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.
Recent times may have some people feeling like it’s the end of the world as we know it. But don’t worry: Cam has a playlist to help ease your worries.
Before a global pandemic caused widespread worry, Cam ironically released an apocalyptic video for her latest single “Til There’s Nothing Left” in February. So for Takeover Tuesday, the country singer put together a playlist of tunes with messages of love and loss, similar to the passionate story she tells in her own song.
“This is my soundtrack to the end of the world,” Cam says in a statement. “The drama, the adrenaline, the loss of inhibitions and the declarations of love.”
Included in that soundtrack are belt-worthy songs like Bonnie Tyler’s 1983 Billboard Hot 100-topper “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and Sam Smith’s recent release “To Die For.” But Cam also made sure you’ll dance, too, adding high-energy hits like Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams.”
The 17-song playlist is capped with Kendrick Lamar’s uplifting “Alright,” which reassures that no matter what happens, “we’re gonna be alright.”
Check out Cam’s End of the World playlist, as well as comments from the singer, below.
Bonnie Tyler, “Total Eclipse of the Heart”: Nothing is more dramatic and epic than this music video.
Bruce Springsteen, “I’m on Fire”: Haunting, unrelenting passion.
Cam, “Till There’s Nothing Left”: Honky-tonk armageddon wrapped up in sin.
C.W. Stoneking, “The Love Me or Die”: There’s something creepy and comforting about this old-timey sound.
Patti Smith, “Because the Night”: The urgency and defiant nature of young love.
Sam Smith, “To Die For”: In the end, the only thing that matters is if you have someone to die for.
Chris Isaak, “Wicked Game”: You’ve never had so much fun singing along to a sad, lamenting melody.
The Secret Sisters, “You Don’t Own Me Anymore”: To me it feels like a real truth when you hear women harmonies singing something. They’re announcing their freedom and we’ll all be free when it’s over.
College & Electric Youth, “A Real Hero”: From the Drive soundtrack — I picture just driving off into the night. It feels like the song could go on forever.
The Coasters, “Down in Mexico”: Another haunting one. Feels like some kind of warm magic could happen in the dark.
Eurythmics, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)”: Hypnotic. This is if you spent your last moments dancing.
Eric Burdon & War, “Spill the Wine”: This song is like a crazy, wild, drug-induced, nonsense dream. Feels chaotic like how you might not be able to put the pieces together at the end of the world.
Gillian Welch, “I’m Not Afraid to Die”: Nothing says “end of the world” like confronting your own mortality.
Paul Cauthen, “Holy Ghost Fire”: “If you knew the truth about me, baby girl/ No way in hell you’d stay/ But if I filled you in/ Would you take it to the grave?”
Depeche Mode, “Enjoy the Silence”: Dark, pulsating ’80s genius. When the end is near, words won’t matter.
Belinda Carlisle, “Heaven is a Place on Earth”: Let’s not wait for what’s next, let’s make heaven right here.
Kendrick Lamar, “Alright”: “But if God got us, then we’re gonna be alright.”
