Weekly Playlist: 2/11/25

“One Dance” - Drake

If there was ever a song that puts me in a time capsule, it’s this one. Travel back to 2016 when Drake released Views, one of the most anticipated albums of his career. I was never a huge Drake fan, but this album has so many great songs it’s hard not to appreciate it.

Almost a decade later, and you probably still remember One Dance because you heard it against your will once or twice due to the intense amount of radio play it received that summer.

British Singer Kyla was responsible for some of the song’s most memorable vocals, including a crucial part of the song’s chorus.

There’s been much deliberation about who’s responsible for writing the song, with many people debating whether or not Drake had anything to do with the lyrics, with other sources saying he wrote the entire thing himself. Nevertheless, writing credits were given to a plethora of people, including Drake, Wizkid, and producer Noah Shebib, and many others.

One Dance always takes me back to the spring and summer of 2016, when this song and many other songs of Drake’s Views were circulating around the radio. It’s one of Drake’s most fun and catchy songs if you’re looking to lay back and relax. - Sketch Morton

Sketch Morton is a fifth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email Sam7539@psu.edu.

“If There Ain’t Nothing” - Res

At the start of this month, I chose to explore deeper into my love for Neo-Soul and came across this gem, “If There Ain’t Nothing” by Res. This track features in her criminally underrated debut album “How I Do” released in 2001.

The song opens with classic hip-hop piano chords into drums accompanying her voice as her harmonies lead you into the chorus “I'd rather be alone and onto something new.” The lyrics talk about a deceitful relationship that she decides to walk away from in pursuit of her independence.

One of my favorite aspects is the guitar’s rock-influenced chords throughout the choruses and toward the end, creatively blending alternative sounds with the Neo-soul vibe. Her voice effortlessly glides along the bridge as it slows down into the lyrics, “And then you wonder why, I need some time to myself–” I think this was such a key point emphasizing the exhaustion of dealing with a draining person.

I love every element of this composition, the sharp snares, the guitar riffs and the mix of alternative R&B & Neo-soul influence on the beat and relatable lyrics.

The piece closes with her lyrics “I’d be alone than play like someone's fool” showcasing the liberating decision she made for herself.

I can’t get this song out of my head! If you’re looking for something new to add to your playlist this month, this one is a must-listen. - Kakii Kibua

Kakii Kibua is a third-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email kxk5866@psu.edu.