Weekly Playlist (9/17)
Image courtesy of Steely Dan Official Website
Lauren McCarty 2026
“Harlem River Drive” – Bobbi Humphrey
Bobbi Humphrey’s flute combined with the smooth vocals on this track makes it a pop-jazz masterpiece. Released on her 1974 album Blacks and Blues from Blue Note Records, this song will transport you into NYC in the 70s. The sound is vintage urban soul, a classic Blue Note gem for jazz lovers.
Released on Steely Dan’s 1978 album Aja, “Josie” is one of the grooviest tunes of all time. Its intro is unique in combination with the funk that’s laid down the rest of the song. The album falls under the genres of soft-rock Jazz fusion and R&B, but within the seven tracks there’s more to be discovered.
“Symphony” – Clean Bandit (ft. Zara Larsson)
TikTok’s ability to push a seven year old song to the top of the charts is incredible. I love to see the resurrection of underrated pop. Symphony is featured on Clean Bandit’s 2018 album What Is Love? It’s a fast paced, uplifting orchestral-pop track. Listening to this song really does make you feel like a Lisa Frank drawing of dolphins and unicorns.
This is the first track on Unrecovery’s 2023 album It’s Agreed, My Willing Test. The melancholic guitar combined with the few but emotive lyrics on this track are soul-stirring. Unrecovery is an Ohio band located in the Cleveland/Akron area, described as Slacker Rock, Slowcore, Ugly rock, Genres you may enjoy if you like indie music.
Featured on Boz Scaggs 1980 album MiddleMan, “Jojo” tells an intense story, but the jazzy soft rock music makes for an easy listen. This tune is great for anyone who enjoys yacht rock. Boz Scaggs radiates soft R&B vibes of the late early 80s. This is the perfect track for cooking dinner or porch sitting.