The Scout staff has created a list of its favorite songs to listen to as we welcome the month of November, along with explanations and descriptions.
Anaiah Davis:
“Famous (Lost to LA)” by RAAHiiM
On the second track from his 2023 album, “BUT IF iiM HONEST,” RAAHiiM critiques his love interest’s new lifestyle in Los Angeles, reasoning that she’s been swept away from herself in pursuit of her dreams in the big city. The singer balances concern and criticism with soft vocals and a catchy hook, making for a contemporary R&B masterpiece.
“Get Away” by Kehlani
If no one has noticed yet, my love for Kehlani runs deep. From her 2014 mixtape “Cloud 19,” this track remains one of Kehlani’s best. It opens with a funky ’90s R&B beat as Kehlani encourages an ex-lover not to let another good woman pass them by. Beneath the song’s playful lyrics, “Get Away” stresses the importance of taking a chance on love and being vulnerable enough to commit to the person you want to be with.
Madalyn Mirallegro:
“Teenage Dirtbag” (Cover) by One Direction
Just like any other young One Direction fan, I was heavily influenced by their cover of “Teenage Dirtbag.” From Zayn’s riffs, Harry and Louis’s voices, Niall’s guitar playing and, of course, Liam singing in falsetto for the entire bridge make the song addicting to listen to. It is incredibly cruel that this cover is not on Spotify.
“Constellations” by The Oh Hellos
After attending an Orchesis rehearsal for BUTV News, this song has been stuck in my head. This song combines the beauty of an acoustic guitar with lyrics that remind one of a fantasy story. Each time the song is played it can transport the listener to a forest in a faraway land, just like every good folk song should.
Rome Tews:
“Baby You’re a Haunted House” by Gerard Way
In the spirit of spooky season, “Baby You’re a Haunted House” is a fuzzy, feel-good single touting a skeleton’s desire to maintain his lover, using uncanny metaphors in the process. Way’s singles, in part, have always been unique, and “Haunted House” will forever have a place in my heart.
“Bury Me in Black – Demo” by My Chemical Romance
A little more hardcore, “Bury Me in Black” is THE My Chem demo. The combination of Gerard Way’s raw vocals and the un-mastered guitar riffs creates a track that makes you feel. Whether that’s a good or bad feeling, in the dark of night the scared run to any source of light.
Emmily Scumaci:
“Iris” by The Goo Goo Dolls
Released in 1998, The Goo Goo Dolls struck gold with this hit. Since then, it has reached nearly everyone who hears it on a deeper, emotional level. Listening to older music is never a waste of time, as it brings nostalgia and longing for a more carefree moment in time. While that isn’t necessarily the purpose of this song, it has the effect anyway.
“Never Say Never” by The Fray
Speaking of nostalgia, The Fray produced many hits from our childhoods that evoked powerful emotions we did not recognize back then. This one’s unnoticed message encouraged listeners to be resilient in the face of adversity. The instrumental aspects are intended to help raise the listeners’ spirits as well.
Cassie Maxwell:
“Blame Canada” cover by Robin Williams
Considering how much of an earworm it is, it’s no wonder that “Blame Canada” was nominated for the best original song at the Academy Awards. The original is incredible, with great vocals and satirical lyrics, but Robin Williams takes it to another level. His comedic delivery still lands over two decades later. The only other performance from the Academy Awards that lands close is last year’s “I’m Just Ken.”
“Still Alive” by Jonathan Coulton
Featuring one of my favorite voice actresses of all time, Ellen McLain, it’s hard not to fall in love with this song. Not only is it a great ending credits song for Portal, but it fits McLain’s character perfectly. The creators didn’t go overboard with the robotic overlay and kept a relatively simple backing track, which really allowed the vocals to shine.
Elliot Krippelz:
“Darling, I” by Tyler, the Creator
“CHROMAKOPIA” is Tyler, the Creator’s newest album, which was released earlier this week. The album was unexpectedly announced two weeks ago, and now one of the first songs on the record, “Darling, I,” is on constant repeat on my headphones. This song has the perfect groovy mix with deep lyrics that I feel many young adults can relate to.
“Digital Bath” by Deftones
Deftones is by far my favorite band of all time. Their different music genres from nu metal to soft rock make the band so encapsulating.” Digital Bath” consists of an electric-sounding track that balances so well with the rest of the record. “Digital Bath” is a fantastic song that always puts me in the mood when the weather is cold.
Jessica Taylor:
“Take on Me” by Pentatonix
This song comes from the choir nerd in me. I sang this song with a small contemporary acapella group I was part of in high school. It was one of my favorite songs to sing, and I generally love Pentatonix, so I think it’s really fun to listen to. Acapella music is unique because there are no instruments; every part of the song is made with people’s voices. It’s really satisfying and cool to listen to.
“Reckless Driving” by Lizzy McAlpine
I’ve been playing this one on repeat for the last week or so. The build is all about the difference between reckless and careful driving, a metaphor for loving recklessly. Lizzy McAlpine describes herself as a “careful driver,” while Ben Kessler sings lyrics about being a “reckless driver.” The song grows to show the conflict between the vocalists. One is deeply in love, and the other is scared of this “reckless” love. The climax is beautiful, and the ending is sudden.
