What are Students Listening to This Week? by Erica Lloyd
For most, what you listen to comes in phases. Some weeks your obsession is 2000s hip-hop, and the next you’re head over heels for 80s new wave. Whatever your current tastes, many can agree their likes and dislikes have a very wide range, even more so when compared to their peers. These phases of music were expressed by many, each person exclaiming their desire to branch out and experience new music. The world of music is a very large and ever expanding space of artists and listeners alike. Music is not only a world of creativity, but a whole universe of innovation that is always ready to be explored to its fullest.
To begin, regardless of Kanye West’s ongoing controversies he still persists to be seemingly forever popular and influential. When speaking to classmates YE’s albums were brought up a plethora of times, in particular 2007’s Graduation and 2010’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which both won Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. With songs like “I Wonder” and “Flashing Lights”, Graduation encapsulated late 2000s nostalgia for many, becoming an instant classic. Flowing vocals and charming lyricism leaking out of every song, paired with beautiful samples create a perfect must listen for any hip-hop enjoyer.
Continuing on with the soft acoustics of The Macarons Project. The artistry of acoustic songs often echo within the track, the gentle strums on the guitar with light string noises often leave the listener with a feeling of contentment. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by The Macarons Project leaves the listener with all that is desired. This song is actually a cover of John Denver’s late 60’s folk classic, however the cover doesn’t stray too far from the original feeling and mood. Overall, both versions are beautifully tender in their own ways,
Lastly, an artist that only continues to improve his craft album after album. The Weeknd’s latest albums have been heavily inspired by the R&B culture of the 80s with each track featuring its own unique synth-pop style. After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022) since day one have gained significant traction and streams. With a constant stream of praises towards tracks like “Save Your Tears” and “Blinding Lights”, it’s easy to see how beautiful and catchy each track is.
To begin, regardless of Kanye West’s ongoing controversies he still persists to be seemingly forever popular and influential. When speaking to classmates YE’s albums were brought up a plethora of times, in particular 2007’s Graduation and 2010’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which both won Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. With songs like “I Wonder” and “Flashing Lights”, Graduation encapsulated late 2000s nostalgia for many, becoming an instant classic. Flowing vocals and charming lyricism leaking out of every song, paired with beautiful samples create a perfect must listen for any hip-hop enjoyer.
Continuing on with the soft acoustics of The Macarons Project. The artistry of acoustic songs often echo within the track, the gentle strums on the guitar with light string noises often leave the listener with a feeling of contentment. “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by The Macarons Project leaves the listener with all that is desired. This song is actually a cover of John Denver’s late 60’s folk classic, however the cover doesn’t stray too far from the original feeling and mood. Overall, both versions are beautifully tender in their own ways,
Lastly, an artist that only continues to improve his craft album after album. The Weeknd’s latest albums have been heavily inspired by the R&B culture of the 80s with each track featuring its own unique synth-pop style. After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022) since day one have gained significant traction and streams. With a constant stream of praises towards tracks like “Save Your Tears” and “Blinding Lights”, it’s easy to see how beautiful and catchy each track is.