Welcome back to Takeover Tuesday, where each week Billboard taps chart-topping artists and taste-makers to compile their very own playlist exclusive to Billboard’s Spotify account. We give the artists free reign to base the list on whatever subject they choose. The only rule? Make it as creative and unique to them as possible.
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After making his mark on the pop scene with British boy band JLS, Aston Merrygold has become a force to be reckoned with on his own. The 30-year-old UK native has appeared on the British dance competition show Strictly Come Dancing and delivered a catalog of retro-pop and R&B tunes made for the dance floor, including his 2017 EP Precious.
For his Takeover Tuesday contribution, Merrygold has crafted a playlist that’s jam-packed with high-energy hits of today that are reminiscent of the 1990s. “All of these songs get me in a different way and they all have influences of tracks from my favourite music era, the 90s,” Merrygold told Billboard.
While the 20 featured songs are influenced by the ’90s, most are from artists who have made their mark within the last decade, like ZAYN (“Let Me”) and Eric Bellinger (“Imagination”).
Merrygold also chose tracks with crossover appeal, hovering between the genres of EDM, hip-hop, R&B, and pop. For instance, Jason Derulo‘s “Tip Toe” featuring French Montana, “Run Me Dry” by Bryson Tiller and the Miguel-assisted Kygo track “Remind Me to Forget” are all songs with R&B stars singing over electronic-tinged production. Merrygold himself is also featured on the club-ready single “Across My Heart” by Gawler.
Elsewhere on the playlist, genres that have been typically niche shine — take the New Orleans bounce-inspired “Nice For What” by Drake and the N.E.R.D. single “Lemon” featuring Rihanna. Further, tracks like “Bounce” by TVXQ! and Bruno Mars‘ “Finesse” featuring Cardi B have an undeniable new jack swing influence, so it’s fitting that the only song on the playlist made before the 21st century is by mainstays of the genre, New Edition (“Can You Stand the Rain”).
Check out Aston Merrygold’s “Throwback Feels” playlist below.