Chelsea Cutler’s newly released fourth album Is This the End? is a bittersweet capsule of new beginnings, whether it be phasing out of young adulthood or an ill-fated relationship. Yet instead of mourning the past, Cutler sounds grateful for the lessons these experiences provided her with as she moves into her future with a newfound sense of confidence that finds its way into both discs of this latest collection of alt-pop tunes.
It’s fitting, then, that the theme for the playlist she built for us revolves around sunsets in her current hometown of NYC—a symbol of finding beauty at the end of a chapter. It seems like she may have taken that prompt more literally than figuratively, as the songs she chose to include by artists including Blood Orange, Samia, Jean Dawson, and M83 each provide the perfect backdrop for Manhattanhenge or a rooftop golden hour, while Cutler’s enthusiasm for them insinuates that they may have helped spark various chapters in her creative career.
Check out the full playlist below along with Cutler’s words on each selection, and listen to Is This the End? here.
Blood Orange, “Champagne Coast”
This song makes me feel like anything in the entire world is possible.
Joji, “Your Man”
This has been one of my favorites for years. I’m always coming back to it.
Hayden James, “Something About You” (ODESZA Remix)
This song is one that inspired me to start making music in the first place. It always gets me excited about life.
Clams Casino & Imogen Heap, “I’m God”
This one always makes you feel like you’re in a movie.
Googly Eyes, “Mid-Leap”
Googly Eyes is an artist who I find to be so inspiring lately. This is one of my favorites of hers.
Samia, “Pool”
This song is magic. I would often walk and listen to it and cry or think deeply about everything in my life that matters to me.
sombr, “I Wish I Knew How to Quit You”
Something about this song feels hopeful to me, like you’re starting the rest of your life.
M83, “Outro”
Another song I often listen to on my long walks. This song puts everything in life into perspective for me somehow.
The Marías, “Back to Me”
So sentimental and powerful, yet so smoooth.
Doggone, “William”
I’ve had this on repeat for the better part of this year.
Jean Dawson, “Electric Children”
Another hopeful one that makes you feel like you’re staring at the rest of your life.
Mk.gee, “I Want”
This song is pure yearning and romance. Perfect sunset soundtrack.
