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.
Mother’s Day may still be a month away, but especially in uncertain times like this, there’s never a bad time to show your mom some love. And Alec Benjamin couldn’t agree more.
For his Takeover Tuesday playlist, Benjamin is highlighting songs he loves from female artists, including Sia, Alicia Keys and Billie Eilish. But the true inspiration for this playlist was his mom, whom the singer-songwriter calls “one of the biggest role models in my life.”
“She struggled when she was growing up, because women were not encouraged to go to college or pursue higher education,” Benjamin tells Billboard over email. “She ended up going to law school and has achieved so much in her life. I want women everywhere to be encouraged to pursue their dreams.”
Benjamin shared 24 of his favorite tunes from women who have all pursued their dreams of being a musician. His playlist spans genres and generations, featuring songs like Fleetwood Mac‘s “Landslide,” Lauryn Hill‘s “Doo Wop (That Thing),” Kacey Musgraves‘ “Slow Burn” and King Princess‘ “1950.”
Though Benjamin is social distancing like the rest of us, he’s been keeping fans entertained with new music — he released a song aptly titled “Six Feet Apart” on April 2 — and live performances, including a Billboard Live-at-Home session. Once the quarantine is over, Benjamin has a busy year to look forward to: After releasing his debut album, These Two Windows, on May 29, he’ll set out on another headlining tour (with rescheduled dates being announced soon) and make his Coachella debut in October.
Channel the girl power with Benjamin’s female-fueled Takeover Tuesday playlist, as well as some comments from Benjamin, below.
Tracy Chapman, “Fast Car”: A timeless song about looking ahead and making a better life. Let’s finally see what it means to be living.
Sia, “Original”: An important anthem about being yourself.
Skylar Grey, “Tower (Don’t Look Down)”: People mostly know her for “Coming Home,” but she has a ton of great songs.
Lorde, “Perfect Places”: Let’s go to perfect places — who wouldn’t like this?
Regina Spektor, “Laughing With”: Regina is an amazing storyteller. This is one of my favorites.
Lauryn Hill, “Doo Wop (That Thing)”: A classic from one of the coolest women around.
King Princess, “1950”: This is a song we really needed in 2018.
Ally Hills (w/ Jonny Glenn), “Woah”: A lot of independence energy here. Love it.
Kacey Musgraves, “Slow Burn”: Beautiful record from Kacey. The perfect opening track to her Golden Hour album.
Marina, “Primadonna”: This one will get you moving.
Billie Eilish, “Bad Guy”: I feel like this one needs no description. Billie changed the game.
Lykke Li, “Sex Money, Feelings Die”: Love the vocals on this one. A sleeper hit for sure!
Blu DeTiger, “Tangerine”: Such a unique piece of art. Love hearing stuff like this.
Alanis Morissette, “Reasons I Drink”: Alanis is a legend, and this was such a great first taste of her upcoming album.
Alicia Keys, “No One”: How can you not be in a good mood after hearing this? Alicia’s voice is unparalleled.
No Doubt, “Just A Girl”: Before it was cool, Gwen Stefani was there.
Lesley Gore, “You Don’t Own Me”: If you think you don’t know, just give it a quick listen.
