Pride Playlist
Brooke’s BOPS
“Drove Me Wild” | Tegan and Sara
Tegan and Sara’s Heartthrob is a no skips album. It’s a pop powerhouse with a track for every mood, and served as my constant soundtrack the summer I first started dating other women — it was the perfect companion for a Baby Gay. Like its much more famous sibling, “Closer,” “Drove Me Wild,” is a confection about chemistry. Its love story is a little more lived in and walks the line between the zest of something fresh and the nostalgia for what was in a way that hits every single time. Trust me, I’ve seen this song live on multiple occasions, and Tegan Quinn never fails to elicit screams from the crowd on par with what I assume Jon Bon Jovi enjoyed every time he took the stage in the late 80s. It’s pandemonium.
“1950” / “Talia” | King Princess
This one-two punch from King Princess is the perfect encapsulation of the duality of love. First the optimism that it takes in the first place — “1950” is inspired by the novel “The Price of Salt” which was adapted into the feature film, “Carol,” which itself is a queer staple. All three works are an ode to women loving women who had the audacity to love each other when society deemed doing so unacceptable. King Princess’ track oozes with the possibilities of romance. Conversely, “Talia” aches with the sting of lost romance. A banger of a ballad that taps into the pangs of the one that got away. If scream-singing “BY FOUR DRINKS I’M WASTED!” doesn’t heal your heart just a little bit, you might be a lost cause.
“Born This Way” | Lady Gaga
Is this a gimme? Yes. Is it still a bop? Also yes. Did I weep watching Mother Monster play a stripped down piano version of this song at the Jazz show during her Vegas residency? HELL YES. Lady Gaga just gets it. And let’s be honest, even if this wasn’t the perfect pop ode to being exactly who you are — which it is — “Father, Son, House of Gucci,” earns her a spot on every Pride playlist forever. I don’t make the rules.
“Pynk” | Janelle Monae ft. Grimes
Buckle up. Janelle is here to step up the lusty metaphor game. Her breezy bop sounds as good as a June afternoon feels.
“Simply the Best” | Noah Reid
Once more for the people in the back: Representation matters. Like Darren Criss’ heartwarming/breaking acoustic rendition of “Teenage Dream” in “Glee” before it, “Schitt’s Creek” turned to a stripped down version of a classic to melt hearts. Both in Patrick’s original performance for David and David’s less skillful but no less enthusiastic apology rendition later on, Tina Turner’s (Rest in Power, Queen) “Simply the Best” strikes a sweet and romantic chord that results in guaranteed swoons. And in case you’re wondering, “A Little Bit Alexis” is also a queer anthem. Don’t ask me why, it just is, Again, I don’t make the rules.
Cody’s CURATION
“Let Me Drown” | Orville Peck
If you enjoy the style of country/folk music, then you will love the talented Orville Peck. Orville brings a new sound to country music while being proudly open about his experience as a gay man – just recently he was featured in Shania Twain’s documentary “Not Just A Girl,” discussing his experience growing up gay and Shania’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community during her career. Relatable! “Let Me Drown” showcases his authentically raw vocal style, allowing the listener to hear the desperation in his voice. It’s one of my personal favorites, and if you’re having a bad day, queue this one and be sad together.
“Dancing With Our Hands Tied” | Taylor Swift
Ok… I know I’ve shown some of you the infamous “reputation is About Karlie Kloss” slide show, but let me discuss one of the songs featured within that presentation: “Dancing With Our Hands Tied.” While Kissgate caused quite the PR scandal for Taylor and Karlie, and I do hate to speculate on my queen’s sexuality – it’s her life – I do believe this song reflects the gay experience, especially when in The Closet™. Taylor describes the song to be about hiding the one she loves because of her life in the spotlight, but I think the lyrics can almost parallel hiding someone you love because of who you truly are: “I loved you in secret,” “deep fears that the world would divide us,” “ you had turned my bed into a sacred oasis, people started talking.” I know this might seem like a stretch, but when you grow up being afraid of your environment because of who you are, the song just hits different.
“Best Friend” | Conan Gray
Need a song to dance to with your bestie? Well, Conan has got you covered. “Best Friend” is just super catchy and fun. Press play and throw those drinks back, sis!
“I see america” | Joy Oladokun
Joy Oladokun, a queer woman of color from rural Arizona, doesn’t hesitate to speak on social issues around the U.S. Joy is also no stranger to venues around Denver and has opened for several artists that I love. “I see america” is a standout for me, as she brings attention to systematic racism in the country and passionately calls for change. She tends to mash this song up with Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and it pulls me in every. damn. time. Chills!
“Sugar On the Rim” | Hayley Williams
If you love Paramore but haven’t heard any of Hayley Williams’ solo work, then you might enjoy her experimental debut project Petals for Armor featuring the song “Sugar On The Rim.” As Hayley says, this one is for the gays. The song sounds like it came straight from an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race .
Kaitlyn’s Swan Song*
*We’re still not quite over Kaitlyn moving on to her next act, but at least she left us with some choice tunes on her way out.
"Question.....?" | Taylor Swift
This is an obvious pick from the CSGays. But if you've ever been kissed in a crowded room by your same sex partner, you know it's NOT the same combination of fear and exhilaration as a heterosexual kiss. Plus, we need a Kaylor nod in this playlist.
"Feel" | Fletcher
The heartbreak of holding onto an old flame..... with wine as your medicine.
"we fell in love in october" | girl in red
Throwing in some international love with Norwegian singer, girl in red. Plus, carrying the Pride love into October with a sweet song about falling in love.
"HEAVEN" | Troye Sivan
An earlier song from (I think) one of the first openly gay YouTubers to make a successful record. If you've ever had to confront your faith with your sexuality, this song hits hard.
"It's Raining Men" | The Weather Girls
Just an old school classic that has to be in any Pride playlist.