Take a listen to some of the staff picks for our UWM Post September Playlist, where some of us let our hair down and cast traditional news style to the wayside for one graf every month.
Alaska by Maggie Rogers
This isn’t the newest song, but it reminds me of being outside, going on an adventure and enjoying fresh air, which also happen to be things that I associate with fall. The fun beat and flowing melody make me want to strut through the leaves on the ground all the way to the lake. It is a really free song, reminding us that we can be whoever we want to be and move through life that way. I choose to dance to this song, walk through the leaves and enjoy the fall breeze while focusing on the good amongst all of the difficulties this year has presented.
Giants by Dermot Kennedy – Brianna Schubert
If you don’t know Dermot Kennedy, you should. I personally believe that his voice is that of an angel – if that angel is an Irish singer who frequently sings about heartbreak and feelings. Giants is one of his newer songs, and it is a really upbeat yet flowing song that reflects on a past relationship. I frequently find myself belting out any of his songs while driving, and maybe now you will too.
Online Class by Dev Lemmons, Stevie Powers – Adam Kelnhofer
I wish I could actually do what this song is saying to do without having an anxiety attack. It would be so nice to break free from my apartment and just enjoy life for a little bit. The thought is certainly tempting considering most of my classes don’t have scheduled meetings and assignments due in the mornings, but even so I found myself sitting at my computer doing schoolwork or work work through most of the daylight hours this week. I really thought having to be away from the confines of the UWM campus walls would be freeing, but it almost feels the exact opposite now.
Days to Come by Bonobo – Adam Kelnhofer
Bonobo has been a favorite of mine since high school and for some reason this song always makes me think of Fall, which is sadly just around the corner. I’ll miss the warm sunshine and floral smells outside, but this song makes the transition into a season with more darkness and cold feel a little warmer and softer.
Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day – Sophia Roamer
Self explanatory
RITMO by Black Eyed Peas, J Balvin – Glenda Valdes
This song is in all of my playlists because not only does it give me cool vibes from the original song released in the 90’s but the new remix gives a modern twist on the classic. This is my go-to song for when I’m studying since it helps keep me motivated. I also play it after studying to regain all the energy that I lost while doing assignments. It’s also cool to try and rap the verses sung in english and in spanish!
Lockdown by Anderson .Paak – Richa Karmarkar
This recent song from one of my favorite artists is an evocative summary of America’s past few months of racial injustice and police brutality. The lyrics include explicit references to current protests, including the police’s use of tear gas and rubber bullets and their perceptions of looting and violence compared to the losses of Black lives. Anderson .Paak also touches on the culture of unrest that has persisted across the nation throughout its history, as well as the emergence of COVID and unemployment that are central in the public’s minds this year. I love the song’s combination of Anderson .Paak’s signature groovy style with its contemporary and thought-provoking lyrics, and I believe it will be treated as a piece of explanatory history for 2020 in the future. I strongly suggest watching the music video and listening to the song’s remix, which features JID, Jay Rock and Noname.
Cold War by Cautious Clay – Casey Needham
Cautious Clay’s contemporary R&B hit combines smooth guitar strokes with beautiful Jazz components. This song is perfect for a rainy-day drive or a late-night stroll that will surely send you into your feelings. In my eyes, Cold War symbolizes the expectations versus the reality of the 2020 year. At the start of the song we notice that the lyrics are free-flowing and reference “aiming for the stars.” Towards the end, however, we see a shift in vocabulary such as, “hot and bothered” accompanied by “broken promises.” This lyrical shift is something everyone can truly relate to.
Comment below with some of your favorite songs to bop along to!
Check out last month’s playlist for a few more jams the Post.