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.
This time last year, the world didn't know who Alejandro Aranda was. But on March 6, 2019, that all changed when he stepped into the American Idol audition room, where he won the hearts of millions around the country (including Idol judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie) with his original songs and lightning-speed guitar playing.
Though he came in second to Laine Hardy on season 17 of Idol, Aranda has since kept the momentum going in major fashion as Scarypoolparty. He's already sold out a headlining tour of 2,000-person venues and released his debut album, Exit Form, Hollywood Records in November. As season 18 of Idol premiered on Sunday night, the show couldn't help posing the question: "Who will be the next Alejandro Aranda?"
As Scarypoolparty continues his success story, the 25-year-old singer-songwriter shared some of his favorite songs with Billboard for a Takeover Tuesday playlist. The 17-song mix includes some of his biggest inspirations, Nine Inch Nails and Twin Shadow, as well as current superstars The 1975 and Tyler, the Creator.
Scarypoolparty also shared some thoughts on each of the tracks he included, revealing which album he considers one of the "greatest albums ever made" and which group he considers "one of the greatest bands of all."
Check out Scarypoolparty's playlist as well as his comments below.
Björk, "Hyperballad": I have been a fan of Bjork for a very long time. This song has been stuck in my head for a long time.
Nine Inch Nails, "Reptile": This song has elements of darkness that I love. This whole album, The Downward Spiral, is completely amazing and seriously one of the greatest albums ever made.
The 1975, "Frail State of Mind": This is one song of so many that is amazing from the band. But "Frail State of Mind" is such an honest and amazing song.
Underworld, "Born Slippy (Nuxx)": If you like dark but heavy trance, then this song is for you.
Sleep Token, "The Offering": If you combine beautiful singing and heavy guitars then you have this piece of art which is the offering. Forever a fan.
Deftones, "Cherry Waves": I think Saturday Night Wrist from The Deftones is so beautiful. This song really reminds me of my childhood.
Black Midi, "Western": Huge fan of everything Black Midi.This song is so inspiring.
Twin Shadow, "Slow": I played with Twin Shadow in his band, and whenever we played this song it made me feel so happy to know that music this good exists.
Dead Can Dance, "The Carnival is Over": Compelling with amazing vocals.
Foals, "Balloons": I first heard the Antidotes album when I was 13, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Tyler, the Creator, "Yonkers": It’s Tyler, the Creator. Nothing more to be said other then genius.
Sigur Rós, "Glósóli": Beautiful music. Beautiful melodies. Beautiful tones.
311, "Down": It’s classic, man. I just think this band and song is so dope.
Slipknot, "Wait and Bleed": Slipknot has got me through some dark times. This song has always spoken to me.
Muse, "Stockholm Syndrome": The guitar work is brilliant, the vocals are brilliant, everything is brilliant.
Bombay Bicycle Club, "Carry Me": One of the greatest bands of all. This song is freaking insane.
Can, "Vitamin C": This song has the sauce.
