Weekly Playlist: 2/25/25

“Let Down” - Radiohead

Although I am embarrassed by it now, when I was in middle school I sang “Creep” by Radiohead at a talent show. I have always really liked the song “Creep,” but I never looked any deeper into other songs by Radiohead for some reason. Recently, however, I made a group of friends who are really into them, and they opened my eyes to how amazing they are.

I have discovered many incredible songs by Radiohead, and “Let Down” is one that has really stuck out to me. As many Radiohead songs do, this song brings out a lot of emotion in me. Although it is a rather depressing song, it somehow makes you feel so good musically.

I am in love with the lead singer Thom Yorke’s voice. Especially the way he delivers the lyrics of this song. When he sings the higher notes, it feels otherworldly.

I have been listening to this song in the morning, during the day and to fall asleep at night. It is a wonderful song that I can’t keep off my mind. - Noah Vickery

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

“Gold on the Ceiling” - The Black Keys

Do you want to feel empowered? Do you want to increase your confidence before taking on something nerve-wracking? If so, “Gold on the Ceiling” by The Black Keys is for you.

The guitar part leading up to the chorus feels like the lift hill on a rollercoaster and the chorus parts are amazing.

Whether you are about to take the ice in a hockey game, delve into a presentation in

front of your colleagues, or anything in between, it is an incredible hype-up song.

You might also recognize the song from previous experiences.

If you are into sports, you might recognize it as being part of soundtracks for many different sports. The song is part of the 2012 Men’s March Madness tournament commercials and hype videos, MLB 12: The Show’s soundtrack and even a montage for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Are you more into TV shows and films? You could remember the song from Season 6, Episode 2 of Suits or from Season 9, Episode 19 of NCIS.

Back in 2012, it felt like this song was everywhere. It was included in the sports world and the entertainment world. This was justified as the song is a banger. - Jack Harrison

Jack Harrison is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkh6603@psu.edu.

“Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet” - Fall Out Boy

Earlier this week, I was going through my camera roll when I came across some videos I took when my sister and I went to see Fall Out Boy perform at Madison Square Garden in March of 2024.

“Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet” is my favorite song from their discography. Lead singer Patrick Stump’s vocals blend together addictively with the instrumental during the verses as the song builds to what I think is the band’s most explosive and satisfying bridge and final chorus.

This song is from their fourth album, Folie à Deux, which was not very well-received by audiences or critics when it first came out in 2008. As a result, the band avoided playing songs from this album during their concerts for the following decade.

This most recent tour they went on in promotion of their 2023 album, So Much (for) Stardust, delved deeper into their discography than any tour they’ve conducted before, playing underrated gems from their newer and older albums alike.

This included making “Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet” a setlist staple. They played it in nearly every show including mine. As someone who would jump at the chance to see them in concert again, I hope they continue to re-introduce this great song to their crowds. - Megan Schmotzer

Megan Schmotzer is a third-year majoring in media studies. To contact her, email mls7350@psu.edu.

“Party 4 U” - Charli XCX

I would like to argue that “Party 4 U” by Charli XCX is one of the most romantic songs of our generation. Off her 2020 album, “How I’m Feeling Now,” the song delves into the feeling of unrequited love and ultimate yearning for a person who will not show up.

The production and melodic progression is on a whole other level from her previous work. The beat is electronic and full of melancholic synths, making you want to party and simultaneously cry on the dance floor.

Additionally, the bluntness and truth in her lyrics show deep vulnerability. Her ethereal vocals and delicate yet powerful delivery to amplify the atmosphere, making each line feel personal and raw.

My favorite part of the track is the bridge because as she repeats the phrase “party for you” it also sounds like “part of you knew,” meaning her love interest has no desire to see her.

“Party 4 U” encapsulates all of her best skills as a writer, vocalist and curator, while being extremely relatable to people going through heartbreak. - Allison Curley

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