Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4eJ6bfpBf10BkOmcl6EcOS?si=299479eeb29a4a31 

Daija’s picks

1. Harry Styles – “Matilda”
2. Gracie Abrams – “21”
3. Suki Waterhouse – “Good Looking”

“Matilda” is one of the few slow songs off Styles’ new album “Harry’s House.” In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music, Styles mentioned how this song was inspired by someone he had met in his life but was also heavily influenced by the Roald Dahl book “Matilda.” The song has a fairly simple guitar instrumental, but it’s the lyrics and Styles’ vocals that hit deep. 

“21” is from Abrams’ 2020 release “minor” where she details experiences she had before she became an adult. This song in particular is about an ex-partner that celebrated their 21st birthday where Abrams wasn’t in attendance and she started to spiral because of it. The lyrics tell a beautiful story of being too wrapped up in your head. 

Waterhouse is mostly known for her work as an actor and a model, but she occasionally does music as well. “Good Looking” describes being blind to someone’s lies because of lust, intimacy and attractiveness. The song has a slow but impactful drum beat and Waterhouse’s vocals have a background vocal effect which together makes a cool sound. 

Laqes’s picks

1. Beyoncé – “Pretty Hurts”
2. Hozier – “Take Me to Church”
3. Fleetwood Mac – “Gypsy”

“Pretty Hurts” by Beyoncé was released in 2014. Beyoncé teamed up with Sia and Ammo with the help of Rihanna, Katy Perry and Britney Spears to write this song. The core message behind “Pretty Hurts” is to inform others about the pressure women go through to achieve physical perfection. 

The song “Take Me to Church” by Irish soloist Andrew Hozier-Byrne topped the charts on iTunes back in 2013. Hozier’s inspiration derived from a breakup he went through, along with influences from atheist writer Christopher Hitchens. “Take Me to Church” metaphorically compares Hozier’s love to religion. The song communicates the process of going through death and rebirth after a heartbreak. 

The free-spirited song “Gypsy,” by Fleetwood Mac was released on their album “Mirage” back in 1982. Recording took place at Studio LE CHÂTEAU located in France. Stevie Nicks, the lead singer of Fleetwood Mac, dedicated “Gypsy” to her departed friend Robin Anderson. The essence of Nicks’ song is to become fearless with one’s personality, to dance freely and embrace life’s wonders. 

Madelaine’s picks

1. Yo La Tengo – “Season of the Shark”
2. Vacations – “Home”
3. Car Seat Headrest – “Sober to Death”

“Season of the Shark” is a song that you should add to that summer playlist immediately. The song is the fourth track on the indie band’s 2003 album “Summer Sun.” The meaning can be taken in more than one way, actually, in many different ways. Overall, the singer is letting someone know that they will always be there for the person in their life. It could be taken as a song of friendship or as a love song.

Vacations, an Australian alternative-indie band, talk about what seems to be a stay-at-home day. The lyrics depict wishing they weren’t lazy, but that they have nowhere to be and go on to say how they are tired although they haven’t done much all day. If you have ever had a relaxing day at home and felt guilty, like you should be doing something at all times, you’ll relate to these lyrics.

Indie-rock band Car Seat Headrest discusses and tackles how the lead singer and his love interest struggle with similar mental health issues. The lead singer throughout the song is comforting them by repeating and telling them, “Don’t worry / You and me won’t be alone no more.”