If you know me, you know I love music. There is not a moment that I am not listening to music (that’s actually a lie, I sometimes need to go to class). This means that I listen to an obscene amount of music. I am also always on the hunt for new songs. If you are looking for something different to listen to on your long walks to class or just want to impress the next person that asks what music you like, I have compiled a list of some of the songs I have on my playlist right now. So grab your headphones and enjoy!
1. “Almost (Sweet Music)” HozierYou might know Hozier from his chart-topping “Take Me to Church.” Now the Irish artist is back with the single “Almost (Sweet Music)” off of his upcoming album, Wasteland Baby! With a whimsical guitar melody and the pounding drums, “Almost (Sweet Music) is certainly more upbeat than the bluesy, somber tunes from his first EP (Take Me to Church). It always brings a smile to my face. I also suggest taking a listen to “Nina Cried Power” which features the formidable talent of Mavis Staples and will also be part of Hozier’s new release.
2. “Superposition (Reprise)” Young the Giant
Give some love to a former WILD artist! I had the pleasure of seeing Young the Giant live in St. Louis last semester (as I was unfortunately not a student at Wash U when they came for WILD). The band blew me away. And now I have “Superposition” stuck in my head. Mirror Master was an album that is quite literally a reflection upon oneself and really helped me get through finals season. Now that I have less stress, I gave “Superposition (Reprise)” a listen to find the same joy I found in the first “Superposition.” This version sounds more organically produced and I felt like I was sitting in the studio, admiring lead vocalist Sameer Gadhia powerful, unique talent. My friend Julia, another Young the Giant fan, would also recommend listening to “Amerika” from Home of the Strange or “Apartment” from their self-titled debut album (which also has their greatest hit thus far, “Cough Syrup”).
3. “Goodie Bag” Still Woozy
Still Woozy’s bio on Spotify speaks volume to the artist’s vibe: “Hii my name is Sven. Still Woozy is my solo project, and I record all parts in my garage/studio.” Still Woozy’s song “Goodie Bag” has a funky beat that eases you right in. It is perfect to listen to when you hang out with friends, trying to take a break from the dismal barrage of homework that your professors like to insist upon assigning. Only chill vibes when you listen to “Goodie Bag.”
4. “Pristine” Snail Mail
Easily the coolest artist I discovered in 2018, Snail Mail is changing the game for the punk genre. She blends compelling lyrics and emotion in all of the songs off of her 2018 release, Lush. “Pristine” hits you with an amazing beat and lines that demand you to shout them when you are alone in your dorm (especially when she almost exasperatingly implores “don’t you like me for me?” and “who do you change for?”). There are so many amazing women in rock who deserve more credit and Snail Mail is a great place to start. I also recommend “Heat Wave” from the same album. Also shout out to my WUSA (Wash U Student Advisor) who played Snail Mail one night!
5. “Nobody” Mitski
I first learned about Mitski when I found her listed as one of the artists touring with Lorde (one of my favorite musicians). Her single, “Nobody” is one of those you could place under the happy melody/sad song category. But aren’t those the best kind of songs? It is the dissonance created by these opposites that makes you really think about the artist’s message. Mitski is coming to St. Louis in April and I am beyond excited to get the opportunity to see her perform. Listen to her most recent album Be the Cowboy and then get ready to take advantage of one of the amazing tours making its way to the Loop.
6. “Lost Souls,” H.E.R. (feat. D.J. Scratch)
Taking inspiration from (and heavily sampling) Ms. Lauryn Hill’s track, “Lost Ones,” the artist known as H.E.R. expresses themes such as feminism, legacy, and fatal flaws. Her compilation album (H.E.R.) is nominated for five Grammy awards, including Album of the Year. H.E.R. has a powerful message and a smooth voice to accompany her inventive lyrics. Also listen to her collaboration with Daniel Caesar on “Best Part.” I highly recommend listening to Caesar’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert where H.E.R. shows up as a special guest.
Happy listening!