Weekly Playlist: Oct. 21

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.

“Dive” - Oliva Dean

This song can make any bad mood disappear and just immediately brighten up your day. And having just passed the middle of this semester, I’ve been needing something like this.

“Dive” is the lead single of Dean’s 2023 album titled “Messy” and it is the perfect introduction to her if you are unfamiliar.

It is a cool and airy jazz-pop song that makes me feel like I am floating in the clouds. The horns that come into the track after the first verse elevate the song to a completely new level.

Dean’s voice is a force to be reckoned with, every performance of this song is better than the next and she is consistently delivering beautiful vocals.

The song explores these beautiful themes of letting yourself love and be loved. She sings, “Maybe it’s the loving in your eyes / Maybe it’s the magic in the wine / Maybe it’s the fact that every time I fall, I lose it all / But you got me from my head to my feet / And I’m ready to dive.”

The British singer is just making her mark in the industry but look out because I am positive everyone will be talking about her in three years time. - Madison Rush

"Women Like Me" - Adele

In Adele's "Woman Like Me," released November 19, 2021, she takes a critical look at the end of her relationship. The track serves as a diss song, addressing her ex-partner's laziness, complacency, and insecurity that hindered the potential of their relationship.

Adele's music represents a masterful integration of emotional depth and vocal skills, creating a profound listening experience. Her voice, powerful and rich, captivates audiences with its ability to convey raw emotions and nuanced storytelling.

The lyrics not only critique her ex but also reflect Adele’s self-awareness and personal growth throughout this journey. The song emphasizes the importance of effort and consistency, as Adele expresses her frustration at her partner's failure to appreciate the value of a committed relationship.

The track captures the emotional complexity of wanting more from love and desiring mutual recognition and effort. Adele articulates a sense of being completely over the situation, rather than being angry. - Gabrielle Marston

“As” - Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder undoubtedly has many iconic songs, but lately, “As” has been the song of his that I have been listening to the most. This song comes from Wonder’s best-selling and critically acclaimed album “Songs in the Key of Life” which was released in 1976.

It is hard to dislike any Stevie Wonder song, and “As” is a perfect example. This song is extremely optimistic and is certain to raise your spirits.

The combination of Stevie’s smooth vocal delivery and the choice to use a powerful raspy voice on the song’s bridge showcases his top-notch talent. The gospel-like vocals present throughout the song add a lot and do their part to help back up Stevie Wonder on this amazing, jazzy tune.

The whole album is full of hits, but if you are looking for something uplifting, I recommend “As.”

As Wonder said, “Change your words into truth and then change that truth into love.” - Noah Vickery

“Silver Bells” - Dean Martin

I know, it’s a little late to start listening to Christmas music, since it’s typically appropriate to start playing your Christmas tunes on October 1st. Nevertheless, I’ve finally caught up, and one of my favorite Christmas songs is “Silver Bells” by Dean Martin.

This song is what the holiday season is all about- it is the season of giving. The lyrics in the song insinuate that the “silver bells” in question are those of the salvation army, that show up in front of retail stores each December. The soft musicals in the background and Dean Martin’s deep, comforting voice is what makes this record thrive and give you all the sensations of the Christmas season.

Though the song was first written in 1951, Dean Martin’s rendition of the song is featured on his 1966 Christmas album and is what I personally believe to be the best version of the song.

This tune is the perfect song to listen to in order to get into the spirit of the holidays if you’re an early-Christmas-music-listener like myself. - Sketch Morton

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

Gabrielle Marston is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email gmm6030@psu.edu.

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

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