In the editor’s rotation: Adding something new to my playlist

Welcome back! Once again, my music taste is all over the place, but I’ve compiled some of the tracks I’ve been listening to for the past few weeks into this piece.

I finally started listening to something new, which is a huge development for me. Unfortunately, it is a musical. But, it’s a musical I had never listened to until recently, so I’m taking that as a win. Talk about character development.

‘What’s Going On, Joe?’ — Tom Francis, Nicole Scherzinger and Grace Hodgett Young, ‘Sunset Boulevard’

Last week, a friend of mine told me to listen to the Jamie Lloyd “Sunset Boulevard” revival soundtrack. I went into it fully expecting not to be a fan, but I quickly fell in love. “What’s Going On, Joe?” specifically ended up on repeat for me.

The track is one of the more intense, conflict-driven numbers in the show, and Tom Francis repeating “that’s Norma Desmond” four times somehow manages to give me chills every time I listen. I’m not proud of it, but I’m quickly turning into a “Sunset Boulevard” fan.

‘Falling Apart’ — Megan Hilty, ‘Death Becomes Her’

Just because I’m getting into another musical doesn’t mean I love “Death Becomes Her” any less. That show, and Megan Hilty, still mean the world to me, so naturally, I’ve been listening to Hilty’s Madeline Ashton crash-out song, “Falling Apart.” It’s one of my favorite numbers in the show; Hilty’s vocals never cease to amaze me.

‘Manchild’ — Sabrina Carpenter

As a Sabrina girly since “Girl Meets World,” she’s always going to be on repeat for me. “Manchild,” the first single off her album “Man’s Best Friend,” is super fun, upbeat and has the best bridge for screaming along to with friends. I’ve been listening to it a lot since it came out, but especially in the past few weeks. If it’s not already on your playlist, you should add it immediately. You won’t regret it.

The ‘Buckingham Nicks’ album — Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham

One thing about me: I love Stevie Nicks. In terms of music, she is like a god to me. Everything she’s ever released is magical, and that includes “Buckingham Nicks,” her album with Lindsey Buckingham, which finally got remastered. Prior to the remaster, it wasn’t available on streaming, so I could only listen to the album on vinyl. Now that it's out, I can’t stop listening to it.

‘Mad’ — Reneé Rapp

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I’m obsessed with Reneé Rapp’s new album. The minute it dropped, I tuned in and have been streaming ever since. I also own the album on CD and vinyl, despite not having a CD player. I’m seeing her in concert on Oct. 8 and have been listening to her latest release a lot to get prepared. Rapp is honest and vulnerable in her music, while also being incredibly witty and funny.

‘Sunset Boulevard’ — Tom Francis, ‘Sunset Boulevard’

Remember when I said I was becoming a “Sunset Boulevard” fan? I wasn’t kidding. The title track has also infiltrated my “on repeat” playlist. Listening to this song while walking through a city is so much fun, and I hope everyone gets to have that experience (or something like it) some day.

‘Silver Springs - Live at Warner Brothers Studios’ — Fleetwood Mac

No song has ever had this much of an impact on me as this specific version of “Silver Springs.” Nicks’ vocals in this performance, accompanied by her singing directly targeted at Buckingham, make for one of the most powerful moments in music history. If you haven’t listened to the song or watched the video of the performance, I recommend checking it out.

‘Blow’ — Kesha

I’ve been listening to Kesha since discovering her through the video game Just Dance, and “Blow” has always been a favorite of mine. Growing up, we listened to a lot of Kesha in my household, and I still love her today. “Blow” is unbelievably fun and catchy, and still holds up almost 15 years after its release.

‘A Little Priest’ — Patti Lupone and Michael Cerveris, ‘Sweeney Todd’

“Sweeney Todd” is one of my favorite musicals of all time, and Patti Lupone plays Mrs. Lovett unlike anyone else. Look, I know the subject matter of the musical is a little insane, but this song specifically, despite its lyrics, is such a fun piece. I would love to see “Sweeney Todd” live someday.

powers40@miamioh.edu