Weekly Playlist: Nov. 18

Here, members of the Arts and Entertainment Department will talk about the songs that dominated their playlists during the week and what makes them so good.

“Pain Is Cold Water- Live from Fenway Park” - Noah Kahan

Noah Kahan’s “Live from Fenway Park” album has hands down my favorite thing to listen to this week.

There’s something magical about live music, I don’t know if it’s hearing the crowd’s cheers, the band’s ad-libs, or Kahan’s beautiful vocals but it just makes the experience so much more special.

One standout from the album is “Pain is Cold Water,” an unreleased song Kahan performed at the show. Written in Watertown, Massachusetts, it’s quickly become one of my favorites.

The lyrics are pure poetry, “And, if love was contagious, I might be immune to it / Pain's like cold water, your brain just gets used to it.” Kahan’s writing is criminally underrated and I truly believe he’s one of the best songwriters of our generation.

My only critique? The track is a little too short. However, I’m holding out hope for an official, longer recording someday.

But even as it is, the line “In some ways, I'm damn lucky to be here” paired with the crowd’s euphoric cheers gives me chills every single time. It’s that kind of moment that keeps me hitting replay. - Madison Rush

“The Prayer” - Céline Dion & Andrea Bocelli

Released in 1999, “The Prayer” is an elegant duet between Céline Dion and Andrea Bocelli. I can’t remember the exact reason I started listening to this song so much recently, but something definitely sparked me to have it on repeat.

This song feels so inspiring and almost makes you want to cry at the same time. A large part of this song is in Italian, and although I do not speak Italian or understand it, it is still beautiful and touching.

Céline also performed the song live with Josh Groban, receiving a great reception, and was later formally released. That version is great as well, although I am probably partial to the original version.

It is no wonder that this song won a Golden Globe. The two singers' voices complement each other perfectly. They provide a truly timeless melody that is sure to give you chills if you have never heard it before. - Noah Vickery

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

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