One of my most anticipated albums of the year is Rina Sawayama’s sophomore album, Hold The Girl. Released on September 16, 2022, its two years since Sawayama’s self-titled debut. Since then, there have been a number of features, notably a duet with Elton John (Chosen Family) and Charli XCX’s Beg For You (Crash; 2022). However, I was more than ready to see what she would bring to the table with another solo studio album.
Hold The Girl is Pop, but it has a wide diversity of sound. Leading with the single, This Hell (one of my top favorites from the album), each track offered a different listening experience. There was a little bit of country, a little bit of R&B and rock with an early 2000s feel (It’s something she’s done before—for example STFU! from her debut album.) The songs here were bridged together by Sawayama’s vocals, lyric themes, and a smart arrangement.
Hold The Girl achieved an easy flow from one track to the next, and I was quickly immersed by the album. It was a lot of fun. And as far as sophomore albums go, this is a good one.
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: I finished reading Frankenstein last week. As it so happens, there is a song by the same name on Rina Sawayama's 2022 album, Hold The Girl. It's one of my favorites. Give it a listen!
Adri: I was listening to some of my heavier playlist and remembered this RicoNasty: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, which is what I'm listening to this week.
Andrea: Hi all! This week I'm listening to Keep on Movin' by Soul II Soul
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: This week, I'm listening to Rina Sawayama's new album, Hold The Girl. I love it, and one of the songs I've had on repeate is Your Age.
Andrea: Hi all! This week I'm listening to Saved My Life by Andy Grammer x R3HAB. I heard this song on TV, and I chose it for my Music Monday pick. Have a great week all!
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: I'm still listening to Sawayama. It's such a good album, and I wanted to share another one of my favorite songs. This one is called Who's Gonna Save U Now?.
Adri: Hello, I've been listening to Tyler, The Creator lately. My picks for today are Earfquake featuring Playboi Carti, Charlie Wilson, and Jessy Wilson, and Runitup featuring Teezo Touchdown. Anyway see you later.
Andrea: Hi all! This week, I'm line dancing. There are so many songs great for line dancing, and I am currently listening/dancing to some of my favorites: Wobble by V.I.C (2008), Cupid Shuffle by Cupid (2007), The Cha Cha Slide by The Slide Man (2000), Macarana by Los Del Rio (1993), and Electric Boogie by Marcia Griffiths (1990).
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: I've been listening to Rina Sawayama's 2020 album, Sawayama. One of my favorite songs is Akasaka Sad. I love this song.
Adri: Usually I find music, but this time the music found me. When I got a DM from Throw The Fight, I went to check them out some more, and I loved their music. It feels somewhat nostalgic to me. Anyway, my picks are The Fallout, and their new song Wake up!
Andrea: This week I'm partying like it's the 1990's. As such, I'm currently listening to Tootsee Roll Rap Version by the 69 Boyz, Pump Up The Jam by Technotronic, and Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by C&C Music Factory.
Music Monday is a weekly meme hosted by Lauren Stoolfire at Always Me that asks you to share one or two songs that you've recently enjoyed. For the rules, visit the page HERE
Breana: I'm currently listening to music by Rina Sawayama. One of my favorite songs is this remix of XS featuring Bree Runway. It reminds me of a pop song from around 2006 or 2007.
Adri: Today I'm listening to music by Grace Jones. My first pick is the first song I ever heard by Grace Jones, Slave to the Rhythm. My second pick is I've Seen That Face Before (Libertango).
Andrea: This week I'm listening to Rooted by Ciara Featuring Ester Dean.
