To aleviate some of those lockdown blues I've been putting together Friday afternoon playlists for the team each week and we thought it might be fun to share them with you. The lists often have a theme and are a combination of requests and just me digging around in my musical memory. Hopefully you enjoy this and if you have any of your own suggestions, then please get in touch.  

This week’s playlist starts with the absolute classic, Riders on the Storm, by The Doors. First released in 1971 this song balances ambient rain sounds with a psychedelic rock/funk baseline to die for. Perfect for capturing London’s less than brilliant weather this week. 

Singing in the rain, by Gene Kelly, suggested by a junior member of the team (thank you), is next pairing brilliantly with Umbrella, by Rihanna. Anyone familiar with Lip Sync Battle will be aware of the fantastic performance by Tom Holland (facing off against Zendaya). For anyone not familiar, follow this link; I promise you will not be disappointed.  

Next up is the gloriously dreary 90’s earworm Why Does it Always Rain on Me?, by Travis, followed by Stormy Weather, by Etta James. This makes for an absolutely gorgeous lead up to the more abrupt Rain, by Aitch et al, included for the grime fans in the team (here’s looking at you Partners). Be warned this song is NSFW in case you decide to listen with little ears. 

The glittering beat of Paris in the Rain, by Lauv is up next followed by Imagine Dragons' joyous Thunder. 

The Stormzy remix of Chains, by Nick Jonas is cheating a bit (the only connection to the theme being Stormzy’s name) but it fits with the request for more Jonas Brothers in the playlists (you know who you are). 

As some light relief (hahaha) we have Blood and Thunder, by Mastodon. This blistering heavy metal track makes for a great departure from this week’s more chilled out playlist. 

The crowning glory is Africa, by TOTO. A classic of the 1980’s the song made a resurgence during the third season of Love Island in 2017 and has taken up a permanent spot in many a nightclub set since. Suggested by our resident amateur DJ this song is almost a playlist in its own right and I couldn’t be happier to include it. 

Notable exclusions 

Those songs that didn’t quite make the cut this time include: The Rain, by Missy Elliot (fantastically weird with a brilliant video to match), Purple Rain, by Prince (of course) and It’s Raining Men (the original, not the Geri Halliwell version). 

Over and out for now and we’ll see you next week.