Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0JyL9TojusOxgepRg8Qw02?si=55b99dec798840f1 

Jacob’s picks

1. Sanguisugabogg – “Dragged by a Truck”
2. Bodybox – “Doublewide Stomp” 
3. Antichrist Siege Machine – “Unleashed Hostility”

This week has a very heavy extreme metal rotation. “Dragged by a Truck” by death metal band Sanguisugabogg is as unsettling as the album’s cover art. The drumming is well-paced and full of intricacies for a death metal song. While a nasty track, “Dragged by a Truck” does not slack in being a well thought out song. 

“Doublewide Stomp” by death metal band Bodybox is as degenerate as a death metal song can get. The guitar riffs, drum work and vocals are all about moshing and violence with some groove intertwined. 

Band Antichrist Siege Machine dawns a blend of black and death metal known as “War Metal.” Everything about this band and the track “Unleashed Hostility” creates a primitive soundscape that is hard to forget. “Unleashed Hostility” is a full on assault out of hell. 

Daija’s picks

1. Dominic Fike – “Why”
2. Ben Hughes – “Easy”
3. The Head And The Heart – “Rivers and Roads”

With the help of a guitar and drums, Dominic Fike sings about a conversation with a woman and questions why she does nothing about her boring, regular life. With the repetition of the word “why” in the song, Fike encourages listeners to question why their life is boring and repetitive. 

Ben Hughes’ sound can be described as soulful and unique, and “Easy” is no exception. With similarities to Daniel Caesar, Hughes masters the Neo-Soul sound, and his lyrics fit perfectly when describing and manifesting an unexpected relationship. 

“Rivers and Roads” is The Head and The Heart’s most popular song and is played in many shows and movies. This is for good reason— with its indie-folk sound, you truly feel the emotion of missing your friends, being separate from them and willing to cross rivers and roads to see them again. 

Ariel’s picks

1. Summer Walker – “Reciprocate”
2. LISA – “MONEY”
3. Ariana Grande – “God Is a woman”

Summer Walker’s new album “Still Over It” depicts her situations and lessons learned in the most melodic form. “Reciprocate” is one of her standout songs, with touching lyrics that can be felt by any woman who has gone through an unbalanced relationship. This and other songs in the album have a lower beat and are great to listen to while chilling.

“MONEY” is one of those songs you play when you need motivation to make money. This track is a catchy tune to create a dance for TikTok to, and can encourage its listeners to work hard for the finer things in life. 

“God Is a Woman” is ethereal and sung with so much power that it can make anyone feel strong and beautiful. This anthem is timeless and the chorus speaks with high vibration. Ariana’s music is always impeccable, but this song has energy that embraces spirituality and femininity.

Quade’s picks

1. Eminem – “The Real Slim Shady”
2. Bon Jovi – “Livin’ On A Prayer” 

Eminem has always had a fierce reputation behind him. His classic song “The Real Slim Shady” is probably his most well-known, however, the technicalities are what make this song go unplayed. Eminem’s tactical wording and brilliant rhyme scheme make this song work.

Another classic song, Bon Jovi is remarkable in his ability to make consistently catchy hits. While his star has unfortunately burnt out, “Livin’ On A Prayer” is still a reminder of when it shone brighter.

Kyron’s picks 

1. Billie Eilish – “ocean eyes”
2. Kanye West, Chris Martin – “Homecoming”
3. Journey – “Lights”

“ocean eyes” has a captivating melody that makes the listener feel relaxed. Along with a catchy chorus, this song is tantalizing.

Part of the beloved “Graduation” album that will stand the test of time, this song is beautifully crafted and tells a story of finding true love.

The band Journey is one of my favorites. I first interpreted “Lights” to be about the exhaustion from working in a bustling city, however, it is really about the band’s hometown, San Francisco. The chorus is provided by the talented vocals of the lead singer, Steve Perry. 

Madelaine’s picks

1. Far Caspian – “Attempt”
2. Beach Fossils – “Sleep Apnea”
3. Palace – “Gravity”

UK pop band Far Caspian has been releasing music on Spotify since 2018. The band released their latest album “Ways To Get Out,” this year, featuring “Attempt,” the best song from the album. “Attempt” currently has close to half a million plays on Spotify and for good reason. The song builds up anticipation in the beginning before diving into a fall-inspired chill indie tune.

Beach Fossils is an alternative indie rock band that formed in 2009. “Sleep Apnea” is the band’s second most popular song on Spotify, with more than 55 million plays. The track comes off of the band’s 2013 album “Clash the Truth.” “Sleep Apnea” is one of the band’s more relaxed tunes, perfect for studying, taking a walk or driving at night.

Palace has a range of genres throughout the band’s discography, from hip hop to indie. “Gravity” is the band’s latest single that at times features some blues-inspired guitar riffs. This slow tempo track sounds like something one would hear in a coffee shop.