Each week, Arts & Entertainment staff members compile a list of their current favorite tracks hoping to help readers find their new go-to jam. Look out for occasional themed playlists and solid tracks from a wide range of genres every week.
1. “Hurricane” by MisterWives
This song from up-and-coming indie pop group MisterWives lends an excellent build and beautiful vocals to the idea of the freedom of youth. The slow pop-jam feel of the track creates a fluidity enhanced by lead singer Mandy Lee’s sultry voice, but the group doesn’t confine their sound to that of upbeat mainstream tunes. “Hurricane” features much more extensive instrumentation than just synth beats, making meaning out of the band’s socially aware and driven lyrics.
- Candace Carter
2. “OK, It’s Alright With Me” by Eric Hutchinson
Eric Hutchinson's piano-driven song should have been a radio smash hit but never made it that far. His vocal talent is undeniable — this song is a fun way to say, "Eh, I'm good," to whatever trials life has to offer.
- Karim Saoud
3. “Waterfalls” by TLC
Because who doesn't want to throwback to 1994? This R&B ballad is a sweet sensation to the listeners ears: kick back and relax with this song.
- Camilla Siazon
4. “Drive Me Crazy” by KAYTRANADA ft. Vic Mensa
Canadian musician KATRANADA continuously blesses listeners with remixes and collaborations with notable artists. This insightful track featuring Vic Mensa offers a fresh beat with a nostalgic, funky twist.
- Rose Montgomery
5. “Desire” by Meg Myers
It's easy to glance over these lyrics and see the immature ramblings of a sex-deprived maniac, but Myers's stellar vocal performance nails the fine line between sultry seductress and depraved stalker. Listeners will be disturbed yet intrigued by her delivery of lines like, "I wanna skin you with my tongue." An unexpected grunge guitar solo in the middle of the track ties everything together perfectly.
- Michael Crawford
6. “Pedestrian at Best” by Courtney Barnett
"Pedestrian at Best" is a scorching track from one of the best albums of 2015 — Courtney Barnett’s “Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit.” Barnett is one of the most distinctive voices in indie rock. Her songs observe the mundanities of life with razor-sharp wit, self-effacing humor and a Dylan-like affinity for word-twisting. “Pedestrian” packs a triumphant punch.
- Virginia Blount
7. “Beautiful Blue Sky” by Ought
This song slowly builds into a layered canvas for the spoken-word lyrics of vocalist Tim Darcy. Darcy’s lyrics are monotone and repetitive, reinforcing his exhaustion with the droning and demoralizing routine of life. At the climax, the instruments revert back to the simplicity and Darcy delivers the song’s pivotal line: “I'm no longer afraid to die / because that's all that I have left.” Each word feels more personal and exhausting after Darcy’s honest statement. The song’s lyrics sound depressing, but the song’s irresistible hope creates an uplifting atmosphere.
- John Mattingly
8. “Bad Art & Weirdo Ideas” by Beach Slang
Ever listen to the Replacements? No? Well, you should. While paying homage to the celebrated (if underrated) ‘90s college-rock forefathers, this Philly trio serves up chunky dissections of youth which go down smooth and leave the room sweat-soaked. Catch ‘em at the Southern next week and catch me paying my city of brotherly love an overdue visit.
- James Cassar
9. “Wet Sand” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
This song from the band’s 2006 album “Stadium Arcadium” doesn't garner the attention it deserves. The song begins with open chords melting together and crescendos to one of the album’s hardest-hitting tracks. Singer Anthony Kiedis shows off his lyrical mastery with lines such as, "I saw you there so unaware / those hummingbirds all in your hair," while bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith provide foundation to song's melodies. "Wet Sand" builds upon itself, eventually reaching its peak with Johnny Frusciante's concluding guitar solo, leaving listeners in awe.
- Max King
10. “Weathered” by Jack Garratt
Jack Garratt is definitely an artist to watch. "Weathered" explores the emotions behind growing up with a new and vibrant sound. Garratt mixes electronically charged beats with his soulful voice to provide a song that's both hypnotizing and unforgettable.
- Lowry Neil
11. “Disciples” by Tame Impala
Tame Impala’s “Disciples” lasts for less than two minutes, yet it manages to convey an amount of emotion rarely experienced in most music. The singer’s elation starkly contrasts the lyrics’ disenchanted outlook; closing lines “I used to take the long way/ just so I could walk past your door/ I used to wait outside / but I guess I won’t anymore” convey a sense of sorrow, but the singer’s style makes it feel surprisingly nostalgic. Aided by a tastefully-composed instrumental background, the song takes the listener on a euphoric journey.
- Dixon White
12. “11th Dimensions” by Julian Casablancas
This track isn’t a recently-released song, but it’s good with every listen. Casablancas presents a feel-good alt-rock jam that is fitting for this sunny week with “11th Dimensions.”
- Julia Stembridge
13. “Red Planet” by Alvvays
Canadian dream-pop group Alvvays’ 2014 self-titled debut album has consumed the last few months of my life. While there are brief glimpses of her Canadian accent, lead singer Molly Rankin’s voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries both in general style and melodic structure. While “Red Planet” is not immediately the most striking song on the album, it has its own subtle star power. The melancholic, synth-driven ballad mirrors The Cranberries’ “No Need to Argue.” It has become especially relevant in recent weeks as the perfect song for fan-made trailers for “The Martian” and also seems to predict the presence of water on Mars a year before its discovery with it’s space-driven theme.
- Christian Hecht
Listen to the full playlist below or on the Arts & Entertainment section’s Spotify page at CavalierDailyAE. Tune in this Monday for our next installment.
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