Akini's Daily Top 20: #1 Bobby Womack's on the (top)...

[JSparksFan]

Saturday's Top 20 (June 20th)

01.(NE) Teyana Taylor - Lose Each Other (Hot Shot Debut)
02.(RE) Demi Lovato - Sorry Not Sorry (Best Comeback)
03.(19) Teyana Taylor - Morning (feat. Kehlani) (Greatest Gainer)
04.(01) Teyana Taylor - We Got Love (feat. Lauryn Hill) (Biggest Free Faller)
05.(17) Teyana Taylor - Friends
06.(NE) Beyoncé - Black Parade
07.(RE) Katy Perry - Roulette
08.(RE) Lana Del Rey - Born to Die
09.(RE) Girls Aloud - Something New
10.(12) Lana Del Rey - Summertime Sadness
11.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Concrete
12.(14) Teyana Taylor - Lowkey (feat. Erykah Badu)
13.(RE) Toni Braxton - Please
14.(RE) Carrie Underwood - Drinking Alone
15.(13) Teyana Taylor - Wake Up Love (feat. Iman)
16.(18) Teyana Taylor - How You Want It? (feat. King Combs)
17.(RE) Beyoncé - Once in a Lifetime
18.(RE) Ava Max - Salt
19.(RE) Josef Salvat - Open Season
20.(RE) Tamia - Tell Me How

[JSparksFan]

Sunday's Top 20 (June 21st)

01.(RE) Ariana Grande - Breathin (Best Comeback)
02.(RE) Childish Gambino - Redbone
03.(RE) Taylor Swift - Mine
04.(RE) Camila Cabello - Havana
05.(RE) David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
06.(01) Teyana Taylor - Lose Each Other (Biggest Free Faller)
07.(RE) Lauryn Hill - Ex-Factor
08.(RE) Beyoncé - Drunk in Love (feat. Jay-Z & Kanye West)
09.(RE) Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
10.(RE) Ariana Grande - Into You
11.(RE) Demi Lovato - Heart Attack
12.(RE) Janet Jackson - I Get Lonely
13.(RE) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Can't Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton)
14.(RE) Sia - The Greatest (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
15.(RE) Adele - Rolling in the Deep
16.(RE) Sia - Chandelier
17.(RE) Rihanna - Diamonds
18.(RE) Lady Gaga - Telephone (feat. Beyoncé)
19.(RE) Rihanna - S&M
20.(RE) Carly Rae Jepsen - Run Away with Me

[JSparksFan]

Monday's Top 20 (June 22nd)

01.(NE) Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) (Hot Shot Debut)
02.(14) Sia - The Greatest (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
03.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Concrete (Best Comeback)
04.(RE) Donna Summer - MacArthur Park
05.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Wrong Bitch
06.(19) Rihanna - S&M (Greatest Gainer)
07.(RE) Demi Lovato - Heart Attack
08.(20) Carly Rae Jepsen - Run Away with Me
09.(10) Ariana Grande - Into You
10.(NE) Teyana Taylor - Made It
11.(RE) Usher - Here I Stand
12.(NE) Teyana Taylor - Bare wit Me
13.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Shoot It Up (feat. Big Sean)
14.(RE) Teyana Taylor - How You Want It? (feat. King Combs)
15.(06) Teyana Taylor - Lose Each Other (Biggest Free Faller)
16.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Friends
17.(RE) Teyana Taylor - We Got Love (feat. Lauryn Hill)
18.(NE) Teyana Taylor - Bad
19.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Morning (feat. Kehlani)
20.(NE) Teyana Taylor - Still

[JSparksFan]

Tuesday's Top 20 (June 23rd)

01.(18) Teyana Taylor - Bad (Greatest Gainer)
02.(RE) Lady Gaga - Telephone (feat. Beyoncé) (Best Comeback)
03.(RE) Rihanna - Diamonds
04.(RE) Ariana Grande - God Is a Woman
05.(20) Teyana Taylor - Still
06.(RE) Adele - Rolling in the Deep
07.(RE) Carrie Underwood - Blown Away
08.(03) Teyana Taylor - Concrete
09.(NE) Black Eyed Peas & Shakira - Girl Like Me (Highest Debut)
10.(RE) Tinashe - 2 On (feat. ScHoolBoy Q)
11.(RE) Rihanna - Desperado
12.(RE) Lady Gaga - Babylon
13.(RE) Rihanna - Needed Me
14.(RE) Jason Derulo - Savage Love
15.(05) Teyana Taylor - Wrong Bitch (Biggest Free Faller)
16.(RE) Rihanna - Close to You
17.(RE) Rihanna - Higher
18.(RE) Rihanna - Roc Me Out
19.(RE) Rihanna - Final Goodbye
20.(RE) T.I. - Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna)

[JSparksFan]

Wednesday's Top 20 (June 24th)

01.(RE) Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) (Best Comeback)
02.(RE) Lady Gaga - Do What U Want (feat. R. Kelly)
03.(07) Carrie Underwood - Blown Away (Greatest Gainer)
04.(06) Adele - Rolling in the Deep
05.(RE) Mariah Carey - Outside
06.(RE) Chloe x Halle - Ungodly Hour
07.(NE) M People - Sight for Sore Eyes (Highest Debut)
08.(NE) MAMAMOO - Piano Man
09.(NE) The Divine Comedy - Opportunity Knox
10.(RE) Mýa - My Love Is Like...Wo
11.(RE) Nightmares on Wax - You Wish
12.(05) Teyana Taylor - Still (Biggest Free Faller)
13.(RE) 6LACK - Seasons (feat. Khalid)
14.(RE) Mýa - Case of the Ex (Whatcha Gonna Do)
15.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Bare wit Me
16.(RE) Lady Gaga - Alice
17.(NE) YVA - Katyčių dainelė
18.(RE) Kelly Clarkson - I Dare You
19.(RE) Mariah Carey - Lead the Way
20.(RE) Lady Gaga - Sine from Above (feat. Elton John)

[JSparksFan]

Thursday's Top 20 (June 25th)

01.(06) Chloe x Halle - Ungodly Hour (Greatest Gainer)
02.(RE) Beyoncé - Drunk in Love (Best Comeback)
03.(RE) Lady Gaga - Bad Romance
04.(RE) Boney M. - Rivers of Babylon
05.(RE) Michael Jackson - Beat It
06.(RE) The Weeknd - In Your Eyes (feat. Doja Cat)
07.(RE) Britney Spears - Toxic
08.(RE) Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal
09.(RE) The Weeknd - Blinding Lights
10.(NE) Lara Fabian - Caruso (Highest Debut)
11.(01) Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) (Biggest Free Faller)
12.(RE) Michael Jackson - You Are Not Alone
13.(RE) Taylor Swift - It's Nice to Have a Friend
14.(NE) Nightwish - Ghost Love Score
15.(RE) Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
16.(RE) Troye Sivan - Take Yourself Home
17.(RE) Michael Jackson - Slave to the Rhythm
18.(RE) Michael Jackson - Remember the Time
19.(RE) Michael Jackson - A Place with No Name
20.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Wrong Bitch

[JSparksFan]

Friday's Top 20 (June 26th)

01.(RE) Mika - Relax, Take It Easy (Best Comeback)
02.(RE) David Guetta - Titanium (feat. Sia)
03.(RE) Ariana Grande - Breathin
04.(11) Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
05.(RE) Janet Jackson - If
06.(20) Teyana Taylor - Wrong Bitch (Greatest Gainer)
07.(01) Chloe x Halle - Ungodly Hour (Biggest Free Faller)
08.(RE) Lady Gaga - Alice
09.(RE) KT Tunstall - Black Horse and the Cherry Tree
10.(RE) Lady Gaga - 911
11.(RE) Elton John - Your Song
12.(NE) Yvie Oddly - Hype (feat. Vanessa Vanjie) (Highest Debut)
13.(RE) Janet Jackson - If
14.(NE) Megan Thee Stallion - Girls in the Hood
15.(NE) BLACKPINK - How You Like That
16.(18) Michael Jackson - Remember the Time
17.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Bad
18.(04) Boney M. - Rivers of Babylon
19.(RE) Lady Gaga - Sine from Above (feat. Elton John)
20.(RE) Drake - When to Say When

[JSparksFan]

Saturday's Top 20 (June 27th)

01.(RE) Lauryn Hill - Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (Best Comeback)
02.(RE) Britney Spears - Mood Ring
03.(RE) Madonna - Ray of Light
04.(RE) Stealers Wheel - Stuck in the Middle with You
05.(RE) Madonna - Love Tried to Welcome Me
06.(RE) Lauryn Hill - Ex-Factor
07.(RE) Alicia Keys - Brand New Me
08.(NE) Orla Gartland - Did It to Myself (Highest Debut)
09.(NE) Brian Hyland - Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
10.(RE) Lauryn Hill - To Zion
11.(NE) Rina Sawayama - XS
12.(RE) Solange - Don't Touch My Hair
13.(RE) SWV - Weak
14.(RE) Britney Spears - Why I Should Be Sad
15.(NE) Dixie Chicks - March March
16.(RE) Céline Dion - A New Day Has Come
17.(NE) September - Cry for You
18.(RE) Lauryn Hill - Doo-Wop (That Thing)
19.(RE) Destiny's Child - Lose My Breath
20.(04) Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) (Biggest Free Faller)

[JSparksFan]

Sunday's Top 20 (June 28th)

01.(NE) RuPaul - Super Queen (feat. Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Naomi Smalls, & Trinity the Tuck) (Hot Shot Debut)
02.(15) Dixie Chicks - March March (Greatest Gainer)
03.(RE) Rihanna - Te Amo (Best Comeback)
04.(RE) RuPaul - Superstar
05.(RE) Carrie Underwood - Inside Your Heaven
06.(RE) Rihanna - Don't Stop the Music
07.(RE) Patti LaBelle - If Only You Knew
08.(RE) Aiden Zhane, Dahlia Sin, Jaida Essence Hall, Jan, Rock M. Sakura, & Sherry Pie - You Don't Know Me
09.(RE) Chloe x Halle - Ungodly Hour
10.(NE) Doja Cat - Like That (feat. Gucci Mane)
11.(RE) Maluma - Tu Vecina
12.(RE) Lisa Fischer - How Can I Ease the Pain?
13.(RE) Janet Jackson - Made for Now
14.(RE) Brita, Crystal Methyd, Gigi Goode, Heidi N. Closet, Jackie Cox, Nicky Doll, & Widow Von'Du - I'm That Bitch
15.(NE) Sofi Tukker - Fantasy
16.(NE) TootArd - Moonlight
17.(NE) Loula - I Just Can't Fall In Love
18.(NE) Lesha - Ciao, Bella
19.(NE) Delaporte - Clap Clap
20.(NE) Khayat - Hovoryla

[stevyy]

13.(RE) Janet Jackson - Made for Now

This was a #1 on my chart.

[JSparksFan]

13.(RE) Janet Jackson - Made for Now

This was a #1 on my chart.

The taste jumped out!

[JSparksFan]

Monday's Top 20 (June 29th)

01.(RE) Lauryn Hill - Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (Best Comeback)
02.(RE) Britney Spears - Mood Ring
03.(01) RuPaul - Super Queen (feat. Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Naomi Smalls, & Trinity the Tuck)
04.(RE) Katy Perry - E.T.
05.(02) Dixie Chicks - March March
06.(RE) Jessie Ware - Spotlight
07.(04) RuPaul - Superstar (Biggest Free Faller)
08.(RE) Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
09.(NE) Solange - Weary (Highest Debut)
10.(NE) Jessie Ware - Step into My Life
11.(RE) Janet Jackson - All for You
12.(RE) Michael Jackson - Remember the Time
13.(NE) Jessie Ware - In Your Eyes
14.(RE) Jordin Sparks - No Parade
15.(RE) Kristinia DeBarge - Goodbye
16.(RE) Jessie Ware - Save a Kiss
17.(RE) Lauryn Hill - Everything Is Everything
18.(RE) Mariah Carey - Obsessed
19.(NE) Jessie Ware - Read My Lips
20.(RE) Jordin Sparks - One Step at a Time

[JSparksFan]

Tuesday's Top 20 (June 30th)

01.(03) RuPaul - Super Queen (feat. Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Naomi Smalls, & Trinity the Tuck)
02.(RE) Rihanna - Umbrella (feat. Jay-Z) (Best Comeback)
03.(06) Jessie Ware - Spotlight (Greatest Gainer)
04.(RE) Janet Jackson - If
05.(05) Dixie Chicks - March March
06.(07) RuPaul - Superstar
07.(RE) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure?
08.(RE) Whitney Houston - My Love Is Your Love
09.(RE) Britney Spears - Oops!...I Did It Again
10.(RE) Beyoncé - Sweet Dreams
11.(RE) Mariah Carey - Honey
12.(RE) Patti LaBelle - New Attitude
13.(RE) Carrie Underwood - Blown Away
14.(RE) Mika - Rain
15.(RE) Jessie Ware - The Kill
16.(RE) Janet Jackson - I Get Lonely
17.(RE) Beyoncé - All I Could Do Was Cry
18.(16) Jessie Ware - Save a Kiss (Biggest Free Faller)
19.(RE) Lady Gaga - Alice
20.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Still

[JSparksFan]

Wednesday's Top 20 (July 1st)

01.(07) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure?
02.(RE) Britney Spears - Mood Ring (Best Comeback)
03.(18) Jessie Ware - Save a Kiss (Greatest Gainer)
04.(RE) RuPaul - Super Queen (feat. Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Naomi Smalls, & Trinity the Tuck)
05.(RE) Whitney Houston - A Song for You
06.(05) Dixie Chicks - March March
07.(15) Jessie Ware - The Kill
08.(RE) Taylor Swift - I'd Lie
09.(RE) Danity Kane - Damaged
10.(RE) Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, & Miley Cyrus - Send It On
11.(03) Jessie Ware - Spotlight
12.(RE) Jason Derülo - We Could Make Love
13.(RE) Jordin Sparks - Colours
14.(RE) Beyoncé - Black Parade
15.(RE) Jessie Ware - Remember Where You Are
16.(06) RuPaul - Superstar (Biggest Free Faller)
17.(RE) Jordin Sparks - No Parade
18.(RE) Kristinia DeBarge - Sabotaged
19.(RE) Beyoncé - Dangerously in Love 2
20.(RE) Mariah Carey - All I Want for Christmas Is You

[JSparksFan]

Thursday's Top 20 (July 2nd)

01.(01) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure?
02.(11) Jessie Ware - Spotlight (Greatest Gainer)
03.(03) Jessie Ware - Save a Kiss
04.(RE) Lauryn Hill - Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (Best Comeback)
05.(07) Jessie Ware - The Kill
06.(06) Dixie Chicks - March March
07.(RE) Aretha Franklin - Chain of Fools
08.(RE) Patti LaBelle - Got to Be Real
09.(04) RuPaul - Super Queen (feat. Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Naomi Smalls, & Trinity the Tuck) (Biggest Free Faller)
10.(RE) Kristinia DeBarge - Sabotage
11.(RE) Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
12.(16) RuPaul - Superstar
13.(RE) Jessie Ware - Step into My Life
14.(15) Jessie Ware - Remember Where You Are
15.(RE) Jessie Ware - Soul Control
16.(RE) Usher - My Boo (feat. Alicia Keys)
17.(RE) Jordin Sparks - Turn This Car Around
18.(RE) Usher - Lil Freak (feat. Nicki Minaj)
19.(RE) Jordin Sparks - Landmines
20.(RE) Usher - More

[JSparksFan]

Friday's Top 20 (July 3rd)

01.(RE) Trey Songz - Last Time (Best Comeback)
02.(06) Dixie Chicks - March March (Greatest Gainer)
03.(01) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure?
04.(RE) Carly Rae Jepsen - I Really Like You
05.(RE) Jennifer Hudson - Spotlight
06.(RE) Taylor Swift - The Way I Loved You
07.(RE) Rihanna - S&M
08.(02) Jessie Ware - Spotlight
09.(RE) Justin Bieber - Never Let You Go
10.(RE) B.o.B. - Nothin' on You (feat. Bruno Mars)
11.(RE) The Weeknd - In Your Eyes (feat. Doja Cat)
12.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Concrete
13.(RE) Madonna - Masterpiece
14.(RE) Teyana Taylor - Friends
15.(09) RuPaul - Super Queen (feat. Monét X Change, Monique Heart, Naomi Smalls, & Trinity the Tuck)
16.(15) Jessie Ware - Soul Control
17.(RE) Trey Songz - Neighbours Know My Name
18.(RE) Megan Thee Stallion - Savage Remix (feat. Beyoncé)
19.(12) RuPaul - Superstar
20.(05) Jessie Ware - The Kill (Biggest Free Faller)

[JSparksFan]

Saturday's Top 20 (July 4th)

01.(01) Trey Songz - Last Time
02.(RE) Carrie Underwood - Just a Dream (Best Comeback)
03.(RE) Lauryn Hill - Can't Take My Eyes Off of You
04.(RE) Whitney Houston - How Will I Know
05.(RE) Carrie Underwood - Before He Cheats
06.(RE) Céline Dion & R. Kelly - I'm Your Angel
07.(RE) Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour
08.(NE) Avicii - Lonely Together (feat. Rita Ora) (Highest Debut)
09.(RE) Kacey Musgraves - Happy & Sad
10.(RE) Beyoncé - All I Could Do Was Cry
11.(RE) P!nk - Stupid Girls
12.(RE) Usher - DJ Got Us Fallin' in Love (feat. Pitbull)
13.(RE) Lady Gaga - Rain on Me (feat. Ariana Grande)
14.(RE) Rihanna - Music of the Sun
15.(RE) Carrie Underwood - Play On
16.(RE) Trey Songz - Inside Pt. 2
17.(RE) Britney Spears - Sometimes
18.(RE) Kacey Musgraves - Lonely Weekend
19.(RE) P!nk - Most Girls
20.(RE) Kacey Musgraves - Rainbow

[JSparksFan]

Sunday's Top 20 (July 5th)

01.(RE) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? (Best Comeback)
02.(RE) Taylor Swift - Better Than Revenge
03.(04) Whitney Houston - How Will I Know (Greatest Gainer)
04.(02) Carrie Underwood - Just a Dream (Biggest Free Faller)
05.(NE) Ghost Monroe - I Am the Fire (Highest Debut)
06.(RE) Donna Summer - MacArthur Park
07.(RE) The Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love
08.(RE) Whitney Houston - A Song for You
09.(RE) Lady Gaga - ARTPOP
10.(RE) Christina Aguilera - Beautiful
11.(RE) G.R.L. - Ugly Heart
12.(RE) Lady Gaga - Babylon
13.(NE) Paolo Nutini - Last Request
14.(RE) Whitney Houston - Saving All My Love for You
15.(RE) Madonna - Veni Vidi Vici
16.(NE) Laura Palsini - Non č Detto
17.(RE) Whitney Houston - Love Will Save the Day
18.(RE) Mariah Carey - One Mo' Gen
19.(NE) Bonnie Raitt - Nick of Time
20.(RE) Melanie C - Blame It on Me

[crystalphoenix]

Yeah, it's one of my favourite songs ever, and it did fit yesterday's mood. Today's chart-topper is a lot happier than last year's, though!

Glad you were in the mood to strut it out on your special day and hopefully you got a chance to actually do so (as much as current restrictions allow, anyway).

• I added a handful of What's Your Pleasure? tracks after seeing a lot of praise for it here, and the title track is definitely my favorite of the bunch. Based on the sample I've gotten, WYP offers an interesting alternative to 2020's other dancey albums (Future Nostalgia, How I'm Feeling Now, Chromatica, etc), and it seems like an especially appropriate fit for you since you've mentioned that you're increasingly drawn to/appreciative of more soothing music in recent years. I'm not sure of the exact proper classification for the styles on WYP, but it feels much more trancey, funky, hypnotic than the other recent albums I listed.
• Happy to have one of my Caution faves make a re-appearance. I think I was possibly a tad too harsh on/disappointed by that album back when it dropped, because its replay value is still pretty strong.

Yet another pleasing chart, Akini!

[JSparksFan]

Glad you were in the mood to strut it out on your special day and hopefully you got a chance to actually do so (as much as current restrictions allow, anyway).

I was able to rest, which is really all I wanted.

I added a handful of What's Your Pleasure? tracks after seeing a lot of praise for it here, and the title track is definitely my favorite of the bunch. Based on the sample I've gotten, WYP offers an interesting alternative to 2020's other dancey albums (Future Nostalgia, How I'm Feeling Now, Chromatica, etc), and it seems like an especially appropriate fit for you since you've mentioned that you're increasingly drawn to/appreciative of more soothing music in recent years. I'm not sure of the exact proper classification for the styles on WYP, but it feels much more trancey, funky, hypnotic than the other recent albums I listed.

Those are fair descriptors. I called the album "groovy" the other day, which is in line with your classifications. It's been a great album to explore, though I'm so enamoured with the title track these days, I might be stuck on that one, and will have to spend time with the other songs later.

Happy to have one of my Caution faves make a re-appearance. I think I was possibly a tad too harsh on/disappointed by that album back when it dropped, because its replay value is still pretty strong.

The best albums age like fine win.

Yet another pleasing chart, Akini!

Thanks for visiting, Paul!

[JSparksFan]

Monday's Top 20 (July 6th)

01.(RE) Janet Jackson - Gon' B Alright (Best Comeback)
02.(NE) Rina Sawayama - Chosen Family (Highest Debut)
03.(01) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure?
04.(RE) Kelly Rowland - Lay It on Me (feat. Big Sean)
05.(NE) Rina Sawayama - Bad Friend
06.(RE) Carly Rae Jepsen - I Really Like You
07.(RE) Michael Jackson - Bad
08.(NE) Rina Sawayama - Who's Gonna Save U Now?
09.(RE) Nicki Minaj - Last Chance (feat. Natasha Bedingfield)
10.(NE) Rina Sawayama - Paradisin'
11.(NE) Rina Sawayama - Snakeskin
12.(RE) Cher - Believe
13.(03) Whitney Houston - How Will I Know (Biggest Free Faller)
14.(RE) Lady Gaga - 911
15.(RE) Britney Spears - Toy Soldier
16.(RE) Nicki Minaj - Girls Fall Like Dominoes
17.(12) Lady Gaga - Babylon
18.(RE) Sean Kingston - Letting Go (Dutty Love) (feat. Nicki Minaj)
19.(RE) Luke James - Options
20.(RE) T.I. - Castle Walls (feat. Christina Aguilera)

[crystalphoenix]

I was able to rest, which is really all I wanted.

Perfect! Some relaxation and rejuvenation is just as important as a good strut session.

Those are fair descriptors. I called the album "groovy" the other day, which is in line with your classifications. It's been a great album to explore, though I'm so enamoured with the title track these days, I might be stuck on that one, and will have to spend time with the other songs later.

Yes! That's exactly the word for it.

• I saw your incredibly exciting post over in my thread, but I wanted to respond here too, since there's several specific Rina entries to celebrate I absolutely appreciate the experience she describes in "Chosen Family," since it's painfully relatable to the LGBTQ+ community - but as a song, it feels a tad clunky to me. She clearly has an ear for catchy melodies (even on slower songs), so I think "Chosen Family" might've benefitted from a little more revision. It's one of only a couple songs on Sawayama that she co-produced, so the issue might be that she clicks with me more as a singer and writer than as a producer. That said, even my least favorite track on that epic album is far from intolerable (just less-replay-worthy than the other incredible offerings).
• You mentioned being impressed by the range/variety on Sawayama, and "Who's Gonna Save U Now?" illustrates that beautifully: suddenly, on Track 10, Rina serves us a rock-infused jam edited to sound like a live concert recording (a technique that brings to mind Mariah's "I Wish You Knew," Gaga's "Mary Jane Holland," etc). Her energy and attitude are so. damn. perfect: "guess you became a project to me, guess that says more about my psyche...."
• Going back a few tracks, we have the bubblegum-pop-bliss that is "Paradisin'." Well, maybe I should say bubblegum-pop-sounding, since the lyrics address issues other than the puppy love/heartbreak typically associated with bubblegum pop: a look back at periods of youthful rebellion and the struggle to express oneself while living under the thumb of extremely-overprotective parents. It gives Gaga's "Hair" vibes, in an even poppier shell.
• Many thanks for taking a chance on Sawayama, and hopefully you'll still re-visit some of the songs that didn't appear here (though I totally understand if "STFU!" never clicks with you. "Noisy" would be an understatement for that one) Not to overwhelm you with Rina, but I've gotta mention her older standalone single "Cherry," a beautiful bop about grappling with LGBTQ+ identity and self-acceptance (I believe she identifes as pan): "when they tell you that you've got yourself to blame, even though it's not your fault, that your heart just wants to know love..."

Yet another chart that's better than alright, Akini!

[JSparksFan]

Perfect! Some relaxation and rejuvenation is just as important as a good strut session.

Yeah, it was a challenging year for me before the pandemic, so I was really thankful to have the opportunity to just step back and indulge in TV shows, music, and whatever random interest that popped up.

I saw your incredibly exciting post over in my thread, but I wanted to respond here too, since there's several specific Rina entries to celebrate I absolutely appreciate the experience she describes in "Chosen Family," since it's painfully relatable to the LGBTQ+ community - but as a song, it feels a tad clunky to me. She clearly has an ear for catchy melodies (even on slower songs), so I think "Chosen Family" might've benefitted from a little more revision. It's one of only a couple songs on Sawayama that she co-produced, so the issue might be that she clicks with me more as a singer and writer than as a producer. That said, even my least favorite track on that epic album is far from intolerable (just less-replay-worthy than the other incredible offerings).

I must admit that when a song's lyrics resonate strongly enough with me, I don't pay much attention to the melody, unless it's absolutely awful. The song stood out early on for the bolded bit that you mentioned. It just sums up so beautifully how special friendships are. They're elective relationships and you really have the opportunity to welcome people into your life who can enrich it in so many wonderful ways. I'm a sucker for these kinds of songs, so it was always gonna make an impact.

You mentioned being impressed by the range/variety on Sawayama, and "Who's Gonna Save U Now?" illustrates that beautifully: suddenly, on Track 10, Rina serves us a rock-infused jam edited to sound like a live concert recording (a technique that brings to mind Mariah's "I Wish You Knew," Gaga's "Mary Jane Holland," etc). Her energy and attitude are so. damn. perfect: "guess you became a project to me, guess that says more about my psyche...."

Yeah, I think there was a rock track that preceded it, right? I know "Who's Gonna Save U Now?" was an immediate standout. I loved the lyrics, thought the rock edge was really good.

Going back a few tracks, we have the bubblegum-pop-bliss that is "Paradisin'." Well, maybe I should say bubblegum-pop-sounding, since the lyrics address issues other than the puppy love/heartbreak typically associated with bubblegum pop: a look back at periods of youthful rebellion and the struggle to express oneself while living under the thumb of extremely-overprotective parents. It gives Gaga's "Hair" vibes, in an even poppier shell.

I definitely have to spend more time with the LP to unpack some of the lyrical layers. Maybe I'll go through the Genius annotations for the tracks sometime this week.

Many thanks for taking a chance on Sawayama, and hopefully you'll still re-visit some of the songs that didn't appear here (though I totally understand if "STFU!" never clicks with you. "Noisy" would be an understatement for that one) Not to overwhelm you with Rina, but I've gotta mention her older standalone single "Cherry," a beautiful bop about grappling with LGBTQ+ identity and self-acceptance (I believe she identifes as pan): "when they tell you that you've got yourself to blame, even though it's not your fault, that your heart just wants to know love..."

LOL, you remember "noisy" being an agitator for me!

I'll definitely check out "Cherry" and revisit the album soon. I will say that it's gotten some pretty high preliminary marks, so its year-end rating should be pretty impressive! Thanks again for the indirect nudge to check it out!

Yet another chart that's better than alright, Akini!

Thanks for visiting, Paul!

[JSparksFan]

Tuesday's Top 20 (July 7th)

01.(RE) Dua Lipa - Physical (Best Comeback)
02.(RE) Lady Gaga - Telephone (feat. Beyoncé)
03.(RE) Dua Lipa - Levitating
04.(02) Rina Sawayama - Chosen Family
05.(RE) Tones and I - Dance Monkey
06.(11) Rina Sawayama - Snakeskin (Greatest Gainer)
07.(RE) Doja Cat - Say So (feat. Nicki Minaj)
08.(RE) Tinashe - 2 On (feat. ScHoolboy Q)
09.(05) Rina Sawayama - Bad Friend
10.(RE) Ava Max - Salt
11.(RE) Adam Lambert - Roses
12.(RE) David Bowie - Life on Mars?
13.(RE) Aiden Zhane, Dahlia Sin, Jaida Essence Hall, Jan, Rock M. Sakura, & Sherry Pie - You Don't Know Me
14.(17) Lady Gaga - Babylon
15.(RE) Jessie Ware - Spotlight
16.(08) Rina Sawayama - Who's Gonna Save U Now?
17.(03) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure? (Biggest Free Faller)
18.(NE) Lil Mosey - Blueberry Faygo (Highest Debut)
19.(RE) RuPaul - Superstar
20.(RE) M.I.A. - Bad Girls

[JSparksFan]

Wednesday's Top 20 (July 8th)

01.(NE) Rina Sawayama - Tokyo Love Hotel (Hot Shot Debut)
02.(01) Dua Lipa - Physical
03.(RE) Prince - Purple Rain (Best Comeback)
04.(RE) The Beatles - Come Together
05.(03) Dua Lipa - Levitating (Biggest Free Faller)
06.(06) Rina Sawayama - Snakeskin
07.(RE) Paolo Nutini - Don't Let Me Down
08.(NE) Summer Walker - Settling
09.(RE) Jessie Ware - What's Your Pleasure?
10.(RE) The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby
11.(RE) Elton John - Your Song
12.(RE) The Beatles - I Saw Her Standing There
13.(RE) Simon & Garfunkel - The Sound of Silence
14.(NE) The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Foxey Lady
15.(RE) Madonna - Skin
16.(RE) Summer Walker - Playing Games
17.(RE) Lana Del Rey & The Weeknd - Lust for Life
18.(NE) Wilson Pickett - In the Midnight Hour
19.(NE) James Brown & the Famous Flames - Please, Please, Please
20.(NE) Sly & the Family Stone - Family Affair