CommRadio Weekly Playlist: 9/15/25

“North” — Clairo

Clairo’s “North” is one of those tracks that quietly pulls you in and refuses to let go. First released as part of her debut album Immunity, the song has only grown stronger with time.

In many ways, it’s a perfect example of Clairo’s gift as a songwriter — her ability to take intimate and vulnerable moments and make them feel universal and deeply relatable.

Unlike some of the more upbeat tracks on the album, “North” thrives in its softness. It’s gentle, dreamy and layered with Clairo’s airy vocals over lush production that feels both nostalgic and modern.

The track captures the rush of meeting someone and becoming so quickly infatuated that it almost feels too good to be true. She sings: “I never let anybody in / Somehow you got under my skin / Never seen a face like yours / I got it together but my breath feels short / I don't wanna close the door / Maybe I should just go up north.”

What makes “North” so special is its subtle power. It’s not a loud, in-your-face anthem, but rather a song that deepens with every listen. It captures that bittersweet space between connection and uncertainty, all while maintaining the signature warmth that has made Clairo a beloved voice in indie pop. — Madison Rush

Madison Rush is a fourth-year majoring in public relations. To contact her, email mkr5957@psu.edu.

“Nobody’s Son” — Sabrina Carpenter

Since the release of Sabrina Carpenter’s newest album, Man’s Best Friend, I haven’t been listening to anything else.

Fans’ reactions to Man’s Best Friend have been mixed, but I’m obsessed with every song.

My favorite track on the album is “Nobody’s Son.” The catchy chorus and the whipping sound that plays during the bridge are so addictive.

Hearing “Nobody’s Son” gave me flashbacks to listening to “Foolish One” by Taylor Swift for the first time. Listening to “Foolish One” resulted in many tears, but “Nobody’s Son” still managed to squeeze one out of me.

It’s a sad song with sad lyrics paired with an upbeat instrumental, which is going to hit every time.

If there’s one thing Carpenter is going to do in her music, it’s be relatable to girls who just can’t seem to hit the mark with men — and Man’s Best Friend is the embodiment of this relatability. — Sarah Gavlak

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

“Vienna” — Billy Joel

Sometimes I obsess over a song for a brief period of time and end up listening to it over and over again. Recently, that song has been “Vienna,” one of the best from Billy Joel.

It is a song I’ve been using to self-reflect and reassure myself. The lyrics, “Slow down, you’re doing fine,” particularly strike a chord with me as someone who always feels like they could be doing more.

I’ve been listening to this song while walking around campus, thinking about where I am and where I could be.

Not only that, but it is one of the most well-written and well-orchestrated songs ever made, and it is always a gift to the ears.

College life has certainly been stressing me out, but listening to this and getting reassurance from it has made things a little less stressful. — Nikolai Wagner

Nikolai Wagner is a second-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To email him, contact njw5648@psu.edu.

“Sweet Talkin’ Woman” — Electric Light Orchestra

Just about every time I walked to class this week, I was listening to “Sweet Talkin’ Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra.

This track was released along with other hits like “Mr. Blue Sky” and “Turn to Stone” on the 1977 album Out of the Blue. In this song, ELO lead singer Jeff Lynne talks about an elusive woman he needs to find, but she is always just out of reach.

I discovered this song over the summer at my family’s annual Fourth of July barbecue, and I rediscovered it last Tuesday while sifting through my “Liked Songs” playlist on Spotify. It has been on repeat ever since.

The driving rhythm and robotic-sounding harmonies make this a great track for any occasion, whether it’s a chill night or a party.

The call and response is also perfect for singing both parts in the shower, I'm just saying. — Matthew Peters

Matthew Peters is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mbp5830@psu.edu.