The CommRadio Weekly Playlist – 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.

“Prisoner” - The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey

This week I was in The Weeknd mood, and since I was feeling especially sad and interested in his songs about love, I had “Prisoner” on repeat.

The Weeknd sings about developing feelings of love but being scared of the danger of it. He calls himself a prisoner because he is addicted to sex and drugs but also to being an artist and the lifestyle that comes with it. The Weeknd will pursue fame at all costs, and that includes giving up the girl and sacrificing his feelings for her.

Lana Del Rey mirrors The Weeknd’s verse, with soft angelic vocals. She is also fame-hungry, as she sings about loving the Hollywood lifestyle despite feeling her soul burning. Being wrapped up in fame has made her unsure if things are what they appear to be.

I always love when The Weeknd sings in his higher register, and this paired with Lana’s voice brings beauty to the powerful lyrics of feeling trapped in the luxurious lifestyle of being a star and having to sacrifice love. - Rachel Fisher

"Traitor" - Olivia Rodrigo

Is there anything good left in the world? Is there a bright side to it all? Will I ever love again? Why do things have to be so hard? Why me?

These are some of the questions that I have asked myself during this tough week. These same questions led me to revisit one of the most heartbreaking songs to come out this year, “Traitor.”

It took me a while to fully understand Olivia Rodrigo, as a man and someone who never watched High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, I had no reason to give her a shot. Then, of course, tragedy struck, leaving me feeling down.

For someone who recorded her debut at just 17, I am fascinated with the sheer raw talent that she brings to the industry. From the production to the lyrical content, and most importantly, her voice alone drives me back to her record, and especially “Traitor,” again and again.

The saddest thing is that Olivia Rodrigo made her entire album incredibly relatable. On the chorus, she sings, “Guess you didn't cheat, but you're still a traitor,” and I have never felt more personally targeted. I am hoping that soon I can move on from “SOUR” being the soundtrack to my life. Bob Marley & The Wailers up next? Maybe. - Caelan Chevrier

“Take A Walk”- Passion Pit

As I walked around the freezing campus this week, I found myself going to put on Passion Pit’s “Take A Walk” right away. Each time I play this song, I find myself liking it more.

The booming steady drums throughout the song create the notion of an inspiring and optimistic song. However, the lyrics are somewhat of a downer.

The ability to craft such an encouraging instrumental with truly heartbreaking lyrics is something that not many artists can do.

This song can give any listener a cathartic experience. Lyrics such as “But see, I am no criminal, I’m down on both bad knees. I’m just too much a coward to admit when I’m in need” hit incredibly hard upon every listen.

“Take A Walk” is a beautifully crafted song and my recommendation for anyone who needs a new song on their playlist. - Sophia D’Ovidio

“Broken Clocks” - SZA

“If you listen to SZA, you have good taste in music,” a statement I can most definitely attest to.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve committed to listening to full albums of different artists. I was inspired to take on Ctrl when my friend played “Broken Clocks”.

The great reviews that SZA’s fans give on her music are easily backed up with every track that lives on this R&B album.

In “Broken Clocks” SZA talks about life after finishing school. She reminisces on her endless cycle of running from job-to-job, and her chaotic past relationships.

The background instrumental of this song is not too complex which is especially what makes this track so attractive to the ear. The loop in the background stays consistent through the entirety of the song, however, small changes are made from time to time to create some variation.

“Broken Clocks” is one of many songs that showcase the beauty of SZA’s album, and to those who are fans of some of her most popular tracks, I highly recommend checking out her other songs from Ctrl. – Abigail Chachoute

Rachel Fisher is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism.  To contact her, email rlf5481@psu.edu

Caelan Chevrier is a second-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email cjc6789@psu.edu. 

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

Abigail Chachoute is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email axc6070@psu.edu.