JESSICA MEDITZ
Life & Arts Editor
If you’re anything like me, you probably feel like you’re about to go crazy being cooped up in your house during this quarantine.
As much as it sucks, all that we can do is make the best of the situation and find enjoyable things to pass the time. For me, a good portion of my isolation includes music.
I love music and I feel as though I’ve come quite close to mastering the art of creating a cohesive playlist. My Spotify is full of goodies that I have created and added to over the years, so feel free to check it out if you’re looking for some new tunes.
Recently, I started up a fresh quarantine playlist, dedicated to songs that I can listen to while I’m bored in my room, taking a shower or working on homework.
Although all of the songs on it are great, there are a few tracks in particular that I’ve had on replay for the past couple of weeks.
So much good music has come out in the midst of this pandemic, and I have to say artists know what they’re doing.
The Weeknd’s new album, “After Hours,” is overall such a cohesive piece of art.
Specifically, I instantly fell in love with the song “Save Your Tears.”
Once again, he addresses one of his exes *cough, cough Bella Hadid*. In traditional Weeknd style, he reminisces on their past, but seems to provide no emotional support.
The beat of this song very much reminded me of one of my favorite genres, 80s synth pop, and groups such as Depeche Mode and New Order. I haven’t been able to stop listening.
Another song I’ve loved recently is Dua Lipa’s “Boys Will Be Boys” on her new album, “Future Nostalgia.”
The whole album is Lipa’s typical pop style, and I enjoyed it. But “Boys Will Be Boys” closed out the album on a deeper, more emotional note.
Tackling things like sexual harassment and mansplaining, the song personally resonated with me as a young woman immediately.
There has been a lot of discussion surrounding the song in the media, from praise to opinions that stated the song did not fit the album.
Regardless, it’s a catchy, meaningful song that I have been listening to constantly.
Similar to what I said about The Weeknd’s album, another song that I admire for its ’80s nostalgic feel is “Open Heart” by local Fredonia band, Superficial.
There’s no other way to describe this song other than it sounds like it should be played in an ’80s coming-of-age film, during the scene at the school dance.
It’s quite obviously a song about love and heartbreak, but I still can’t help but slap the repeat button when it comes on shuffle.
I also feel great knowing I’ve supported a local band, which everyone should do.
Whether it be streaming smaller bands, purchasing from artists online or simply telling an artist that they’re doing a great job, it’s important to support local artists during this confusing time.
Often, people overlook and underestimate the importance of the arts. I feel strongly, though, that this pandemic has opened many eyes and made people realize that the arts are essential to the wellbeing and sanity of our society.