Welcome back to Takeover Tuesday, where each week, Billboard taps chart-topping artists and tastemakers to compile their very own playlist exclusive to Billboard‘s Spotify account. We give the artists free rein to base the list on whatever subject they choose. The only rule? Make it as creative and unique to them as possible.
It’s a weird time for many right now, as the coronavirus has a majority of the United States in containment in hopes of preventing further spread of the illness. On the bright side, music can still serve as a source of joy for those in quarantine — and Grouplove has curated their own “Quarantine Dream” playlist.
The pop group, who just released their fourth studio album, Healer, on March 13, dedicate their Takeover Tuesday playlist to songs that offer some lighthearted vibes amid the country’s current crisis. As Grouplove declares to Billboard in a statement, “Our playlist and our entire life is about escapism.”
The 20-song lineup features several classics from the ’70s and ’80s, including Blondie‘s “Heart of Glass,” The Cure‘s “Just Like Heaven” and Thompson Twins‘ “Hold Me Now.” There’s also some topically named tunes on the list, like Talking Heads‘ “Road to Nowhere” and Men Without Hats’ “Safety Dance.” And with a Healer track also snuck in there (their recent single, “Youth”), Grouplove made sure their playlist will make you move.
Below, the Grouplove members (Hannah Hooper, Christian Zucconi, Andrew Wessen, Daniel Gleason and Benjamin Homola) candidly discuss their song selections, with witty comments that will surely make you smile while you dance your worries away. Check out their playlist and conversation.
Mary Jane Girls, “All Night Long”: “Heard this the other night in The Lexington in London, and Andrew and I danced hard to it.” — Hannah
Blondie, “Heart of Glass”: “Makes me wanna move when I’m trapped.” — Christian
Liquid Liquid, “Cavern”: “This makes me feel good.” — Ben
The Cure, “Just Like Heaven”: “I didn’t pick that one…” — Wessen
Grouplove, “Youth”: “Best song of the year, maybe the decade.” — Dan
Talking Heads, “Road to Nowhere”: “When we had to cancel our tour a few days ago, this song came on.” — Christian
Iggy Pop, “The Passenger”: “I am a passenger I stay under glass.” — Christian
New Order, “Age of Consent”: “It’s a dark song for these strange times.” — Ben
Idles, “Television”: “Second best song after Grouplove’s ‘Youth’ in the last few years.” — Hannah
The Clash, “White Man in Hammersmith Palais”: “Since I was kid whenever this song comes on it cheered me up- I’m only looking for fun I’m only looking for fun.” — Christian
The Champs, “Tequila”: “Needed.” — Wessen
Thompson Twins, “Hold Me Now”: “Remembering when we could be out in the world together touching.” — Hannah
The Cure, “Close To Me”: “My brother won’t let me go home and see my dad so I’m feeling the opposite of close.” — Wessen
Bill Withers, “Lovely Day”: “No matter how fucked everything seems when you have loved ones near it can still be a lovely day.” — Hannah
Men Without Hats, “Safety Dance”: “You can dance if you want to, but leave your friends behind because one of them might have it.” — Dan
Iggy Pop, “Lust For Life”: “We are all lusting for life after the epidemic.” — Ben
Tom Tom Club, “Genius of Love”: “This song is epic.” — Hannah
Donna Lewis, “I Love You Always Forever”: “This is how we feel about our fans.” — Christian
Rufus and Chaka Khan, “Ain’t Nobody”: “I’m singing this to my food all the time. Stress eating.” — Wessen
Redbone, “Come and Get Your Love”: “Come and get it.” — Hannah