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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at PSU chapter.

Music is the heartbeat of my everyday life. It lifts me up and carries me through both challenging and joyful moments. The sheer bliss of blasting my favorite artists and songs is an experience like no other.

Music’s power lies in its ability to unite people, create lasting memories and enrich our culture, making it one of humanity’s greatest creations.

In the spirit of celebrating this passion, I’m excited to share my top five favorite artists and their standout songs — though narrowing it down was no easy task.

tAYLOR SWIFT

Starting with my number one artist, we have Taylor Swift.

I’ve remembered her as my favorite artist since childhood and she continues to show me why.

Her relatability makes her even more special. Whether it’s heartbreak, growth, nostalgia or empowerment, Swift has a song for every stage of life. Her voice, captivating melodies and diverse range of musical genres are truly remarkable. 

My top five Taylor Swift songs are:

  1. “Clean”
  2. “The Bolter“ 
  3. “Ivy”
  4. “Illicit Affairs”
  5. “Long Live”
sza

Taking second place is SZA.

SZA’s music is a perfect mix of R&B, alternative and neo-soul.

Her lyrics are both poetic and deeply personal. Her ability to make every song feel like a personal story is what makes her one of my favorites. Not to mention she has a one-of-a-kind angelic voice. 

Here are my top five SZA songs:

  1. “Drew Barrymore”
  2. “Prom’ 
  3. “Ghost in the Machine”
  4. “20 Something”
  5. “Scorsese Baby Daddy”
cHRIS sTAPLETON

At number three, Chris Stapleton. His voice is absolutely incredible — gritty, raw and powerful, yet also smooth, tender and heartfelt.

When he sings, you can feel every lyric. His soulful, bluesy country sound is one of a kind. 

My top five from him are:

  1. “Traveller”
  2. “Starting Over”
  3. “A Simple Song”
  4. “You Should Probably Leave”
  5. “What Are You Listening To?”
luke Combs

Coming in at number four is Luke Combs. His deep, rich voice and heartfelt lyrics make every song hit home. Whether he’s singing about love, heartbreak or small-town living, his music always feels genuine and real. 

My top five songs from Luke Combs are:

  1. “Remember Him That Way”
  2. “Fast Car”
  3. “Where the Wild Things Are”
  4. “One Number Away”
  5. “Hurricane”
Drake

And taking fifth, we have Drake. Drake released his first song back in 2007. He has created a lot of music, blending rap and R&B in a way that resonates with so many people. 

His music can be hype and energetic or slow and introspective, making it perfect for any mood. Part of why I like his music is because it is so versatile. 

Here are my top five songs from Drake:

  1. “Passionfruit”
  2. “Take Care”
  3. “Hours in Silence”
  4. “Practice”
  5. “IMY2”

These five artists each bring their unique styles and perspectives to the music world. Their remarkable talent and ability to create songs transport me to different times, evoke deep emotions and form connections with others. That is precisely why hold a special place in my heart. 

No matter what mood I’m in, I can always turn to their music for comfort, motivation and pure enjoyment.

Now you know my top five top five, who are yours? 

Hi! I’m Katie Klapac, a sophomore at Penn State majoring in Advertising with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I am passionate about things like design, fashion, make-up, organization and planning, healthy habits, and sports. I am excited to share my voice and connect with the Her Campus community!