Weekly Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3CrSRgASW74bCcJnv8Hbwm?si=GI1TFv14Q2GiLLmy6jAqBA
Madelaine’s picks
- Holidays – “Phones”
- COIN – “I would like”
- Arctic Monkeys – “Crazy Sounds”
Alternative indie pop band Vacations has over five million subscribers on Spotify. The lyrics tell that even if someone is not in the singer’s life, they will always be in his thoughts. “Telephones” features surf-pop inspired guitar, a light, upbeat drum beat and the smooth vocals of vocalist Campbell Burns. The song is taken from the Australian band’s 2018 album “Changes”.
COIN is a pop-rock band, arguably best known for their song “Talk Too Much”. “I Would” comes from the band’s 2015 self-titled album and features lyrics about an increasingly serious romantic relationship. If you’re looking for a catchy love song, this is the one to listen to.
“Mad Sounds” is taken from the popular 2013 album “AM” by alternative indie rock band Arctic Monkeys. The group has over 23 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Their older songs have recently regained popularity on TikTok. Lead singer Alex Turner has a very distinctive voice that can be immediately recognized. This song is one of the band’s slowest independent tracks.
Bailey’s Picks
- Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars, Silk Sonic – “Smoke Out the Window”
- RealestK – “WFM”
- Eyedress, Dent May – “Something About You”
Bruno Mars has been a popular pop artist since the early 2000s. His collaboration with Anderson .Paak on “Smokin Out The Window” stays true to Mars’ style. The song became extremely popular thanks to TikTok at the end of 2021.
“WFM,” which stands for “Wait for Me,” is an R&B/soul song released in October 2021. The lyrics of the song describe a relationship where the two are never quite on the same page. Singers continually ask each other to “wait for me”.
“Something About You” is an alternative rock song released in 2021. This song is not Eyedress’ typical style, however, the change was a nice difference from their typical music.
Daija’s picks
- Hozier – “Wasteland, baby!”
- Baby Keem – “US Registered Trademark”
- Abby Cates – “I saw your mother at the grocery store”
“Wasteland, baby!” is the final track from Hozier’s second album of the same name. The song compares falling in love to an apocalypse because it’s scary and destructive, but can lead to new beginnings. The meaning, coupled with Hozier’s deep, raspy vocals and guitar strumming, makes this song comfortable and a perfect ending to an album.
Baby Keem may be Kendrick Lamar’s cousin, but he’s definitely making his own mark in the rap world and “trademark usa” shows it. Keem knows how to keep his pace consistent even when the pace changes slightly. His lyrics are simple and straightforward, but the way he raps them adds the extra emphasis that makes this song so exciting and a great way to open his debut album.
“I Saw Your Mommy At The Grocery” is a breakup song you’ll want to shout out loud. It details the awkward encounter of bumping into your ex’s mom and wanting to tell her everything, but knowing it’s best to keep quiet. Cates has a soft voice, but gets powerful at the right time.
Kyron’s Picks
- Brown 5 – “This love”
- Brent Faiyaz – “Fuck the World (Summer in London)”
- J. Cole – “Wet Dreamz”
“This Love” was one of Maroon 5’s first songs that caught the attention of what would become longtime fans of the band. This group stands out because it has always been able to integrate the innovations of electronic music and hip-hop. Nonetheless, the band never strays from incorporating mostly pop and rock into their catalog. Adam Levine provides his talents as the band’s lead singer.
Brent Faiyaz, combines lyrics about toxic relationship traits with instrumentals you’d likely hear in a 90s rhythm and blues classic. The chorus is edited to drastically change Faiyaz’s vocal pitch, with lyrics that will become quickly catchy and will make you want to dance.
This song is more on the sexually explicit side, but tells a coming of age story. With a great beat to aid J. Cole’s vivid imagery and storytelling ability, the song is about Cole having a crush on a classmate. In detail, the lyrics describe the anxiety and pressure that accompanies a young man who loses his virginity for the first time, but with an intrigue in the last verse.
Grace’s Picks
- Silver Chair – “Freak”
- Deftones – “Change (in the house of flies)”
- Joji – “Will He”
Silverchair is an Australian rock band that certainly doesn’t get enough credit. The group took off when the members were in high school and were met with a lot of praise. The lead singer sounds very similar to Kurt Cobain, so if you love Nirvana but have overplayed all of their songs, check out Silverchair. This song has a hard rock feel with grungy lyrics.
Deftones has a trance sound. This song has a cool vibe, a combination of angst and relaxation. Since the band has a soft yet harsh sound, you can listen to them in many different settings. “Change (In the House of Flies)” also has a satisfying hook.
Ex-YouTuber Joji has made his way in music and has surprised many people with his sweet and soulful voice. Very different from his presence on YouTube, his unique music has gained popularity on TikTok. “Will He” is a breakup song that will definitely get you in your feelings.
Quade’s choices
- Brown 5 – “Misery”
- Michael Jackson – “Love never felt so good”
- Taylor Swift – “Look What You Made Me Do”
“Misery” re-emerged into the public consciousness from the remix along with another cupcakKe song “CPR”. The song is pretty good on its own with Adam Levine delivering his signature funky vocals.
Michael Jackson’s discography is legendary, producing hits such as ‘Billy Jean’ and ‘Beat It’. Her song “Love Never Felt So Good” utilized Jackson’s ability to deliver catchy lyrics, but pales in comparison to her previous hits.
It’s time for a throwback with Taylor Swift. The singer-songwriter released this hit in 2017 as part of his “Reputation” album. Although it fails to be a diss track, it’s still a catchy song.
