CommRadio Weekly Playlist: Mar. 7

Story posted March 16, 2022 in CommRadio, Arts & Entertainment by CommRadio Arts & Entertainment Department

Here members of the Arts and Entertainment Department will talk about the songs that dominated their playlists during the week and what makes them so good.

“She Lit a Fire” – Lord Huron

Something about this song makes me feel like I’m on a long road trip.

The song “She Lit a Fire” is a song by the band Lord Huron on their 2012 album “Lonesome Dreams.” Lord Huron is an indie rock band from Michigan, who gained a lot of mainstream popularity when their song “The Night We Met” was featured in the first season of the Netflix show “Thirteen Reasons Why.”

“She Lit a Fire” is an acoustic ballad about the famed notion of the one that got away. The lyrics outline a story of being with someone for a short time, and then searching for them everywhere but never finding them again.

Lyrics like “I have been trying to find her want to give what I got / she lit a fire and now she’s in my every thought” outline how it feels to meet someone who makes you feel alive and then having things end and you feel like you would do whatever it takes to be with them again. – Izzy Charboneau

“Mount Everest” - Labrinth

Though this song has been growing in popularity from the hit show, “Euphoria,” I came across this song on my favorite app, TikTok. I haven’t watched one episode of the show.

The song is actually from a previously released album by Labrinth, but “Euphoria” got special licenses to use it. This track is taking TikTok and music listeners by storm. And not just this song, but others that Labrinth has composed as well.

“Mount Everest” is a beats-heavy song with a low piano. A very interesting dynamic. The vocals, by Labrinth himself, start as if he were singing into an old radio. He creates great sound with extremely different genres.

Around the thirty-second mark, the song picks up and you can feel the euphoric sensation it was created to bring to the HBO original. It is a great song to lay in bed with the LED lights on and look up and daydream.

It gives many kinds of vibes but it’s something you have to experience on your own. - Cade Miller

“Wichita Lineman” - Glen Campbell

I recently discovered this song through the hit show “Ozark'' on Netflix. Without giving any spoilers for the show, “Wichita Lineman” by country artist Glen Campbell plays in the background during a flashback that presumably takes place in the 1960s.

The producers of the show picked the perfect song for such a scene and now I can’t stop playing it on repeat. 

This beautiful folk-pop tune sung by Campbell screams nostalgia and long-gone youth. Driving down a countryside road also comes to mind. 

This song is best accompanied by a relaxing walk on a beautiful, sunny day. Put this on while taking a walk through Penn State’s arboretum and you won’t regret it. - Jon Mead

“Chinatown”- Bleachers ft. Bruce Springsteen

This is absolutely a perfect song. And before you ask, yes, I am from New Jersey.

Bleachers are Jack Antonoff’s stage name for his solo music. While Antonoff is famously known for his producing work with artists like Taylor Swift and Lorde, his endeavors as a solo artist are often underappreciated.

“Chinatown” is the perfect example of this. This song creates a nostalgic and melancholy feeling that would seamlessly fit in any 80s or 90s movie soundtrack.

The lyricism is also exceptional, with lyrics like “take the sadness out of Saturday night” that are utterly gut-wrenching.

While Bruce Springsteen is often criticized for his vocal ability, his voice blends phenomenally with Antonoff’s on this track. Almost like Springsteen is an older version of Antonoff still singing the same song.

The collaboration between my fellow New Jersyians is crafted so well and executed phenomenally. “Chinatown” will always be a favorite song of mine even after I replay it for the millionth time. - Sophia D’Ovidio

“Just For Now” - Imogen Heap

It wasn’t until earlier in the week when I was listening to “I’m God” by Clams Casino ft Imogen Heap that I rediscovered this song.

The breathy reaching unearthly musical sound has always been a favorite of mine and this song was a huge factor in developing my desire for the ethereal.

The beat mixes electronic and vocal elements to create a soft instrumental. Imogen’s voice covers the entire track in various unique ways, somehow creating a very intimate piece.

The lyrics also lay a neat deeper meaning as it is filled with parable-like descriptions about a certain sadness that can be related to more than one topic.

Despite hinting at tragic emotions, the song still feels hopeful and comforting to the ears. Not a single part of the song feels like it’s anything new, but for some reason, it’s been addicting to listen to again.

Surprisingly enough it may be the familiarity of the sound overall that forms its biggest appeal. - Erell Williams

Izzy Charboneau is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email ijc5186@psu.edu. 

Cade Miller is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email at cam7095@psu.edu.

Jon Mead is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkm6040@psu.edu.

Sophia D’Ovidio is a first-year majoring in communications. To contact her email sgd5184@psu.edu.

Erell Williams is a first-year majoring in broadcasting journalism. To contact her email exw5303@psu.edu.