New This Month:
“drivers license” by Olivia Rodrigo
If you haven’t heard this track by now, I would be surprised. Olivia Rodrigo’s heartbreaking testimony about love and loss has taken the music industry by storm. The listener is submerged into her emotions through every lyric and note. Rodrigo’s creative vocal patterns will put you in a trance. It is no surprise that this song is a hit. The power she exudes through her words is mesmerizing as you truly feel like you’re in the car with her. Her known inspirations are Taylor Swift and Lorde, and it’s apparent that their stellar songwriting has rubbed off on a new generation of musical geniuses. If Olivia Rodrigo is the future of music, we are lucky. This song will be on repeat for a while.
Artists like Olivia Rodrigo: Taylor Swift and Lorde
Nobody Is Listening by Zayn
Zayn’s third album is a masterpiece. It is a true reflection of who he is as an artist and of his style. Zayn’s once-in-a-lifetime vocals paired with his ability to make his music into poetry leaves the album with no songs worth skipping. This album makes you feel and understand your experiences with love. Zayn’s approach is intimate and makes you feel like you’re speaking with a friend. My personal favorites are “Better,” “When Love’s Around,” “Connexion” and “Tightrope.” This album is perfect for studying too — if you don’t get too distracted by Zayn’s electric vocals.
Artists like Zayn: The Weeknd and PRETTYMUCH
“BORED!” By 19&YOU
With its fun beats and smooth vocals, this song easily tricks you. The honesty that comes with admitting a toxic relationship flaw is apparent through this song. We all know, or at least know the story of, someone who picks up the phone and emotionally uses someone when they’re bored. This song is the soundtrack for someone who has discovered the bored person’s disguise. The band’s relatable storytelling is something to admire.
Artists like 19&YOU: LANY and The Band Camino
“Nobody’s Stopping You Now” by Lake Street Dive
The two words to best describe this track are "nostalgic" and "clarity." With this track’s vintage feel and soulful sound, it is an easy favorite. This song will make you feel free to be yourself and creates a free-spirited sense that many songs cannot relay to their listeners. This track is an experience: from the powerful imagery to the heart-like beat, you will be able to understand the feelings that this track conveys. So go ahead and give it a listen, nobody’s stopping you.
Artists like Lake Street Dive: Carly Simon and Maggie Rogers
“Furniture” by Maude Latour
I found Maude Latour on TikTok and I am so thankful for it. Her imaginative way of describing how it feels when you run into someone you don’t want to see is lively. I think we’ve all had a moment where we’ve wanted to melt and dissolve away from that situation. Latour makes this situation feel like a fun coincidence with her choice of catchy beats and unforgettable lines. This track will easily become a new favorite.
Artists like Maude Latour: Lorde and Silver Sphere
“Change” by Pale Waves
When I first heard this song, I didn’t know why I felt that I knew it. It ended up that I didn’t, but it easily reflects the music we heard in the late 90s and early 2000s. I was immediately hooked and was ready to devour the rest of Pale Waves’ discography after hearing this tune. We often wish someone would change for the better; we wish they would be the person of our dreams. We come running back for more of the good times even when that’s in the past. This song is like the last goodbye to that person. We know they’ll break our hearts, but we need closure. This song will cure that heartbreak pretty quick though.
Artists like Pale Waves: Alanis Morissette and Yungblud
Still On Repeat:
“OctaHate” and “Pierre” by Ryn Weaver
I remember being hooked to these tracks in 2015 — six years later, there is no difference. These songs perfectly capture the alternative genre during this time. “OctaHate” is vibrant and makes you want to scream the chorus at the top of your lungs. “Pierre” makes you want to go on a cross-country road trip and experience heartache. Both songs are about losing something but from different perspectives. It’s truly magic when an artist can do this in one album. Ryn Weaver deserves more credit for the artistry with which she created these two tracks. Fun fact: Ryan Tedder helped write “Pierre” and if you know anything about his writing, he never misses a hit. He’s written songs for artists like Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson and Adele in addition to being the lead singer of OneRepublic.
Artists like Ryn Weaver: Ryan Tedder and Lady Gaga
“Space Girl” by Frances Forever
This song is just invigorating. It’s fun to dance along to and sing to. My favorite line is “Girl, are you a cancer? 'Cause you make me cry.” A true and jovial lyric like this should be a sign that this song is a good one. Also, Frances Forever’s voice is beautifully paired with her clever lyrics. I played it every morning for a week straight and it made my days better. It is now my go-to track for when I’m in a funk.
Artists like Frances Forever: Alessia Cara and King Princess
“Cowboy Take Me Away” by The Chicks
This song is easily a female country classic and reminds me of youth, to put it simply. It makes me remember the dreams I had and still do. It helps me remember that the world is not full of heartbreak. It is full of love and adventure everywhere you look. The most important thing is being with those you love, which includes yourself.
Artists like The Chicks: LeAnn Rimes and Sara Evans
Hey, Herald reader! Want to give these songs a listen? Scan the Spotify code at the top of this article!
By Kaylee Haas, Staff Writer