CommRadio Weekly Playlist: Feb. 26

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.

“Margaritaville” - Jimmy Buffett

There are some things in life that just get better with age. Jimmy Buffett’s legendary song “Margaritaville” is a piece of music that expels the sense of freedom, relaxation and appreciation.

The calendar is turning to March, which means it’s time to bring the Jimmy Buffet songs out of hibernation and ring in the new season of short sleeves, grilling burgers and beach trips. Nothing quite matches the essence of a warm sunny day such as a Buffett classic.

That’s only what “Margaritaville” does on the surface. The record is really a complex story of a man coming to terms with his past shortcomings. In the first verse, our narrator is convinced that he is not to blame for his failed romance, but by the end, he accepts the fact that he is responsible for everything.

Although a touching tale is told underneath the surface, the themes of laziness and summer vacations have done wonders for the legacy of this tune now remembered as one of Buffett’s best. -Sketch Morton

“Wild Horses” - The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones, who’ve long been my favorite band, are primarily known for their grittier rock songs. However, it’s the calm grace of “Wild Horses” that’s caught my ear lately.

Co-written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song offers a reassuring message that, no matter how dark or difficult life gets, the ones who care about you aren’t going anywhere.

For Richards, this message was for his young son who he often was away from due to the Stones’ touring schedule. As for Jagger, fans believe he wrote the song for then-girlfriend Marianne Faithfull, who dealt with her fair share of personal demons.

To me, the beauty of “Wild Horses” is how it can be interpreted differently by any listener. Hopefully, I hear this track live at Lincoln Financial Field come June 11. -Joe Tuman

"There Are Worse Games To Play/Deep In The Meadow" - James Newton Howard

I have officially reached peak mental state and have devoted most of my listening time to “The Hunger Games” soundtrack. I have listened to all four movies straight down about three times now (a total of about five hours).

Out of all four movies, there is one song that stands out as the most beautiful and meaningful. That would be "There Are Worse Games To Play/Deep In The Meadow" which is the final song of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2,” playing during the epilogue.

This song includes Jennifer Lawrence singing the lullaby which is seen throughout the entirety of the franchise: calming Primrose Everdeen before the reaping, calming Rue as she passes away, and calming her newborn baby.

The song is almost 10 minutes long and absolutely grips me the entire time. The song can make me cry on the spot, and I am currently attempting to learn it on piano.

I find myself singing “Deep In The Meadow” during walks to class, as the tune is so beautiful and enchanting.

Truly the whole “The Hunger Games” soundtrack is phenomenal and stands out as the best movie soundtrack ever. I fully predict James Newton Howard will be my top artist for my 2024 wrapped. -Grace Bowman

Sketch Morton is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email sam7539@psu.edu.

Joe Tuman is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email joentuman@gmail.com.

Grace Bowman is a third-year majoring in biology. To contact her, email gab5585@psu.edu.