Welcome back to another Playlist of the Issue! This December, Winsor and Belmont Hill writers shared some of the songs they’ve been listening to recently. 

Winsor:

Gigi: “1957” – Milo Greene

In the style of Echosmith’s “Cool Kids” and Of Monsters and Men’s “Little Talks”, this song serves as charming teleportation back to the 2010s and to a dreamy memory of Iceland. Listen as the song whisks you across glaciers and emerald mountains, over volcanoes and crashing waterfalls, and finally settles you under the glistening night sky of the northern lights. 

Izzy: “On Melancholy Hill” – Gorillaz

“On Melancholy Hill” is one of my favorite comfort songs. The warm buzz of the beat and electric instrumentals paired with Gorillaz’ sentimental vocals remind me of driving home at night as a little kid. The track’s muted melody lends to the same sense of liminal nostalgia as sitting in the backseat after the sun has set, half asleep with the car heater on full blast.

Belmont Hill:

Aidan: “Rich Flex” – Drake and 21 Savage

“Rich Flex” is the most popular song in Drake and 21 Savage’s new album Her Loss. As Drake and 21 Savage are considered to be among the most prominent and popular artists of the last decade, the song’s quick growth in popularity is not surprising. Social media platforms such as Tik Tok and Instagram were quickly attracted to “Rich Flex,” primarily the first minute of the song when Drake leads up to 21 Savage’s verse. Overall, “Rich Flex” achieved quick fame, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100, once again reinforcing the prestige of Drake and 21 Savage’s career.

Daniel: “Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen

“Call Me Maybe,” a single from the EP Curiosity and the album Kiss, is a simple, incredibly popular song describing love at first sight. Topping the Billboard Hot 100 in June of 2012, the lyrics aim to create a sense of relatability for the listener. Furthermore, the catchy, repetitive drum track and string instrumentals provide an air of levity and energy that helps to emphasize the playful nature of the track. Overall, the song is quite basic, yet this plainness supports the song’s ability to be easily understood and enjoyed.

Special: To celebrate this joint issue, we’ve decided to feature some of our executive editors’ favorite tunes!

Winsor:

Natalie: “Billy la Bufanda” – Señor Wooly

• Impeccable lyrics. An alluring music video. Anyone who began their Spanish education in public school is sure to remember this banger. The only thing better than this song is its trap remix version. Yo sé, “Billy la bufanda” es una bufanda… with the most rizz. If only I was las botas.

Katya: “Nightingale” – Norah Jones

• Listening to “Nightingale,” by Norah Jones always brings me a sense of stillness. Jones’ voice is majestic, and her guitar riffs are calming. If you are looking for a song to listen to while cold evening rain beats on the window, this song is definitely for you.

Anna: “Dreams” – The Cranberries

• This song may have been released before I was born, but it definitely embodies the saying “an oldie but a goodie.” Anyone who’s seen Netflix’s Derry Girls knows that “Dreams” is one of their theme songs, and the optimistic, carefree lyrics remind me of the feeling of freedom. I definitely recommend this song 10/10, especially for your commute-to-school playlists.

Belmont Hill:

Lo: “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond

• Whenever I hear Sweet Caroline, whether it be on the radio or while watching the Red Sox, it evokes passion inside of me in such a way that nothing else can. The sheer experience of holding hands and waxing arms with my fellow Bostonians and singing “Bah, Bah, BAH!!!” is truly an experience like no other. Furthermore, it never ceases to make me want to sing along and express my true pride as a citizen of Boston.

Bobo: “Power Trip” – J. Cole 

• I particularly enjoy listening to “Power Trip” late at night because, like J. Cole’s unnamed lover has him “up all night, down and out with these love songs,” G. Sull has me up at night working on econ papers. None of this is going in the paper 

Cho: “I’m Shipping up to Boston” – Dropkick Murphys

• I’m Shipping up to Boston provides sense of nationalism to me.  Whenever I hear it, it reminds me of the Red Sox and the feelings I had watching and experiencing the Red Sox’s success as a child.  Furthermore, whenever I hear it, the song reminds me of the Bostonian life style I live along with how growing up in Boston has shaped my life.

Cooper: “All I Want For Christmas is You” – Mariah Carey

• It is speaks to me on an emotional level as it takes me back to the days when I was sipping hot chocolate by the fireplace.  Its annual dominance during the Christmas season provides an yearly reminder that Christmas is coming; Furthermore, it makes me want to sing along.  Subsequently, it compels me to cuddle around the fireplace with my dogs, and watch christmas movies, most primarily, Krampus.