Take a look at what current Wire Editors are listening to for the first Amherst Wire Staff playlist of the year. Ranging from different genres across different decades of music; there is definitely something for everyone to enjoy.
Brooke Wallenstien, Lifestyle Editor
“Bewitched” by Laufey
Bewitched by Laufey is my number one even though this is an artist and song I recently discovered. I first heard her song on YouTube and haven’t stopped listening since. Her work combines jazz with contemporary songwriting to produce a style that sets her apart from other musicians in the industry. Because of her stunning voice and ability to tell a story through music, her songs are calming and comforting. I never thought I would enjoy jazz music, but she pleasantly surprised me by reinventing the genre.
Other picks: “The Loneliest” by Maneskin, “Used To Be Young” by Miley Cyrus, “Players” by Coi Leray and “New Jeans” by NewJeans
John Ruggiero, Sports Editor
“Here I Am” (End Title) by Bryan Adams
I had the pleasure of seeing Bryan Adams live in concert this past summer. While I am into the oldies, he has always been one of my favorite artists. While “Here I Am” is already one of my favorite songs, for me, some of the song’s lyrics flawlessly summarize coming back to school. “It’s a new world, it’s a new start,” and “It’s a new day, it’s a new plan. I’ve been waiting for you. Here I am.” Those words perfectly encapsulate not only the feelings of new beginnings coming into a new school year, but also the relief of getting back to class after working long hours during the dog days of summer.
Other picks: “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett, “September” by Earth, Wind, and Fire “Badlands” by Bruce Springsteen and “Someday I’ll Be Saturday Night” by Bon Jovi
Gabby Burdick, News Editor
“Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s Everywhere is one of my all-time favorite songs. I added it to my running playlist last summer and immediately found myself completely immersed in the music, which helps because running is usually so boring for me. It earned a spot in my Spotify favorites after listening once, and it’s one of those songs I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of.
Other Picks: “Birds Don’t Sing” by TV Girl, “Right Down the Line” by Gerry Rafferty, “Wild Blue” by John Mayer and “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges
Patrick Shea, Creative Writing Editor
“Stay Close” by Haunter
Autumn is approaching and so I gotta start listening to the spooky playlists. The eerie sound of the name “Haunter”, however, hardly describes the song well. It’s a chill-out melody with soothing vocals that unfurl a heavy-knit blanket over my brain when I’m stressed. Perfect for laying in bed and counting the dots on a popcorn ceiling.
Other Picks: “Gnaw” by Alex G, “Ask You” by Lysine, “Two Hundred Thousand” by Kitchen “bird” by Blue Smiley
Taylor Lee, Managing Editor
“They Reminisce Over You” by Pete Rock & CL Smooth
They Reminisce Over You is just a timeless classic. Old rap is one of my absolute favorite genres and nothing captures that era of music quite like T.R.O.Y. It brings me back to when I was a kid playing NBA 2K18 with 93 ‘Til Infinity playing when I first fell in love with the genre.
Other Picks: “Frisky” by Dominic Fike, “Check the Rhime” by Tribe Called Quest, “intro” by Orion Sun and “Old Car” by Yeek
Isabel Guilmette, Editor in Chief
“Why?” by Tracy Chapman
In the Spring of 2022, In our throwback editor’s playlist, I wrote about how Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill is an underrated classic that could easily go toe-to-toe with any current pop hit. Coincidentally, Season 4 of Stranger Things made it the song of the summer. So basically, I’m a prophet and here’s my pick for the next great throwback song. My parents have been playing Tracy Chapman for as long as I remember, although it was mostly her biggest hit, “Fast Car.” I came across this song while I was re-listening to Chapman’s self-titled debut, and something about “Why?” stuck with me. I think the skilled guitar paired with Chapman’s mellow voice and punching lyrics about injustice makes this track one of my favorites from her.
Other Picks: “My Love Mine All Mine” by Mitski, “Man on the Moon” by REM, “Life During Wartime” by Talking Heads and “Souvenir” by Boygenius
Cassandra Salot, Entertainment Editor
“Amoeba” Recorded at Electric Lady Studios, by Clairo
It goes without saying that Clairo is by far one of the best indie/alternative artists we have seen this decade. It also goes without saying that I would take a bullet for Clairo if she needed me too. In 2023, when she re-recorded some of her hits songs at Electric Lady Studios, I just couldn’t stop listening. “Amoeba” is just one of those songs of hers that I can listen to non-stop and blast in my headphones or in my car and just feel good about my life. For having a rather some discography, Clairos music seems to single handedly contrite to support me through my college years and for that I am eternally grateful.
Other Picks: “Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani, “Stop the World I Wanna Get Off With You” by Arctic Monkeys, “Halo” by Cage The Elephant, and “Why Are Sundays So Depressing” by The Strokes
