CommRadio Weekly Playlist: March 30

Opinion/Story posted March 30, 2021 in

The CommRadio Arts and Entertainment staff revisits songs that dominated its playlists during the week.

“Hide and Seek” by Catie Turner

“Hide and Seek” is the latest single from the American Idol contestant Catie Turner. Since her time on the singing competition, she has released many amazing singles that prove she is more than just a contestant on a game show and she is a true artist.

Turner is an amazing songwriter and this song perfectly exemplifies her songwriting prowess. This song is insanely catchy, but also uses an amazing metaphor. She compares the game of hide and seek to the ins and outs of a relationship and if they are truly committed.

Turner sounds great on this pop tune that has an infectious beat pulsing throughout. Her voice is delicate, yet it is raw and powerful. She is a great singer and her tone fits the vibe of this song effortlessly.

This is an amazing pop tune that is insanely catchy, but it is also written beautifully and has way more layers than what appears on the surface. I love listening to this song and it always gets me motivated for the rest of the day. This song is definitely worth checking out. – Jack Freiser

“Thin Air” by Wand

I am guilty of following Anthony Fantano, especially his “Best and Worst Tracks of the Week.” One of the songs that he ranked the best was “Thin Air” by Wand. 

I have never heard of the rock band before and so I had to give it a listen. It’s nothing I have ever listened to and I instantly loved it. 

The one characteristic that I love most about this song is the vocals. It’s a shaky, strong, ballad-esque voice that is so unique, distinctly nowadays. 

“Thin Air” was released in 2019 as a single and it later showed up on the full album “Laughing Matter.” 

Wand is not that well known; they have 125,990 monthly listeners on Spotify. I encourage every person to listen to a song they don’t recognize. You could end up finding your favorite band of all time. It was easy to add this song to my favorite’s playlist. – Emily McGlynn


“Till Forever Falls Apart” by Ashe & FINNEAS

As a TikTok addict, many of my weekly playlist revolves around what is trending on that app. This week, “Till Forever Falls Apart” by Ashe & FINNEAS has been in many videos and I instantly looked it up.

From the title, fans may be put off, believing it to be a “in the feels” type of song. But it is much more than that. With the lyrics talking about remembering this relationship, while both parties miss it, it’s absolutely beautiful.

I have a fondness for songs that have strong lyrics. Not only are the words powerful, but so are the instrumentals. With a slight piano and quiet strum at the beginning, the song works up to a stunning piece of art with a great mix of drums, and vocals.

This song is perfect to end your day. Lay in bed, put on your headphones, close your eyes and drift away into the world of color and mixed emotions this song brings you. And if you really want to experience beaty, watch the music video. I promise, you’ll be impressed with the elegant choreography and fascinating landscape. – Cade Miller

“Boomerang” by Smash Into Pieces Feat. Jay Smith

I’ve been listening to Smash Into Pieces since last semester. Their music definitely left a mark, and listening to those songs now definitely throws me back to last fall. This past week, as I dove deeper into them, I realized I haven’t listened to their number one song on Spotify: “Boomerang.”

It was a mistake to wait this long to do so. It’s great song about coming back from something negative, like a boomerang you could say. It empowers the listener to take on life’s challenges as YOU, and not an image of yourself that other people may have. Essentially, it tells that story of your comeback, a revival, and you’re ready for the challenges to come.

The vocals of both Chris Sorbye and guest Jay Smith give the song such power, as well as the bands lineup of musicians which include the iconic Apocalypse DJ killing it on drums.

“Boomerang” is a lot of fun to listen to, and is definitely a great song for the spring season! – Colton Pleslusky

Jack Freiser is a freshman majoring in telecommunications. To contact him, email jef5614@psu.edu

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

Cade Miller is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email cam7095@psu.edu.

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

About the Contributors

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).

Cade Miller's photo

Cade Miller

Junior / Broadcast Journalism

Cade Miller is a junior from Inwood, WV majoring in broadcast journalism with a minor in theatre at Penn State. He is a writer for the CommRadio Arts & Entertainment department and writes newly released albums, singles, movies and TV shows reviews. On air, he hosts “Cade’s Country Corner” showcasing some of the best country music available. Cade is also involved with Lion Ambassadors, THON and the UPUA. To contact Cade, email him at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Jack Freiser's photo

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).