New Year, New Music: January Music Suggestions
Starting off 2016 can be hard, especially as finals are right around the corner, but hopefully this playlist can you get you through the trials of high school.
- “Downtown” by Petula Clark – Don’t like old-timey 60’s pop? Don’t worry, it’s not my cup of tea either. But, think again, this song brings a new face to your grandparent’s jams. Although sweet and catchy, “Downtown” starred in one of my favorite movies, “Girl Interrupted” and was ironically contrasted to its darker scenario. But even without the presence of mental institutions, it is still a song to ‘forget your worries about, and go downtown’.
- “Sea of Love” by Cat Power – “Sea of Love” is simple and sad just like me, making the song ten times better. Listen to this when you are down and although it won’t make you feel any better, it is satisfying to know others feel a similar way.
- “Looking Out For You” by Joy Again – Recently, learning how to play the ukulele has become popular culture and riding this wave is Joy Again. A rollercoaster of emotions about one sided love is relatable to anyone in a somewhat light context.
- “Yule Shoot Your Eye Out” by Fall Out Boy – My two favorite kinds of music are angsty rock and Christmas music, and “Yule Shoot Your Eye Out” has brought them together. If you appreciate a twist on classic Christmas music, check out this song in addition to Relient K’s album “Let it Snow Let it Reindeer”. Although old Fall Out Boy is absolute magic, ever since they got together again, their music has been trash, which is pretty disappointing.
- “Left Hand Free” by alt-J – “Left Hand Free” brings back the edgy feeling old rock with a steady guitar and drum combination. While appealing to indie rock kids, the song also has an 80’s pop esque feel with its reappearing electric keyboard. It’s a strange combination but melodic in its own way.
- “Let it Be” by The Beatles – After The Beatles made their way onto Spotify, I nearly jumped in excitement. Finally, a non-sketchy way to get Beatles’ music off the internet! Enjoy all of the wonderfully free, seemingly new Beatles music on Spotify, beginning with the classic, “Let it Be.”
- “Saint Cecilia” by The Foo Fighters – The most exciting part of late 2015 was probably the release of new Foo Fighters music, so it’s no surprise they made it onto the New Year’s playlist. For a positive rock anthem to start the year, “Saint Cecilia,” along with other songs on their new EP, will surely satisfy the need for peace (and new rock music).
- “Knee Socks” by The Arctic Monkeys – The Arctic Monkeys make perfect rainy day music because of its cool rock vibe and gray aesthetic tumblr posts that are often associated with this band. And with El Niño coming, rainy day music is much needed.
- “Cherry Bomb” by The Runaways – This old anthem goes back to Joan Jett’s first days, and also belongs on the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. Any rock ‘n roll or superhero junkie like myself will have fun jamming to this tune.
- “New Americana” by Halsey – If you’re looking for a party anthem with a deep message, “New Americana” is the song (and music video!) for you. Halsey’s lyrics are more than what older generations think of youth culture: It’s something new and deep entirely. For our generation, lyrics like “raised on Biggie and Nirvana” sum up what it’s like to grow up in the 90s to early 2000s era, along with other people and characteristics that she mentions.
- “Cat People [Putting Out the Fire]” by David Bowie – Rest in peace to one of the most influential artists of the past century. David Bowie will always be remembered, so enjoy our tribute to this icon in music.
