Party-From-Home in a Pandemic Playlist: PPE Required

There's not a lot to smile about these days. But like Katy Perry says in her new song Smile, I’m thankful, scratch that I’m grateful. And I am, I am grateful to still have music as a constant in my life that can still be enjoyed, discussed, and something to still look forward to. August has begun (crazy I know), here is a list of dance jams on my party-from-home playlist and what releases to keep an eye out for this month.

Smile as already mentioned is the title track off of Katy Perry’s new album set to be released August 28th. Due to production slowdown, the release date was pushed out two weeks, but Katy assured fans on her live performance on Sirius XM Hits 1 Channel 2 that the album will still come out this month. For now you can hear Smile, along with Never Really Over, Daisies, and Harleys in Hawaii. Would love to be anywhere farther than walking distance from my apartment, but this song definitely transports me with its island vibes.

It’s not a new release, but 5 Seconds of Summer won’t leave my head with their track Old Me. Shout out to the old me and everything you showed me/glad you didn’t listen when the world was trying to slow me. Old Me is off the band’s album CALM, an acronym for the band’s members. The pandemic is slowing down live events, but the music keeps on coming.

Hot Girl Bummer artist Blackbear has a new album fittingly titled Everything Means Nothing dropping August 21st. Another pop jam Queen of Broken Hearts is all over the air waves. It’s odd to be grooving to lines like, left you with a thousand scars/I’ll leave you out to bleed, but Blackbear manages the unusual. Based on the title I think there will be a lot more bops and mismatched lyrics to look forward to.

A song that really puts a smile on my face when I sing it is Zedd and Jasmine Thompson collaboration Funny. It’s funny how you miss me more than you could ever love me/ you heard I was happy and I heard you’re not/ I guess freedom didn’t free you like you thought. Zedd kills the mix behind Jasmine’s vocals. This song has attitude and beat that I can’t help but blast on repeat. It’s funny how you’re calling couldn’t answer if I wanted cause his lips are on my lips and both my hands are on his body. It’s fun to imagine being that physically close to someone one day, but for now I’ll imagine myself in Jasmine shoes for the length of this song and this pandemic. The music video is also very funny, with a surprise appearance from Lewis Capaldi. Check it out, but be warned it will get stuck on loop!

I’m also obsessed with Lindsay Ell’s new song wAnt me back off her highly anticipated album Heart Theory out August 14th. If I were you I’d want me back too/ I’m the best you ever had and I’m always gonna be. Just LOVE the sass of this song, and the empowering message behind it. It’s the stage of moving on where you are happy with yourself, alone without anybody else. It is hard to get to this stage of moving on, but something about this song encourages you to sing it loudly until you believe it. This song also makes you just want to move, whether you relate to the story or not, everyone can stand to believe they are just as okay alone as when they had someone, especially in these isolating times.

The soon to be banned Tik Tok dance sensation of Savage Love went viral for Jason Derulo. It’s an addicting beat. When you kiss me I know you don’t give two fucks but I still want your savage love. Also so fun to sing! Check out the Tik Tok edition of the music video below and then try your moves!

Doja Cat also is keeping me moving with her song featuring Gucci Mane Like That. You won’t be seeing me doing a split to the closing beat of the song, but you can see that in the music video. Or you can do the Tik Tok challenge for Like That, while the app lasts. Another dance jam that would be perfect in the club. For the foreseeable future enjoy these song picks at a safe social distance. What are you dancing too? Let’s add to our quarantine playlists together. Til then I’m going back to my quarantine dance party. Later ~ Rockin Rox