We're in the thick of Spring and I love it for its sweetness. You can smell it in the air. One of my favourite ways to celebrate the season is to take a speaker down to the park and play the soundtrack to my childhood and adolescence.
While I'm no musician by any means, music has always played such a significant part of my life. As a listener, as a dancer, as the former face of MTV back home — it's an especially visceral medium for me that reverberates deep within.
The following are 10 albums that are soothing in tone. They not only help to calm my nervous system, they've also brought me (and continue to bring me) immense amounts of joy, introspection and inspiration…
1. Sade — "Lovers Live"
It doesn't get any smoother than Sade. I will not be elaborating further.
2. Janet Jackson — "janet."
I'm very vocal about how much I revere "The Velvet Rope" for its honesty. It's my favourite album ever for a lot of reasons but "janet." is a close second with its mellow vibe and snazzy aesthetic. "That's The Way Love Goes" sets the tone for a hypnotic and nostalgic journey. Note: this is when Janet began earning her reputation for singing the nastiest lyrics with the sweetest vocals.
3. Tems — "For Broken Ears"
"Essence" was the anthem of 2020 that introduced me to Tems and I've been mesmerized by her ever since. When I found "Ice T" and "Free Mind" I was instantly hooked.
4. D'Angelo — "Voodoo"
The late and great D'Angelo. When I think of ethereal artists, he comes to mind. I had the pleasure of seeing him live around 2015. As a massive Prince fan, it's refreshing hearing his influence in a really endearing way. Rafael Saadiq, who I also really love, was a major collaborator on "Voodoo" too.
5. Aaradhna — "Sweet Surrender"
Aaradhna represents home to me. We both come from Porirua and have shown each other love in every chapter of our careers since we were kids. But you don't have to know her to feel her entire heart and soul on every track.
6. Babyface — "MTV Unplugged NYC 1997"
A compilation of hits performed live by my favourite songwriter of all time. His pen is unmatched — from TLC and Toni Braxton to Mary J Blige and Whitney Houston. I love hearing songs he did for other artists in his voice.
7. Beyoncé — "The Lion King: The Gift"
So many gems accompanied by the most stunning visuals. This album is slept on but for me, it's tied with "Renaissance" (very much a dance your ass off party album) as Beyoncé's greatest offering.
8. Luther Vandross — "Live Radio City Music Hall 2003"
Luther is one of those once in a lifetime talents. Everything about him has such a majestic quality. My Mum used to play his records all the time growing up so he's someone my family enjoys together.
9. Jazmine Sullivan — "Heaux Tales"
The things Jazmine Sullivan can do with her voice is nothing short of magic. Paired with a fun but very raw storytelling, this quickly became a favourite on heavy rotation.
10. Aaliyah — "I Care 4 U"
Her signature sound of a sweet tone over gritty beats takes me back to high school where everyone was bumping her. This album acts as a greatest hits for yet another beautiful artist who was taken too soon.
About the contributor: Kristian Fanene Manuwai is a writer, cultural curator, and former face of MTV. Follow him at @whatwouldkritdo.
Wellness is everything you let into your space — the sounds, the stillness, the rituals you return to. Enga Vital Wellness Tonic was made for exactly these moments.