Weekly Playlist: Oct. 14

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.

“Telephone Line” - Electric Light Orchestra

Few bands in rock history have ever been able to mimic Electric Light Orchestra’s use of sound and instrumentals to turn a relatively standard topic into an incredibly unique song. Released in September of 1976, off of the album “A New World Record,” the song tells the story of vulnerability and failing communication between two lovers.

Written by Jeff Lynne, the primary songwriter for Electric Light Orchestra, “Telephone Line” follows the feelings going through a man’s head as he waits to hear back from his partner. It is a song that resonates with listeners, as most can relate to the helpless feeling that comes with waiting for a response from someone on the other side of your relationship.

“Telephone Line” encapsulates what makes Electric Light Orchestra so special, as their creative uses of lyricism and progressive instrumentals are on display. It is a relatable, fun and thoughtful song that can touch the emotions of any listener. - Sketch Morton

"My Girl" - Coco & Clair Clair

Off their second studio album, “My Girl” by Coco & Clair Clair is the ultimate best friend hype anthem. The female American pop duo is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and has been making music since 2015, with its first album released in 2022.

This song is an ode to true friendship, detailing what it is like to always look out for someone’s back, no matter what.

In the track, the girls connect over the shared hatred of mediocre men while celebrating with each other. They describe this in the chorus, with the lyric, “That’s my girl, yeah, she hates you too.”

“My Girl” has an electro-synth sound with lots of multi-layered production. The genre of the duo’s project is bedroom pop with the influences of rap and pop music, which creates an alternative listening experience compared to typical categories of genres.

I love how the song and the album as a whole focus on the ambiance and cohesion of the various elements, creating an intricate world within the atmosphere. The electronic and high-pitched tone makes the artists appear as confident and intelligent people who do not take nonsense from anyone.

This song’s addictive quality is perfect for having fun with your best friends and works especially well for boosting the mood on a night out. - Allison Curley

"Look Me In The Eyes" - Rex Orange County (feat. James Blake)

“Look Me In The Eyes” is a song from Rex Orange County’s recent album “The Alexander Technique.” When I saw the tracklist for this album and noticed that there was only one song with a feature, that gave me high expectations for the song.

It did not disappoint.

Not only did the song exceed my expectations, it instantly became my favorite song from the whole album. From my very first listen, the music connected with me, and I have not been able to stop listening.

Rex Orange County is an artist who you can listen to when you are feeling happy or sad. This is definitely more of a melancholy song. However, the song is so beautiful and the soothing piano keeps drawing me back in over and over again.

My favorite aspect of this song is the two vocalists harmonizing together. I feel that often times when artists collaborate today instead of singing together, they have their own separate verses. James Blake brings so much to this song and his voice fits perfectly.

This is an elegant and emotional song that has quickly become a favorite of mine. - Noah Vickery

“Riding with the King” - Eric Clapton and B.B. King

“Riding with the King” was originally written and released by John Hiatt in 1983. He later helped Eric Clapton and B.B. King with a different version of the song which was released in 2000.

The album cover suits the title of the album well, as Eric Clapton is quite literally riding with the “King" in the backseat of the convertible.

This album was a monumental fusion between blues and rock and the title track was my personal favorite. The duet between these two music moguls demonstrates King’s influence on Eric Clapton and rock n’ roll through his introduction of the electric guitar to the genre.

This song has been on repeat, and I have been especially enjoying the loud and heavy drums in the background. The sharp piano chords and Clapton’s strained voice complement the drums well.

King also monologues halfway through the track, talking about his experiences with Blues music and says “I am going to play this [guitar] until the day I die.” - Matthew Peters

Sketch Morton is a fifth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email sam7539@psu.edu.

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

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

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