Welcome back to school everyone, and for those of you new the University of New Mexico or the surrounding community everyone here at the Daily Lobo hopes things are off to a great start.
Megan’s Back to School Playlist
Suitcase by The New Electric Sound
New to town? Unpacking bags and calling a new house/dorm home? Suitcase by The New Electric Sound is a chipper indie rock song featuring smooth vocals, fast tempo guitar and bass. New Electric Sound is not new to the scene and was established in 2011. In this song, the lead singer describes wanting to “dance all night” and saying “wake me in the evening” a sentiment most college students can share.
Where’d All the Time Go by Dr. Dog
Summer 2019 flew out the window, it seems like one of the shortest and hottest summers in recent years. Where’d All the Time Go features a retro beat and sentimental nostalgic lyrics.Dr. Dog is classified under multiple musical genres including neo-psychedelia and indie folk. The singer seems to be describing a woman always on the go saying “she’s on the go. Way too fast, way too slow. If Dr. Dog is one of your favorites make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to see them when they come to New Mexico for a meow wolf performance on the 11th.
Heat of the Summer by Young the Giant
School may be starting all across America, but that does not mean that the summer weather has come and gone Heat of Summer is found on Young the Giant’s 2018 album Mirror Mirror and sounds like an accurate description of Albuquerque weather and college student’s plight. “I have got to figure something out...It feels like it's been forever since I’ve had my sh*t together, I’m just doing what I wanna, in the heat of the summer.” Young the Giant encapsulates the care feeling of summer and young adulthood.
Self by Noname
Taking a little bit of a turn in genre, Noname gypsy blends hip hop, rap and jazz to create her neo soul and jazz rap feel. This song is all about confidence and her cultural commentary on marginal systems and the ability to use creativity to talk about important social issues. The shortest of the songs on this playlist, self only runs a minute and 34 seconds long.
Electric by Alania Baraz featuring Khalid
Continuing with the gentle hip hop speed set by Noname, Baraz sings about the feeling of falling in love or lust. She describes this feeling as “electric” while admitting the ways in which this feeling has the ability to cause one to fall to their knees and fall apart. Arguably, Baraz and Khalid paint a musical picture that many college students seek out, the feeling of being taken far away. Much like the other songs of this playlist, Baraz talks about the heat of summer and the closing of a season.
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Power is Power by Sza featuring the Weekend and Travis Scott
This song tells the story of a fighter, saying “the knife in my heart, couldn't slow me down. I rise from my scars, nothing hurts me now because power is power. Watch me burn it down.” The combination of lyrical and musical preferences of these three artists culminates to a power anthem, ideal for anyone working to overcome a challenge. Like Noname, Sza is known for her neo-soul and hip hop contributions. This song was originally featured on the most recent season of Game of Thrones.
Megan Holmen is the news editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted by email at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @megan_holmen.
Luisa’s Back to School Playlist
“Friends” by Flume and Reo Cragun
The Australian electronic powerhouse Flume produced new music this year, reaching sounds that were new to the listener’s ear. In his latest EP “Quits,” released July 31 of this year, he features Reo Cragun, an upcoming Hip-Hop artist who grew up in Vancouver, Washington. Off of “Quits,” the song “Friends” explores releasing toxic people from your life, a practice critical for personal growth, which is especially relevant coming in to this new school year.
“4EVER” by Clario
Ever since 20 year-old Clario’s song “Pretty Girl” hit over 35,000,000 views on Youtube, she has been an eminent force in the music industry. With low-fi vibes and a catchy melody, Clario’s female vocals caught the internet by storm. Preceding her latest album, “Immunity,” her 2018 “4EVER” focuses on slowing it down a bit. Asking questions such as “Am I ‘gonna feel this way forever?” this track is perfect for living in the moment and enjoying the now.
“Help I’m Alive” by Metric
Remember this one? The 2000’s Canadian rock band Metric hit the states with “Help I’m Alive” in 2009 off of their album “Fantasies.” With pop roots and a bit of an electronic touch, the song investigates strength and believe in one’s individualism. It’s explorative of the human condition, and for this reason, is a great song to get through tough weeks packed with papers, exams, and whatever else the semester may throw one’s way.
Luisa Pennington is the Culture Editor of the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @_luisapennington_
Ally’s Back to School Playlist
NASA - Ariana Grande
Because everyone needs a good female power anthem about self-love.
Truth Hurts - Lizzo
#basic but good for a healing heart! **Must be sung with loud emotion**
Beautiful People - Ed Sheeran
This song just vibes and is good for all occasions! Must have for any tasteful playlist.
Cyclone - Sticky Fingers
Simply beautiful. This song has been on repeat constantly.
Sick Love - The Red Hot Chili Peppers
CLASSIC!! I’m also biased because the RHCP give me life!
Alanie Rael is a sports editor for the Daily Lobo. She primarily covers volleyball, hockey and track and field, but also contributes content for football. She can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @AllyRael.
Makayla’s Back to School Playlist
You Need to Calm Down by Taylor Swift
Although this song is probably as basic as it gets, I do enjoy the message of positivity towards others and carrying a positive internet presence. It’s fun, it’s colorful, it’s music video is even better than the song itself. Coming from someone who is not a Taylor Swift fan, she really won me over with this one.
Sucker by Jonas Brothers
I know I am showing that I have the music taste of a 14-year-old girl with this one, but I genuinely enjoy this song. It never fails to make me feel happy, especially that one of my favorite bands are back together.
Malibu by Miley Cyrus
I love this song because it is one of redemption. As you hear the lyrics, you can feel that Miley is finally at peace with who she is, and that is really comforting. It’s a reminder that everyone is capable of feeling that peace, even though things might be rough right now.
Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
Because when isn’t there a good time for the best rock ballad in music history?
Never Gonna Give You Up by Rick Astley
#rickrolled
Makayla Grijalva is the managing editor for the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at managingeditor@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @MakaylaEliboria
