The Scout staff has created a list of its favorite songs to listen to as we welcome the month of March, along with explanations and descriptions.
Anaiah Davis:
“Until the End of Time” by Coco Jones and Leon Thomas
This song has been stuck in my head for weeks now. If you know your music, then you’d know this is a cover of a track originally performed by Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé on the former’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds” album from 2006. However, Jones and Thomas give the hitmakers a run for their money, bringing their style to it and effortlessly mimicking the unforgettable vocal riffs.
“Japanese Denim” by Daniel Caesar
Caesar brings an undeniable blend of blues and soul to this 2016 single. The Canadian singer-songwriter takes listeners on a heartwarming journey, describing how, much like his blue jeans, he’d like his relationship to last forever. It’s sweet, soothing and incredibly romantic.
Madalyn Mirallegro:
“Burton St.” by OSTON
I’m a big fan of any song that switches up the tempo halfway through, and “Burton St.” is no exception. The song starts as a melancholy tale of a failed relationship, but then the bridge hits and OSTON uses the time to tell the person they’re singing to that they are over them. Anyone who needs to let their rage out should use this song to scream it.
“Dancing On My Own” by Robyn
I forgot how much I loved this song until I heard it performed at the “Saturday Night Live” anniversary concert. While this song is a messy breakup hidden behind an addicting disco beat, I’m not at all mad at it. “Dancing On My Own” is the perfect dance-like-nobody’s-watching song, which is exactly what both Robyn and I plan to do.
Rome Tews:
“Seaside Rendezvous” by Queen
Now that the weather is, more or less, consistently nice, I can safely say “Seaside Rendezvous” matches the sunny, whimsical feeling of early spring. In true “A Night at the Opera” fashion, the seventh track highlights Queen’s multifaceted creative genius. This short but sweet diddy employs fun piano riffs and giddy horn interjections to produce a cute little tune.
“Honorable Mention” by Fall Out Boy
After a victorious tour at ICPA this year, The Scout came home with a plethora of awards, including a headline writing honorable mention with my name on it. Arguably, an honorable mention is nothing to write home about, but I like to look at it as the first of many professional awards in my life. The Fall Out Boy song shares no relation besides title, but if you’re looking for a little basement pop-punk, their not-really-but-technically debut album “Evening Out With Your Girlfriend” fills that role. Also, it might inspire you to watch “Say Anything” again, which is never a bad thing to do.
Paul Swartz:
“Daydreaming” by NxWorries, Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge
The dynamic duo of singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Anderson .Paak and producer Knxwledge released this song as a single to their 2024 album “Why Lawd?”, and it has never left my rotation. From the twangy sample to the constantly evolving percussion, the track stays interesting for the full three minutes despite relying on a basic instrument throughout. The guitar riffs and solos add another layer of exciting production, but even stripped down, “Daydreaming” is one of the most addictive R&B songs of the decade so far.
“DIET_” by Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats
Speaking of dynamic duos, rapper Denzel Curry and producer Kenny Beats put together one of the most replayable rap albums in recent memory with 2020’s “UNLOCKED,” and the record’s centerpiece is its most energetic track. Kenny’s production is difficult to categorize, with chaotic sounding drums that make up most of the instrumental. Denzel never settles on one flow for too long, even entering an inflection reminiscent of DMX at the beginning of the chorus. He displays clever wordplay throughout, my favorite lines being “Two shots, that’s two grazed in two days / What goes up must come down on Tuesdays.” The entire track pounds with a vintage energy rare to any rap song and is an all-timer in one rap’s best catalogs.
Scarlett Rose Binder:
“Moth to a Flame” by Swedish House Mafia and The Weeknd
I know The Weeknd just released a new album last month, and I’ve been thoroughly enjoying “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” However, my favorite song right now is more of a throwback. “Moth to a Flame” is the result of a collaboration between The Weeknd and Swedish House Mafia in 2021, but I didn’t discover it until I watched “Maxton Hall – The World Between Us,” my current show obsession. I love discovering music through film and television, which gives me entire plotlines to attach to individual songs. This song tells the story of being drawn to the same old flame over and over again, which is fitting, because I can’t seem to stop myself from going back to this track.
“Lonely Dancers” by Conan Gray
“Lonely Dancer” is my favorite song on an album full of favorite songs. Conan Gray’s 2024 “Found Heaven” album is near perfection in the eyes of a retro-loving girl like me. Its synth-heavy tracks are reminiscent of music from 80s stars like David Bowie. This song, in particular, strikes a chord with me. It takes the sad topic of loneliness and dejection and sets it to an infectiously energetic beat, as Gray repeats the lyric “dance with me, so we don’t cry.” I love the duality of this music and its meaning. Plus, the music video is a work of art.
Latif Love:
“Say it Wit Yo Chest” by Pimmie
I discovered Pimmie because she appeared on Drake and Partynextdoor’s album, “Some Sexy Songs 4 U,” on a song titled, “Pimmie’s Dilema.” Pimmie’s part in the project felt like one of the only displays of raw emotion. After hearing that song, I researched and learned that Pimmie is a great artist who just needs a bigger platform to show off her talent. “Say it Wit Yo Chest” stood out in her small catalog. It is a song about dealing with a partner who is showing mixed signals. After appearing on Drake’s album, her monthly listeners skyrocketed to two million on Spotify (I wonder why, lol), so she may get the love she deserves soon.
“Right Now” by Lil Baby feat. Young Thug
I recently listened to every song in Lil Baby’s catalogue to build a playlist of his top 100 songs because I was reminiscing about his prime. “Right Now” is one of his best. The song’s message is simple. He needs to accomplish all of his goals right now. I resonate with the music because I am starting to feel like everything I work for is coming to fruition. I’m not waiting on anyone, I need it right now.
Elliot Krippelz:
“Rocket Man” by Elton John
I re-discovered this song after I watched a music video my cousin and I created a while back. I was heavily influenced by the nostalgia of the song and the heart-wrenching lyrics that are open to the listener’s interpretation. Elton John is one of the most creative artists, paving the way with his mixture of rock and pop tunes in his songs. “Rocket Man” is extremely iconic and needs to be talked about again.
“But Not Kiss” by Faye Webster
Truthfully, Faye Webster makes my list this month because I am seeing her concert later in March. Faye Webster has many hits that have become popular on TikTok, however, I think “But Not Kiss” deserves more recognition. The song showcases her unique style of indie melancholy rock that is executed nicely. The build-up to the “Yeah, Yeah” lines, with the incredible music shift in the background, always has me hooked. At first, this song might sound weird simply because her vocal energy and the music do not immediately match up. When you keep listening, however, you hear the energy build up, which hooks you for the rest of the song.
Davis Kinch:
“Baptized In Fear” by The Weeknd
I actually got a ticket. I’m going to see my favorite artist at Soldier Field on May 30. 11 years I have waited for this moment, and it’s here. All that aside, this song is one from Abel’s latest album “Hurry Up Tomorrow”, his last under the stage name “The Weeknd.” While I loved the entire album (though I don’t have a song of his I dislike), this song in particular is one I keep going back to. The lyrics detail Abel’s desire to want to move on from his time as “The Weeknd” given the implications that have come from it, all while displaying his amazing vocal ability. Look forward to seeing you in May, Abel.
“All The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar & SZA
In other news, I’ve also gotten my tickets to see Kendrick and SZA perform in St. Louis on June 4. While Abel is forever my no. 1, these two crack my top three (in no particular order), so to say I’m excited for summer is an understatement. This song, in particular, holds a special place in my heart due to it being used for the outro of “Black Panther.” The movie was amazing and easily one of my top three favorite Marvel films (even as a huge Spiderman fanatic). On top of that, this song showed how well Kendrick and SZA work together. SZA brings her amazing vocals into the song, while Kendrick brings in his lyrical talent, both complementing each other. Look forward to seeing them both.
Jessica Taylor:
“ceilings” by Lizzy McAlpine
“ceilings” is probably Lizzy McAlpine’s most well-known song, and for good reason. It starts with slow guitar strumming and abstract lyrics about some sort of romantic date. As the song progresses, it gets slightly faster, and the lyrics become more intimate. The song eventually builds to a gut-wrenching musical climax, and the lyrics “but it’s not real, and you don’t exist” leave the listener to question the entire first half. There are all sorts of interpretations of this tune, but mine is that the situation never existed in the first place; she was staring at her ceiling, imagining the entire scenario. I think the song is about an active imagination, but the puzzle of it all is what makes it so artistic.
“That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams
“That’s So True” became popular on TikTok for its fast, fun and energetic bridge. It’s an upbeat pop song that lends itself to a good sing-along. The lyrics are about an ex moving on to a new girl, and even if you don’t find them relatable, the melody and vibe of the song are enjoyable enough to sing with anyway. The bridge doesn’t come until the mid-end, but once you memorize the words, it quickly becomes the highlight of the entire tune. It’s just fun, upbeat and has a wonderful climax.
