Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4LGqiEhqTbWXxwbOm2spl1?si=b03594c64eb24ef0 

Madelaine’s picks

1. Pinback – “Loro”
2. Billy Joel – “Vienna”
3. The Beatles – “Don’t Let Me Down”

Pinback is an alternative indie rock band formed in 1998. “Loro” comes off of the band’s 1999 self-titled album. This song’s lyrics revolve around the feeling of loneliness and lead singer Rob Crow’s low, smooth tone adds to this feeling.

“Vienna” is a song that makes me nostalgic. Billy Joel’s voice sounds incredibly calming and strong and the song’s lyrics are about welcoming and embracing old age instead of dreading and being afraid of it. This song is perfect to listen to especially if you are feeling overwhelmed or having a bad day.

The Beatles need no introduction, but their song “Don’t Let Me Down” might. “Don’t Let Me Down” is one of my personal favorites and comes off of the band’s 1970 album “Hey Jude.” While the song comes across as a love song, the lyrics sound like a plea to someone asking them to not let them down.

Kyron’s picks

1. Rod Wave – “Cold December”
2. J. Cole – “Love Yourz” 
3. The Notorious B.I.G. – “Juicy”

Rod Wave continues to deliver great music and his lyrics in “Cold December” consist of themes of betrayal and loneliness in relation to his past romantic relationships. It has implications of him being in love many times, but not being able to remain in a healthy relationship.  

“Love Yourz” is a song about the importance of humility and being grateful for the life that one has. J. Cole comes off as a wise older brother that understands what others may be experiencing and ensures the listener that things will get better. 

This is an older song but nonetheless still holds up to this day, thanks to the lyrical ability of The Notorious B.I.G. who talks about his life before fame in “Juicy.” It’s an inspirational song showing his perspective of his pathway to success and the hardships along the way.

Quade’s picks

1. Stephanie Beatriz, Diane Guerrero – “What Else Can I Do?”
2. Shoujy – “Hacking to the Gate”
3. Three Days Grace – “Pain”

Diane Guerrero once again gets to show off her vocal skills in “What Else Can I Do?” from the Disney movie “Encanto.” The song is about rediscovering the passion for something that you’ve turned into a habit. This resonates with everyone whose major or work revolves around their passion, as it’s easy to burn out.

“Hacking to the Gate” is the intro to the anime “Steins Gate.” While the anime itself tends to fly under the radar, the song definitely stands out on its own, not because of any loud presence that the song has, but due to the fact that Shoujy’s sharp vocals make it irresistible to bang your head.

Three Days Grace is a product of its time period but still manages to hold up to this day. Their song “Pain” is especially powerful and timeless and is about the anger you feel at your relationships losing the fire they once had.

Daija’s picks

1. Nick Wilson – “Stop Your Love”
2. Gracie Abrams – “Feels Like”
3. Anna Field – “Smile”

​​Nick Wilson is a British singer-songwriter and recently independent artist. “Stop Your Love” is Wilson’s first single since going independent at the end of last year. Wilson knows his way around a guitar and this single is no different. In it, Wilson asks a partner to give him another chance, but if they want to move on he won’t stop them.

Gracie Abrams is a recent artist who performs in the genre of bedroom pop. Abrams has soft, dreamy vocals with instrumentals that give a cozy, but breezy feeling. The lyrics explain the beauty of friendships and how meeting someone at the right moment can change both your lives for the better. 

“Smile” is one of those songs you put on to start off the early morning and it instantly lifts your mood. Field details heartbreak and how all she wants to do is cry, but smiles her way through the pain.

Bailey’s picks

1. Daniel Caesar, Kali Uchis – “Get You”
2. The Walters – “I Love You So”
3. Smith & Myers – “NOT MAD ENOUGH”

Daniel Caesar may not be a name that is familiar to many, but “Get You” has been a fairly popular song since its release in 2017. If you’re looking for an artist with a very soothing voice, calming beat and touching lyrics, this is a great choice. 

If you are on TikTok there’s little doubt that you have yet to hear this song. “I Love You So” is a single produced by The Walters that has blown up TikTok with sweet and sad videos that truly embody the way one feels when listening to this song. 

Both the singer and guitarist from the rock band Shinedown break away from their bandmates in this song to create a different style of rock music where you have to really listen to the lyrics to feel the anger and sadness. “NOT MAD ENOUGH” was released in 2020, and tells a story of an argument where one is still fighting while the other is past the point of arguing. 

Ariel’s picks

1. Raveena – “Tweety”
2. Justin Timberlake – “Nothin’ Else”
3. Majid Jordan – “Sweet”

The first song of Raveena’s that I listened to was “Tweety.” The music sounds so different to usual R&B. It’s delicate and feminine through its guitar and other heavenly sounding instruments. It’s a cute love song and it reflects the beginning stages of a new romance. My favorite part of this song is after the outro when she improvises a little.

From the throwback album “Justified,” “Nothin’ Else” is a cover of a song originally written and recorded by Latrelle. This gem played in a very nostalgic era of my life when listening to R&B was rhythmic and dance friendly. The bridge part of the song is my favorite because of its catchy rhythm. 

“Sweet” is a perfect romantic song for loved ones. This is a slow and melodic song that never gets old and could possibly become a Majid Jordan classic. The piano is classy and the chorus sounds passionate through its lyrics; “Sweet” lives up to its title.