WMSC Music Picks: Love At First Sight

Welcome to WMSC Music Picks, a collaborative collection of WMSC’s music recommendations and reviews. In this installment, members of our station share their favorite songs that they fell in love with on the first listen!

“Staying” — Lizzy McAlpine
Review by River Colosa
On the morning of December 4, 2024, I opened my phone to see my Spotify Wrapped. As I was tapping through, it came to no surprise to me that my number one song of the year was “Staying” by Lizzy McAlpine. I listened to this song for the first time when the album, Older, came out and I instantly fell in love with it. Before the album, McAlpine herself also stated that “Staying” was her favorite, and I can see why. This song is only 2 minutes and 31 seconds long but beautifully illustrates her leaving a toxic relationship, the same one that the entire album is about, overall telling a story. The song begins with a few singular piano notes but mostly just Lizzy’s raw vocals with no backing. About 30 seconds in, the song picks up with more of a constant piano. Then, a minute into the song, the whole band comes in–drums, guitar, lapsteel, etc. It all blends together so beautifully to welcome in the bridge. The bridge reads, “Maybe I would be okay if I let this go forever, Send it into space and watch the planets turn, Maybe I wll, someday, let this go forever, Hold me until I find the nerve.” Not only are the lyrics gorgeous, but the piano notes give it a whimsical feel, then followed by McAlpine’s background vocals holding out the final notes. I listened to this song 331 times in 2024, and had the incredible opportunity to hear it live 5 times. The Older Tour was truly one of my favorite experiences of my life, as she and her band sat in a circle and played everything live with no tracks, and switched stuff up each night. My friends and I also planned a fan project for one of our shows during “Staying” where the crowd held up cutouts of stars, moons, and saturns, to light up the venue for this lovely song. All in all, I’m constantly in awe at everything McAlpine and her band create, and this song will always be my all time favorite.

 

 

“Neil Young on High” by The Ophelias ft. Julien Baker
Review by Kelly Schwint
The Ophelias describe their sound as “moth music,” while the midwestern band falls into the indie-folk-rock genre, there are subtle hints of creepy, small town energy. No matter how often I listen to it, “Neil Young on High” always sends a slight chill down my spine. With backing vocals from Julien Baker, lead vocalist Spencer Peppet recollects memories of a past relationship, or rather, lack of recollection. She sings, “I don’t remember everything / But oh / I remember most things.”

When I think back on moments in my life that are most worth remembering, a song is often connected with it. I have associated many memories with “Neil Young on High,” most notably when I heard it live at Webster Hall in NYC. However, the song is also attached to what I don’t remember and reminds me that lost details don’t make an experience less important, painful, or noteworthy.

 

 

“Easy Tiger” – Holly Humberstone
Review by Kelly Schwint
Holly Humberstone’s music has been a constant in my life for the past 4 years. She released an EP titled work in progress in 2024, and the track “Easy Tiger” became an instant favorite. The beautiful, smoothing acoustic guitar production mixed with Humberstone’s soft vocals and harmonies create a perfect mix of melancholy. “Easy Tiger” is about getting through the difficulties in life and allowing the people you love to help you through them. I have always found Humberstone to be a strong lyricist with a soft heart, inviting her audience to enter her deepest emotions, which maintains relatability and authenticity.

 

 

“GUIDE DOG” – Quadeca
Review by Tina Mell
From the album, Scrapyard, by Quadeca the song “GUIDE DOG” instantly won my heart. In this heart wrenching song, it follows how Quadeca will always be there for his significant other no matter the circumstances. The comparison of himself to a guide dog has really stuck with me and I love how he uniquely communicates his love for this girl without straight up saying he loves her. A quote that stuck out for me is “How I describe you, when you’re not around” which I loved from the moment I heard it since that tells so much about how real the love is. Even when that person isn’t there you are raving about them to others. I also love the brokenness in Quadeca’s voice which perfectly matches the overall mood of the song. Scrapyard was my FAVORITE album of 2025 and the whole album is a masterpiece.

 

 

“Sensual Nothing (Exclusive Track)” – Ashbury Heights
Review by Aidan Ivers
“Sensual Nothing” by Swedish duo Ashbury Heights captures the feeling of one-sided, unrequited love in a soothing, synth pop-electro piece. The song brings the listener through developing feelings for someone close, but hesitant to take the next step into a deeper relationship. Circumstances such as perceived opinions from others and relational dynamics are highlighted through a prominent electro beat and synthesized harmony. The chorus emphasizes love and deep commitment to someone intimate regardless of future obstacles, and it provides for a clear-cut, romantic love song. The title of “Sensual Nothing” could relate to a dichotomy of love; on one hand, a person has deep emotional feelings for someone close and is fulfilled by such. However, their emotions may not be met and could remain inside, with the song reflecting the speaker’s processing sentiment. Released in July 2012 as part of the album Take Cair Paramour Alternatives, “Sensual Nothing” encapsulates the perceived meaning of love in one’s heart. Commitment and priority are directed toward someone close, regardless of future outcomes or interpersonal mayhem. An engaging track for committed relationships or fascination with love’s nature and personal intents.

 

 

“Honey” – Maybe
Review by Mia Savidge
Obsessed since I heard it, Maybe’s song “Honey” stays as one of my current favorites that continues to live rent free in my mind. The catchy rhythm and feminine energy immediately hooked me, paired with the relatable lyrics that come together in perfect harmony. This song is about finding that one glimmer of hope in a crowd of negativity. Topics such as not fitting in and ingenuine actions in the lyrics adds to the overall message of the song. Having the almost somber lyrics mixed with the upbeat, lighthearted, and pretty tone makes for a captivating tune. Overall, I knew from the first listen that this was a song I was going to absolutely adore and continue to keep on-repeat.

 

 

“Head Down” – Leaving Time
Review by Caithlin Ginja
Leaving Time is a band from Jacksonville, FL. I remember first hearing of them around three years ago when I was on an escapade of finding new music to listen to. I was already into the shoegaze genre for a while, so I was exploring that range when I first came across them. The first song I listened to is “Stay,” which also now happens to be the most popular song off the group’s discography. “Stay” set the tone for Leaving Time, showing off the band’s unique sense of moody, reverbed vocals alongside ethereal guitar riffs. My all-time favorite example of this is in their song “Head Down.”
“Head Down” is one of the three songs released on a split EP with fellow shoegaze musicians all under heaven and Glare. The song begins with a dreamy yet melancholic guitar riff, easing listeners into the song, going along with the shoegaze genre. It then abruptly changes pace, transitioning into a much more tuned-up guitar riff, yet keeping the theme of reverb throughout the song. I like the lyrics in the song: “Daydream, sleeping, only thinking nothing’s real,” as I think the lyrics perfectly match the tone of the song. The song is very dreamy yet captivating and intense. It’s an experience.

 

 

“Livin’ Loose” – George Clanton
Review by Caithlin Ginja
George Clanton is one of the most influential figures in the vaporwave scene, having multiple other projects such as ESPRIT 空想 and Mirror Kisses. He is the guy who made a song that was used for a popular meme back in 2021, Whimsical Little Guy, where his song “Bleed” plays in the background to a whimsical little puppet attached to a string, swaying majestically to the song. It grew in notoriety but, most importantly, caught my attention, leading me to his discography. That’s when I found the album Slide.
“Livin’ Loose” is the opening song from his album Slide, where he starts his transition from 100% Electronica, a vaporwave staple, to a hypnagogic pop masterpiece. “Livin’ Loose” starts off with an almost glittering, shimmer-like feel. Mismatched beats imperfectly create a synchronized ease into the song, almost drifting listeners in. It then crashes into synth waves, creating an impactful listen for the entire song.

 

 

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Bladee and Ecco2k
Review by Caithlin Ginja
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Bladee and Ecco2k is an eccentric and fun synthpop song. I first discovered this song back in 2021 when I was in the midst of COVID and wanting to find more music to listen to. The song is meant to feel light and airy; it has a feel-good vibe throughout the entire track, all while carrying melancholic lyrics about human connection and loneliness.
Some of my favorite lyrics from the song are, “Let me go, you can’t hold onto ghosts.” This lyric, to me, symbolizes that the person singing is the ghost and that they are basically pleading with someone to stop holding onto them because they are, in essence, a ghost—someone detached.

 

 

“Chokehold” – Sleep Token
Review by Jake Pino
Metal superstars Sleep Token sure knows how to set the mood with whoever you love. If you listen to any song off of their breakout record, “Take Me Back To Eden” in 2023, you can understand what I am talking about, featuring hits like “The Summoning,” “Granite,” and “Rain.” Vessel’s unique and heavenly voice and the slow, ambiance guitar riffs, overall the song is just a masterpiece and when I heard it the first time, I couldn’t stop listening to it. Chokehold is one of those songs that literally puts you in a chokehold. Vessel describes him overcoming obstacles and barriers in a relationship, and he becomes a ‘guardian’ instead of a ‘blade.’ Maybe you will be put in a chokehold once you hear this.

 

 

“It Will Rain” – Bruno Mars
Review by Jake Pino
You can’t have a ‘Love At First Sight’ playlist without Bruno Mars, One of the biggest artists right now, with his hit collaboration with Lady Gaga, “Die With A Smile.” Coming straight off The Twilight Saga: Breaking Down Part 1 soundtrack, “It Will Rain” is one song that goes well with any love found at first sight. Well, any Bruno Mars song can go well with any love found at first sight. You can play any song off Doo-Wops & Hooligans and Unorthodox Jukebox and you can see what I’m saying. The first verse of the song already sets the mood as he exaggerates he would need to be medicated if his girlfriend ever left him.

 

 

“Flames” – MOD SUN
Review by Jake Pino
The song “Flames” by MOD SUN, featuring Avril Lavigne, is about the pain of a broken relationship and the lingering emotions that come with it. This was a song that I instantly fell in love with it right when it was released back in 2021. Although not directly related to finding love at first sight, The lyrics express profound regret, longing, and the struggle of moving on from someone who was once deeply loved. This song perfectly shows how quickly a spark can turn into a flame, but if not managed properly, the flame will eventually fade out and leave a nice longing heartbreak between the two people.

 

 

“Loving Is Easy (Feat. Benny Sings)” – Rex Orange County*
Review by Austin Mink
Fitting the Valentine’s Day and love theme in general, “Loving Is Easy” is a song that I immediately fell for on my very first listen when it was released back in 2017. The track has this very groovy laidback vibe throughout it that I think perfectly captures that feeling someone has when they first meet someone they really like. It’s very reminiscent of disco 70s music but combined with a modern indie sound as well. Cute pianos, attractive bass riffs, and a very comforting drum beat accompany the whole track. I remember having this song on loop when I first came across it, introduced to me through my brother who has generally been a positive influence on my music tastes over the years. Since then it’s a song I still have in my playlist rotation, and it remains one of, if not, my favorite Rex Orange County song. Perfect song to put on during the season of Valentine’s Day, or just when you’re feeling a little in love in general.

 

 

“Home Again” – Menahan Street Band
Review by Austin Mink
This relaxing song from Brooklyn based instrumental band, Menahan Street Band, is one I remember having on loop all day when I first stumbled across it. I don’t have distinct memories about the circumstances of when I first heard this song, I think it just came on Spotify via smart shuffle. Despite the song not having any lyrics, I still think it’s one that is undoubtedly beautiful, and is living proof that you do not need words to make a good song. This jazzy track just has soul pouring out of it through it’s 3 minute runtime. Lovely guitars, outstanding brass, and some great percussion makes this instrumental tune a great introduction to anyone who has not heard or know of Menahan Street Band.

 

 

“Time: The Donut of the Heart” – J Dilla
Review by Austin Mink
“The Donut Of The Heart,” like most of J Dilla’s work, is simple but effective despite its one minute beat. I recently visited J Dilla’s 2006 release Donuts and considered this track to be the highlight of the record, and the best showcase of Dilla’s work and how talented he was when it came to how he produced his music. Even after listening to the album, I found myself coming back to this song over and over again. The song mostly samples the bass riff off “All I Do is Think Of You” by The Jackson 5, and loops it over and over again, while utilizing other stems from the song such as the drums and backing vocals. Turning the slow, romantic driven Jackson 5 track into something that’s faster but also mournful in a way. As I said earlier, this song is short but sweet, and shows the kind of incredible music J Dilla could create using only a select few samples in a short amount of time.

 

 

“Uninvited” – Alanis Morrisette
Review by Dylan Sullivan
Alanis Morrisette is undoubtedly one of the greatest alternative artists to come out of the 90s. While I do consider her album Jagged Little Pill to be a masterpiece, I feel her song “Uninvited” is her best work. “Uninvited” was released as a single from the soundtrack of the romcom City of Angels. It was Morissette’s first recording since Jagged Little Pill but was never actually physically released as a single. The first time I ever heard this song was at her concert at PNC Bank Arts Center last summer, and it was a phenomenal experience. The song is driven by four simple piano notes and ambiguous lyrics that lead to an eventual instrumental climax. It’s this very buildup that made me absolutely fall in love with this song, it’s so gradual and keeps you on your toes until the climax, where the guitar and strings collide to release this angst you’ve been building through the first few minutes.

 

 

“The Friend (Long Remastered Version)” – Whitey
Review by Dylan Sullivan
Whitey is a self proclaimed “ongoing musical project” by British vocalist Nathan Joseph White. Whitey’s music has made it way from clubs to movies and television, notably used in Breaking Bad and The Sopranos. “The Friend” was released on Whitey’s third album, Canned Laughter (2010). Whitey’s music is repetitive but in a hypnotic way, he instantly hooks you with a rhythm and you stay. “The Friend” is no different, but the melody instantly stood out to me as its somewhat melancholic yet happy at the same time. I also related to the song immensely as he writes, “And the friend in the corner, Watches everything no matter how small.” It’s a simple line but if you’re the friend who notices everything and tends to be there for anybody, it cuts deep.

 

 

“Carousel” – Vylet Pony
Review by Dylan Sullivan
“Carousel” is a track off of Vylet Pony’s 2023 album, Carousel (An Examination of the Shadow, Creekflow, and its Life as an Afterthought). It was an album I eagerly waited for since its announcement in the fall of 2022, and it did not disappoint. I had a few instant favorites in this album but this one hit me the hardest. Following “Flair for the Dramatic” (a song that ends heavy), “Carousel” begins with a slow piano melody that transitions to melodic synths to R&B and more melodies. The lyrics are somewhat specific yet somehow ambiguous and relatable. It became an instant comfort track of mine if I ever feel lost or uncertain in life.

 

 

“Aphrodite” — The Backfires
Review by Genevieve Cai
I wouldn’t be me without The Backfires, so I was of course excitedly anticipating the release of their debut album This Is Not An Exit. I would have never thought it to be even better than my expectations though, and “Aphrodite” was the first stand-out track to me for sure. It’s one of the slower songs on the album (yet it still has awesome, punchy drums and echoing guitar riffs), and encapsulates the energy of pure infatuation, despite there being warning signs. I was, on my first listen, and still am obsessed with Alex’s soulful vocals just bursting from the crashing chords, almost like he is desperately trying not to be buried by the instruments.

In typical Backfires fashion, there were angsty lines like the singer “play[ing] the fool” as the love interest “tantalizes” them, being the mischievous and irresistible object of their affection. The singer invites the lover to “decorate [their] skin with [their] eyes,” as they promptly lose themselves in the energy of the other. As the myth goes, it is insulting to compare anyone to the beauty of Aphrodite, the most beautiful of them all, yet this song can’t help but do just that.

 

 

“July” — Windser
Review by Genevieve Cai
It’s not summer, but I could listen to this song year round. July is Windser’s debut single under the name, and it lowkey is kind of similar to my other music pick about “Aphrodite” by The Backfires; both songs are slow, have elements of yearning, and wishing one could forget other responsibilities to stay or run away with these happy memories/good times (whether it’s a lover or just a feeling). This song is more reminiscent though, as is all of Windser’s music. Specifically, July came out in 2020 when Windser (real name Jordan Topf), during the pandemic, “migrated to the woods” with his girlfriend and set up a makeshift studio, where he wrote about the people he missed and set his mind to starting a new solo career.

Jordan’s vocals on July mix with a melancholic, haunting, folk-infused instrumental that still retains the catchiness of indie pop choruses. “I don’t want to grow up / Before I die / ‘Cause everything about you is hot like July,” he says, in an almost coming-of-age fashion. July is the month of sweltering heat, and I imagine this serves as a metaphor for not just the attractiveness of a “you,” but the surging memories of the past and how they interact with the future.
The one consistent drum beat sounds just like a person clapping, and the echoed, quiet plucking of strings both lend to the familiarity and nostalgia of the whole thing.

 

 

“At the End of the Day” – Wallows*
Review by Jules Orzechowski
This song sounds like falling down an Alice in Wonderland type rabbit hole of nostalgia. It has an odd kind of production, in the sense that it uses a lot of EDM style synth elements in an indie rock style. The song also has a music video to go with it that perfectly encapsulates how the song feels. It takes place mainly at a carnival but it also features the band driving around in a Cadillac and the whole video focuses a lot on that neon light aesthetic. As soon as I heard this song it got stuck in my head and it hasn’t left since!

 

 

“drive all night” – joan
Review by Jules Orzechowski
I would describe this song as a perfect cruising down the highway at sunset vibe. It’s one of the most magical, calming songs I’ve ever heard in my life. There’s a main piano theme in the song at the beginning and end of the song that appears again during the bridge as a guitar solo and it’s beautiful. The song is so simple, yet musically clever and I don’t think I’ve heard a song this good in a really long time.

 

 

“Timberwolves at New Jersey” – Taking Back Sunday
Review by Alondra Munoz
The first time I saw Taking Back Sunday live, I was still a newer fan, making certain songs feel unfamiliar, exciting, and refreshing. Midway through the set, the crowd erupted into a chant for another title I didn’t recognize. That was the moment I first heard “Timberwolves at New Jersey.” Pressed up against countless strangers, sweat beading on my forehead, stage lights blinding me, and sharp feedback ringing in my ears, this was the most electrifying moment of the show. Despite never hearing the song before, I made feeble attempts to sing along only being able to catch on to the chorus. Even though I was hearing this song for the first time I knew for a fact that this would not be the last time I sang those lyrics at the top of my lungs.

 

 

“A.M. 180” – PUP
Review by Alondra Munoz
2020 marked a pivotal time in my music-listening experience, having mounds of time on my hands following the Covid-19 pandemic. The “A.M. 180” cover by PUP was one of the tunes I discovered during this time. With sweet lyrics that screamed romance and a melody that radiated a dreamy sense of hope, I was drawn to it immediately. During times of uncertain desperation, I feel like it was something that I found myself holding onto dearly.

 

 

“Cemetery Drive” – My Chemical Romance
Review by Alondra Munoz
“Cemetery Drive” by the local Jersey rock band My Chemical Romance was a song I luckily rediscovered in a moment of shooting pain and soap suds. Mid-shower, soap seeped from my hair into my burning eyes as I blindly reached for my phone, perched precariously on the bathroom sink. I fumbled through lackluster songs, skipping each with sopping-wet fingers when suddenly the haunting beat of drums and an echoing guitar stopped me in my tracks. By the time Gerard Way’s voice reached the first verse, I was completely hooked. The water had turned cold, and the soap still stung, but none of it mattered for I had just discovered what would become my latest musical obsession.

 

 

“Abracadabra” – Lady Gaga
Review by Alyssa Arroyo
We have never been more back. On the night of the Grammys (February 2nd, 2025), Lady Gaga released a brand new music video for her newest single “Abracadabra.” This single is the third song to be released in anticipation of her upcoming album Mayhem set to release later this year. From the second I heard the chorus pump through my TV speakers, I knew that mother was back. Fans (including myself) are now extremely excited for Mayhem to be available with “Abracadabra” showing signs of OG Gaga being back in her dance/pop era. Every single element of this track is exactly what I love in a Lady Gaga song; catchy choruses, hyper-pop beats, and vocals that are to die for. As a long term Little Monster, I couldn’t be more pleased with the release of this single. Now all that is left is to learn the choreography and prepare if I ever need to lipsync for my life.

 

 

“Want Me Around” – Knuckle Puck
Review by Amber Bintliff
Chicago pop-punk legends Knuckle Puck released “Want Me Around” in 2017 as the third single from their sophomore record Shapeshifter. From the second I heard this song, it was stuck in my head almost every day (and still is). It’s one of my favorite songs of all time, and one of my favorites to hear live. Knuckle Puck have this amazing ability to sneak in some of the most heart-breaking lyrics you’ll ever hear on top of a fun, up-beat instrumental. “They say that time heals everything, but what if time is everything?” is one of my favorite lines ever written in a song to date. “Want Me Around” is incredibly emotionally raw, with lyrics detailing a failing relationship and the fear of losing someone you love. I want this song around my rotation until the end of time.

 

 

“Dance With Your Ghost” – Grayscale
Review by Amber Bintliff
From their recently released fourth studio album The Hart, Grayscale have returned with another killer addition to their discography. “Dance With Your Ghost” is my number one song on the record, and cemented itself as such from my very first listen. It’s such a fun track, with that classic Grayscale sound that makes you want to dance and move around. It almost feels like a more mature version of a track that could’ve been found on 2019’s Nella Vita (my favorite Grayscale album).

 

 

You can check out WMSC Music Picks: Favorites of 2024 here!
Images from Spotify