CommRadio Weekly Playlist: 4/15/25

“Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” - ROLE MODEL

I only heard this song a few seconds ago, but it is making CommRadio’s playlist this week. If, like me, you had not heard of this song before it spontaneously appeared, I suggest you listen to it. It is so energetic and addictively catchy. It is actually hard for the beat not to get stuck in your head.

Artist Tucker Pillsbury has tested out numerous pseudonyms - including Tucker and Dilis - but is sticking with ROLE MODEL after this song’s rise to fame on TikTok. “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out,” is the deluxe track for ROLE MODEL’s second album, “Kansas Anymore (The Longest Goodbye).”

The background vibes are completed by the fascinating minds of Noah Conrad and Harrison Whitford. The result? A fabulous mix of country and pop that almost makes you feel transported to the nostalgic beats of the early 2000s, with a hint of 1970s pop and a tinge of indie vibes.

While I sometimes tend to live under a rock, in terms of listening to new music, this song has been listened to over 30 million times on Spotify since it was released on Valentine’s this year. Slowly but surely, this bright and frolicsome song is transforming into the song of the summer and I could not be more delighted.

I cannot wait to listen to this on repeat during lovely summer drives, and I hope you cannot wait either. - Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor is a second-year majoring in telecommunications and media industries. To contact her, email smt6314@psu.edu.

“On & On” - Erykah Badu

We are at the part of the semester where we can see the finish line yet the work still keeps piling on and on. That’s why my song of the week is “On & On” by Erykah Badu.

This isn’t the type of song that is played a lot nowadays. It’s not a party song. It’s not fast and fun. However, Badu made a masterpiece that I think is a classic soul song.

The bass and drums are the main part of the song, but they don’t overpower anything. The piano is there to create some life behind the percussion. Around two and a half minutes in, the instruments’ style changes, but the feel of the song does not. It is a ‘go with the flow’ song through and through.

Badu talks about the struggles of the world, including poverty and religion. She reminds us that even with all the problems in life, the world doesn’t care. It will still keep turning and days will continue to happen, regardless of any and all struggles.

Finals are around the corner and the next few weeks might be frightening. Regardless of our struggles, time still goes on and on. - Jack Harrison

Jack Harrison is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkh6603@psu.edu.

“Hampstead” - Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande recently released the deluxe version of her album “Eternal Sunshine,” and it was great. The song that stood out to me the most, however, was Hampstead.

Hampstead serves as the closer to the deluxe, and it is absolutely beautiful. The song got its name because Hampstead is where Ariana Grande lived during the filming of the movie Wicked.

There are some great lyrics in this song, and one that was particularly attention-grabbing to fans is “‘Cause I think to be so dumb must be nice.”

A line that really caught my attention is, “You think you’ve read the book I’m still writing.”

As some have mentioned online, and I noticed as well, her vocal delivery on the chorus sounds a bit similar to the voice of Camilla Cabello.

Overall, this is undoubtedly another stunning song by Ariana Grande that really brings out some emotion and is a great closing track. - Noah Vickery

Noah Vickery is a second-year majoring in communications. To contact him, email nmv5292@psu.edu.

"West End Girls" - Pet Shop Boys

There are few songs that capture the tension, glamour, and grit of city life as effortlessly as “West End Girls.” The classic hit comes from the Pet Shop Boys and was released in 1986, blending ambient synths and lyrics about class and inner-city pressure.

With its brooding tone and spoken-word delivery, the song feels both haunting and hypnotic. The introduction builds slowly, layering distant strings over steady, echoing percussion.

This track embodies the feeling of an urban city at night with its moody soundscape, led by the incredible bass line that gives the song a unique, resonant groove.

The lyrics describe a longing for something more, whether it’s social status, wealth or freedom, but also acknowledge the inevitable disappointment that comes with the pursuit.

"West End Girls" remains a timeless anthem, perfectly capturing the essence of urban life, where desire, disillusionment and the pulse of the city collide. - Allison Curley

Allison Curley is a second-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email amc9204@psu.edu.