Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3cbTvHglEkHigksW4nroUl 

Jacob’s picks

1. Zao – “Ship of Theseus”
2. Young Thug, Offset, Solo Lucci – “Special” 
3. The Acacia Strain – “EARTH WILL BECOME DEATH” 

American metalcore band Zao has been kicking around in the scene since 1993. The great thing about the band is that they’re still releasing stellar tracks like “Ship of Theseus.” The progressions and riffs absolutely rip across the track with a frenzy. “Ship of Theseus” was meant to be played on the loudest speakers possible. 

“Special” is one of the hardest tracks rapper Young Thug has made. Producer Mike WiLL Made-It provides a catchy rap instrumental over a hard-hitting piano track. Rappers Young Thug and Solo Lucci give great verses, but it’s Offset’s final verse that puts the cherry on top. 

“EARTH WILL BECOME DEATH” by deathcore band The Acacia Strain is a nihilistic and primal look into how the world is changing for the worse. The instrumentation throughout the track is well diversified in terms of progressions and riffs, all while maintaining a heavy and crisp aesthetic. 

Madelaine’s picks

1. Jay Som – “I Think You’re Alright”
2. Car Seat Headrest – “Maud Gone”
3. Yumi Zouma – “Carnation”

“I Think You’re Alright” by dream pop singer-songwriter Jay Som currently has almost 8 million plays on Spotify. The song features singer Melina Mae Duterte’s hushed, soothing voice and an emphasis on a rhythmic drum beat.

Indie rock band Car Seat Headrest is known for their angsty lyrics and grungy sound, but the band proves they can still slow it down on “Maud Gone.” The song comes off of the band’s 2015 album “Teens of Style.” Usually, the band’s songs have a heavy instrumental track, but “Maud Gone” has a steady drum beat and focuses more on the vocals and poetic lyrics.

Yumi Zouma is an alternative pop band that formed in 2014. “Carnation” is a song that comes off of the group’s 2017 album “Willowbank.” The song has a chill sound, features addictive harmonies and creates a melody that is best described as easy listening.

Quade’s picks 

1. Fugees – “Killing Me Softly With His Song”
2. Guns N Roses- “Sweet Child O’ Mine”
3. The Weeknd –  “Take My Breath”

The Fugees are nothing short of iconic in the R&B scene. This classic song was written in 1975 originally and remixed back in the ‘90s to acclaim. Regardless, the song offers haunting vocals and a catchy melody.

“Sweet Child O’ Mine” starts off as a very typical song from Guns N Roses and then evolves into its own halfway in with killer vocals and a nice lead in from the main singer. Like all of Guns N Roses’ music, it is filled with killer guitar riffs but goes deeper than that and delivers, in my opinion, a potent message about relationships.

The Weeknd has a habit of writing addictive songs, and “Take My Breath” is no exception to this rule. With lyrics that can read for a number of different meanings and entendres and, as always, a consistently catchy hook, this track definitely earns a top spot.