Weekly Playlist: Sept. 30

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.

“Juna” - Clairo

I have finally gotten around to listening to Clairo’s new album “Charm” and the lead single “Juna” has become an instant favorite of mine.

There are themes of jazz throughout the whole album that are stunning but specifically stand out in this song and really just elevate the track to a whole new level.

Clairo’s voice has always been timeless and unique but in this song, you can really feel she has grown into herself well and it makes you have an even more emotional connection to it.

The lyrics throughout the song are fun and sensual ways to describe the intimacy of being in a relationship with someone and how you feel around them.

She sings, “(You make me wanna) Go dancing/ (You make me wanna) Try on feminine.” This is a lyric that constantly gets stuck in my head and I don’t know if it's because of her voice, the percussion that comes in there or the lyric itself but I just love it.

Overall, it is just a beautiful song that will have you in a trance of playing it over and over again. - Madison Rush

“I Want Your Love” - Kelis

“I Want Your Love” has been one of my recent favorite hidden gems as it’s featured on Kelis’s debut album "Kaleidoscope."

Kelis, an American singer-songwriter, showcases her talents on this track as it kicks off with a signature Pharell-produced beat of the 90s.

This piece does great with capturing the pain of missing someone special, especially during the busy moments of the day when their absence is felt most.

The chorus, with its repeated line "Baby, don’t you hear me calling?" reiterates a universal feeling of yearning and desire to be close to a loved one. It’s simple yet powerful and is a common feeling everyone resonates with.

What draws me most to this song is its production. The beat has a distinctive 90s sound that pairs well with Kelis’s smooth vocals, thus, creating a track that feels both nostalgic and timeless.

If you’re after memorable songs with lyrics that hit home, be sure to explore the entire "Kaleidoscope" album, as it carries the same aesthetic of love & heartache, a classic in Kelis’s discography. - Kakii Kibua

“Dixieland Delight” - Alabama

Dixieland Delight was written as the group Alabama’s love letter to the South. It is also the signature song of the University of Alabama’s mighty football program, who suffered a defeat to Vanderbilt on Saturday.

The song became an anthem for the university while students filled the dead air in the chorus with adlibs of their own. The chants of “Roll Tide” and “On beer” have become some of the most recognizable lyrics without even being recorded in any version of the song.

Alabama originally created the song to highlight the life of growing up in the “Dixieland,” otherwise known as the southern states. The song provides an upbeat tune while describing the joys and wonders of growing up in the South, mentioning many of the southern cultural staples and traditions.

While the song became a cultural phenomenon in Alabama, it in fact mentions Tennessee much more than it does Alabama. - Sketch Morton

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

Kakii Kibua is a third-year majoring in communications. To contact her, email kxk5866@psu.edu.

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