Weekly Playlist: 3/12/25

“Joker and the Thief” - Wolfmother

Spring break is almost here, and what better way to hype yourself up for a week of partying than with an electrifying song?

“Joker and the Thief” by Australian trio Wolfmother captures everything a pump-up song should be. It’s fast, catchy and has a strong rhythm.

The song starts off with the rapid pace that the lead guitar uses for the entire song.

You could be going to a beach destination for spring break, playing a sport, or going to a sporting event. That is where you might know it from.

The Louisville Cardinals football team uses the song as an amp-up song to try and get the opposing team off their game, especially before the fourth quarter. For people that don’t know the team, you might know the town.

After a knockout in the eighth round by Muhammed Ali against George Foreman in the Rumble in the Jungle of 1974, the world-renowned boxer shouted out his hometown. “My greatness came and started in Louisville, Kentucky.” is what he said during the post-fight interview.

Not a fan of those sports? No worries. For fans of baseball, you could recognize the song from the soundtrack of MLB 07: The Show. Hockey fans will immediately recognize the song from NHL 14’s soundtrack.

Sports not your thing? The song plays when Prince Charming attacks Far Far Away in Shrek the Third. The song was a great representation of what Prince Charming was trying to do. He was the joker and his army were thieves attempting to steal power for him.

The song was found in both pop culture and the sports world, and you could use it for spring break. - Jack Harrison

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

“I Don’t Love You” - My Chemical Romance

I never ever would have thought that I would enjoy music from a band such as My Chemical Romance. I had of course heard “Welcome to the Black Parade,” but I figured that would be the end of my experience.

My friend who is a big fan of the group recently convinced me to listen to their album “The Black Parade,” and I was shocked. I ended up really enjoying it, and especially the song “I Don’t Love You.”

The lead singer, Gerard Way, has truly incredible vocals. There is a specific moment towards the end of the song when things strip back and Gerard is almost whispering. Then, out of nowhere, the band explodes back in for the final moments of the song.

This album and song taught me not to be afraid to give new music a chance. I didn’t think that the vibe and aesthetic matched what I would like, but I was proved wrong. - Noah Vickery

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

“Highjack” - A$AP Rocky

A$AP Rocky consistently delivers hits, and with his track “Highjack,” he proves once again why he’s at the top of the game. The Harlem-born hip-hop artist started making music in 2007, quickly gaining attention with his mixtapes and experimental rap style.

The song incorporates cloudlike electronic synths with a hypnotic rhythm and addictive production. Additionally, Rocky’s flow effortlessly shifts between smooth, laid-back verses and intense, rapid-fire delivery, highlighting his versatility.

In the lyrics, the rapper references how other artists have been talking negatively about him while stealing his unique singing style. As the first music released since his last project six years ago, Rocky speaks with confidence and intention to detail, making sure to put the critics in their place.

The greatest part of the track is the last minute, where the atmosphere transitions to an echoey haze featuring Jessica Pratt’s soulful voice singing, “And when I’m gone, you wish you stayed.” Jon Batiste contributes to the finishing production elements as well.

With a new era of his artistry on the way, “Highjack” gives a hint of what is to come, showing Rocky’s creative evolution is far from over. - Allison Curley

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