Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1giXb0TTfT9SeND8gRAaru?si=0axEEFNNQU2177IbI4O6jQ 

Madelaine’s picks

1. The Shins – “New Slang”
2. Starry Cat – “Happiness”
3. Lord Huron – “Meet Me in the Woods”

“New Slang” is one of the best songs from indie-rock band The Shins. The song comes from the band’s 2001 album “Oh, Inverted World” and is about doing something new, whether it be moving to a new place or simply just starting a new chapter in one’s life. The song has a sad sound to it, but once you hear the lyrics it sounds more bittersweet overall, like the feeling of being excited about something new, but feeling nostalgic about what’s being left behind.

Starry Cat is an indie-folk artist with a little less than 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. “Happiness” is the artist’s second most popular song on the streaming platform with over three million plays. The guitar is what completes this song and makes it stand out from the rest of Starry Cat’s discography. The song comes from the artist’s 2015 self-titled album.

Alternative indie-rock band Lord Huron is arguably one of the best bands of their genre. The meaning of the lyrics in “Meet Me in the Woods” can come across in different ways. When I listen to this song, it sounds like two people who are in love, completely opening up to each other and being honest about the good as well as the bad in each of them. The lyrics also have a bit of a paranormal aspect as well, but the overall sound is upbeat.

Daija’s picks

1. Rex Orange County – “AMAZING”
2. Jensen McRae – “My Ego Dies At The End”
3. Wallows, Clairo – “Are You Bored Yet? (feat. Clairo)”

“AMAZING” is the second single off Rex Orange County’s recent album “WHO CARES?” He first teased the song during a livestream before releasing the full version. The song is about finding love out of nowhere when you least expect it, which can be an amazing feeling. The instrumental is upbeat and groovy. This song is a perfect addition to any car ride playlist. 

Jensen McRae is a singer-songwriter who blew up on TikTok for writing a parody break-up song that was noticed by Phoebe Bridgers. “My Ego Dies At The End” was first released as a single, but is now featured on McRae’s debut album “Are You Happy Now?” The song has a simple ballad but the lyrics really hit hard and McRae’s vocals shine throughout the song.

“Are You Bored Yet?” is Wallows’ first collaboration and Clairo is the perfect fit, tying the song together. Wallows’ lead singer Dylan Minnette and Clairo’s vocals blend well together, especially with Clairo’s soft background vocals. The instrumental is fun and upbeat, which is a contrast to the lyrics explaining being bored in a relationship and wondering if it is time to move on.

Grace’s picks 

1. Khruangbin, Leon Bridges – “Chocolate Hills” 
2. Fugazi – “I’m So Tired” 
3. The Jins – “She Said” 

“Chocolate Hills” is a groovy, soulful track. The vocals and instrumentals melt perfectly together creating a song that can be listened to in any situation. Khruangbin is a great band to put on to set the mood, or as pretty background music if you’re hanging out with people and need some good tunes that won’t overpower the conversation. 

Fugazi is mostly known for their hard, punk sound but “I’m So Tired” off their “Instrumental Soundtrack” album is a change of pace for the band. Instead of harsh lyrics and intense instruments, the vocalist softens up and gives us a slow, somewhat sad song. It’s a great song to listen to after a long day to validate your feelings of being burnt out and tired. 

“She Said” by The Jins is an upbeat jam. The song has a great beat and lyrics that are easy to sing along to. The Jins are an alternative, indie band that definitely know how to put together a song to rock out to. It’s impossible to not bang your head and groove to this track. This is a perfect song to put on and get yourself moving. 

Kyron’s picks

1. Labrinth – “Forever”
2. Kanye West, T-Pain – “Good Life”
3. Sam Cooke – “Bring It On Home to Me”

“Forever” is one of the original songs for the HBO series “Euphoria.” Despite the lack of lyrics, it still is amazing because of the production that goes into the song.

Kanye and T-Pain teamed up on this great song from Kanye’s “Graduation” album in 2007. “Good Life” explores the luxuries of fame and wealth in an inspirational way. 

“Bring It On Home to Me” is an old song from the ‘60s by Sam Cooke. The artist has many great classics and is a pioneer of the soul music genre. Sam Cooke was born in Mississippi, but raised in and started his music career in Chicago. The song “Bring It On Home to Me” speaks on relationships and the romance between couples.