The Scout staff has compiled a list of its favorite songs to listen to as we welcome April, along with explanations and descriptions.
Latif Love:
“BACKDOOR” by Playboi Carti, Kendrick Lamar and Jhene Aiko
I’m a much bigger fan of the 2015-2018 version of Carti, but every now and then, he can reach that level. Carti reaches that precipice on “BACKDOOR,” where he perfectly blends energetic production, melodic verses and verses oozing with bravado. Kendrick and Jhene’s additions to the song fit seamlessly, and the flow in and out of their verses is perfect.
“TRIM” by Playboi Carti & Future
Truthfully, Carti didn’t need to be on this song whatsoever. Future delivers a vintage performance from the start of his verse to the end of it. He literally walks the beat for a minute and 30 seconds with lyrics that exude confidence and swag.
Scarlett Rose Binder:
“Kiss from a Rose” by Seal
I’ve always loved retro music, but the ‘90s really have me hooked lately, so my selections this month reflect that. “Kiss from a Rose” is ‘90s gold – a soulful ballad about an addictive love. The lyrics are beautiful. Instead of simply calling his lover a light in the darkness, Seal compares her to “a kiss from a rose on the grey.” This poetic phrasing is just one of the reasons I keep coming back to this track.
“Are You Gonna Go My Way” by Lenny Kravitz
This pick is faster, less soulful. It has real drive. I’ve been known to play my music far too loud, far too often. Sometimes, I try to rein it in, but when “Are You Gonna Go My Way” plays, I can’t help but crank the volume all the way up. It’s a song that demands to be heard.
Celine Lamirand:
“Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked” by Cage The Elephant
This song was a staple of my childhood. “Ain’t No Rest For The Wicked” is just one of many songs my dad would listen to with me when I was young. Honestly, major credit to my dad for my taste in music. This song reminds me of the times he would sit with me while practicing my guitar or torture my mom with our music in the car. Somehow, this song has always been present in all the important moments in my life, so it deserves an honorable mention. Not only do I appreciate this song for the memories it holds but also its backstory. Matt Shultz, the lead singer of Cage The Elephant, previously worked as a plumber. He spoke with one of his coworkers, who was a drug dealer on the side, and asked why he didn’t quit that line of work. He responded, “There’s no rest for the wicked.” Shultz wrote that phrase on a piece of drywall, which later inspired the song we all know and love today.
“Halloweenie V: The Moss King” by Ashnikko
“The Moss King” is the fifth song in Ashnikko’s “Halloweenie” series, bringing yet another banger to her series of spooky tracks. I would even argue it is her most underrated song to date. This song really hits differently compared to the rest of her discography, blending heavily distorted guitar with a nasty, gritty bass and powerful vocals. The lyrics also set the scene of a spooky, haunted forest, really transporting you into the world Ashnikko has built in “Halloweenie.” “The Moss King” is definitely an unskippable song and will continue to rattle the windows of my car.
Injy Wasfy:
“Ryuusei” by Tia
Whenever the weather gets warm enough and the trees start growing leaves, I always find this in my playlist. It has that feeling of hot summer air coming through the car window while this is playing on the road. With the scenery getting nice enough to warrant road trips and strolling, this is an easy pick.
“You’ve Seen the Butcher” by Deftones
Regardless of the scenery, this is a Deftones classic that isn’t appreciated nearly enough, or at all. Yet, that has more to do with all the other great tracks that outshine it in popularity than its quality. Vocally, it has interesting distortion choices that make it feel like the bridge is like glass bouncing off the walls. The contrast between the heavier guitar notes balances this and makes it a solid track overall.
Paul Swartz:
“Yeern 101” by ScHoolboy Q
One of the many singles off his 2024 album “BLUE LIPS,” ScHoolboy Q delivers one of the best rapping performances of the decade on “Yeern 101.” From the moment he opens his mouth, there is not a moment of free space without a bar being delivered. Supported by an escalating beat that crescendos into one of the best drops on the record, “Yeern 101” is a tight track that serves as a brilliant display of ScHoolboy Q’s talent for rhythm.
“Old Soul Song (for the New World Order)” by Bright Eyes
A deviation from many of their more political music, this track simply tells a story of a protest. Lead singer Conor Oberst tells the story of seeking hope and truth in people’s actions. Supported by folksy trumpets and acoustic guitars, Oberst’s desperation shines through on the song’s climax, as he shouts the otherwise understated refrain. For a song that came out in 2005, it feels just as relevant now, and Oberst’s colorful, difficult-to-parse lyrics make it even more timeless.
Jordan Jones:
“Breathe” by Malcolm Todd
When it comes to making the perfect alternative-pop hit, Malcolm Todd always succeeds. Todd takes a different approach from his usual songs, starting slower and coming in with an immediate mixture of several musical elements. Nonetheless, it’s a perfect song for this time of year. “Breathe” is filled with multiple elements from pop, indie and the feeling that makes you feel like you can’t stop singing along.
“Texts Go Green” by Drake
“Texts Go Green” highlights Drake’s ability to switch between multiple genres flawlessly; “Honestly, Nevermind” is filled with several tracks that label him as a prominent figure within this generation. Embracing a number of different music aspects, “Texts Go Green” is one of those tracks where you can’t help but tap your foot or rock your head a little.
Ethan Diamond:
“Gyalchester” by Drake
Drake had many well-known songs off his 2017 album “More Life,” but “Gyalchester” is my personal favorite. I really enjoy the energy he brought to this track, and it’s a favorite listen whenever I have a Drake playlist on. His saying he’s top two but not two also turned out to be great foreshadowing for his future career.
“Only the Young” by Journey
Switching up the theme for my second pick, “Only the Young” was almost never released by Journey after the song was pulled from their 1983 album “Frontiers.” Eventually, their version was released as part of the soundtrack for the movie “Vision Quest” and wound up reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Top 100. The track now serves as the intro to both their first Greatest Hits album as well as the first song on their tour setlist, and honestly, it feels like the perfect track to begin a Journey experience.
Mark Wagner:
“Smile” by Uncle Kracker
Country has never been my favorite music, but I have to admit that there are some great songs that come from the genre. Uncle Kracker’s discography includes multiple, but “Smile” is one of my favorites. Released in 2009, the instrumental’s guitar strum is so memorable, and the lyrics make you feel like you’re in the story that the song is trying to tell you. It brings me back to simpler times and memories of listening to the radio.
“Nothing on You” by Ed Sheeran ft. Paulo Londra & Dave
Having gone to two Ed Sheeran concerts in my lifetime, most of his songs get stuck in my head at random times, but one that I’ve just gotten into is “Nothing on You.” Part of his “No. 6 Collaborations Project,” the song features a Spanish rap verse from Paulo Londra and trademark bars from Dave. Londra first made his way into my playlist with “Party,” featuring A Boogie wit da Hoodie, so when I saw that he and Sheeran collabed, I had to give it a listen. This is one of those songs that makes me want to learn Spanish so I can sing along when it’s playing in my car.
Davis Kinch:
“Chill Baby” by SZA
With graduation getting near, it definitely causes a certain type of stress that even schoolwork couldn’t. During a time like this, I need to listen to something more relaxing, and, as the name suggests, “Chill Baby” is one of those songs. The combination of SZA’s vocals with the instrumental brings the chill vibe I need right now.
“Rock With You” by Michael Jackson
With the biopic coming out this month, it is only fitting that I put a song from the king himself. “Rock With You” has long been my favorite song from him. It’s a very soothing listen and one that definitely fits the whole aesthetic and vibe of the late 70’s.
Jessica Taylor:
“Porch Light” by Noah Kahan
A recent Noah Kahan release, Porch Light is fast-paced and hard-hitting. It’s about the distancing of relationships. One person is going through new things, and another wanting to keep waiting, but ultimately continues their life without the other. The porch light is left on in case the first person comes back. It’s about loving something even when you can’t wait for it anymore.
“Drag Path” by twenty one pilots
This song has been endlessly on repeat for me. I’ve heard multiple interpretations, but the one that makes the most sense to me comes from a crime scene description. The drag path is what a body leaves behind as its killer drags it away. It’s a traceable path, proof leading to something bad. It’s been a TikTok trend, people talking about what their “drag path” is, what evidence was left of their struggles. I think we all have our own drag paths in life, and I like how the song connects us through them.
