Staff Picks: April 2023

Graphic By: Maddie Bataille | Photo Editor

Juliana Lepore Editor-in-Chief

“Best Friends” by 5 Seconds of Summer

5 Seconds of Summer is my number one favorite artist of all time, and since I just got tickets to their show in August, which will be my eighth time seeing them (shoutout Liz, see you there) I’ve been listening to their most recent album “5SOS5” this past month to get myself excited for the show. “Best Friends” is one of my favorites on this album, and I’ve been listening to it a lot as I’ve been getting sentimental about another year coming to an end. It’s easy to get overwhelmed towards the end of the semester, especially for me right now as I only have one year left of college, but as 5SOS says in this song, “I’ve got the best friends in this place,” which is a nice reminder to be thankful for all of the amazing people in my life and all of the “memories I hold to keep safe.”

Ronan Himelrick Managing Editor

“The Mission” by Bakar

Continuing the trend of last month’s Staff Picks, my top song this month brings good vibes. “The Mission” by English singer Bakar has been one of my favorite songs to take in the sunshine to. The calm and mellow introduction to this track later leads to a powerful chorus. Nothing gets me in a better mood than walking across campus or driving to the beach with this song playing. This song has also kicked off a greater appreciation for Bakar’s music and I found myself listening to his discography more. 

Liz Fusco News Editor

“Doctor My Eyes” by Jackson Brown 

 I did not realize how depressing the lyrics to this song were until I chose it for this article, but funnily enough, I feel like the juxtaposition between the sad lyrics and the upbeat music pretty much sums up the experience of graduating college – which I’m going through right now. For the most part, it’s fun and exciting but then if you look a little closer you see the bittersweet aspects (like leaving the Cigar). But don’t let my review steer you away – this song always gets me in a good mood. Also, I should note that I found this song via Riley Keough’s Daisy Jones playlist on Spotify — couldn’t do my last pick without mentioning her one more time.

Claudia Stepien News Editor 

“Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes

Although spring just started, I’m already dreaming about summer, and this song brings me back to road-tripping with the windows down, hiking by the water and sipping iced coffees (which I have year-round, but make the most sense this season.) Listening to it always reminds me of dancing in the rain with my brother and sister, and even though I love the fun and upbeat summertime vibes, I’m most drawn to the lyrics. Such a clear storyline is painted through the words, and I think the plot of trying to cheat on your significant other with said significant other is actually super romantic.

David Broccoli Entertainment Editor

“Super” by Seventeen

Seventeen just released their 10th mini album this past Monday, and I’m obsessed. This song is so unbelievably mind-blowing, I can’t get enough of it. I knew a month ago when they revealed that they were releasing another album that one of the songs on it would be my pick for this month’s song of the month. The music video is absolutely insane, I’ve probably watched it more than 30 times already, and I’m not ashamed. Joshua and Mingyu’s parts are my favorite because of how catchy and cool their lines are. The lines go, “Da-rum-da-rim-da, Hop on our cloud and get all around (Hey), Da-rum-da-rim-da, So that we can proudly stand tall (Hey), Da-rum-da-rim-da, Let’s move on to the next world, go, Catch this rhythm and flow.” This is translated from Korean to English by the way. This song sounds like a song that belongs in a superhero action movie during an intense fight scene, and I hope it does get put in one. 

Alexa Potamianos Newscast Editor

You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me by John Mayer

This song is so wholesome and genuinely warms my heart. Over the course of the past month I have sat in my bed staring at the ceiling with this song on repeat. It makes me want to smile and cry all at the same time in the best possible way. As a relatively big Taylor Swift fan, I have only recently given Mayer a chance and I am more than happy that I did.

Maddie Bataille Photo Editor

Don’t Let it Bring You Down by Mt. Joy Recorded at Spotify Studios NYC

Originally written and sung by Neil Young, this rendition of “Don’t Let it Bring You Down,” is performed by Mt. Joy during their Spotify sessions. What I love about this song and this specific version of this song is that it helps release some anxiety and just let it go. Following the name of the song, whatever it is “Don’t let it bring you down.” Additionally we are emerging driving with the windows down season, and there is nothing quite like playing this song while driving with the windows down on a sunny afternoon in gansett. I enjoy that Mt. Joy has taken classic rock and brought the appreciation back into this generation. 

Nathan Robillard Sports Editor

Danza Kuduro by Don Omar

As summer approaches, I’m getting back on my yearly FIFA soundtrack kick. This is another classic that reminds me of what often defines my summers: the stadium! I love a good professional soccer game and this song gives off the type of stress free vibe that I can only achieve in the stands. This isn’t always a staple in my daily playlist, but it is my go-to if I need a pick-me-up or I want to be in a good mood on my way to class. 

Aidan Cahill Web Editor

A Modern Lay by Slaughter Beach, Dog

Last month, I chose a Slaughter Beach Dog song because their music feels like spring. Since the weather improved, they have been on repeat for me almost nonstop. “A Modern Lay” just feels fun throughout. To me, the song has a bounce, reminiscent of Billy Joel’s “Only the Good Die Young” with an all-around feel good energy. The song is fun throughout, like most of their music.

Jenny Arnold Social Media Coordinator

Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys 

I normally would not listen to the type of music that the Arctic Monkeys make, but this song and album changed it all for me. “Do I Wanna Know” was released in 2013, but made its way to my playlist about two years ago and remains one of my favorite songs. The slow but intense beats make the song intriguing and give it a rock feel, which is what I like most about it. I would definitely recommend this song for a late night drive. 

Nils Fimmers Production Manager

Wilshire by Tyler, The Creator

Although I didn’t love this song when it originally came out with “Call Me if You Get Lost” It has severely grown on me since the release of “The Estate Sale.” I think I particularly like the low key tone Tyler keeps throughout the track while rapping over the laid-back guitar tone. As a guitar player, I love seeing the instrument fighting its way back into popular music.

Molly Cronin Business Manager

Take It Easy by the Eagles  When the Eagles said, “don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy”, I felt that. This song serves as a reminder to me, and you, during this crazy month that it is necessary to Take it Easy. Also, it sounds great at full blast on a sunny day AND it’s more catchy than the flu. There’s just something about a song from the 70s that can take my mood from 0 to 100 in just 3 minutes and 32 seconds.