#MFMF98: Editor-in-Chief Wilson's "Thank You, Next" Playlist - Men's Folio
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#MFMF98: Editor-in-Chief Wilson’s “Thank You, Next” Playlist

  • By Wilson Lim

#MFMF98: Editor-in-Chief Wilson's "Thank You, Next" Playlist

As the seasons change (as in fashion season), the common sentiment amongst many would be an excitement for what is to come (because we simply have exhausted the styling option and story angle of some very tired collections). This mercurial desire to move forward (thank you, next) can often times hold us back from being better in life because we fail to acknowledge past mistakes and/or a job well done.

I think it takes a lot of bravery to self-diagnose and self-correct, and not get pulled into a senseless cycle. In my world, I take messages from music to give me that courage and I do that a lot on walks to take public transport or anywhere (other than to avoid sales pitches).

The following is my “Thank You, Next” playlist to express the above-mentioned sentiments. No, Ariana Grande’s track — albeit suitable; just replace the ex-es’s names with issues — would not be making the spot.


RRILEY — mmm bye

This is the number one track on my mind when working for this “Thank You, Next” playlist. If you check out the MV, RRILEY opens her track with a message about self-doubt and recognising the strength of your own convictions to move forward.

I particularly enjoy this track because it serves up the bulls*** of self-victimisation cold — Act so innocent \ Like you’ve done nothin’ wrong \ Say you never meant to \ But karma’s gonna call \ So best pick up your phone \ I hope you’re satisfied alone — and ain’t nobody has time for sideshow Bob.


Sigala, Becky Hill — Wish You Well

Technically, this is a romantic break-up song but take a listen from the angle of breaking up with your toxic self. The message is loud and clear here — I wish you well and I’m getting out of here.

There’s also a really magical effect of having the belt-y vocals of Becky Hill on a track to act as motivation — somewhat like a drill sergeant, but much less tiring.


Syn Cole feat. Kaspara — Breathe

I have a terrible habit of going into frenzied overdrive when I’m worried, then I become disorientated and cannot focus on the task at hand. Deputy editor, Bryan always reminds me with a “I need you to take it down to a two” and this track is a melodic version of his (maybe) harsh words.

No brakes, no brakes \ Your head and my heart in a tight race \ I want you close but you want space \ Okay, okay \ Pretending like everything’s okay \ You wanna go but can we stay? \ You lose all-all-all your control \ When we go-o-o down this road \ Overthinking about where it can go (where it can go)

In moving forward, we all must remember sometimes staying the course can also be an option.


Steve Aoki, GATTÜSO, Aukoustics feat. MKLA — Losing My Religion 

If there was some kind of order to listening to this playlist and bring one on arc, then it would have to be this:
1) Steve Aoki, GATTÜSO, Aukoustics feat. MKLA — Losing My Religion
2) RRILEY — mmm bye
3) Syn Cole feat. Kaspara — Breathe
4) Sigala, Becky Hill — Wish You Well

Back to the track, “Losing My Religion” is about not losing your own personal authenticity in this journey called life. There are so many distracting messages out there with regards to success, but at what cost? Therefore, this is a track about the timely reminder to start on a journey to say: Thank You, Next.

Once you’re done adding songs from this “Thank You, Next” playlist, click here to catch up with our June/July 2021 issue.