CommRadio Weekly Playlist: April 28

Opinion/Story posted April 28, 2021 in Arts & Entertainment by CommRadio Arts & Entertainment Staff.

The CommRadio Weekly Playlist—here, members of the arts and entertainment department write about the songs that dominated their playlists during the week and what makes them so good.

“nj” by Chelsea Cutler

Chelsea Cutler has been one of my favorite up-and-coming artists. I have been following her ever since I heard her duet with Jeremy Zucker, “you were good to me.”

“nj” is a song from Cutler’s debut album, “How to Be Human,” and it is one of the album highlights for me. The song sees Cutler failing to let go of a relationship, and each line details the memories that Cutler and her partner created.

She begins each verse with the line, “Is it over? Does it have to be over?” In the chorus, she apologizes over and over again before it reaches the climax where she sings, “It’s not over/It doesn’t have to be over.”

I love this song because of how detailed and how brutally honest it is. Cutler chose to let her voice be front and center in this song instead of her signature EDM/pop sound. She has such an ache in her voice that exudes so much pain and vulnerability, especially when she uses her falsetto.  —Jimmy Lu

“The Princess and the Clock” by Kero Kero Bonito

“The Princess and the Clock” by Kero Kero Bonito is a fun and exhilarating electronic pop experience that newcomers to this band will come to love.

Originally released as a single, this beautiful track is included in the group’s recently released EP, “Civilisation II.”

Sarah Bonito’s soft, whispery voice perfectly complements the playfulness of the electronic beats and synths in the background.

It’s really an amazing thing to see KKB’s distinct style—presumably influenced by both J-pop and other electronic artists that band members Gus Lobban and Jamie Bulled have referenced in interviews—develop over the years, as the earlier releases of “Bonito Generation” and “Time ‘n’ Place” show their struggle to find their sound. 

This song and their newest project will not disappoint those who are fans of KKB, indie pop, or any other kind of electronic music.  —Jon Mead

“Will You Be There” by Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson, in my opinion, has a bunch of hidden gems throughout his discography. I could go on and on about the King of Pop.

The song that I have on repeat this week is “Will You Be There” from his 1991 album “Dangerous.”

Around the time this album was released, Jackson was accused of child molestation. “Will You Be There” is a song in which Jackson is asking for support and understanding. Despite the meaning that he meant, it is a sweet song.

I love this song because of its progression. It begins with a short orchestral part before transitioning into a simple beat with a piano, shakers and harmonies. Slowly but surely, the piano and harmonies get bigger and bigger.

In my mind, I see this progression in the music as progression with support. The alliance gets larger and larger. That is a beautiful thing, and so is this song.

If you have never heard of this song, give it a listen. It is highly underrated.  —Emily McGlynn

“Rise” by The Glitch Mob, Mako and The World Alive for “League of Legends”

While I don’t play “League of Legends,” Riot Games has created some really good songs to go along with its game.

While “Warriors” by Imagine Dragons is great, the one song that has dominated my playlist is “Rise.” It is a fast, adrenaline-pumping song that is perfect for both gaming and working out, literally prompting you to rise.

The bass is killer, and the chorus is both capturing and thrilling—not to mention it’s a lot of fun to listen to as well. “Rise” is a great motivator for those Monday mornings (or any morning) where you need just a little lyrical kick to help take on the week.

You don’t need to be a player of “League of Legends” to enjoy this one, considering I didn’t even realize its origin when I started listening to it. I definitely recommend checking this one out!  —Colton Pleslusky

 

Jimmy (Chien-Hsing) Lu is a senior majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jfl5603@psu.edu

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

Emily McGlynn is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email at esm5378@psu.edu.

Colton Pleslusky is a junior majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email csp5289@psu.edu.

About the Contributors

Jimmy (Chien-Hsing) Lu's photo

Jimmy (Chien-Hsing) Lu

Senior / Telecommunications

Jimmy (Chien-Hsing) Lu is a senior from Taiwan majoring in telecommunications at Penn State. He is a contributing writer for the CommRadio arts & entertainment department. If you’d like to contact him, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Colton Pleslusky's photo

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).

Emily McGlynn's photo

Emily McGlynn

Third-year / Broadcast Journalism

Emily McGlynn is a third-year from Birmingham, Michigan majoring in broadcast journalism at Penn State. She is the Co-General Manager alongside Alex Rocco and Dylan Price. She is involved in the news, arts and entertainment, sports and production department. In the news department, she is one of the news producers. She frequently writes reviews for the Arts Department as well. Listening to music, watching movies, and staying updated with news and pop culture are some of her favorite things to do. To contact her, email her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Jon Mead's photo

Jon Mead

/