IN ROTATION VOL. 03

The songs in this edition have been blaring through every speaker I own for the past two weeks. This rotation feels like the exact point where summer starts leaning into fall. Still warm enough to move your waist, but romantic enough to make you consider whose hoodie you might be borrowing when the temperature drops.

Latin R&B, dancehall and slow jams have taken over. Apparently, cuffing season has already reached the aux cord. Here is what has been in rotation.

Dariel Amant: la espina.

Latin R&B might be my new favourite genre. Dariel Amant had me at “easy, mami.” Sí, señor.

I could not tell you where I first heard “la espina.” What I can tell you is that it has been in rotation more often than not ever since. The song is smooth, romantic and perfectly suited to that brief stretch when summer is wrapping up and fall is beginning to make itself known.

There is an ease to it that makes the record feel intimate without trying too hard. The Spanish guitar, Dariel’s bilingual delivery and the softness of the production make it sound like the beginning of something you may or may not be ready to name yet.

Cuffing season is upon us, and this is the kind of song that makes getting a little closer feel like a perfectly reasonable idea.

You are welcome in advance.

Gordon: Muse Interlude

I have been following Gordon’s music since seeing him at last year’s Open Sessions, presented by SoulEra Records and The Playlist Queen.

Even within that year, the growth has been easy to hear. His new EP, Unconditional, sounds more mature, more assured and more intentional. Gordon has always made music that understands romance, but this project feels like he has settled more comfortably into his own version of it.

“Muse Interlude” is brief, but it does exactly what an interlude should. It creates a mood quickly, leaves before overstaying its welcome and makes you run it back because two minutes were simply not enough.

There is something refreshingly sincere about the way Gordon approaches romantic R&B. No unnecessary posturing. No pretending not to care. Just feeling, melody and vulnerability given room to exist.

I have always liked Gordon’s music. Unconditional turned me into a fan.

Masego featuring Buju Banton: Hello

Masego has been on fire lately, and “Hello” may be one of the best moments on Fix Your Face.

Pairing him with Buju Banton feels both unexpected and completely obvious once the record begins. Masego brings his usual warmth and musicality, while Buju’s unmistakable voice gives the song a weight and texture that could not have come from anyone else.

The result is smooth, playful and built to move through the body before you have time to think about it.

If you come from any land of spice, this one will guarantee a waist wine. You honestly cannot help it. Consider it muscle memory.

Masego is currently taking Fix Your Face on tour, which feels appropriate because “Hello” deserves to be heard in a room full of people moving at the same time.

Some songs are made for headphones. This one needs a crowd.

4Fargo and Eric Bellinger: Your Love Is Gold

“Your Love Is Gold” is the perfect wind down record.

If there is anyone on your mind, this song will have you daydreaming before the first verse has finished. It carries the familiar romantic ease Eric Bellinger does so well, but never becomes overly explicit. The feeling is sensual without sacrificing softness.

This is what vulnerability sounds like when it still has a little umph.

4Fargo and Eric Bellinger make the kind of slow jam that gives your imagination entirely too much room. Suddenly, you are not just listening to a song. You are directing a music video in your head, complete with dramatic lighting and a love interest who finally knows how to communicate.

Dare I say, it sounds like a song that could be sung in the rain.

Final Thoughts

This edition of In Rotation is romantic from beginning to end, but each record approaches the feeling differently.

Dariel Amant makes attraction feel effortless. Gordon brings sincerity back to the centre of R&B. Masego and Buju Banton turn chemistry into movement. 4Fargo and Eric Bellinger make vulnerability sound like a slow dance.

Together, they make a convincing case for letting the season change without rushing it.

Summer may be winding down, but the rotation is warming up.