Senses : Their 2011 album "Crystal Sounds" was quite important to me, when it was released. And I feel sad, that I never had the chance to see this band live.
  

 

News

█ I came across a video of Stray Kids performing the BTS song "Dionysus", which was totally working for me. What nice music those two groups could create together. ^^

New entries

Okay, this initial week there ain't many new entries, but it is a start.

Album charts (Germany)

[02] Mia Julia - Mitten in Mia : I have no clue tbh. :-/

Single charts (Germany)

[08] Queen - Thank God It's Christmas : Seems a bit late for that, doesn't it?

[09] Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime : And the next oldie, please. 

[10] Band Aid - Do They Know It's Christmas? : The sad part about that old song is the fact, that it still has a valid message after all these years.

Albums Chart Top 100 (UK)

[01] Michael Bublé - Christmas : Yikes. (1)

Singles Chart Top 100 (UK)

[03] Jess Glynne - This Christmas : Yikes. (2)

Billboard 200 (USA)

[01] Taylor Swift - Evermore : Sails seem to be strong with this one.

[02] Paul McCartney - McCartney III : I wouldn't have expected this album to be so successful over there.

Billboard Hot 100 (USA)

[02] Brenda Lee - Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree : Okay.

Cheerio!

Don't Stop Me Eatin' (#664)

Hi,

well I am quite late with this last "music week" of 2020... but the year stats were on time. :)
So as you will see I was able to listen to a bunch of 2020 albums - just before Christmas.

Last week in covers:

Noteworthy:

• Circa Waves : Year's end context. "Sad Happy" is a good indie album.
  
• Acht Eimer Hühnerherzen : Year's end context. Tbh after 4 songs the sound of "album" seemed to blend together.
  
• Sam Smith : Year's end context. "Love Goes" surprised me a bit, because of a bunch of uplifting songs.
  
• Sports Team : Year's end context. "Deep Down Happy" should please fans. ^^
  
• All We Are : Year's end context. I had fun listening to "Providence", but I couldn't make out any highlights.
  
• Run The Jewels : Year's end context. Because of a quite short track count, I could enjoy "RTJ4" as much as possible. Tbh it is not really my cup of tea.

Most played artists:

• The Weeknd : Year's end context. "After Hours" works as an album!
• Dritte Wahl : Year's end context. So I finally made it to "3D" - and let me tell you I should not have waited for so long. The album sounds quite good.
• Chromatics : Year's end context. "Faded Now" has its moments. 
  

Most played tracks:

[nothing to highlight here]

News?

█ LadBaby did it again - they managed to have a UK number one song at Christmas. It's a cover version of the Journey classic "Don't Stop Believin'" - called "Don't Stop Me Eatin'". I'm not an expert, but I guess this is as British as it gets - plus a trashy music video.

█ The German album charts: Paul McCartney ("McCartney III", 1), AC/DC ("Power Up", 2) and Helene Fischer ("Die Helene Fischer Show - Meine schönsten Momente Vol. 1", 3).

New in the German charts:

[07] John & Yoko / The Plastic Ono Band with The Harlem Community Choir - Happy Xmas (War Is Over) : Yay, another Xmas classic.

[08] Michael Bublé - It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas : Oh, I actually like this one a bit.

[10] Ariana Grande - Santa Tell Me : Hm? I can't remember this one. :P 

My year 2020 in music

Happy New Year, folks.

It's a most wonderful time to look at stats - and so I will analyse my 7200 scrobbled tracks of 2020.

My scrobbling peak was in April - with 1417 tracks.

Artists

1. Madonna (469 plays)
2. Stray Kids (237 plays)
3. BTS (223 plays)
4. The Weeknd (186 plays)
5. Lady Gaga (172 plays)
6. Roosevelt (151 plays)
7. Dua Lipa (126 plays)
8. 070 Shake (125 plays)
9. DMA'S (105 plays)
10. Jessie Ware (90 plays)

Thoughts:

• New additions are Jessie Ware and Stray Kids, I gues.
• And yes, I am still a big Madonna fan. :)

Albums

1. The Weeknd - After Hours (Deluxe) (113 scrobbles plus 48 scrobbles of the regularversion)
2. 070 Shake - Modus Vivendi (116 scrobbles)
3. BTS - MAP OF THE SOUL : 7 (112 scrobbles)
4. Lady Gaga - Chromatica (107 scrobbles)
5. Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia (87 scrobbles)
6. Stray Kids - GO LIVE (79 scrobbles)
7. Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure?
   / Stray Kids - IN LIFE (68 scrobbles)
8. PLANET - Maybe Someday - EP (67 scrobbles)
9. Madonna - Madame X (Deluxe) (64 scrobbles)
10. DMA'S - THE GLOW (61 scrobbles)

Thoughts: 

• Both The Weeknd and 070 Shake have released amazing albums, that both remind me of 80s sounds.
• BTS continue to put out strong music.
• Stray Kids seem to have had their biggest year - with a great debut album (plus a repackage version of it).
  
• When it comes to female singers Lady Gaga, Dua Lipa and Jessie Ware ruled the year 2020.
• I could not have expected Nada Surf to be among my top albums.

 

Songs

1. Lady Gaga - Stupid Love (53 scrobbles)
2. Nada Surf - So Much Love (21 scrobbles plus 14 scrobbles of the Radio Edit)
3. Roosevelt - Sign (34 scrobbles)
4. DMA'S - Life Is A Game Of Changing (30 scrobbles)
5. Giant Rooks - Watershed (26 scrobbles)
6. 070 Shake - Morrow (25 scrobbles)
7. Dua Lipa - Physical (22 scrobbles)
8. PLANET - Maybe Someday (21 scrobbles)
9. PLANET - Never New
   / Racing - Flashbacks
   / The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
   / YUNGBLUD - weird! (19 scrobbles)
10. Sophia - Alive (18 scrobbles)
11. Roosevelt - Echoes
    / Stray Kids - Easy (17 scrobbles)
    / Jessie Ware - Save A Kiss (13 scrobbles plus 4 scrobbles of the Single Edit)
12. 070 Shake - Under The Moon
    / The Knocks - Get Happy (feat. Mat Zo) (16 scrobbles)
13. Dua Lipa - Hallucinate
    / Joywave - Half Your Age (15 scrobbles)
14. 5 Seconds of Summer - Wildflower
    / Awolnation - The Best (feat. Alice Merton)
    / Lady Gaga - Chromatica II & 911
    / Madonna - God Control
    / Stray Kids - TOP ("Tower Of God" OP) (14 scrobbles)

Thoughts:

• Tbh I used "Stupid Love" for home workout times a lot. ;-)
• My top five songs will continue to remind me of good times in a very difficult year.
• "Morrow" is actually older - but I haven't heard it before. 
• There's no BTS track among this collection.
• Sophia is some kind of new addition among my top artists/songs.

 So that's it - my year 2020 in music.