WMSC Music Picks: Spring Break 2024!

Welcome to WMSC Music Picks, a collaborative collection of WMSC’s music recommendations and reviews. In this installment, members of our station celebrate spring break with their favorite tracks about the journey and the destination!

 

 
“Hawaii (Stay Awake)” – Waterparks

Review by Amber Bintliff

I mean, who wouldn’t want to go to Hawaii for spring break!? “Hawaii (Stay Awake)” is the first track from Waterparks’ debut record, Double Dare, that deals with ideas of boredom and being stuck in the same recurring loop in day-to-day life. Frontman Awsten Knight sings of being overwhelmed with feelings of loneliness and exhaustion in what appears to him as a monotonous existence. The song takes on a hopeful, yet almost desperate approach once the chorus rolls around, with Knight detailing that he’s sick of “stale days” and begging someone to “stay awake” for and with him. He longs for something more in his life and to be anywhere else in the world than where he is right now.

 

“Permanent Vacation” – Arrows In Action

Review by Amber Bintliff

I’m pretty sure if spring break could become a permanent vacation, everyone would be down. Arrows In Action delivers an energetic pop-punk track about finding solace in places far away from home. With lyrics such as “I found my peace in places I had never been,” and “Extend my stay another day / Far from home, not alone,” the desire to constantly be on the go in an attempt to escape from life’s usual complications is crystal clear. “Permanent Vacation” captures the relaxation and excitement that spring break brings along with its arrival–all within two minutes and 57 seconds.

 

“Ocean Dream” – Bearings

Review by Amber Bintliff

This dreamy (no pun intended) track from Bearings’ latest release The Best Part About Being Human feels like the perfect song to add to your spring break soundtrack. Listening to “Ocean Dream” feels like walking on the beach right when the sun’s about to set and it gets a little chilly. The song itself serves as a testament to feeling vulnerable in a relationship and wanting to know exactly what’s going on inside your partner’s head. Each track on this album explores different parts of the human experience and what it means to feel alive. The nature of this song makes it a must-listen for anyone going through similar feelings in a relationship, traveling somewhere with a beach in a five-mile radius, or maybe even both.

 

“Jersey” – Mayday Parade

Review by Amber Bintliff

This 2007 pop-punk classic feels like you’ve just ventured back home from an exciting spring break trip that was somewhere warm and sunny, and not even just because we’re in New Jersey. Upon returning, it may feel like it just got colder because you’re so used to being somewhere where the highest temperature isn’t 39 degrees every day. Derek Sanders sings of being reminiscent of the past and longing to relive fond memories with someone, creating a nostalgic mood as “Jersey” progresses. This song has always been a personal favorite of mine from Mayday Parade and I feel like it’s the perfect choice to be the final song in my contribution to this edition of music picks.

 

“Fly Out West” – Yot Club 

Review by Daniel Ortiz

Leaving home is never easy, but if it’s for your dreams then you have to be ready to leave everything behind – even if that means leaving your romantic partner. “Fly Out West” is a song about passion, love left, and a new journey all told through synth-y strings and lo-fi rhythm. The singer yearns for “a new location” where they can be free and away from everything. The only thing holding them back is their former lover who has completely moved on. Even though their lover has moved on, the singer’s mind is filled with the dread of leaving them behind. The melancholic musician feels stuck, feeling ‘in too far deep’ to leave their former lover. Despite the profound emotional yearning, “Fly Out West” is a MUST-HAVE for any road trip or vacation playlist.

 

“Vienna” – Billy Joel 

Review by Scott Ackerson

The theme of this bunch being that it can sometimes be about both the journey and the destination is interestingly toyed with in this iconic Billy Joel classic. “Vienna,” an allegory for the process of growing older, features Joel in conversation with someone afraid of the future. He reassures them by asking questions like, “Where’s the fire, what’s the hurry about?” as this person is trying to accomplish far too much because they worry about getting old. The destination in question here is not just “Vienna,” but rather a place of being content with where you are at, knowing that the future is not something to fear, but rather something to embrace. Joel’s song is an ultimate carpe diem anthem, and one reason I find it has still endured since the 70s, beyond just being a banger, is the fact that a lot of people in this generation put so much pressure on themselves to be so many things – this writer included. This makes lines like “Slow down you’re doing fine / You can’t be everything you want to be before your time” hit so hard because it reminds us that it is well worth seeing this journey out every step of the way. Do not run full-speed ahead to your destinations, even if it is somewhere really cool over break like Cancun. 

 

“Fly Away” – Lenny Kravitz 

Review by Scott Ackerson

Sometimes the songs with the strongest stances are the simplest. This hit by Lenny Kravitz is remarkably simple in the lyrics department, or at least on the surface. The song’s theme is that of escape, as the crux of the chorus is the repeated line of “I want to get away, I want to fly away.” However, this leads the listener to ask themselves – what is the escape from? Kravitz plays with a subtle change in perspective throughout the song, as the first four verses are only using the possessive pronoun ‘I’ – “I wish that I could fly;” “I’d fly above the trees;” as well as the aforementioned chorus. But then when the fifth verse hits, suddenly Kravitz introduces the idea of inviting somebody else to escape with him. “Let’s go and see the stars […] Where it could just be ours” is a proposition that he makes to an unnamed party, and the conclusion that I reach at first is one of Kravitz speaking to a lover about entering their new life. 

The deeper the chorus gets, he makes a tiny tweak to the wording that opens a whole new can of worms – “Girl, I got to get away.” This could easily be my honorary English student status coming out, but what I gleam is that Kravitz is using this “new” partner to escape from an old one. He needs a fresh start, a way out, a chance to fly away. Like the title. The exact destination is up to interpretation, but Kravitz’s clear drive to take the journey to a better life is one of strong convictions that we love to see around here. 

 

“Holiday Road” – Lindsey Buckingham 

Review by Scott Ackerson

Sometimes you just have to pick a song you never stop bopping to. With all of the destinations ahead for our vacations, the experience of the road trip – be it with family, friends, or just self – is like a mini vacation in its own right. Buckingham’s cult classic “Holiday Road” mirrors all the good vibes of a long road trip to a T, creating the sense of windows-down fun that is perfect for any car playlist, or for the intro to a silly goofy comedy from the 80s. Only speaking hypothetically, of course. Besides being such a long-lasting earworm, this song also features a unique stance on the journey versus destination debate. 

Buckingham sings about how “He found out long ago, It’s a long way down the holiday road,” as if to say that the lessons from the past have taught him that a freedom-filled vacation will have to be worked towards on a long, winding path. I also wonder if that is the meaning behind the use of the nursery rhyme “Jack Be Nimble” in one verse, being that the story emphasizes good luck for a tough task. Maybe the singer wants to bless himself with this luck, the luck of getting to that holiday destination. Once more I have read far too deeply. Just consider giving this classic a lesson if you have not already. 

 

“LA” – Elliot Smith

Review by Hannah Hirsch

“LA” is a change from the gloomy, dark-sounding songs I’m used to hearing from Elliot Smith. I enjoy the guitar and high energy on this song. Although it’s instrumentally joyful, the lyrics are still dark and sorrowful. The song delves into topics such as suicide highlighted in this line, “Last night I was about to throw it all away.” Personally, I believe songs with positive instruments and a more depressing meaning is always a great combo.  

 

“Brazil” – Declan McKenna 

Review by Hannah Hirsch

“Brazil” is always a song I come back to, especially in the summertime. There’s just something about it that is extremely nostalgic and appealing. This song discusses the corruption involved with the 2014 FIFA World Cup. McKenna points out that Brazil prioritized hosting the World Cup over its citizens living in poverty. I think it’s clever for McKenna to disguise such a controversial topic behind a memorable and catchy chorus. I understand how this song gained so much popularity. 

 

“Hudson” – Vampire Weekend

Review by Hannah Hirsch

Typically when listening to Vampire Weekend, I am expecting an experimental track that is upbeat. “Hudson” has a darker sound than the normal songs Vampire Weekend puts out. The instrumentals are ominous, having ghostly strings and ticking clock noises. The song also delves into Henry Hudson’s death and New York City’s history. Still experimental, I appreciate this spooky side of Vampire Weekend. 

 

“Los Ageless” – St. Vincent

Review by Emily “Emol” McCormack

A play on the famous (perhaps, infamous) city in California, “Los Ageless” by St. Vincent is a criticism of the warped atmosphere of L.A. In her album Masseduction (2017), St. Vincent sings of how people can chase their dreams of being famous to their breaking point, but it will never be enough to make it or for people to feel fulfilled – they are always chasing something they cannot grasp, forcing them to become a slave to Hollywood, or becoming a shell of their former self. Taking a look at the lyrics, there are so many unfortunate true-to-reality critiques of celebrity expectations.

The second verse begins with the following: “The last days of the sunset superstars / Girls in cages playing their guitars / But how can I leave? / I just follow the hood of my car.” This references L.A.’s need to put women on display, and only give them fame if they are willing to submit to society’s standards. Despite this disgusting nature, people find it hard to leave because the “city of angels” is what allows people fame and fortune- but the narrator finds herself lost, unable to navigate life there, but also she can’t get herself to leave. The verse continues to portray this message: “In Los Ageless, the waves they never break / They build and build until you don’t have no escape/ But how can I leave? / I just follow my hood to the sea, go to sleep.” Stereotypical people in L.A. will fight their way to the top, but in most cases, people can never settle and work towards a blurry goal until their death.

 

“Hot Girl Summer” – Megan Thee Stallion, Ty Dolla $ign, Nicki Minaj*

Review by Janavi Vadnerker 

This song just gives off baddie vacation vibes! The first ten seconds of the song are very enticing and can draw a listener into the rest of the song. Megan kills her verse in the beginning with her lyrics that are sung as smooth as butter. Ty’s verses in the song add a nice break between Nicki and Megan. Nicki’s verse was short but very nicely sung. Overall, this is 100% a song that I would listen to with my girls while getting ready to explore the city I’m in!

 

“Rush” – Troye Sivan*

Review by Janavi Vadnerker 

As soon as you press play on the song, the beat engulfs your ears and your body wants to immediately start moving. When Troye Sivan starts singing, the reverb added to his voice breaks through and adds a nice party ambiance to the song. The melody is very catchy and is very recognizable. Overall, this song is an amazing vacation song. Just imagine dancing with your girls to this song!

 

 

“Monalisa” – Lojay, Sarz, Chris Brown

Review by Janavi Vadnerker 

This Amapiano-Influenced song is a must-have on your vacation playlist! The melody makes your body crave movement. Lojay’s vocals complement the melody very well. The chorus is unforgettable. Chris Brown’s vocals and harmonies add so much personality to this song. I would say this song is a party starter!

 

“Fast In My Car” – Paramore

Review by Alyssa Arroyo

What is the number one essential of a good road trip? A perfect playlist. One song that is an absolute necessity would have to be “Fast In My Car” by Paramore. The band released this song as a part of their self-titled album “Paramore” on April 5th 2013. Having this track be the opener for such a staple album was the best decision as it sets a perfect tone for what comes later in the record. “Fast In My Car” is an effortlessly catchy tune that talks about friendship and sticking together (and of course, driving fast in a car). Lead singer Hayley Williams sings the lines “Get in my car / And we’ll drive around / We’ll make believe/we are free / Already proved we / Can tough it out / And we get along / So sweetly,” referencing the journey she is willing to keep going on with her fellow band members. With its funky guitar features and fast drum, there is no way you can’t imagine yourself driving in your best friend’s car with the windows down and the wind blowing. This song embodies staying true to the people you love as you continue on your voyage in life alongside yours, very appropriately titled “ride or dies.” 

 

“London Calling” – The Clash

Review by Mia Watson

I’m going overseas for the first time to London for spring break this year, so this song couldn’t be more fitting for me though. The song itself has themes of paranoia of the 1970s that are still incredibly relevant to some of that of today. Going into my trip, I’m taking the message of “London Calling” more from the perspective of someone who’s been dying to go my entire life and it’s finally time.

 

“Young New England” – Transit

Review by Jenna Marcy

Romanticizing your city is nothing new, and neither is the romanticization of youth. Both concepts are ones that artists have sought to emulate in their works for centuries. “Young New England” by the hit Massachusetts band Transit combines these two familiar concepts into something new and beautiful. Serving as a love letter to not just Boston, but the entirety of New England, this folksy tune chronicles what it’s like being young, scrappy, and in love with life in every form. With simple lyrics about partying, struggling to get by, and being young in a big city this song is extremely relatable to most young people. Especially in the lyric “working through the weekend, an uphill battle for a few good nights,” frontwoman Elle Meadows encapsulates the struggle of young people, especially those going through the motions of life to find joy in the little moments.  As much as this track is about growing up and the joys of your twenties, it is also about moving on to bigger and better things. With lines about moving from a small town to the big city, this song encapsulates the feeling of disappearing in a sea of people once you move to a new place. A necessary part of growing up, this track talks about making your place in the world, and finding goodness in the never-ending sound of a constantly changing environment. Growing up is tough, but Transit perfectly shows the joys that can come from slowing down, and acknowledging the beauty of where you are, even if it may not be the most glamorous or admirable position.

 

“Nothing to Find” – The War on Drugs

Review by Luke Adair

This song released in 2017, this song is about the journey people take but it is more about self-exploration and the desire for connection. The band creates a lyrical painting with this song. Each verse is poetic, inspiring, and above all relatable to people who want to explore more. I also like to believe this song represents some ideas of enlightenment because some of the lyrics are centered around human happiness.

 

“Life is a Highway” – Rascal Flatts

Review by Luke Adair

Written in 2006 for the famous Pixar movie Cars, “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts is arguably the most iconic song from this band and they possibly have the most quotable song title because of the poetic meaning of the title. This song screams seize-the-day vibes due to its simple poetic lyrics and verses. It was based on the lead singer’s trip to Africa back in the 90s and he says it was the epitome of exploration both spiritually and mentally.

 

“Alaska” – Mogli 

Review by Genevieve Cai 

I discovered Mogli around ten years old when I first stumbled across the Netflix documentary Expedition Happiness. It featured the German indie/folk-pop singer, her then-partner Felix, and their dog Rudi on a cross-North American road trip, in an old school bus they had renovated into an RV. The original soundtrack for the doc Wanderer was written and sung by Mogli herself. “Alaska” is my favorite off of the album, with its sweeping vocals and almost primal, visceral drumming. In line with our theme of journey/destination, Mogli paints the breathtaking picture of an Alaskan landscape, journeying through “melting snow in crystal veins” and “water so deep mountains are rising.” She continues to juxtapose its grandeur and natural beauty with its unpredictable wildness; the reoccurring line “Lost in the sweep of the horizon” creates a sense of smallness, establishing the earthly beauty and how the singer only takes up one tiny bit of it, consumed by nature. This literal theme is also meant to be compared to the complexity of human emotions. 

Though the beautiful moments are overwhelmingly happy, the journey of life can also be dangerous, harshly cold, and lonely, just like the state of Alaska. Towards the end of the song, Mogli repeats the words “I’m on top of the world, and then the wolves howl”, which I consider to be a recognition of necessary survival, and how nature/life is both so gorgeous yet shows no remorse at the same time. One central and simple guitar melody carries us throughout this adventure, and the stirring drums echo like they are sounds rumbling from the mountains themselves. Every time I listen to this song, I can feel the icy air, and it is a journey every time.

 

“Baby, We Should Leave California” – Jack Samson

Review by Jared Tauber

I’ve chosen Jack Samson’s “Baby, We Should Leave California” for this destination-themed music picks because it’s not about any particular destination, but rather anywhere in the world so long as it is with the subject of the song. It’s a lament, bro: the story of a man’s love going away, and that man wanting to come along, even if that means leaving home. But he can’t come along. And she’s leaving. And that’s it. That’s the end. Anyway, that’s the lyrics, but the production is awesome. That would be thanks to CAMBO. Simple on the surface, but delicately intricate in all the little ways Jack’s ideas and passages are sprinkled in. Harmonies go crazy on this one too, and it all works because ultimately it’s a beautiful song that stands perfectly on its own. Jack went off on this one; it’s no doubt a catalog highlight for him.

 

 “Honey” – Coastal Club 

Review by Chris Cirone

I don’t remember when I first heard this song but it’s a relatively recent find. It talks about the journey of love, so although not a physical destination, they use the metaphor of driving and miles to make a really pretty, nostalgic song. This song came out on their 2020 album “I get nervous sometimes” and is both the most popular track from the album and their most listened to on Spotify. This track gives me a surf-like vibe and I feel like this is the perfect song for going for a spring drive with your friends. It’s a lighthearted beat that gets a little kicky in the chorus.

 

“One For The Road” – Arctic Monkeys

Review by Gurleen Kaur

Just from the title of this song, this gives away that it is related to traveling to a destination. This song is from Arctic Monkeys album AM that was released in 2013. This is a song I would play if I were driving on a long drive somewhere. It truly is one for the road and a fun song to lighten up anyone’s day. The narrator does not mind the destination unless it leads him back to the person he wants to be with. Despite favor not being on his side, he keeps on trying to change his fate around, struggling to remain positive. 

He eventually has to leave the girl, go on the road, and head elsewhere. The only way you can grow as a person is simply heading forward and letting the road take you wherever it takes you. This is a lesson many people experience more often than not, and depending on what it is can tell how much it will affect that person’s life. Life is simply a journey that you have to continue moving forward with.

 

“Escape from the City” – Ted Poley and Tony Harnell

Review by Bella Freitas

“Escape from the City” is the song played in City Escape the first level of the Hero Story in Sonic Adventure 2. It was composed by Jun Senoue and performed by Ted Poley and Tony Harnell. The lyrics describe putting trust in Sonic as he moves at the speed of sound and goes on the run to escape the city to be free as he embarks on an epic journey. As said in the song, “Follow me, set me free trust me and we will escape from the city.” It’s a great song that captures the story and energy of the game and is well-known by almost all Sonic fans.

 

“San Diego” – Blink-182

Review by Lee Ramrattan

The thirteenth track of Blink-182’s seventh studio album California, (and one of my favorites off this album as well) is a song that pays homage to the city in which the band grew up. Though this is arguably one of the “happier” songs on the album about memories from their home, it explores the friendship between the band that was partially broken up at this point, making it more bittersweet. 

John Feldmann, Blink-182’s producer at the time tells Alternative Press: “There’s clearly a lot of feelings involved with having a best friend who is not in your band  anymore, having a best friend with all that stuff that went down.” I also didn’t know that’s what this song is about and now I’m sad but at least they’re back together now and still coming out with great things!

 

“Chicago Is So Two Years Ago” – Fall Out Boy

Review by Lee Ramrattan

From Fall Out Boy’s debut album Take This To Your Grave, here’s another song that honors where a band is from! This is pretty much a huge “screw you!” song while the band is missing their family and friends while on tour, with super straightforward lyrics like “But there’s a light on in Chicago / And I know I should be home.” This might be a good song for people who might just be done with dealing with this semester already and want to go home and see their family and friends this spring break. The bridge of this song which features Justin Pierre was also sampled in Fall Out Boy’s song “Save Rock And Roll” and it’s super cool listening to them back to back.

 

“Marinero Wawani” – by Monsieur Periné

Review by Ruby Villalona Grullon

Over spring break, if you are going somewhere by the water (or even if you are not) this is the song for you! The alternative rock band, Monsieur Perine, should be your go-to this spring break even if you don’t speak Spanish. From the moment you hear “Marinero Wawani” by Monsieur Periné, the tune will captivate you and transport you to a world of peace and poetic beauty that’ll make you feel like you are a sailor at sea. It portrays someone who grew up sailing and wants to stay at sea and not have to worry about the existence of a world governed by borders and boundaries – which is something that we all do during spring break to try and forget our troubles.

 

“The Beach” – The Neighbourhood 

Review by Rebekkah Dayon

Spotify recommended this song on a random night last semester at like one in the morning and my jaw dropped when I heard it. “The Beach” by The Neighbourhood off of their 2015 album Wiped Out! has a beautiful, dark sound that relies heavily on vocals meshed with light guitar and a steady drum. The song’s sound alone provokes this deep emotional response, but when paired with its lyrics, it creates a whole new experience. It’s a song that explores the ideas of shame and anxiety when having feelings for a friend. The song uses a lot of symbolism in its lyrics to express these conflicting feelings which contribute to this beautiful melancholy feeling that this song encapsulates so intensely. In the lyrics, “I feel it burning me / I feel it burning you / I hope I don’t murder me / I hope I don’t burden you,” fire represents these shameful feelings that Jesse Rutherford, lead singer for the band, has that is ruining his relationship with this friend and that is even hurting himself. The beach, the title of this song, holds a significant symbol as well. The beach that Rutherford is talking about is supposed to be where he and this girl could be happy together, but they are slowly drowning in the water beforehand. When Rutherford sings “Swim with me / I think I could see the beach,” he is begging for her and him to at least try to work things out, but it’s simply just not working. This song is so addictive that I had only this song playing for a week and with spring break coming soon, it’s the perfect song to listen to because who doesn’t love the beach?

 

“Brazil” – Declan McKenna 

Review by Rebekkah Dayon

The song “Brazil” by English indie-pop singer/songwriter Delan McKenna was his debut single which came out in 2014. Despite actually being about a protest against FIFA which is French for International Association Football Federation, “Brazil” has a beautiful, colorful, light mesh of electric guitar, snare drums, and a nasally voice that creates the perfect summer song. Becoming popular over social media apps like TikTok within the last year, thousands of videos were made using this song including cute summer collages and even people learning how to play this song on the guitar. It’s understandable why this song blew up as it perfectly encapsulates the sound of summertime. When I listen to this song, I see the colors orange, yellow and pink. I see the ocean crashing on a hot summer’s day. I see no worries and late nights. “Brazil” is the type of song I see being in a teenage coming-of-age movie. So, with spring break coming up, “Brazil” by Declan McKenna is the peak driving song to get ready for the sun to set later and the weather to get warmer.

 

“Chicago” – Flipturn

Review by Julia Slevin 

Flipturn has me FLIPPING out over how good their music is! The band is a Florida-based American indie rock group formed in 2015. As a lover of all things indie rock, Flipturn truly exceeds my expectations. Embodying a unique sound of electric beach rock, this song makes me feel like I’m running away from reality. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Dillon Bass, confirmed this ideology in an interview with The Daily Illini: “It wasn’t actually about going to Chicago- Chicago is kind of a metaphor for getting out, seeing the world, you know, just trying to expand what you’re doing. But now that we’re here, it’s taken on a cool meaning. It’s a dream.” 

Chicago might not be the most thrilling destination on the map, but this song definitely is! It makes you feel like you are in a coming-of-age film dancing and spinning around. What I like most about their music is that it sounds as if you took indie rock, sprinkled it with a hint of punk, and threw it into a HOT alternative oven. I highly recommend deep-diving into their discography. You’ll find yourself in a sea of good vibes and tunes, missing summer and long drives. 

 

“California” – Chappell Roan

Review by Stella Daly

In this emotional ballad, Chappell Roan proves that sometimes the destination isn’t as glamorous as one might think. Roan sings about wanting to be taken out of California and brought back to Missouri. “I miss the seasons in Missouri, my dying town.” While Roan can admit how she needed to escape, she can’t help but mourn what she lost. Throughout her album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, she sings about her new life in California and the fun she’s having. Her album is filled with songs where you can’t help but want to dance along. “California” is one of the few where she fully strips all the production back and allows her voice to shine. With her unique sound and tone, it’s impossible to not feel every ounce of emotion she is feeling. Chappell Roan does an incredible job singing about how homesickness still hits her while at her dream destination. 

 

“Pilgrimage” – Nine Inch Nails

Review by GS Alvarez 

The ninth track on Nine Inch Nails’ third album The Fragile, this song serves mostly as a transitional piece within the work, separating the melancholy “Even Deeper” from the edgier, shoutier “No, You Don’t.” But outside of the greater context of the album, “Pilgrimage” is a fantastic traveling song—its stomping percussion and wordless shouting evokes imagery of a massive march (presumably to the sea, as the rest of the album alludes to). The melodic through-line of the traditionally industrial guitar, which fades into a sinister synthesized trumpet at the halfway point, makes this track feel like a journey to somewhere that you’ll be unhappy going to. Don’t linger on “Pilgrimage” too long, or its enchanting rhythm might send you on your never-ending march. 

 

“Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” – HEALTH

Review by GS Alvarez 

Released exclusively as a Spotify single only weeks ago, HEALTH’s cover of the Deftones’ classic “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)” strips the song down lyrically, but compensates with an injection of industrial tone that only they have mastered. Far-away guitars, punchy drums, and the yearning vocals of Jake Duzsik converge in a way that almost begs the rolling down of your windows on a long night drive. Wherever you’re headed, this song is sure to warm you up as the streetlights fly by. 

 

“End of Beginning” – Djo

Review by Ashley Berrios

This song made Joe Keery aka Djo debut on the Billboard Hot 100. The song brings nostalgia and a heartfelt feeling of going back to a place where you have many special memories. It also refers to the journey of entering into a new phase in life filled with uncertainty, in which you take a look at the past with excitement for the future. A great song choice for a road trip!

 

“Beverly Hills” — Weezer

Review by Mia Savidge 

The song Beverly Hills is one of the classic “I want it” Alt-rock songs of the early 2000s. This has always been one of my favorites and such an easy song to relate to. It goes through what we all think when we look at celebrities, wishing we could catch a glimpse of that life and luxury. Throughout the song, we get examples of both sides of life and the seemingly impossible bridge between the two. All of these ideas lead to the climax of the song where it’s said that they will never reach that level of stardom and mind as well just “watch the stars play.” This lyric brings us right back to where it started, only now being hit with reality instead of that recurring daydream. Overall this is one of my favorites highlighting a feeling we know all too well pairing it with a catchy tune and beat.

 

“The Girl from Ipanema” — Astrud Gilberto

Review by Mia Savidge

I remember listening to this song when I was a kid and I’ve always loved it so much. It has such a charming air to it highlighting an unrequited love with an almost magical girl and a guy who is enchanted with her. However, through the lyrics, we learn that she doesn’t see him, all she is focused on is the magnificent sea that lies in front of her. In my opinion, this song can have many different meanings behind it, it could be an overarching love letter to the land and the captivating charm of her environment. Another point could be that she is the personification of the sea and the shore that she frequently visits since they are both always in sight, however, can seem so far away at the same time. Whichever way one looks at it, there some so many beautiful takeaways and ideas can be learned from this song that continue to stay relevant and stand the test of time.

 

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” – John Denver

Review by Chris Alberico

As the self-proclaimed world’s most prominent country hater, this may come as a shock. I love “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” it’s not flashy or oversaturated like modern country and that is what the main allure of the song for me. Granted, I don’t hate all country, I enjoy Johnny Cash and Tracy Chapman from time to time as well, but unfortunately, we’re past that and there’s only so many times country artists can reinvent the wheel. With that being said, John Denver captured the roots of the genre here. 1971 was a long time ago, but considering country music was one of the founding styles of the US he wasn’t necessarily pioneering here. But he sure did come extremely close with this track, it has an indescribable feeling of familiarity, like something you’ve already heard before a long time ago. That might beg the question as to whether or not it’s boring though, and I can 100% assure you that it’s quite the opposite, it’s almost comforting. The simple acoustic guitar backing John’s vocals along with a snap on each beat perfectly complement the lyrics they’re paired with. Longing for a simple and easy life is something most people can relate to which is why I gravitate towards it so much. Overall, I give this track a 10/10, it’s also a perfect road trip song for your spring break.

 

“Blastoffff” – Joywave

Review by Deepak Sathish

Two years after the release of their magnum opus work SWISH, Joywave released “Blastoffff” as the lead single of their third studio album Possession. Lyrically, the song shows frontman Daniel Armbruster grappling with the experience of being on tour constantly, only being at home for very brief moments, and the experience of feeling alienated from those around him. Instrumentally, the song takes their electronic rock style and combines it with a massive explosion of a chorus, as Armbruster chants “I’m counting down to blastoff” over a wall of noise. I listened to this song a lot during a period where I was constantly going back and forth between two places, and experiencing a sense of disconnection from so many people around me because of that. Joywave managed to capture that feeling in an absolute banger of a track. It’s the perfect song to take off in a spaceship to. But hey, it’s not half bad in a car either. And once you’re done listening to this, you can even spend the rest of the car trip listening to the greatest album ever made, SWISH. 

 

“Hawaii (Stay Awake)” – Waterparks

Review by Deepak Sathish

Come on. I couldn’t contribute to one of these without talking about Waterparks. “Hawaii (Stay Awake” serves as the opening track to the band’s debut studio album, Double Dare. Frontman Awsten Knight sings about dealing with bitterness, feeling trapped in place in life, and even grappling with being overwhelmed over a catchy and infectious pop-punk instrumental. This song is one of my favorites to drive to, as it’s energetic and an immediate earworm. The bridge is one of my favorite things to sing along to in the entire world. It’s just a fun song that can immediately make any day better just by putting it on the car radio. Do you know what else makes any day better? Listening to SWISH. Yes, I’m still on that. Go listen to it. I’m watching you.

 

 

*These songs contain explicit lyrics.

Photos from Amazon.com. HEALTH Cover Image from Spotify.

 

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