music corner #7: spring listens

songs for the spring feels

Happy July!

Coming back to you with another edition of the music corner. This spring was very rainy and a bit dreary, and we (maybe it was just me) love that because it was very very green and felt like the earth needed it. I needed it. Somehow, through all that rain and the occasional sunshine, we made it through yet another spring season, and we’re already into the summer season.

The upside to the streaming era is that there are so many artists and music at the tip of your fingertips. It’s also a downside as it feels like there are just way too many options, and it all feels impossible to sit with each project and digest it all the way it needs to be. It is like having an appetite for what’s next, and it feels almost impossible to get to enjoy your meal because there’s another meal headed your way.

This spring, I have been deep in my creative bag with a few projects finally coming together. I’ve been in incubation mode, and my music reflects that. I listened to more jazz—especially African jazz—along with Nigerian and Ghanaian highlife music from the ‘70s and ‘80s, as well as electronic and R&B music.

I’m writing and editing more often, so my music selections reflect my work sessions.

Here’s my collection:

1. “The Light” by SIR has lived in my ‘heavy rotations’ playlist from the second SIR released it. SIR dropped a deluxe version of his recent album, Heavy Deluxe: The Light. This album paints a very honest and clear look at Sir’s journey to sobriety. The song feels triumphant. It’s a celebration of self and of fully standing in your power after many trials. From the second I heard the song, I was immediately transfixed. It’s inspirational in the most beautiful way. SIR has shared his journey to this part of his life, and his artistry continues to expand and illustrate just that. As a long-time listener, I couldn’t help but be so proud. I loved the Heavy album, but this song just felt like such a joy to listen to. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make his most recent tour because if there’s a song I would have loved to see performed live, it would be this one.

   

   
   As I step into the light
   Oh, I'll be letting go of all my cares
   I been holding back for all these years
   Now I'm ready for the sunshine
   If I take this leap of faith
   Oh, I know one day I would see the sky
   I had to fall before I learned to fly
   But now I'm ready for the sunshine

2. I’m editing “Abusey Junction” by Kokoroko. It’s seven minutes and 40 seconds long, and it somehow doesn’t feel long enough. Kokoroko is a UK-based Afrobeat/Jazz band, and wow, they are something special. They feel very nostalgic for a band that formed in 2014. Their sound is the perfect blend of nostalgic Afrobeat infused with modern sounds. This song was a pleasant sound to sit with. They have an album coming out in a few days, and I’m looking forward to hearing more from them.

3. You know those songs that you listen to that always make you feel at ease? That is “Free” by Denise Williams for me. It was one of the songs I recall playing while riding in the car with my family. From Denise Williams’ 1976 album, This is Niecy, this song has taken on a new meaning now that I’m older. She’s singing of finding her freedom to lavish her love with all her affection, and I don’t know if it’s the current season I have been for some time, but that love feels very internal. There’s something so liberating about getting to pour fully into your lover, especially when it’s you. It’s the best feeling in the world.

4. The song that inspired my spring listens is Janelle Monáe’s “Know Better” from the Age of Pleasure album. You know when a song comes on and immediately grabs your attention - this is one of those songs. It came on shuffle, and I was like ‘OH! ’ I’m grateful that I get to sit with it. The song features Ckay, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80. It samples the 1974 song, “Darkest Light” by Lafayette Afro Rock Band. From Janelle Monae and Ckay’s vocals to Seun Kuti and Egypt 80’s instrumentals, the song just flows. In the song, Janelle and Ckay’s voices blend seamlessly as they boast that they are the best lover. It’s the kind of song that plays as the sun is setting on a hazy day. I love it when you can tell an artist is truly at play. This entire project feels like Janelle Monae had a great time making it, and we are all better for it. I love it all - the only criticism is that the song is too short. It’s only 2 minutes and 50 seconds. I know songs are short these days, but this seems like the type of song that could and should run for at least 10 minutes.

   

   You met your match and there ain't no better
   I know you tried hard, but there's no better
   Nobody love you like me, and you know better
   Nobody do it like me, and you know better
   You try the fast wine, but the slow better
   I know you fast wine, but the slow better

5. I was listening to an episode of the Friend Zone podcast, and Fran mentioned “Searching” by Isaiah Falls and Odeal. From the first second it played, I immediately added the song to my library. I always enjoy a smooth and oozy love song, and featuring Odeal, whose song ‘London Summers’ has been saying something to me! Again, the only criticism about this song is that it feels so short. It leaves you wanting more because that’s exactly what I would like.

6. Sunni Colon has been on repeat for some time now. I really enjoyed his most recent EP, “Turbo.” Like I mentioned in the music corner #2, this EP exudes summer. I won’t lie, I have not stopped listening. I once said it feels like a summer evening, but I think it’s that this EP feels like there’s an unmistakable sense of possibility. While I still enjoy the song “Dream About You All Through the Night”, the song Turbo has been on repeat!

   

   Took a long time
   I was going turbo
   Faster than the speed of light
   Turbo
   
   Hope you're ready
   I’ll be going turbo
   Travelin' through space and time
   Turbo

7. Shoutout to Justine Skye and Kaytranada for getting in the booth and delivering this banger. “Oh Lala” sounds like it needs to be enjoyed on a dance floor on a loop. Is it obvious that I want to be somewhere dancing without a care in the world? because that is what I need, and this song sounds like the perfect soundtrack to do just that.

8. One thing the ultimate Aries diva Mariah Carey will do is give us a cute bop where she’s talking her shit (naturally) and casually throwing in the word ‘rigamarole’. Her mind! “Type Dangerous” was released on June 6th, and we love a queen who is mindful. She knew that we needed to feel cute this summer, and she delivered. Not too many words are needed for this one - check it out.

9. Me and playlists 🤝🏾 it’s the real love story that keeps giving, and I truly love it for me. Some favorite songs: “Three Piece Suit” by Kokoroko, “Bohemian Sunset” by Jazzanova, “Chop Chop” by Peter Somuah ft. Gyedu-Blay Ambolley, and “Kwang Noi Chaolay” by The Paradise Bangkok Molam International Band, to name a few.

More Music Moments:

• Cowboy Carter! Blue Ivy Carter and her artist have been on tour, and I have enjoyed hating from outside the club. I have devoured each clip of this tour like I’m going to be tested on it. Beyoncé, the artist, the entertainer that you are! How does she outdo herself each time? It’s a true testament to an artist in complete alignment being able to deliver over and over again. I would say, stanning aside, but it’s just not possible. Beyonce’s artistry continues to elevate and grow, and as a gleeful fan, it is so beautiful to watch her be at a point in her career where she’s doing what she loves while having her babies on stage with her. That being said, I was present for Act II in spirit, but I will be at Act III.

• Funny thing, I was reflecting on Teyana Taylor’s artistry and how she had announced she retired, and the very next day, she dropped a teaser video for her song, “Long Time”. She’s multi-talented, and that is worthy of respect. Again, I love this new era of her artistry as she gets to control it all. The video is narrated by Taraji P. Henson. She begins in a wedding gown covered in blood as she poses for the camera. That image alone is so powerful, and she continues telling the story of loving and giving all of yourself to a partner who takes without pouring into you. There is so much power in alchemizing pain into art, and Teyana Taylor does all that and more flawlessly while dressed in contour. I love the drama of it all.

• Luke James’ project ‘To Be Love/d’ did numbers in my home when it initially dropped. I LOVED this project, and it was the type of project that you’re happy to see from an artist. Again, I can’t emphasize how much I enjoy him as a vocalist. Him, Lucky Daye, and Miles Caton performed “Secret Garden” as a Quincy Jones Tribute at the BET Awards 2025. Their voices were the perfect choices for this song. Now we know the BET Awards loves a tribute performance, and this one did not fall short. It is worth a listen.

• When writing or editing, I have been on the lookout for the perfect soundtrack to play in the background. I came across the Worldwide Jazz playlist and the Downtempo Essentials on Apple Music. I have found cool artists and songs from this playlist. If you feel inclined to, I say check out some playlists. Your ears will thank you for the blessing.

• During the last Music Corner #5, I mentioned that Maxwell had dropped visuals for upcoming dates. He dropped a few dates for later this year in September, and I could not be more excited for it. I missed his show last year, but I will not be missing this one. I cannot wait!

• The Clipse ‘So Be It’ music video. Let us all pause for a second before this one, because wow, I have not stopped thinking about the visuals. Yes, the lyrics are lethal, and the first time I listened to this song, I had to sit and process what I just heard. First, the sample. You know I love a good sample. The song samples Talal Madeh’s “Maza Akoulou”. Tracklib did a breakdown of this song, and I almost fell to my knees. Pharrell, the producer that you are - he had points to make when he got in the studio, and we all got it. Now the visuals! The video is shot entirely in black and white and has so much depth. The shadows, I caught the reference, Cerberus, the Greek mythical dog that protected the underworld, there was a reference to Saturn eating his children (Neptune being one of them… you know the Neptunes are no longer), to the rapping shadows, the lighting flares, the lighting, the ballerinas. I-. The rollout for this project has been chef’s kiss, and as a music fan, it’s truly an art. Wow!

I hope you’re listening to good music and being good to yourself.

Until Next Time,

Nneoma