Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/47ujCTTNQtveVfa53gqWrJ?si=3291043f9b0b4d6c 

Daija’s picks

1. Nina Nesbitt – “Boy”
2. Harry Styles – “Daylight”
3. Lorde – “Writer In The Dark”

“Boy” was released 10 years ago but carries a relevant meaning many years later. Nesbitt rants to an ex-boyfriend about how he treated her and how he never truly deserved her. With the fast-paced guitar instrumental, it’s clear that Nesbitt had a lot of things to get off her chest. 

If you’re just like me and can’t stop listening to “Harry’s House” then you will know why I picked “Daylight” for this week. The song starts off cool and airy with Styles explaining how he wants to be stuck to someone, but then the chorus picks up and turns into a powerful guitar/drum duo beat. “Daylight” is the perfect song to blast in a car or on the beach. 

“Writer In The Dark” is a heartbreaking stripped-back ballad off Lorde’s album “Melodrama.” Lorde details how she will always love her ex and that as a writer he will always live in her songs, but it is time for her to move on. The song is about knowing you have to move on to better yourself but that doesn’t mean you have to forget the people you love and care about. 

Laqes’s picks

1. Keri Hilson, Kanye West, Ne-Yo – “Knock You Down”
2. Rihanna – “Diamonds”
3. Trey Songz – “Already Taken”

“Knock You Down” by Keri Hilson was released in 2009 on the album “In A Perfect World…” This song features Kanye West and Ne-Yo. “Knock You Down” was Hilson’s first song, which hit #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This song reminds you to get back up when love knocks you down.

“Diamonds” is a song about unhealthy relationships by Rihanna released in 2012 on the album “Unapologetic.” This song, written by Sia Furler and recorded by Rihanna, soon became a huge hit. The emotionally upbeat song is about not regretting going for what makes you happy.

“Already Taken” is a love song by Trey Songz released in 2010 on the album “Passion, Pain & Pleasure (Deluxe Version).” Trey Songz wrote this song with the aid of his mentor Shaliek Powell, which made its way to rank 39 on the R&B/hip-hop charts. This song was played heavily over the air, along with the music video on the BET channel. This song is about falling in love with someone that is already taken. 

Madelaine’s picks

1. America – “Sister Golden Hair”
2. The Velvet Underground, Nico – “Femme Fatale”
3. Bread – “Everything I Own”

“Sister Golden Hair” is one of the last tracks on ‘70s rock band America’s 1975 album “Hearts.” This song is America’s third most popular on Spotify with over 126 million plays. The lyrics detail the singer not wanting to settle down and get married but wanting to continue being romantically involved with his partner.

The Velvet Underground is a ‘60s alternative-indie rock band known for their experimental take on rock. The lyrics of “Femme Fatale” are, to no surprise, about a femme fatale and how she will play someone for fun, take what she wants and leave.

Love songs can get pretty repetitive and repeat the same message each time a new one is released. However, that’s not the case for “Everything I Own.” This song comes from ‘70s rock band Bread’s 1972 album “Baby I’m-a Want You.” The lyrics detail the singer expressing how much he loves someone and spending time with them: “The finest years I ever knew / Were all the years I had with you.” In the song, lead singer David Gates says he would give up anything to be with his love again.