Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6Ngm7maKAcnJ2HPxMbRAXa?si=a0536259e20e47c9

Madelaine’s picks

1. The Black Ghosts – “Full Moon”
2. Grizzly Bear – “Two Weeks”
3. Greta Van Fleet – “Flower Power”

While the Twilight film series may not be the best, the soundtracks are pretty good. “Full Moon” is definitely one of the best songs featured in the film series. The song is from The Black Ghosts’ self-titled album, released in 2009. “Full Moon” is the band’s most popular song on Spotify, with close to 18 million plays. The beginning of the song features vocals and acoustic guitar, with the guitar being the main highlight. About halfway through, the drums kick in and bring the song up a notch.

Grizzly Bear is an indie folk rock band that formed in 2002. “Two Weeks” is incredibly catchy, and even though the song came out on the band’s album “Veckatimest” in 2009, it never gets old. The first time you listen to the song, it may come across as happy and upbeat. In reality, the song’s lyrics are quite sad and address a slowly failing relationship.

Rock band Greta Van Fleet are often compared to rock band Led Zeppelin, due to both the bands singers voices sounding eerily similar. Greta Van Fleet may have a similar sound to Led Zeppelin, but give their songs the extra character they need to stand out on their own. “Flower Power” is from the band’s 2017 album “From The Fires” and features the perfect blend of past and present rock styles.

Quade’s picks

1. cinema staff – “Great Escape”
2. Jewel – “Winter Wonderland”
3. Kanye West, Dwele – “Flashing Lights”

cinema staff is a rather underrated band when it comes to Japanese rock and is usually overshadowed by contemporaries like Flow and One Ok Rock. “Great Escape” offers a nice pace with its flow and cements it with great lyrics.

There have been many takes on “Winter Wonderland,” but artist Jewel gives her own wonderful take on it, infusing the song with a gentleness akin to the winter air, and the nice country reprise makes this song a classic.

Kanye West’s evolution as an artist is something amazing to behold. From his first album to his latest, he’s grown and “Flashing Lights” is just another example. The progression shown in the lyrics is one of a young artist who wants fame to a reflective and thoughtful man.

Copy editor Abby’s picks 

1. Jen and Kat – “Get to You”
2. kirstin – “Break A Little”
3. Cosmo Sheldrake – “Come Along”

After finding an audience uploading short musical concepts onto video-sharing app Clash (formerly Byte), sister duo Jen and Kat released an EP earlier this year, expanding and completing some of their most popular clips, titled “Get to You.” This is also the title of the EP’s first track, which takes the listener on a synth-electropop journey that will have their head bobbing to the beat.

The only woman of a cappella group Pentatonix, Kirstin Maldonado put her chops on full display as a solo artist in her 2017 EP “L O V E,” with “Break A Little” being her first released single. It’s the perfect introductory track to her style and vocals, both of which are a pop ballad delight.

“Come Along” is the song that gave Cosmo Sheldrake virality, and for good reason. From its epic opening to its incredible lyrical allusions to famous nonsense poems, this song is a whimsical, folk-inspired romp that I never tire of. It was originally released in October of 2017 before appearing in Sheldrake’s debut album from 2018, “The Much Much How How and I.”

Daija’s picks

1. Bon Iver – “Second Nature”
2. WALK THE MOON – “Anna Sun”
3. Cigarettes After Sex – “Apocalypse” 

“Second Nature” is a recent single from the band Bon Iver that was written for the film “Don’t Look Up.” Bon Iver’s experimental folk sound is paired with lyrics about appreciating your way of life, which is fitting for the film itself. 

With its upbeat tempo, “Anna Sun” will make you feel like running around outside with your friend as the sun is shining on you. This song is about being in college, taking in the good moments as well as holding onto your inner child while growing into an adult. 

“Apocalypse” is a sultry smooth song that meshes well with lead singer Greg Gonzalez’s vocals. The song is about wanting a lover to let go of trauma and fears from past relationships so they can be present in their new one.

Kyron’s picks

1. Sam Smith – “Too Good At Goodbyes”
2. Bruno Mars – “Grenade”
3. CHIKA – “High Rises” 

Sam Smith pours their heart out in “Too Good At Goodbyes,” an honest take on the unfavorable experiences that come with breakups and heartbreak. The song’s title perfectly sums up the despair of failed relationships which is a sad yet relatable experience.

“Grenade” is a love song that describes the extent of love that one feels for their partner. Its underlying message is that true love knows no bounds. The lyrics are beautifully crafted, yet not to be taken too literally.

CHIKA is one of those artists that isn’t known by everyone, but is well deserving of high praise. Focusing on more interpersonal struggles and a unique critique of society, “High Rises” is a refreshing take from other artists.