Weekly Playlist: 2/18/25

"I'm Still Standings" - Elton John

You might be a little confused as to why this legendary choice was my song of the week, considering it’s vastly different from the last few songs. But, I heard it earlier in the week and fortunately (or unfortunately) my mind has been playing it in an endless loop for the past couple of days. It’s really catchy, so I suppose it is no real surprise it has been stuck in my head.

It is a very upbeat song that brilliantly hides some darker intense emotions within the lyrics. While Elton John wrote it about persevering after a rough romantic breakup, this song can be used as a personal anthem to brighten yourself up on a tough day. It’s hard to be sad after listening to the uptempo beat of this song.

Or, if listening to “I’m Still Standing” doesn’t lift your spirits, you can think about Elton John’s bizarre cameo in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, where Elton John, playing himself, rescues a Kingsman by stepping in front of a killer robotic dog in a bowling alley. The killer robotic dog is able to deem Elton John a “friend” because of his extravagant style. This random and unhinged scene is guaranteed to brighten your day.

All in, I’m glad my mind decided to play Elton John’s hit on an endless loop this week. If you haven’t listened to it in a while, maybe this will inspire you to play it. - Sarah Taylor

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

“Love Me Not” - Ravyn Lenae

If you are in need of a pick-me-up during this freezing cold weather, I have just the song for you. “Love Me Not” by Ravyn Lenae is an upbeat yet introspective track that blends R&B and pop-soul with groovy production and heartfelt lyricism.

It is the lead single for her new album “Bird’s Eye,” and expresses the feeling of breaking down from something that is not serving you anymore. The repetition of her chanting delivery reinforces the emotional tug-of-war that comes with the uncertainty of love. She demonstrates this by saying, “He loves me not, he loves me. He holds me tight, then lets me go.”

The production is hypnotic and reminiscent of 70s and 80s retro sound with a contemporary modern edge. The chord progression combined with Lenae’s distinctive vocal range creates beautiful harmonies and addictive melodies to listen to.

“Love Me Not” is a musical masterpiece that makes listeners dance and smile their brightest, even in the darkest of times. - Allison Curley

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

“Downtown” - Lady A

My friends and I went out to celebrate my birthday about a month ago and two girls were singing “Downtown” by Lady A during Karaoke.

To say it reignited my consciousness and love of this song would be an understatement, as I have been listening to it nonstop.

“Downtown” is such a feel-good anthem that brings me so much nostalgia. I can’t believe that I ever forgot it existed.

Some of my most treasured songs are country songs that I have memories tied to, and this is one of them. Feeling nostalgia while listening to music is truly the best feeling, bringing me awe every time.

Also, the girls at Karaoke absolutely killed it. I hope that one day I can go back to that bar and sing “Downtown” with my friends. I know it would create a core memory. -Sarah Gavlak

Sarah Gavlak is a third-year majoring in telecommunications. To contact her, please email sng5393@psu.edu.

“Every Breath You Take” - The Police

While walking through a record store recently I stumbled upon a vinyl of The Police's greatest hits. While I decided that it was too pricey to buy, it reminded me that I like a lot of their songs.

It just so happened that a couple of days later I heard a local band perform a rendition of “Every Breath You Take,” and now the song has been in my rotation.

This is a song that I have always wondered the meaning of. Many consider it to be a love song, but I have always found the repeated “I’ll be watching you” to be a little “stalkery.” Regardless of the potentially questionable meaning, the song is a smooth, well-known listen.

A little research led me to the discovery that a study was done that claims that “Every Breath You Take” is the “ultimate all-round song.” I would have to agree with this, as I feel that the song can be played in many settings. - Noah Vickery

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