Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3Dpc15PiipPjx5Hz3x9Fdc 

Jacob’s picks 

1. Kanye West, Chris Martin – Homecoming 
2. Kanye West, Rick Ross – Devil In A New Dress
3. WZRD – Live & Learn 
4. Lingua Ignota – I WHO BEND THE TALL GRASSES

Legendary rapper and artist Kanye West is slated to perform his fourth and hopefully last “Donda” listening party Aug. 26 at Soldier Field. “Homecoming” is the perfect song to celebrate West coming back to Chicago to perform in the city he calls home. “Homecoming” is simply a classic; West’s wordplay and flow are energizing. Singer-songwriter Chris Martin provides an upbeat and instantly recognizable piano track with a sensational chorus. With additional lyrics centered around Chicago, it’s the perfect song to celebrate the Windy City. 

“Devil In A New Dress” features West at one of his highest artistic peaks. “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” broke boundaries not only within rap but within music as a whole, and songs like “Devil In A New Dress” continue to prove that point 11 years later. Producers Bink and Mike Dean work wonders on the instrumental alongside West’s unmatchable bravado with a stellar feature from rapper Rick Ross to create an instant masterpiece. 

Alternative rock duo WZRD compiles the musical efforts from rapper Kid Cudi and his trusted producer Dot da Genius. “Live & Learn” succeeds because of Cudi’s naturally flowing voice with some comforting guitar and bass work. It’s impossible to listen to this song just once. 

At this point, it should be undeniable that vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Kristin Hayter, also known as Lingua Ignota, is one of the most talented individuals working in music right now. “I WHO BEND THE TALL GRASSES” is as equally devastating as it is cathartic. Hayter’s voice is angelic, tortured and deeply emotional. The organ at the center of the instrumental is as grand as Hayter’s vocal performance and lyrical themes. Hayter’s music has always been a demanding experience for listeners. “I WHO BEND THE TALL GRASSES” doesn’t change that notion— the track only reinforces that statement and what makes her musical endeavors special. 

Madelaine’s picks

1. Joe Vann – “Houseplants”
2. Alexandra Savior – “Shades”
3. Boyscott – “Lake House”
4. Yumi Zouma – “Depths (Pt. II)”

Joe Vann, full name Joey Vannucchi, is an alternative folk artist, songwriter and producer from California. Earlier this year, Vann released his debut solo LP, “Found In The Smoke,” which includes “Houseplants.” Vann is also a vocalist for alternative indie band From Indian Lakes, which formed in 2009. This song’s lyrics are filled with imagery and flow together effortlessly. The catchy rhythm and perfect harmonies are the song’s best features.

Alternative indie singer-songwriter Alexandra Savior is severely underrated. Savior worked with other artists, including Alex Turner, the lead vocalist for bands Arctic Monkeys and The Last Shadow Puppets, on her 2017 debut album “Belladonna of Sadness.” Turner contributed to the album “Belladonna of Sadness” on production, bass, guitars, keyboards and synth. This is obvious to anyone who has listened to Arctic Monkeys, as Savior’s song contains the same unique bass and piano techniques. Although similar, Savior adds her own twist. Her voice has a beautifully haunting sound to it which adds something unique to the Turner-inspired bass and piano.

“Lake House” by surf rock-pop band Boyscott comes from their album “Goose Bumps.” Their sound and album cover art reminds me of what summer camp as a child feels like. The song does not have a lot of lyrics to it. The instrumental aspect is the main component of the song, while the occasional vocals are more of an addition. While the lyrics are a bit sad, the overall sound is upbeat and even a bit relaxing. 

Yumi Zouma is an alternative pop band from New Zealand. “Depths (Pt. II)” comes off of the band’s sophomore album “Willowbank.” The whole album is genius. The first track is “Depths (Pt. I)” while the last track is “Depths (Pt. II),” which makes it easy to replay the album in a seamless continuous loop. Lead singer Christie Simpson’s voice is hushed and light, almost as if she is having a conversation rather than singing. The overall sound is melancholy and mellow.