The Scout staff has created a list of its favorite songs to listen to as we welcome the month of April, along with explanations and descriptions.
Anaiah Davis:
“Are You Even Real” by Teddy Swims and GIVĒON
After listening to “Are You Even Real” while on a late night drive with a friend, I immediately knew it belonged in my playlist. From Teddy Swims’ January project, “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2),” this song expresses a deep love for someone who seems too good to be true. The slight rasp of Swims’ singing pairs naturally with GIVĒON’s soft, buttery voice to present a sound that blesses my ears time and time again.
“Thought I Was Dead” by Tyler, The Creator (feat. ScHoolboy Q & Santigold)
In the months since the release of his latest album, “CHROMAKOPIA,” this song has easily become one of my favorites. The verses from each artist are cohesive in sound and style, but the California native still stands out with his typically cocky, creative and memorable lyrics. The hook lingers in my head long after the track ends, and I can’t help but appreciate Tyler’s playful nod to American tennis player Coco Gauff in describing how his haters can’t serve him.
Madalyn Mirallegro:
“Nothing You Can Take From Me” by Rachel Zegler
We can all thank the release of “Sunrise on the Reaping” for this song making a comeback on my Spotify. The sting instruments throughout the song make for an iconic folk ballad that gets stuck in every listener’s head. Rachel Zegler’s accent and twang as she sings is an added vocal bonus. Every time the song comes on, it’s hard not to sing along to tell everyone that they can never take your sass. The best part of the song is the end when Zegler shows the audience her range and vocalizes for 40 seconds.
“Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” by ROLE MODEL
I hate to say it, but I really didn’t start listening to ROLE MODEL until this song blew up on TikTok. This song is reminiscent of driving down an empty road with all of the windows down and belting with your friends on a nice summer day. What is fun about this song is if you listen closely you can hear a guitar getting intricately strummed to add a fun little plink under the lyrics. Of course, you can’t help but wish to be called out on stage to out-diva ROLE MODEL as Sally.
Rome Tews:
“Crush” by Jimmy Eat World
Staples of early emo, Jimmy Eat World released their third record “Clarity” in ‘99, boasting a tumultuous launch but a slew of attractive tracks, including my favorite, “Crush.” A simple melody about yearning is magnified by powerful chords and Jim Adkins’ unusually disheveled vocal runs. He brings it together, though, with classic Jimmy Eat World harmonies and an intense but sweet bridge.
“Dear Percocet, I Don’t Think We Should See Each Other Anymore.” by Frank Iero
A little more fiery, “Dear Percocet” tells a story all too relatable in this generation. Iero examines his fear of unfulfilled dreams and wasted opportunities be it caused by drugs, mental health or the exponentially growing amount of time we spend online. Point is, carpe diem, live your life before it’s gone.
Paul Swartz:
“GODSTAINED” by Quadeca
After a pair of critically acclaimed projects, the hype for Quadeca’s next album, “Vanisher, Horizon Scraper” has never been higher. “GODSTAINED,” the record’s first single, validates that excitement several times over. Just like his last three years of music, the track is difficult to categorize. It’s simultaneously a singer-songwriter ballad and a soulful hip-hop song, with a chorus that feels ripped from a Frank Ocean album. The song’s ever expanding sonic palette holds the listener throughout, leaving you wanting more, just as a lead single should.
“Flood” by Little Simz (feat. Obongjayar & Moonchild Sanelly)
Another lead single to a highly anticipated album, “Flood” sees British rapper Little Simz announcing her return in style. Against a pulsating beat featuring little more than a bass guitar and pounding drum, Simz raps just above a whisper, speaking on her mentality given her position in the music industry. Obongjayar’s intermittent interruptions provide a subdued melody and keep the track dynamic.
Scarlett Rose Binder:
“Genius” by Ravyn Lenae
Janet Jackson reborn: that’s how I’d describe Ravyn Lenae after listening to her entire “Bird’s Eye” album, and I mean that as the highest compliment. Both artists possess delicate, airy voices that float over a fusion of R&B, pop, funk and electronic beats. It’s really no coincidence, as Lenae collaborated with Janet Jackson’s producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, for “Dream Girl,” the album’s fourth track. For me, though, the real standout is the opener. “Genius,” a dreamy synth-pop piece that instantly earned a spot on my spring playlist. It’s the kind of song that can slip into the background as you get lost in thought or have you twirling around your kitchen without a care in the world. I’ve admittedly been caught doing the latter, and I’m sure I will again.
“past life” by Ariana Grande
“eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead” achieves exactly what a deluxe album is supposed to, taking something great and making it even better. “past life,” one of the six new tracks Ariana Grande dropped last Friday, is a glowing testament to the power of choosing oneself and moving on from the past. Through poetic metaphors like being “kissed by the passing of time,” the song beautifully depicts the healing process. Made all the more captivating by Grande’s ethereal vocals, “past life” is a self-love anthem filled with a quiet strength.
Latif Love:
“Blue Dream” by Jhene Aiko
I have been listening to more Jhene Aiko recently and this has become my favorite song in her catalog. The song is about how her relationship with someone feels like a dream, and she doesn’t want to be awoken from her slumber. I think many people could relate to this message because, especially in the honeymoon phase of a relationship, you want to believe everything is perfect and nothing can go wrong.
“Real Life” by Nino Paid
Nino paints a picture of how far he’s come in life over his short time in the music industry. He raps nonchalantly over a hi-hat beat. He emphasizes the struggle of where he comes from and how some of the problems in the industry can’t compare to problems in “real life.”
Davis Kinch:
“Reminder” by The Weeknd
“Everytime you try to forget who I am, I’ll be right there to remind you again.” In this song Abel talks about the surge in popularity he was experiencing after the release of his album “Beauty Behind the Madness.” Included in the song is a line in which he talks about winning a kids choice award for “Can’t Feel my Face” despite the song being about abusing drugs. The song is all around underappreciated, underrated and a great listen.
“Money Trees” by Kendrick Lamar ft. Jay Rock
“good kid, m.A.A.d city” is a classic album that I will forever listen to. “Money Trees” is among my favorite songs from the album that follows the overall theme of the album. Kendrick details his upbringings and life growing up in Compton to draw comparison to his life after fame. Jay Rock provides a verse that also follows this theme and compliments the song perfectly. Overall, another great listen.
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