The Scout staff has created a list of its favorite songs to listen to as we round out the first week of September, along with explanations.
Anaiah Davis:
“IMISSTORONTO (Been a While)” by RAAHiiM & Isaiah Falls
R&B singer RAAHiiM teams up with up-and-coming artist Isaiah Falls on this expressive song that voices the mixed feelings involved with yearning for an estranged lover. With his signature soft-spoken vocals, RAAHiiM laments his frustrations with a woman who doesn’t have time for him after he moves away.
“SOMETHING MORE” by Josh Levi
The Houston-native, known for his 2023 single “BIRTHDAY DANCE,” brings a combination of vulnerability and confidence to his only offering of the year so far. This track, released in late May, expresses the desire to navigate a relationship while enduring personal struggles. While there might be moments when he wants to be alone, Levi still needs love, patience and understanding from his love interest.
Madalyn Mirallegro:
“i’m too pretty for this” by Claire Rosinkranz
Claire Rosinkranz gives listeners the perfect ballad to express their frustration when something goes wrong. She complains of failed relationships through an aggressive beat and an annoyed exclamation of being too pretty for what the guys she dates put her through. Now, thanks to Rosinkranz, I have the perfect thing to say whenever things go wrong in my life.
“Fainted Love” by Conan Gray
“Fainted Love” is a part of Conan Gray’s newest album released earlier this year, “Found Heaven,” and shows why he is a star. The song is a reminder of Gray’s powerful vocals. He expertly shows off his range with riffs on the back end of the song and notes held for an extended period of time. “Fainted Love” is just as groovy as the rest of the album and has the ability to make anyone want to dance.
Rome Tews:
“Pavlove” by Fall Out Boy
“Pavlove” is FOB’s most popular unreleased demo. That was until they made it available for streaming last December in honor of the 15th anniversary of their fourth studio album, “Folie à Deux.” This record had a rocky start, as it deviated heavily from the pop-punk feeling of their first three releases. “Pavlove” sonically embodies that of which brought “Folie” so much hate, and its recognition fills fans with what can only be described as joy.
“This Song is a Curse…” by Frank Iero
The antithesis of “Pavlove” is Frank Iero’s new single, “This Song is a Curse…” Originally debuting as a bonus track for “Frankenweenie Unleashed!” back in 2012, the song was finally published on Iero’s behalf as part of his first record, “Stomachaches,” 10th- anniversary edition. It conveys the feelings of the protagonist, Victor, and subsequently millions of young people. With powerful riffs and classic Iero vocals, “This Song is a Curse…” is a vessel to decompress from the expectations that come with being social creatures.
Rodrigo Trujillo:
“Backyard” by Travis Scott
Growing up in southwest Houston, discussions about Travis Scott pervaded my neighborhood. I saw him go from a small Soundcloud rapper to a global superstar in less than a decade. Instead of “SICKO MODE” or “Goosebumps,” though, I decided to go with a track rooted in his Houston origins. The dark-yet-hype instrumentation always makes me bop my head. Despite being a young rapper at the time, Travis’s hooks were ill and sonically contagious.
“Exmilitary” by JPEGMAFIA
JPEGMAFIA’s 2024 album titled “I LAY DOWN MY LIFE FOR YOU” is nearly perfect. I struggled to choose a track to feature in this staff picks, often vacillating between “SIN MIEDO” and “don’t rely on other men.” Ultimately, I chose “Exmilitary” because of its accessible lyrics, delivery and instrumentation. JPEGMAFIA can be a little noisy, but this one is one of his more mellow tracks. My favorite moment is after the 2:33 mark when he starts barking.
Latif Love:
“No Face” by Drake
In the aftermath of his beef with Kendrick Lamar, Drake has released an abundance of content, including music videos, songs and moments from his fabled career. One of the songs he dropped was “No Face,” which initially featured Playboy Carti. I enjoyed the song because he addressed his opponents, who had formally benefited from making music with him. Keep talking your ish, Drizzy.
“Sorry Not Sorry” by Lil Yachty & Veeze
This is the type of song you blast in the car and sing along to as you exceed the speed limit on the expressway. Yatchy and Veeze complement each other well on this track as they go back and forth during their verses.
Emmily Scumaci:
“Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
At a time when students are falling back into the rhythm of school and facing the calm before the holiday season storm, “Harvest Moon” reminds people to slow down and not get caught up in the whirlwind of life. The pace and melody add to the relaxing nature of the song. The country-folk quality has listeners imagining corn mazes, pumpkin carving, apple picking and cozying up with a good book.
“Before the Sun” by Gregory Alan Isakov
Isakov’s beautiful folk melody construes images of the changing season and changing life. His soft voice and subtle refrain create an atmosphere of peace that adds a layer of emotional depth. Taking a minute to listen and absorb the song allows listeners to enjoy the uncertain aspects of life. After all, at this age, so much is unclear.
Cassie Maxwell:
“It Girl” by Aliyah’s Interlude
Aliyah’s Interlude’s talent isn’t limited to fashion, as her talent for music can clearly be heard on her 2023 debut single “It Girl.” With over 130 million streams on Spotify and thousands of videos on TikTok, this song has just as much attention as it deserves. The number of times I’ve walked to class to the pop beat and sassy lyrics of “It Girl,” feeling way cooler than I actually looked, would almost be embarrassing if it weren’t for how good it sounded. Without fail, this single gives off a confidence in femininity few songs have been able to capture.
“There Are Lines” by Frank Wildhorn, Jack Murphy and Ivan Menchell
The English 2014 concept album of the originally Japanese “Death Note: The Musical” has a variety of songs in what Polygon describes as a rock-opera style musical. While some songs fade into the background, “There Are Lines” stands out as an incredible duet between the main character, Light, and his father, Sochiro. Jeremy Jordan and Michael Lanning do a great job of portraying their respective characters’ morals through the lyrics, and their vocals fit perfectly with the grungy backing track.
Davis Kinch:
“Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar
“Not Like Us” is always going to remind me of summer 2024, walking around downtown and hearing this song just about everywhere. The song throws numerous heinous jabs at Drake but still manages to be a song that you can listen to at any time of the day. I will be listening to this track for quite a while and will probably be listening to it while studying.
“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
Not going to lie, I’m only picking this song because I’m extremely hyped for his upcoming album, which will be his last under the stage name “The Weeknd.” Aside from the hype around his upcoming album, this song takes me back and is one I could never hate no matter how old it gets. I’m very intrigued to see what his music will be like when he goes by his name Abel Tesfaye.
Jessica Taylor:
“The View Between Villages” by Noah Kahan
I really connect with songs about change, and that’s what “The View Between Villages” is all about. I remember the first time I really noticed the song; I fell in love with the bridge. I appreciate a good build and transformation moment. The song is told like a story. It starts off slow and soft. As it progresses, it builds up to heavy emotions, more intense lyrics and stronger beats. The ending reflects the beginning: a soft and slow conclusion. In short, this song is an emotional masterpiece I have had on repeat for weeks.
“Life Is A Highway (VeggieTales Cover)” by VeggieTales
A complete 180 from my other pick, the VeggieTales cover of “Life Is A Highway” is just a fun tune to play on a road trip. I fell in love with this tune while working as a camp counselor this summer. I don’t have some emotional deep connection to this song; it’s simply a good song to laugh at and sing along to. For those of us who watched VeggieTales as children, it is also a trip down memory lane. The characters are silly, adding more jokes and making the song even more fun.
