Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1uTBXVjrZNnDfCAjdn9RZZ?si=YbRtIHv6T8m38GNMBfxgvw 

Madelaine’s picks

1. bôa – “Duvet – Acoustic”
2. Tame Impala – “The Boat I Row”
3. Major Murphy – “Come By Sunday”

Alternative indie band bôa have this undeniably ‘90s sound to them, which isn’t too surprising since the band formed in 1993. “Duvet – Acoustic” is the acoustic version of the song of the same name. Both songs come from the band’s 2010 album “Twilight.” Jasmine Rodgers is the vocalist for this song. Her voice sounds light and airy, but also very ‘90s-inspired. The song is backed up by an acoustic guitar rhythm, but the focus is on Rodgers’ vocals in this version.

Psychedelic rock band Tame Impala released their “The Slow Rush B-Sides & Remixes” on Feb. 18. “The Boat I Row” is first on the list. The song has everything one could want and expect from a Tame Impala track: a rhythmic drum beat, incredibly catchy vocals and melody and that unique psychedelic sound that Kevin Parker is known for. This song is one of the strongest and most memorable on this new release.

“Come By Sunday” is a single released in 2018 by indie rock band Major Murphy. The song’s lyrics are full of love, even though it may sound a little sad, partly due to its slow tempo and acoustic guitar track.

Daija’s picks

1. Big Red Machine, Taylor Swift – “Renegade (feat. Taylor Swift)”
2. Phoebe Bridgers – “Motion Sickness”
3. Billy Joel – “Uptown Girl” 

Big Red Machine consists of members Aaron Dessner and Justin Vernon, who collaborated with Swift on her albums “Folklore” and “Evermore.” “Renegade (feat. Taylor Swift)” focuses on being in a relationship with someone who struggles with mental health and having empathy, but also being frustrated with that person. This song solidifies that Dessner, Vernon and Swift work well together.

“Motion Sickness” is from Bridgers’ album “Stranger in the Alps,” where she details being in love with someone, but having conflicting emotions that stem from the person’s meanness. Bridgers describe those emotions as “emotional motion sickness.” With an instrumental that changes in speed and has fluctuating beats, it gives the listener a chance to feel motion sickness.

Joel was inspired by the song “Rag Doll” by Frankie Valli which is about a poor girl and rich guy, but in “Uptown Girl” it’s flipped. The instrumental is upbeat and funky, making it a great song to sing along and dance to.

Kyron’s picks

1. Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars – “Young, Wild & Free (feat. Bruno Mars)”
2. Queen, David Bowie – “Under Pressure” 
3. Michael Jackson, Akon – “Hold My Hand (with Akon)”

“Young, Wild & Free” is one of the spotlighted singles from the soundtrack of the film “Mac & Devin Go to High School,” a slacker comedy about an overachiever and a super senior of 15 years. As comedic as the concept of the film is, the song “Young, Wild & Free” is actually uplifting and carefree, very fitting for the film it originates from. It is a perfect song to end the week and looks to cheer up anyone that hears the song, whether you engage in the activities discussed in the lyrics or not.

The instrumentals to this song are iconic and have been featured in movies, commercials and were even sampled on “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice. This is a song that I feel speaks to people that may be feeling defeated by a stressful or unfulfilling work week. The amazing vocals of David Bowie and Freddie Mercury are both in full effect and sound amazing on this song. 

This song is one of the songs on the posthumous album titled “Michael” by the late pop icon Michael Jackson. This song is absolutely stunning and highlights the vocal ability of the king of pop. Akon also provides his talents in this song, speaking of upliftment, unity and standing side by side with others through times of darkness.

Bailey’s picks

1. AJR – “Bang!”
2. Cage the Elephant – “Skin and Bones”
3. Swedish House Mafia – “Lifetime (with Ty Dolla $ign & 070 Shake)”

Indie pop band AJR formed in 2005 and released their first independent single in 2013. Since then, AJR has produced multiple hit songs and “Bang!” is no exception. The song is true to their typical upbeat tempo and was released in the spring of 2020.

“Skin and Bones” is one of many hits for rock band Cage the Elephant and was released in 2019. The lyrics speak of times when you feel run down and tired. The band is extremely popular in the alternative-indie genre and continues to make great music that is both relatable and fun to listen to.

“Lifetime (with Ty Dolla $ign & 070 Shake)” became very popular in the second half of 2021, the same year it was released. The pop song features 070 Shake and well-known artist Ty Dolla $ign. The song has a very fast and fun beat and is a great song to sing along to. 

Grace’s picks 

1. Eyedea & Abilities – “Man vs. Ape” 
2. Brand New – “Sowing Season (Yeah)” 
3. Flyleaf- “I’m So Sick”

This rapper and D.J. duo came out with the song “Man vs. Ape” in the early 2000s as part of their “E&A” album. This song is essentially a rap battle between a man and an ape. The lyrics are very poignant. The song highlights interesting points about both man and ape and the current state of what it truly means to be human. 

“Sowing Season (Yeah)” starts out as a soft rock song during the intro, but quickly gets harder after the first verse. Brand New came out with this song in 2006. This is the perfect song to listen to and bask in your angst. The lead singer has a great voice and does a good job switching his vocal range from low and soft to high and deep. The chorus is great to sing along to. 

Flyleaf does not get enough credit and sometimes gets overlooked because of bands like Evanescence. Like Evanescence, Flyleaf is a band made of punk rock musicians and a female lead singer with a great, ghostly sounding voice. “I’m So Sick” is a total jam with wailing vocals and lyrics that will speak to everyone. 

Quade’s picks

1. Maroon 5, Wiz Khalifa “Payphone”
2. John Legend, Ludacris – “Tonight (Best You Ever Had) (feat. Ludacris)”
3. Alicia Keys – “Underdog”

“Payphone” is a classic of the early 2010s. Starting with an irresistible opening hook, the song begins swinging punches and the lyrics don’t disappoint either. Maroon 5 contributed their signature style while Wiz Khalifa contributed his unique take on rap and hip hop to make a fire song.

John Legend has one of the smoothest voices in pop music and “Tonight (Best You Ever Had) (feat. Ludacris)” exemplifies this by channeling the energy of ‘70s romance songs, and it works perfectly for Legend. The result comes out sexy, smooth and silky.

Alicia Keys took a break from producing for a bit, but she came back with her song “Underdog.” The song celebrates the people struggling to survive in this cutthroat world.