In the editor’s rotation: Re-entering my theater kid era

Last year, the former culture editor Chloe Southard started the tradition of publishing what she’s been listening to recently as part of her “In the editor’s rotation” column. Now, as the current culture editor, the responsibility to inform the readers of what I’m listening to has fallen to me.

I must warn you: my music taste is all over the place and vastly different from that of the typical college student. Sure, I love my mainstream pop girlies as much as the next person, but I also love my older music, comedic songs and, unfortunately, showtunes, which have infiltrated my recent musical diet a bit more than I’m willing to admit. But my hope is that there are some new songs on here that you have never heard before, and may add to your daily rotations – even if it’s just one or two.

All that being said, my Spotify “on repeat” has been quite the trip recently. Buckle up, you’re in for a wild ride!

The ‘Death Becomes Her’ Original Broadway cast recording

Anyone who has spoken to me even once in the past few months has likely heard much more than they cared to about “Death Becomes Her.” The musical, based on the hit 1992 film, has quickly taken over life, music consumption and, unfortunately, my bank account.

“For the Gaze,” the first song performed by Megan Hilty’s Madeline Ashton, has been on repeat constantly, accompanied by Jennifer Simard’s “Let’s Run Away Together,” but the entire soundtrack has occupied my streaming activity for the past few months. If you aren’t familiar with the show, definitely give the soundtrack a listen — it’s life-changing.

‘Man’s Best Friend’ — Sabrina Carpenter

Look, I know the album cover caused a lot of controversy online, but the album itself is absolutely brilliant. Not that I think Carpenter is even capable of missing when it comes to her music, but “Man’s Best Friend” is the definition of a “no skips album.” My personal favorite track on the album is “Goodbye,” but I’ve had the album on repeat since its release, and there isn’t a single track that I’m not absolutely obsessed with.

‘Bite Me’ — Reneé Rapp

Since its release on Aug. 1, “Bite Me” has been in constant circulation on my Spotify. I love Reneé Rapp more than life itself and, needless to say, her latest album did not disappoint. It’s peak lesbian music, and I would expect nothing less from Rapp. I know it’s the lead single and therefore probably the most popular track on the album, but “Leave Me Alone” may be my favorite from this one.

The ‘Smash’ soundtrack

In case listening to “Death Becomes Her” constantly didn’t give it away, I’m a little obsessed with Megan Hilty, which led to me binge-watching the NBC series “Smash.” I’ve mostly just been streaming her songs from the soundtrack, but the show is filled with Broadway-like hits and catchy pop covers, perfect for any vibe. Needless to say, the “Smash” soundtrack has seriously infiltrated my recent streams.

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‘Don’t Cry For Me Argentina’ — Rachel Zegler

If Rachel Zegler has no fans, I am dead. Look, I’m not the biggest fan of Jamie Lloyd musical revivals (no hate), but I will be seated for anything involving Zegler. Maybe not literally, because the production is in London and I am stuck in Ohio, but as soon as her version of “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina” dropped, I made sure to stream. A lot. Her vocals are so fantastic that I truly believe she could rock any song, but she performs this one flawlessly.

‘No One Mourns the Wicked’ — Ariana Grande and the ‘Wicked’ Movie Cast

When the “Wicked” movie came into my life last November, my life was changed. I grew up loving the musical and anything related to Oz, so finally getting to see it on the big screen? Count me in. I am obsessed with any version of this soundtrack, but Grande’s Glinda is truly off the charts. Megan Hilty may always be my favorite Glinda, but since there’s no way to stream her versions of the songs on Spotify, the movie soundtrack makes a great close second.

Literally anything by Kesha

Like any kid who grew up playing Just Dance and watching “Victorious,” I have spent a bulk of my life listening to Kesha’s music. “TiK ToK” has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember, and over the summer, I decided to go see her in concert. Finally hearing these songs I have loved forever (as well as some new fire ones) was a life-changing experience, and so worth being stuck outside during a tornado warning before the concert. I fear it may have revived my childhood obsession with Kesha.

powers40@miamioh.edu