Weekly Playlist: 2/4/25

Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter

I’m back on that me espresso!

With the Grammy Awards premiering on Sunday, I’ve been listening to all the artists, albums and songs nominated. And as it was in the summer, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” has been stuck in my head.

Carpenter wrote the lyrics in a way to express how she was feeling confident and not taking things super seriously.

I am fascinated by the way she was able to use so many real-life things, such as Mountain Dew and Nintendo, and put them into words that give off this effect.

The tempo of this song is very catchy, and I love the way that it goes along with the lyrics, especially when it gets louder during the chorus.

This song is nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance, and I would not be surprised if it wins at least one of these awards. - Ashley Mascaro

Ashley Mascaro is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email aem6398@psu.edu.

Weekly Playlist: “That’s Life” - Frank Sinatra

Frank Sinatra is one of my absolute favorite artists of all time. His catalog contains an extremely large number of timeless classics including “That’s Life.”

I have always really enjoyed this song and found it to be uplifting. Recently however I watched the 2019 film Joker, which was spectacular, and was pleased to hear “That’s Life” playing a few times throughout the movie. The song felt perfectly placed in the film and reminded me how much I love it.

“That’s Life” is an anthem that everything is going to be alright. This tune always puts me in a good mood and gives me a sense of confidence. It is a friendly reminder to always get back up when you are shot down.

The lyric “I've been a puppet, a pauper, a pirate, a poet” is particularly catchy. I can listen to this song many times in a row and not get sick of it. Take a listen if you need a pick-me-up! - Noah Vickery

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

“Don’t Stop Believin’” - Journey

Yes, the 1980s pop hit has finally made the list. If you know me, then you are probably surprised it hasn’t made a weekly playlist before. In fact, if you know me, then you know that this song is basically my family’s anthem. By that, I mean this song is always playing in my house.

In fact, my first ever concert was a Journey cover band up in Jim Thorpe when I was 10. My younger sister and I sang out our little hearts in the tiny venue.

Yes, my family is that kind of family. The one that blasts this song and sings along as loud as humanely possible. But this song was made to be sung along to. It’s pretty much a classic. You can go weeks without listening to it (although I doubt that can happen) and yet you’ll still know all the lyrics the next time you hear it.

I love how “Don’t Stop Believin’” is basically a universal song. I love how the comfort of hearing the starting beat is like meeting a long-time friend. If you’ve been living under a rock, I suggest you listen to the Journey classic as soon as possible. - Sarah Taylor

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

“Seasons” - Sam Austins

With no exaggeration, “Seasons” is an addictive ear candy of a song that blends genres in a way I have never seen before. By Sam Austins, the track focuses on the feeling of time slipping away and not wanting to lose that special someone with it.

Released in the summer of 2024, the synth-heavy production and electronic instrumentals provide a unique listening experience that feels nostalgic and melancholic.

Additionally, the echo effect on the spoken vocal tone complements the aesthetic beautifully. The quality of the production elements dance between your ears because of the repetition, which pairs perfectly with the simple yet deep lyrics.

It is an amazing song to listen to while dancing alone in your room and sonically feels like flashing ambient lights.

This genre of electronic music pulls you in and creates an atmosphere inside the song, which is a necessary quality for an addition to my playlist. - Allison Curley

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