Talkhouse Playlist: Songwriting, Tone and Raw Honesty from Dawn Richard

A playlist of genre-defying greatness from the multi-platinum selling artist.

Multi-talented, prolific and multi-platinum singer-songwriter Dawn Richard (formerly of Danity Kane) released her new album, Redemption, this November under the name DAWN. Redemption is the third in a trilogy of solo albums, and a complete, genre-defying reinvention for the artist. To celebrate its release, we have a playlist from Richard full of similarly experimental electronic and pop artists. Make sure to check out Redemption today, and enjoy the playlist!
–Dave Lucas, Talkhouse Marketing Manager

Kate Bush – “Running up that Hill”
The artistic expression in the video is beautiful. I also appreciate the simplicity.

Grace Jones – “Slave to the Rhythm”
Self-explanatory.  Genius. She’s sound like a black ocean.

Frank Ocean – “Novacane”
The pulse of this record is so smooth. It’s a conversation in song.

Dawn Richard – “LA”
This record is my favorite of Redemption. The way it moves sonically and evolves makes me want to dance.

Bjork – “Hyperballad”
My favorite record she’s done. Simply because her approach and timing on the song are unpredictable.

K’s Choice – “Not an Addict”
The tone on this record and the raw honesty in the lyrics makes it great. A woman speaking of drug addiction with an unapologetic tone makes me smile.

Otis Redding – “Dreams to Remember”
One of my favorite singers. If pain had a sound it would be his voice. He moves me.

Tori Amos – “Little Earthquakes”
As a songwriter, I love the stories Tori tells. She can bring me to tears with one line.

Peter Gabriel – “In Your Eyes”
This record will forever be an anthem for me. The way Lionel Loueke wails throughout this song is transcendent.

Rufus Wainwright – “Vibrate”
Rufus is one of my favorite songwriters. The melodies that he creates are infectious and his lyrics straddle lines between comedic jargon and hopeless romantic.