Weekly Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0NxAM0FmG5caMbL3vsxrxZ?si=16c0ac3802bc4cf0 

Daija’s picks

1. Steve Lacy – “Bad Habit”
2. quinnie – “touch tank”
3. The 1975 – “Part Of The Band”

“Bad Habit” is the single off Lacy’s second album “Gemini Rights.” Lacy reflects on his attraction to someone and wishes he told them how he felt instead of biting his tongue. It is an addictive song with groovy guitar and drum beats that give it a polarizing sound that is guaranteed to make anyone feel energized after listening.

Like most songs nowadays, quinnie first released a snippet of “touch tank” on TikTok, where it went viral before its official release in July. “touch tank” uses a handful of summer motifs to describe what it feels like to be with a man that is not only gentle but vulnerable with a partner. The breezy and light instrumentals make this song perfect for early morning drives trying to find the best spot to watch the sunrise. 

“Part Of The Band” is The 1975’s first single in two years and is from their upcoming album “Funny in a Foreign Language.” With a different sound than previous albums, the lyrics sang like a spoken word poem; this single rings in a new era for the band. Matty Healy, the frontman of The 1975, is no stranger to discussing his personal life and struggles in songs, but with “Part Of The Band” he goes a bit further and sings about drug binges, sex and his own sexuality.

Laqes’s picks

1. Iggy Azalea – “Work”
2. Lukas Graham – “7 Years”
3. Alicia Keys – “No One”

“Work” by Iggy Azalea was released in 2014 on the album, “The New Classic.” This song was developed to give motivation to its listeners by portraying her life story dealing with her struggles as an up-and-coming rapper. “Work” is about working hard to get to the top.

“7 years” by Lukas Graham was released in 2015 on Graham’s self-titled debut album, which was their first hit. This song topped the charts in several countries including Austria and Sweden. The song is about Graham making friends at the age of 7 and his hopes of having a lot of children by 60.

“No One” by Alicia Keys was released in 2007 on the album “As I Am.” This song hit #1 on the hot R&B and Hip-Hop songs chart. This song was a massive hit in Europe and this song became her first #1 on the Euro 200 chart. “No One” is about being in a relationship and knowing that no one will get in the way of it.

Angelina’s picks 

1.   Clay Walker – “Fore She Was Mama” 
2.   Tate McRae – “stupid” 
3.   Lady Gaga – “Hold My Hand” 

Country artist Clay Walker is an American artist who made his debut in the early ‘90s. His song “Fore She Was Mama” was released in October of 2006. It is a great song that gives a different perspective on our mothers that we might often forget about. The singer describes a young boy and his friends discovering a box of photos his mom had tucked away. They curiously go through them and get a glimpse of his mother before she was “mama.” They see images of her hanging with hippies, flipping on the camera while riding a motorcycle and smoking marijuana. The boy’s mom gets rid of the box of photos in an effort to make his friends forget about her past, but they continue to tease her. 

Canadian singer Tate McRae was first widely recognized when her song “you broke me first” became popular on TikTok, but has released several hit singles since then. “stupid” was released in 2020 on her album “All the Things I Never Said.” The lyrics illustrate the feeling of being attracted to a guy when you know you shouldn’t be. Thinking of them in the morning, at night, during the week and on weekends, and just that head over heels and crazy for a person. The chorus reads, “Oh my God, I’m a fool, keep on coming back to you. I’m so stupid for ya … You’re so bad for my health, but I just can’t help myself”

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, or Lady Gaga, is an American singer-songwriter who is long known for reinventing herself, controversial styles and powerful vocals. Her song “Hold My Hand” was featured in this year’s “Top Gun: Maverick.” It is a hopeful rock anthem driven from ‘80s power ballads (the decade “Top Gun” was released). The lyrics show Gaga reassuring someone that she will always be there for them, and without question, she will hold their hand through it all. Gaga’s powerful vocals truly bring the chorus to life, and the audience can feel its undeniable passion.