CommRadio Weekly Playlist: Feb. 27
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.
“CRUEL SUMMER” - BANANARAMA
“Cruel Summer” is a 1980s pop song from the band Bananarama. Like most 80s tunes, the synthesizer is put to much use. It is a tune that some people might have heard before, and was featured in the popular film, “The Karate Kid.”
“Cruel Summer” is not really a popular song by any means, and I doubt that any teen or young adult nowadays is even aware of who Bananarama is. The tune is obviously about summertime but is unlike other songs that put that time of year in a nostalgic frame.
While Will Smith’s “Summertime” is about the joys of summer, Bananarama uses “Cruel Summer” to rant about the oppressive heat. Yet ironically, it is composed with a consistent dancing beat. A heat wave cannot be that bad if I can dance to it, right?
Overall, “Cruel Summer” is worth a listen, and has been in my head for quite a while (probably because I dig the 80s too much).
It is cohesively in line with other 1980s synth-pop songs of the decade and is definitely “mixtape” material. If you want a good old-fashioned nostalgic groove, check this tune out. - Logan M. Sharp
“All the Things I Hate About You” - Huddy
It is due time as a society that we appreciate Huddy for his musical genius.
“All the Things I Hate About You” is one of the greatest post breakup anthems of our generation.
This song is allegedly about Chali D’Amelio getting together with Huddy’s ex-best friend Landon Barker, which is where the line “homie hopper” comes from. Personally, I find this line to be ingenious.
Huddy could have written Romeo and Juliet, but Shakespeare never could have come up with “homie hopper.”
While I am not personally affected by any of the drama that helped to create this masterpiece, I find the lyrics funny and can appreciate them for what they are: a work of art.
A great song to run to at the gym or just listen to on repeat. This song is likely to destroy my Spotify wrapped. -Savannah Swartz
“Without a Light” - Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors
This song is short but sweet. The sound of the harmonica accompanied by gentle guitar strums is soothing.
It has a folksy, campfire feel that is perfect for casually hanging out with friends.
The comforting, inspirational lyrics also make this an amazing song to start the day. It captures the feeling of laying in bed, wrapped in blankets with sunlight peeking through the blinds.
The chorus says, “It’s hard to find your way without a light… what’s the point in livin’ out my days without you?”
On paper, this song could be interpreted as a sad tune. However, the upbeat, cozy rhythm transforms the track into an adoring, affectionate song.
It is not asking a question in despair; rather, it is a reflection of unconditional love. This song is a shout of love, both given and received. - McKenna Wall
“Getaway Car” - Taylor Swift
Buckle in for this one.
“Getaway Car” is off of Swift’s sixth studio album, “Reputation,” and even though the album is a love album at heart, “Getaway Car” is the tale of the end of a relationship gone wrong.
Swift details running off with a new man to subtly end her relationship with her old one, but then leaving the second man as well. She uses metaphors of criminals speeding away from a scene to detail her tumultuous era up until the album came out.
It’s been speculated to be autobiographical, as well. Swift was dating DJ Calvin Harris but was seen dancing with actor Tom Hiddleston at the 2016 Met Gala and kicked off their relationship from there.
Fans and the media know very little about the ending of the Swift and Hiddleston relationship, but other songs, like “Midnight Rain,” lead to speculation that Hiddleston planned to propose to Swift, but she wasn’t ready.
The song’s catchy beat, lyrics and deeper meaning make it a top contender off the album. - Adrianna Gallucci
Logan M. Sharp is a third-year majoring in Film Production. To contact him, email lxs5590@psu.edu
Savannah Swartz is a second-year communications major. To contact her, email sms9072@psu.edu.
McKenna Wall is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email mew6140@psu.edu.
Adrianna Gallucci is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email amg7989@psu.edu.
About the Contributors
Savannah Swartz
Second-year / Advertising and Public Relations
Savannah Swartz is a second-year communications major, focusing on advertising and public relations. She is a member of the arts department.
McKenna Wall
First-Year /
McKenna Wall is a first-year student from Allentown, Pennsylvania majoring broadcast journalism. Wall is a multimedia reporter for CommRadio. She got her start as a camera operator in high school, learning how to use professional handheld camcorders, ENG cameras, and a jib camera. Wall is currently involved in After the Whistle, gaining experience both on-camera and behind-the-scenes filming, editing and completing work on a deadline. If you would like to contact her, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Adrianna Gallucci
Sophomore /
Adrianna Gallucci is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism and is one of CommRadio’s New Member Coordinators. She is also a broadcaster, journalist, podcaster and talk show guest. In addition, Adrianna is also a part of PSSN, TDAY Sports and AWSM. She hosts her own independent podcast, She’s All Bat: A New York Mets podcast. She is a huge Mets and Rangers fan and will always talk about pro wrestling. Adrianna wants to work in MLB, NHL or WWE as a journalist or an anchor. You can find her on Twitter at @agallucci17 or email her at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Logan M. Sharp
Third year /
Logan M. Sharp is a third year student from Belleville, PA studying Film Production at Penn State University. He is currently part of CommRadio and Student Film Organization. To contact him, please email him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
