on loop #2

I'm not surprised; that my second playlist for this series carries only one song.

It was three years ago when I heard a news bit from the radio that Adele is taking a break from music for four or five years. I thought it was nuts, because she was at the height of her Grammy's success at the time and also, what do I listen to until then?

Come to think of it, the break didn't feel that long. I like how this first single was just dropped out of nowhere, with a very fitting first line: Hello, it's me.

Hello | Adele
to tell you i'm sorry for breaking your heart // but it don't matter, it clearly doesn't tear you apart anymore

This is clearly a mature Adele. Her face seems to take a longer shape now and damn, a lot more expressive. I was so fond of her timid nature from the first two albums, especially in live performances. I think what I most liked about her packaging is, here's a girl with a royal voice, but too nonchalant to care about fame because her heart is broken. That seems out the door now. However, two things I like stays the same: the age-based album title and the perfect winged eyeliner :)

The second single is out. It reminds me of her Make You Feel My Love music video, which was also filmed in live audio.

Excited for tomorrow's album release. Don't be surprised if the entire album is on the next playlist. ETA:

love the subtle and gradual maturity, even in album art :) from self-conscious to bold-faced @Adele #itsawholenewme pic.twitter.com/EMDWflhqHn

— April (@grewlegs) November 20, 2015

on loop #1

Q messaged me last week asking me to give her a task, a project, anything, something that will take her mind away from the stress that her on-going thesis is giving her. I can't imagine how tough it can be to work and study at the same time, so my answer was immediate: write. She then asks, what will I write? We had nothing in mind at first, but I insisted that we keep on talking because there might be something that will spring out of the conversation. And eventually, it did.

Aside from a "collaboration" we thought of, we have agreed upon making a recurring post about our current favorite music, like a playlist, but without a specific theme or number of songs. Then, just to throw a bit of creativity, I volunteered to make album art covers for the both of us. (You can see how I jumped into this whole idea and made it more productive for me even if Q is the one who needs more of the distraction heh.)

When a song catches my attention, be it new or new-old, it always goes straight on repeat in my player. I repeat it as many times and as long as possible to the point of memorizing every hiccup of the song. Here's my first of the On Loop series:

Hotline Bling | Drake
you should just be yourself // right now you're someone else

I will sound like a hermit, but I think this is the first Drake song that I'd learned. Hip-Hop is not my go-to genre, mainly because I don't have the swag/'just-chillin' vibe and it would look absolutely pretentious of me, but this song caught me one morning and I just liked the beat.

If you like a more dance-y version, listen to its cover by Disclosure feat. Sam Smith for BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge. Sam just made it so smooth to the ears.


Hold My Hand | Jess Glynne
'cause I don't want to walk on my own anymore // won't you understand? 

I am crazily itching to make a video using this song. So much so that I create scenes in my head when I listen to it. Such a feel-good song.


Like I'm Gonna Lose You | Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend
split second and you disappeared and then i was all alone

It's been a while since I've heard such a sweet, hopelessly romantic song.


What Do You Mean? | Justin Bieber
when you nod your head yes but you wanna say no

Sometimes you really have to know how to separate the celebrity from the music he/she creates. I just really like the beat of this song. I wouldn't be bothered to even search for the rest of the lyrics.