Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/12itB2pL3xgVQbLD7EhXNv 

Jacob’s picks

1. Frail Body – “Cold New Home”
2. Carcass – “Torn Arteries”
3. Kanye West – “No Child Left Behind” 

Midwestern screamo band from Rockford, Frail Body hits a vulnerable chord of melancholy on their track “Cold New Home.” The guitar riffs, guitar tone and Lowell Shaffer’s vocals all feel direly emotional. Whatever may be going on in your life, “Cold New Home” makes all those feelings valid. 

Legendary death metal band Carcass is back. Their new album “Torn Arteries” was released on Sept. 17, and the title track proves that the band still has bullets left in the chamber. Vocalist Jeff Walker is still churning out those quality nasty vocals and the European style of extreme metal is still a mainstay. “Torn Arteries” may stick in the same wheelhouse of their last full-length release, but that quality hasn’t dipped on this kick-ass title track. 

American rapper and singer-songwriter Vory is a key contributor across Kanye West’s “Donda,” and for good reason. “No Child Left Behind” feels like pure ascension; Vory’s vocals are heavenly, and the lyrics are incredibly potent over the organs at the foundation of the track. While West isn’t the sole focus of the track, his delivery on the chorus is one of the most powerful moments across the record. 

Quade’s picks

1. Remble – “Touchable”
2. Drake, Future, Young Thug – “Way 2 Sexy”
3. Coldplay, BTS – “My Universe”

Remble stands out as a bit of a black sheep in the industry. His lyrical flow definitely runs at a different pace than most rappers, which took me a while to get used to. One strong suit of his song “Touchable,” however, is that it puts heavy focus on the wordplay and beat which only adds to the novelty.

“Way 2 Sexy” is too catchy not to put on this list. The hook can only be described as addictive. The background music, while fairly simple compared to its counterparts, definitely does its job and gets you going. It’s simply a fun track to vibe to.

Coldplay has always had a different, but I think “My Universe” is probably one of the best examples of this. One thing that is completely new is that they featured BTS on the song, and it surprisingly adds even more to the song’s extraterrestrial disco vibe.

Kyron’s picks

1. Kai September – “What You See”
2. YoungBoy Never Broke Again – “White Teeth”
3. DJ Khaled, Lil Baby, Lil Durk – “EVERY CHANCE I GET”

Kai September puts her heart on display in “What You See,” opening up about insecurities brought forth by past heartbreak and abandonment. She paints a perfect picture that will resonate with many listeners. Although it is a short song and the artist is singing in a soft, soothing tone, the message is still loud and clear. 

“White Teeth” is the 20th track on YoungBoy Never Broke Again’s latest album, “Sincerely, Kentrell.” The track exudes confidence and celebration of the rise to fame whilst also acknowledging the dangers that come with the lifestyle he lives. 

Rap stars Lil Baby and Lil Durk team up yet again, this time with DJ Khaled, on an upbeat song about proving haters and those who wish negative energy on them wrong. “EVERY CHANCE I GET” highlights their hard work and enjoying the spoils of their labor.

Madelaine’s picks

1. Inner Wave – “Mystery”
2. Her’s – “She Needs Him”
3. Husbands – “Liked to Party”

“Mystery” is a song by rock band Inner Wave. This song features electronic elements with a jazzy piano rhythmic opening. The song sounds reminiscent of psychedelic rock band Tame Impala, and it has some funk to it while the vocals are distant and echoey. The beat switches up at the bridge of the song, and it slows down to a slower beat featuring a guitar solo.

Indie rock band Her’s brings back the ‘80s vibe on their song “She Needs Him.” The song features low vocals and heavy electronic ‘80s synth indie pop. The band sounds like a modern version of The Smiths on this track.

Husbands is an alternative indie band that formed in 2002. “Liked to Party,” which comes off of the band’s latest EP of the same name, features dreamy harmonies and chill dream pop beats.

Ariel’s picks

1. Lloyd – “Get It Shawty”
2.  Monsune – “OUTTA MY MIND”
3.  Nicki Minaj, Skillibeng – “Crocodile Teeth”

“Get It Shawty” is an early 2000s R&B throwback that takes you back to a time when music had rhythm to dance to, when “footworkin” was a thing. Lloyd had millennials and early Gen Zs listening to his album track. A forever classic in the R&B world, the beat is nostalgic in the way it carries the chorus of the song.

The electric guitar as a base to “OUTTA MY MIND” is soul catching. This is a modern alternative anthem to listen to when someone is on your mind, perhaps a crush. The lyrics also have a way of speaking to the listener— Monsune’s voice hits different, like he’s talking about you. The lyrics and the guitar set the retro tone of the song.

Nicki’s classic anthem off her older album finally made its way to Apple Music. “Crocodile Teeth” features a beat that can stand on its own, while the lyrics highlight energy, drive and confidence; that’s essentially how Nicki Minaj’s music has all the “Barbz” feeling.