Singles Round Up

Singles Round-Up: Sept 4

Singles Round Up – The Arts and Entertainment Department takes a look at some of the recently released singles from the past week.

“Sunshine” - Briston Maroney

Alternative singer-songwriter Briston Maroney released his newest single, “Sunshine,” on Friday, which is set to be on his September-release album “Ultrapure.”

Unlike his most well-known song, “Freakin’ Out On the Interstate,” which has a slow tempo and reverberated guitar chords that channel a “late night summer drive” vibe, “Sunshine” comes off as more of a melancholic autumn mood.

The indie-esque guitar strumming has a slight twang and is met with a slight uptick in tempo as drums are brought in after the first verse.

Like most of his popular songs, “Sunshine” features an echo on Maroney’s vocals as opposed to harmonizing background vocals.

The song is a love song of sorts, much like the rest of Maroney’s discography, and touches on being distanced from loved ones with the line, “Real love makes you feel at home when you’re far away.”

Though far from the freeing feeling of “Freakin’ Out On the Interstate,” Maroney crafts a dynamic and emotion-evoking single from “Sunshine” that hopefully speaks to his upcoming album's content. -Megan Kelby

“Keep Going Up”- Timbaland, Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake

Massive excitement garnered over the announcement that Timbaland would again join forces with Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake on a new single.

Timberlake and Furtado have some of the greatest and most timeless hits, especially when collaborating with Timbaland.

However, “Keep Going Up” was rather lackluster. It wasn’t memorable upon first listen and lacked any components to make a listener want to return to the track.

Of course, vocal performances from Timberlake and Furtado were solid, and by no means is “Keep Going Up” a bad song. It just leaves a lot to be desired.

Maybe this song would never be able to live up to the hype, or it will get catchier upon more listens. “Keep Going Up” seemed like it should be the next big hit but is much closer to a miss from these three legends. -Sophia D’Ovidio

Megan Kelby is a fourth-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, email mkk5701@psu.edu.

Sophia D’Ovidio is a third-year majoring in digital and print journalism. To contact her, email sgd5184@psu.