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.
This week we had indie pop singer-songwriter Madison Beer make us a playlist in honor of her latest release, a stripped-down version of her breakup banger “Dead.” The original song sounds super sassy as Beer sings “If you say you can’t live without me, why aren’t you dead yet?” on the chorus, but the acoustic rendition brings out the heartache and pain that she’s really feeling in the tune: “You could be here but you’re not/ I give whatever you want/ But you just take it and run.”
Because the acoustic “Dead” gives Beer’s fans all the feels, she decided that she should put together a playlist of songs that do the same for her. Alas, we have 26 songs featuring the likes of Michael Buble, Sia, The Beatles and Daft Punk that go straight for the heartstrings.
“This is a collection of songs that I connect to on a deeper, emotional level and that really just get me straight in the feels,” Beer explains of her choices. “If I’m ever feeling down or not like myself, I can throw on any one of these tracks and immediately feel more grounded. I just put on my headphones and let the world and all the stress and drama fade away.”
Touching on the wide range of artists that are included on Beer’s playlist (even the late Marilyn Monroe makes an appearance), the 18-year-old suggests that variety is the best way to get a full musical range of feelings. “I love that music can make you feel so many different emotions, but sometimes you need to just sit back and refresh — that’s what this playlist helps me do and I hope it inspires other people in the same way.”
Take a listen to Beer’s playlist and check out her acoustic video for “Dead” below.