Singles Round Up: Week of Sept. 6
Singles Round Up – The Arts and Entertainment Department take a look at some of the recently released singles from the past week.
"Way 2 Sexy" - Drake featuring Future & Young Thug
After almost a year of hype surrounding his newest record, “Certified Lover Boy,” Drake has released the first single and music video off the album, "Way 2 Sexy."
The song interpolates lyrics from Right Said Fred’s 1991 hit “I’m Too Sexy,” and the original track is sampled in the intro as well.
Drake enlists Atlanta trap legends, Future and Young Thug who both add character and flavor with each of their bars. Future on the chorus is absolutely stunning, and he interpolates the song into the most Future-sounding bars possible.
The video parodies 80s culture and features considerable amounts of references from media from that era. There is even a cameo from NBA player Kawhi Leonard who somehow makes the goofy song even more ridiculous.
The song features production from TM88 and TooDope. While it doesn’t necessarily stand out, the delivery and lyrics of each artist make up for it, and transform the track into one of the most entertaining Drake releases in a while.
"Way 2 Sexy" is an addictive song that has a high replay value, and it might be one of the best songs of the year so far. – Caelan Chevrier
“Hurricane” - Kanye West featuring Lil Baby & The Weeknd
The highly anticipated 10th studio album from Kanye West, finally dropped this week. Although all songs are seeming to do well on Spotify, it is clear that “Hurricane” is a fan favorite.
This is an amazing single for the album. All three artists shine on this haunting beat. The Weeknd sounds angelic on the hook. His vocals are soft, yet strong. And when the bass hits, the song truly goes insane.
Although the beat is nothing nuanced, it is a solid trap beat that has heavy gospel inspirations. The song is truly a spectacle for the three artists.
Lil Baby delivers a strong verse that is not too long, yet has some very creative punchlines. He also has a nice flow that glides through the production.
West also has a very catchy, interesting verse that solidifies that he is still an incredible lyricist. His vocals hit hard and fit incredibly with the more up-paced beat.
This is an amazing rap song. It has all the elements of a great single that can go very far. Do not be surprised to see this in the Billboard top 10 in the upcoming weeks. – Jack Freiser
“Glow in the Dark” – Smash Into Pieces
The Scandinavian rock band Smash Into Pieces love putting out these fantastic singles that help bridge the gaps between albums – “Glow in the Dark” is far from any exception.
Providing a thrilling combo of guitars and drums, the song heats up any moment the listener may be in. Whether it’s working out in the gym, playing a favorite video game or even just walking to a class, this song provides an awesome theme for the day.
Lead singer Chris Adam Hedman Sorbye kills it with his distinctive vocals and range that bring the song up to a thousand. It is meant to get a listener going and almost get the sense of being powerful.
The single joins the other songs of recently released album “A New Horizon” in telling the story of Arcadia, a fictional world the band created for their lyrical storytelling. If “Glow in the Dark” is anything to go by on its own, “A New Horizon” should certainly be on any avid rock enjoyers check-out list. – Colton Pleslusky
Caelan Chevrier is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email cjc6789@psu.edu.
Jack Freiser is a second-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jef5614@psu.edu.
Colton Pleslusky is a fourth-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email csp5289@psu.edu.
About the Contributors
Colton Pleslusky
Fourth-Year / Telecommunications
Colton S. Pleslusky is a fourth-year from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania majoring in telecommunications at Penn State. He is a director and writer for the CommRadio Arts & Entertainment Department as well as the host on Nittany Stories and a co-host on Nittany Record Club alongside Emily McGlynn. He does behind the scenes tasks, including directing, producing, programming and more for the Centre County Report. To contact him, email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Caelan Chevrier
Third Year / Marketing & Journalism
Caelan Chevrier is a third-year student in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State University studying marketing and broadcast journalism with the goal of graduating with a bachelor’s degree in four years. His career goal is to spread informative, meaningful, and entertaining content across various platforms and to be a positive impact on the community. He has also spent time working at WWE in the communications department and writing for The Westport Local Press in his hometown of Westport, CT. If you’d like to contact him, email him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Jack Freiser
Third-Year / Telecommunications
Jack Freiser is a third-year student in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State University studying telecommunications. He is very passionate about both music and film. He aspires to impact the music business as a successful A+R by signing artists who will be culturally relevant and will leave an impact on the world, and through keeping a strong relationship with the artist and their team. Email him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
