My Week in Shuffle: February 23 – March 1, 2025

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I’m a heel now, like John Cena so I don’t play by the rules.  NO intro just facts and music.

Sunday, Feb 23Never Underestimate the Power of a Woman by Klymaxx (4.4/5)
Disco, women, what more can you ask for from an album? This one was a blast, capturing the essence of 80s disco in all its glory. The upbeat rhythms and empowering vibe make it a fun listen from start to finish. My standout track? You’re the Greatest, it’s the “greatest” song on the album, full of catchy hooks and energy. This album hits all the right notes, and sometimes disco just hits differently.

Monday, Feb 24So Close to What by Tate McRae (4.5/5)
Full disclosure, I didn’t random this one, I just really wanted to listen to it. Plus, she’s pretty and her music’s pretty solid too, which is a good combo. Tate’s ability to blend pop with a little alt edge shines through, and Miss Possessive is an absolute banger. However, some of the tracks do feel a little too similar, with the same mood and vibe throughout. Still, it was a fun listen and a nice way to kick off the week. Maybe some recency bias here, but I’m giving it a 4.5/5.

Tuesday, Feb 25El Gran Baile by Señor Coconut (3.9/5)
Talk about Latin vibes, this one’s a full-on mambo fiesta, infused with a mix of Latin rhythms and playful electronic touches. Very Hispanic, very fun, and at times it feels like a celebration of culture. There were parts of this album I absolutely loved, and I even played it back a second time on my drive home. Some tracks did drag a bit, but the energy from the upbeat moments kept it sailing along nicely. It’s definitely a fun album if you’re in the mood for something lively.

Wednesday, Feb 26Talk that Talk (Deluxe) by Rihanna (4.1/5)
This album gave me serious middle school nostalgia. I’m sure if I pulled out my old iPod, I’d probably find a few of these tracks on there. It’s a bit of a time capsule of my teenage years, with its catchy hooks and upbeat rhythms. I was surprised at how many songs I actually recognized, even though I’m not a huge Rihanna fan. It was a nice twist from what I’ve been listening to lately. The deluxe version definitely adds more depth to the original, and the nostalgic factor was strong.

Thursday, Feb 27Whatever and Ever Amen by Ben Folds Five (3.4/5)
This album screams “nerd rock” to me, think Wheatus or Bowling for Soup, but with more piano. Ben Folds’s unique blend of quirky lyrics and piano-driven rock gives the album a fun, offbeat quality. Some tracks felt a little too playful for my taste, but there were moments of brilliance hidden within. It’s definitely not for everyone, but it’s got its own special charm. You’ll either vibe with it or you won’t. Their cover of Video Killed the Radio Star was fun and not expected, for a split second I had thought the queue for the album had finished but it was still Ben.

Friday, Feb 28Like Cats and Dogs by Catherine Wheel (3.7/5)
(Apparently not an album according to Spotify) A solid 90s alternative album, exactly what I expected from that era. The album has that signature 90s grunge and alt-rock sound, but it doesn’t always maintain a consistent level of intensity throughout. There are tracks that I really “messed with”, and others that didn’t quite hit the mark. It’s something I’d listen to if I’m in the right mood, but probably not an album I’d revisit on repeat. Still, a good listen if you’re feeling that nostalgic alt vibe.

Saturday, March 1Ahadu by Esy Tadesse (2/5)
This one felt more like background music for most of the album. It’s got a cool, mellow vibe, but it never fully drew me in. The tracks blend together in a way that doesn’t quite capture my attention, and after listening, I don’t feel the urge to go back to it. While it was nice to listen to once, I would reccomend it solely on the fact that it’s a foreign album and I think my friends should expand their musical horizons. With that being said, I probably wouldn’t revisit it but it has got me to go back to my Afrobeat playlist and listen to that some more. So thanks Esy Tadesse!

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