The Check In: Your Monthly Dose of Music and Wellness
The Power of Music and Wellness: How The Check In Playlist Can Inspire Social Change
Welcome to “The Check In,” your monthly hub for finding new music and exploring new dimensions of wellness. We’ve revamped our former “Self Care” playlist to bring you more variety, more inspiration, and more tunes to tune into your inner self.
February is the month of love, and we want you to love yourself as much as possible. That’s why we’ve curated a selection of songs that will help you nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you need a boost of energy, a dose of calm, or a spark of creativity, we’ve got you covered.
Each song on our playlist has a story to tell, and we want to hear yours too. Feel free to share your feedback with us, and don’t be shy to introduce yourself to new artists. You never know what gems you might discover.
So, put on your headphones, press play, and get ready to check in with yourself. This is your personal soundtrack to inner peace, and we’re here to guide you along the way. Cheers to a month of wellness, wonder, and music!!
‘Bloom’ - Aqyila’s latest single, ‘Bloom,’ is a heartwarming ode to the small but meaningful things that make her feel loved. The song opens with a nostalgic melody and a gentle voice that sings about finding comfort in a lover’s sweater. The sweater is not just a piece of clothing, but a symbol of the connection and care that Aqyila shares with her partner.
As the song progresses, Aqyila reveals more details about her relationship, from the tender gestures that helped her heal from past hurts, to the joyful moments that filled her with happiness. The song also reflects how her love has grown over time, becoming deeper and stronger with each passing day. The chorus is a catchy and uplifting expression of gratitude and satisfaction, as Aqyila sings: “Everything you do, how you call my name. Sunday afternoon, come and make it rain. Let the flowers bloom, ease my pain. Always tell the truth, can you answer me?.”
‘Bloom’ is a song that celebrates the power of love to transform and heal. It is a song that reminds us to appreciate the simple things that make us feel loved and happy. It is a song that showcases Aqyila’s talent and passion as a singer and songwriter. ‘Bloom’ is a song that will warm your heart and soul.
‘High Water’ - In her latest single, ‘High Water,’ Tori Kelly delivers a powerful message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. With her angelic voice and heartfelt lyrics, she expresses her struggle to maintain her faith amid the darkness and uncertainty of life. She sings, “Hard to help a friend when you don't know what to say. All the questions and she still chose to pray.” She reassures herself and her listeners that better days are coming, and that the dawn will break the night. She leads the chorus with a stunning vocal performance that showcases her soulful roots and her ability to convey emotion through music. She sings, “Something is comin' in the mornin'. If I can make it through the night. Whatever comes, Hell or high water. I know, I know what's on the other side.” Her song is a testament to her faith and her optimism, and an invitation to join her in her journey of healing and growth. ‘High Water’ is a song that touches not only your ears, but your heart, and leaves an impression that you will never forget.
‘Timeless’ - Some love stories transcend the boundaries of time and space. That is the message that Nicole Chambers delivers in her new single ‘Timeless’, a soulful R&B ballad that celebrates the power of true love. Chambers sings with honesty and emotion, expressing her willingness to give her all to the one who makes her feel alive. Her voice is a gentle caress, a warm embrace, a tender kiss. She invites us to join her in the journey of love, where every moment is precious and every day is a gift.
‘Timeless’ is more than just a song. It is a testament to the enduring beauty of love and its connection to R&B music. Chambers draws inspiration from the legends of the genre, who all sang about love with passion and grace. She honors their legacy by creating a modern classic that speaks to the hearts of listeners across generations and cultures. ‘Timeless’ is a song that will never go out of style, just like the love that it celebrates.
‘IJS’ - Love is a powerful force that can affect not only how we feel, but also how we see and value ourselves and the world around us. That’s the message that Asiahn, the rising R&B star, delivers in her latest single, “IJS.”
Asiahn, who has been vocal about her experiences with heartbreak and healing, sings about finding a love that transcends the ordinary and transforms her outlook on life. She tells us how this love makes her appreciate herself more, embrace new opportunities, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being with someone who truly cares for her.
In the chorus, she sings: “I'm just sayin' (I'm just sayin'). You can blame me (You can blame me). For this love. I'm just sayin' (I'm just sayin'). I'll take the blame here (Take the blame). For this love, yeah.”
The song is a celebration of love that elevates and inspires, rather than diminishes and drains. It’s a love that makes you want to be a better person, not only for your partner, but for yourself.
‘My Way’ - R&B and hip-hop collaborations have been a staple of the music industry for decades, but few artists can match the chemistry and creativity of GRAMMY nominated Kenyon Dixon and Ye Ali. The duofound harmony with their smooth vocals, and honest lyrics, blending genres and styles with ease.
Their latest collaboration, ‘My Way’, is a testament to their talent and vision, as they lay down the ground rules for a complicated relationship. The song explores the challenges of loving someone who doesn’t see things the same way, and the need to make some adjustments to make it work. The song is not a plea, but a statement, as they assert their individuality and preferences, while also acknowledging the attraction and connection they share.
The song is a reminder of the power and potential of R&B and hip-hop collaborations, as Kenyon Dixon and Ye Ali showcase their versatility and charisma, delivering a melodious and relatable track that resonates with listeners. The song is also a reflection of the resurgence and importance of these genres, as they continue to influence and inspire the music scene with their innovation and authenticity.
Other songs we loved:
‘This Is Me… Now’ - Jennifer Lopez
‘KALEIDOSCOPE LOVE’ - KALLITECHNIS
‘Stranger’ - Bailey Jehl
‘Off White’ - Benny Atlas
‘Groove’ - Elijah Pierre
‘Photograph’ - Sy Smith
‘Igual Que Un Ángel’ - Kali Uchis
‘part ii (foot da boot)’ - Jeremy O’Brian
The Check In Spotlight Presented by GAMMA: ‘Ruin’ - Usher / Pheelz
Plus stay caught up on ‘First on Audiomack’ with new reviews uploaded weekly.
You can listen to this month’s “The Check In” on Audiomack and YouTube Music.