Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Slw86KAY4EjdcYbGh4UNY?si=bdd9184906a24bdd 

Madelaine’s picks

1. Strawberry Guy – “Sun Outside My Window”
2. Washed Out – “New Theory”
3. Young the Giant – “Amerika”

Bedroom pop artist Strawberry Guy released his latest album “Sun Outside My Window” in 2021 that includes a song of the same name. The song features soft vocals and an ‘80s inspired instrumental track that makes the song sound simultaneously retro and current.

Chillwave singer-songwriter Ernest Weatherly Greene, Jr., formerly known as Washed Out, hit it big when his song “Feel It All Around” was selected to be the theme song for the show “Portlandia.” “New Theory” and “Feel It All Around” are on the same 2009 album “Life of Leisure.” “New Theory” is what Washed Out does best, delivering a perfect mixture of shoegaze, indie and synth.

Young the Giant is an alternative rock band that formed in 2004. “Amerika” is the first track off of the band’s 2016 album “Home of the Strange.” Once the album came out in 2016, I had this song on repeat for months before hearing it again recently. The song’s lyrics criticize the idea of the American dream and details endless searching for things considered to be a part of the American dream. The song features an upbeat drum pattern and bittersweet melody.

Quade’s picks 

1. Aimer – “SPARK-AGAIN”
2. Michael Jackson – “Human Nature”
3. Carolina Gaitán, Rhenzy Feliz, Adassa, Stephanie Beatriz, Mauro Castillo, Diane Guerrero – “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”

Aimer has had many heavy hitters in her career so far, but “SPARK-AGAIN” stands out due to its popularity as the third opening to the anime “Fire Force.” The impressive vocal range Aimer is known for is on full display here with a catchy tune to boot.

It seems that wherever you go, you can’t escape the legendary discography of Michael Jackson. Even though he is a household name, “Human Nature” is an underrated song of his. The title alludes to the subject matter, but the lyrics don’t feel heavy handed at all. In fact, they tend to merge into the beat quite well.

The film “Encanto” recently hit Disney+ and exposed the film to a wider audience. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” became an overnight sensation, and for good reason. The musical genius behind “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda, and talented voices like Stephanie Beatriz and Diane Gurero make this song an ensemble of greatness. With subtle lyrical details and a Latin inspired beat, this song outshines most of Disney’s songs in the last few years.

Kyron’s picks

1. fun. – “One Foot”
2. Lupe Fiasco, Ed Sheeran – “Old School Love”
3. Kanye West, DaBaby – “Jail pt 2”

“One Foot” is a song that tends to go under the radar amongst fans of the band. At its core, the song is about tribulations faced and the pursuit of better mental health. The chorus is upbeat and uplifting with a message of continuing to thrive by taking one step at a time. 

“Old School Love” is a love song about wanting an old-fashioned type of love, but also about living in the moment. Ed Sheeran provides his wonderful vocals for the chorus and Lupe Fiasco’s verse paints a picture of young romance with the lyrics.

Part of the “Donda” album, “Jail pt 2” works as a sequel to another song on the album “Jail.” DaBaby provides a great verse to the song while furthering the topic of mass incarceration and injustices that come along with it.

Daija’s picks

1. Lake Street Dive – “Better Than”
2. Maren Morris, Hozier – “The Bones”
3. The Head And The Heart – “All We Ever Knew”

Lake Street Dive is a Brooklyn-based band that experiments with multiple genres. “Better Than” is no different as it incorporates a blues and folk sound that complements lead vocalist Rachael Price’s deep vocals perfectly. 

Maren Morris and Hozier being an unlikely duo didn’t stop them from collaborating on “The Bones.” Morris brings her unique country style while Hozier gives his deep, husky vocals to make a balanced song. The beat is catchy and the tune will be stuck in your head for days.

“All We Ever Knew” is a song that has a sad meaning, but is masked with an instrumental track that is upbeat and catchy. The song details a toxic relationship and how those involved need to work it out, but understand that toxicity is the only thing they’ve ever known.