The Scout staff has created a list of its favorite songs to listen to heading into the month of September, along with explanations.
Madalyn Mirallegro:
“Jinx” by Lia Pappas-Kemps
The former “Anne with an E” star kills it in this song that tells the tale of falling in love with your crush and the fear of ruining it with your emotions. The lyrics and music behind the longing in Pappas-Kemps’ voice reminds the listener of every crush they’ve ever had, making it impossible to stop listening any time your heart skips a beat.
“False Confidence” by Noah Kahan
Recorded before “Stick Season,” “False Confidence” has the perfect amount of sadness and an upbeat instrumental that everyone is looking for. Throughout the song, you want to dance despite the depressing lyrics. Depressing lyrics combined with a positive sound is what Noah Kahan does best.
Anaiah Davis:
“sore loser (acoustic)” by SOLOMON
Underground R&B artist Solomon digs deep on this track as he discusses the difficulty of opening up to someone. “sore loser” is fresh, intimate and stripped back with gentle, flawless vocals.
“Seek and Destroy” by SZA
The release of SZA’s album “SOS” last December had fans in a trance for weeks on end. One of the more underrated songs on the project, “Seek and Destroy” explores the ways in which love can be destructive. The St. Louis native describes the phases of healing after a breakup, the urge to get revenge on her ex and ultimately the ability to process her pain and move on. With a mid-tempo R&B beat, this song is infectious, graceful and relatable.
Lee Lard:
“What Was I Made For” by Billie Eilish
Billie Eilish explores identity and societal expectations in this song from the “Barbie” soundtrack. When I heard it for the first time, I teared up. Eilish’s falsetto is haunting and her lyrics are deeply moving.
“WHAT THE HELL ARE WE DYING FOR” by Shawn Mendes
This song is a painful reflection on how holding on too tight to a relationship can kill it. Mendes’ production is always top-tier, and his gravelly voice carries the tragedy of the song.
Mason Klemm:
“IDC” by Jordan Ward & Joony
On this track, St. Louis’ Jordan Ward goes back and forth with partner-in-crime Joony about their disinterest in their exes’ lives. The smooth vocals of both artists combined with the simple, bouncy instrumental makes this a great song to listen to no matter what mood I am in. Ward’s popularity is rising with the release of his latest album “Forward,” and “IDC” is an example of what you can expect from the genre-bender.
“Topia Twins” by Travis Scott
When Travis Scott dropped his highly-anticipated fourth solo album “Utopia” earlier this year, it received mixed reactions. It is different from his other projects, but it still includes some tracks that remind listeners of the good old Scott we know and love. “Topia Twins” is one of those tracks. It’s a solid hip-hop/trap sound with features from newcomer Rob49 and the staple sound of 21 Savage, with a hook that makes me keep coming back for more.
Payton Egnew:
“Illicit Affairs” By Taylor Swift
This song has been a key track on my sad playlist since I found out I was attending the Eras Tour. The emotion that Taylor Swift displays in “Illicit Affairs” gives me chills every time. Seeing her perform it live made my entire year. Screaming along to the lyrics at her concert is now a core memory.
“Novacane” By Frank Ocean
Although this song is from the early 2010s, it will never get old. Ocean’s voice alongside the instrumental makes this a perfect song to listen to on a warm summer night.
Rodrigo Perez:
“The Chain” By Fleetwood Mac
I stumbled upon this song on a late summer night. While Fleetwood Mac is one of the most recognizable bands of the 1970s, this was my first listen to any of their discography. From the classic twanging guitars in the intro to the groove of the chorus, I was immediately hooked.
“If The World” By Guns N’ Roses
While it does come from their most controversial album, it is underrated. Aside from the great audio production, the instrumentation of this song is incredible. The way the string section and the funky guitar drive the track is something that is not heard of enough. While the album did seem like an Axl Rose solo project, Rose coming in with his signature screeching vocals makes up for it all.
Ian Cunningham:
“Some Of Us Are Brave” by Danielle Ponder
Danielle Ponder’s title track of her debut album, “Some Of Us Are Brave” is an uplifting, bright-feeling track that is an easy R&B/soul listen. Ponder’s lyrics embrace being different in a world that makes it challenging to be who you are – proudly proclaiming, “I say the darker the berry, the sweeter the fruit / The kinkier the hair, the deeper the root.” Ponder’s vocals embody her powerful spirit and make for an impactful self-love anthem.
“You’re Not Harry Styles” by DYLAN
Natasha Woods, known as DYLAN, released “You’re Not Harry Styles” on her 2022 EP “No Romeo,” a danceable indie pop tune with a rhythm that will be sure to make you tap your foot to the beat. DYLAN’s unapologetic girlboss attitude makes this song a must-listen for anyone who needs a reminder that you are enough, with or without your “Harry Styles.”
