Essential songs to start the year off right.
PAUL McCARTNEY — “Fuh You” — as described by madeleine morales
Everything about this song feels oh so collegiate, from the opening swagger of Paul’s, “come on baby now,” to the giddy falsetto of his “youuuuuu”s. Sure as the kick drum heart that beats throughout the song, seventy-six isn’t too old to keep filling the world with silly love songs.
And to be clear, the sappiest former Beatle just wants it FOR you - but who would blame him if he did just wanna fuh?
STILL WOOZY — “Goodie Bag” — as described by jane clayton
For the first of many slow walks home after those early days of classes when the sun’s a bit lower in the sky and the night still feels open.
CHER — “Believe” — as described by sam reamer
With this track, Cher scored another hit and ushered in the use of autotune. While Cher’s use was relatively minor and for artistic purposes, it has unfortunately become part of the starter pack of many “singers” today (from Katy Perry to Taylor Swift vocals have become an inconsequential factor).
MARIYA TAKEUCHI — “Plastic Love” — as described by alex ortega
More than just a summer meme that mashes up well with Despacito.
HALEY HEYNDERICKX — “The Bug Collector” — as described by tess rinaldo
Remarkably tender, Heynderickx’s debut album is one of my favorite releases this year. I first heard this song in the swampland-summer of Long Island, New York, terribly homesick and surrounded by… bugs. Huge bugs. Sometimes you just need someone to remind you that “nothing’s out to get you,” even though the spiders you wake up next to seem to grow with each passing day. “The Bug Collector” is full of breaks and new beginnings, a mellow ache to carry you into the end of summer.
NIKI — “Vintage” — as described by nikki tran
Lyrically and musically, Niki’s “Vintage” is the antithesis to any sort of attempt at beginning anew. She literally sings, “Tonight I just wanna hit reverse.” Yet, it’s a fresh take on 90s girl group pop, and Niki channels that bouncy, kitschy feeling that every new school year brings: the feeling of butterflies, a combination of nervousness and hopefulness, excitement and exhaustion.
KIDS SEE GHOSTS — “Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2)” — as described by anthony milki
In a 2018 where I’m saddened by most of what Kanye says and does, this track felt like something positive. Kid Cudi and Ty Dolla Sign’s final forms always emerge when they’re paired with Ye, plus, I’m a sucker for rappers going back and forth and finishing each other’s sentences.
JANIS JOPLIN — “Maybe” — as described by jessica chow
Scream your heart out with Janis’ maybes. New year, new reasons to whine. Welcome back.
(‘20, Urban Studies, Theater and Performance Editor) is a good ole fashioned, queer, SoCal punk who (much like Bernadette Peters) loves children and art.
('18, English) is a writer from Orange County, California.
('17, Human Biology/Creative Writing) is from Palo Alto and listens to a lot of Kanye.
