Rap:
“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar
Why I chose it:
I chose this song because of Kendrick’s powerful lyrics and themes. It’s an impactful track and an expression of perseverance and hope in the face of adversity. These themes draw from the topics of poverty, police brutality, systemic racism and his own experience of growing up in Compton, California. Overall, this song has had much influence on music and you cannot go through life without listening to this song at least once.
Read more about it at https://www.npr.org/2019/08/26/753511135/kendrick-lamar-alright-american-anthem-party-protest
Hip-Hop:
“Throw Some D’s” by Rich Boy & Polow Da Don
Why I chose it:
I chose this one because the beat is so, SO good. It’s a classic and is catchy to the point where it gets stuck in my head. This song reached number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). And the unforgettable hook actually came from Rich Boy’s mom, who said “Throw some D’s on it!” After Rich Boy told her he bought a vintage Cadillac.
Sources: Rich Boy ft. Polow Da Don – “Throw Some D’s” (2006) | Pulse Music Board. (n.d.). https://pulsemusic.proboards.com/thread/202768/rich-boy-polow-throw-2006
Read more about it at https://genius.com/Rich-boy-throw-some-ds-lyrics
Pop:
“Hella Good” by No Doubt
Why I chose it:
This song has a memorable beat and it stands out with its perfect mix of pop and rock. No Doubt usually makes more ska music, but on their album “Rock Steady,” they really experimented with more pop elements. It really captures the sound of the 2000’s and the perfect listen.
Read more about it at https://genius.com/No-doubt-hella-good-lyrics
Rock:
“Incantation” by Cuss Face
Why I chose it:
Cuss Face is a newer band, but their sound is so purely 90s. This song has such a great vibe to it and I’m surprised that it’s not more popular. There’s a lot of other songs with the same feeling on their album “Cult Life” like “Spiderweb” and “VEGAN”. I wholeheartedly recommend giving the whole album a listen.
Read more about it at https://jarama45rpmrecs.bandcamp.com/album/incantation
Indie:
“Lose You” by Bully & Soccer Mommy
Why I chose it:
This is a heavy song with very powerful lyrics. It focuses on the painfulness of relationship impermanence and the reality of all of it. There’s so much bittersweet nostalgia and the knowledge that no matter how much you love someone, you will eventually lose them. It’s very deep, but so incredibly good.
Read more about it at https://wers.org/pick-of-the-week-bully-ft-soccer-mommy-lose-you/
Punk:
“Fast and Frightening” by L7
Why I chose it:
This song will make sure to get you pumped up. It has this raw energy that’s so hard to find and this fierce attitude captured within the song. The fast paced guitar and drums just really make up the energy of the song. This song’s definitely one of my favorites.
Read more about it at
https://genius.com/albums/L7/Fast-and-frightening
R&B:
“Someone To Call My Lover” by Janet Jackson
Why I chose it:
Janet Jackson knows exactly how to make songs addicting. It’s a great blend of pop and R&B, and the sample of “Ventura Highway” in the beginning just ties it all together. Her voice is so magical and this song is definitely a must listen.
Read more about it at
https://www.songfacts.com/facts/janet-jackson/someone-to-call-my-lover
Country:
“She Wouldn’t Be Gone” by Blake Shelton
Why I chose it:
This song is extremely heartfelt and truly captures the essence of longing, and dare I say, yearning. His voice carries much emotion within it and the lyrics paint a vivid picture. The melody really completes the song and makes it wonderful.
Read more about it at
https://theboot.com/story-behind-the-song-she-wouldnt-be-gone-blake-shelton/
Overall Just Sad Music:
“Forget Her” by Jeff Buckley
Why I chose it:
This song is hauntingly beautiful and painful. The lyrics paint a picture of hurt and struggling to leave a toxic relationship. He struggles to fight against his own love for her, knowing that in the end, she’ll only cause him pain. Despite this, he just can’t seem to let go of her, to forget her. He descends into anxiety as he falls deeper into the relationship. This song is just so excruciatingly painful and amazing. If you like this, I recommend his other works like “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” “I Know It’s Over,” “Lilac Wine” and “I Know We Could Be So Happy Baby.”
Read more about it at
