This is Vantage POINT: A monthly moodboard for things that have been on our minds as of late, topics both fresh and familiar. We point you towards what to watch out for and what we think you should be enjoying right now. And if whatever we love becomes whatever you love (at least a little bit), then we’ve done our jobs.
It may be back-to-school season for most of us but that doesn’t mean we can’t set aside time for our favorite TV shows, movies, and music releases. Here are Vantage Magazine’s top picks for the month of September!
Photo sourced from the official ABBA Voyage Twitter account
Release: September 2
39 years since their last album release, the Swedish pop group ABBA has started teasing new music and a comeback live show entitled, ABBA Voyage. I’ve rewatched Mamma Mia (2008) a handful of times over the quarantine, so it’s safe to say that ABBA’s music has become a staple source of good vibes for me. Listening to iconic bops like Dancing Queen and Super Trouper always takes me back to those late-night parties onsite where everyone sang these tunes at the top of their lungs. I’m beyond ecstatic to see what ABBA has in store for their fans of all ages, especially given the time since their last release. – Giu
Photo sourced from Lisa’s Instagram
Release: September 10
BLINKs should be ready to stream, because BLACKPINK’S Lisa is scheduled to release her first solo album! The girl group is known for having experienced a long hiatus, so individual activities are a welcomed change. As an avid K-pop fan, I’m always excited for releases from my favorite idols.
After successful solo debuts of fellow BLACKPINK members Jennie and Rosé, I’m anticipating fresh concepts from another solo release. Lisa is praised for being an energetic dancer and rapper, and her confident personality is bound to shine brighter than ever through her individual work. Hopefully she not only meets but also exceeds fans’ expectations. – Nat
Photo sourced from Shazam
MONTERO (2021) by Lil Nas X
Release: September 17
American rapper Lil Nas X is set to release his first debut album this month! The album is preceded by the launch of MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name), Lil Nas X’s controversial single which drew flak from the religious community for its biblical references and imagery. The upcoming album also contains Industry Baby (featuring Jack Harlow), a trumpet-heavy single that talks about Lil Nas X and Harlow’s newfound fame and success.
Recently, I’ve found myself listening to Lil Nas X’s catchy singles, so I’m very excited for what his first album has to offer! – Therese
Photo sourced from Collider
Release: September 24
I’ve been waiting for this stage-to-screen adaptation for forever.
To be completely honest, the news about the 27-year-old Ben Platt reprising the title role of a 17-year-old highschooler had many musical fans—myself included—raising their eyebrows. It has been confirmed as well that a couple of beloved songs from the original Broadway production were cut from the film and, needless to say, most of us are not happy about it.
Nonetheless, I think it’s worth a shot to give the film a chance and see how well it translates to the screen before criticizing artistic decisions. Despite being skeptical, I’m still looking forward to seeing how it all plays out, especially with the stellar cast—which includes the likes of Julianne Moore, Amy Adams, Kaitlyn Dever, and more. – Giu
Photo sourced from Pushkin Industries
Highlighting life’s uncertainties, A Slight Change of Plans unveils an alluring complexity of how the human mind develops. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and Senior Director of Behavioral Economics at Google. She imparts her knowledge through heartfelt conversations with notable figures such as Kacey Musgraves and Hillary Clinton.
Although the people she invites may seem larger than life, their intimate stories resonate with me. Lately I’ve been reflecting on and appreciating how everyday changes eventually become the most influential facets of my life. The podcast’s nuance and application of psychological concepts also help me have fun learning more about myself! – Nat
Photo sourced from BuzzFeed
Following her phenomenal performances in Grey’s Anatomy (2005) and Killing Eve (2018), Sandra Oh is back to astound us with her acting chops. The Chair (2021) narrates the trials and tribulations that Ji-Yoon Kim (Sandra Oh) faces as the first-ever woman of color department chair at the fictitious Pembroke University.
In just under three hours, this comedy-drama mini-series perfectly captures the struggles of being a first-time parent in the academe while also bringing to light the dangers of cancel culture. Oh’s humorous and snappy character makes it worth the watch as well! – Therese
—
