Singles Round Up: Sept. 25

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

“Lifetime” - Faye Webster

Atlanta-born singer-songwriter Faye Webster released her newest indie-jazz single, “Lifetime,” on Wednesday.

Throughout the whole five-minute song, there are only nine original lines. Eight of them cryptically circle around a breakup that does not seem to sway in Webster’s favor. The other 22 are simply “in a lifetime,” repeated in between the verses and continuously at the end.

Webster’s calm whisper vocals couple perfectly with the relaxed instrumental. The second half of the track that features the repeated line lulls listeners into a cozy fall mood with piano notes that parallel the Peanuts cartoons.

As a whole, the beat sounds slightly like elevator music and mainstream jazz crossover, with its incredibly slow tempo and snare drum and cymbal work features.

Ultimately, “Lifetime” is extremely audibly appealing while also sticking to Webster’s discography, and will most likely find its popularity on studying or bedtime playlists. - Megan Kelby

“No SZNs” By SZA and Jean Dawson

SZA, primarily an R&B and soul singer and songwriter, collaborated with Jean Dawson who specializes in hip-hop and experimental pop, for their newest song: “No SZNs.”

In the past week, SZA has released two other singles: “Snooze” featuring Justin Bieber and “Slime You Out” with Drake, but the quality has not been affected by the quantity.

The song offers a different twist to the pop and soul genre. It is whimsical with fluttery music while the two artists' vocals echo.

Going into winter, this song is perfect because it talks about the vibes of each season comparing them to grief. The sad undertone is countered by the upbeat and playful instrumental.

Dawson opens the song, then SZA shows off her talented vocals in the middle and the two artists complete the song together.

A constantly repeated lyric, “every day is every day,” plays with reverberation and allows the listener to interpret the meaning however they please. - Natalie Simone

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

Natalie Simone is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email nvs5790@psu.edu.