Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5EKnO2o7AavTpoippxBXP4?si=faab98bb7ad444fc 

Madelaine’s picks

1. Omar Apollo – “Brakelights”
2. Fleet Foxes – “White Winter Hymnal”
3. Vampire Weekend, Steve Lacy – “Sunflower”

R&B singer-songwriter Omar Apollo has over 5.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify. While “Brakelights” is not in his top five most popular songs on Spotify, the song is one of Apollo’s best releases. “Brakelights” features a relaxing and soul-inspired guitar riff, as well as smooth and calming vocals. The song is perfect for studying, reading, painting and going for a late night drive.

“White Winter Hymnal” is currently the most popular song on Spotify for indie folk band Fleet Foxes. The song starts off a cappella, before slowly incorporating some light percussion that builds until the very end of this song. “White Winter Hymnal” is perfect for enjoying the winter weather and for those who enjoy folk music.

The collaboration of indie rock band Vampire Weekend and alternative R&B artist Steve Lacy works surprisingly well together on “Sunflower.” The song showcases Vampire Weekend and Lacy’s different styles, creating a unique combination of indie and R&B, with a funky drum beat and a catchy guitar riff featured throughout the song.

Quade’s Picks

1. Frank Ocean – “Thinkin Bout You”
2. GALNERYUS – “HUNTING FOR YOUR DREAM”
3. Hozier – “Someone New”

R&B singer-songwriter Frank Ocean made waves in the music scene, with averages in the millions on Spotify. Due to his recent rise to popularity, some of his other music goes overlooked. “Thinkin Bout You” is some of his best work, displaying the vocals that made him famous in the first place.

The anime series “Hunter X Hunter” put out a banger original soundtrack. The track “HUNTING FOR YOUR DREAM” stands at the top. A killer guitar note opens to a roaring start before the vocals carry the song. If you like rock, you’re guaranteed to like this song. 

Hozier in his prime takes some getting used to. Hozier’s song “Someone New” doesn’t seem to require a lot of attention at first, but still is catchy to listen to.

Daija’s Picks

1. Joshua Bassett – “Set Me Free”
2. SZA – “I Hate U”
3. The Walters – “I Love You So”

“Set Me Free” is a powerful anthem that details Bassett’s experience with sexual abuse in his childhood. The heart wrenching lyrics match the piano ballad and choir beautifully. 

“I Hate U” first blew up on TikTok when SZA released a snippet of it. SZA details her experiences with horrible men who treated her poorly. She finds herself missing them, but she hates them too much to go back.

“I Love You So” has a groovy drum beat that pairs with the smooth voice of lead singer Luke Olson. The song details a man’s internal struggle while in a relationship. He has to decide to stay with someone who doesn’t appreciate him or leave, but ultimately decides that being without her is for the best.

Kyron’s Picks

1. Kid Cudi, JAY-Z – “Guns Go Bang”
2. The 1975 – “Sincerity Is Scary”
3. Mariah Carey – “All I Want for Christmas Is You”

“Guns Go Bang” is a part of the soundtrack of the Netflix original film “The Harder They Fall.” Created specifically for the Netflix original, the track foreshadows events that occur in the film. This is apparent as the song is played in the opening credits as well.

The 1975 is a pop and rock band with a diverse sound. “Sincerity Is Scary” is no exception and is a fine tune to listen to. The lyrics and melody are entrancing and will leave the listener wanting to play it on repeat. 

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” is undoubtedly a Christmas classic. This upbeat and catchy song signifies the start of the holiday season. Mariah Carey’s vocals are on full display to get people into the Christmas spirit.