In the editor’s rotation: Welcome back

As the semester kicks off and everyone settles into a new routine, I wanted to share what I’ve been listening to. If you’re new here, I have an important disclaimer: I absolutely adore showtunes. That being said, I branched out quite a bit this summer. It’s incredibly exciting.

‘Wild’ — Shoshana Bean, ‘The Lost Boys’

This past spring, I went to see “The Lost Boys” on Broadway last-minute. It’s a musical adaptation of the hit vampire movie with the same name. Sitting in the second-to-last row of the balcony in the massive Palace Theatre, I fell in love. It was the most engaging, immersive and visually spectacular show I’ve ever seen, and Shoshana Bean’s vocals know no equal. When the cast recording came out at the end of July, I couldn’t stop listening, and Bean’s big solo song, “Wild,” is definitely a favorite.

‘Buttons’ — The Pussycat Dolls

Unfortunately, there is very little I love more than a Pussycat Dolls (PCD) hit. Anything featuring Nicole Scherzinger is destined to be a banger, and “Buttons” is no exception to that. Almost every playlist I have features at least one PCD track, and it’s usually “Buttons.”

‘The Way of Love’ — Stephanie J. Block, ‘The Cher Show’

I never really got into “The Cher Show,” but when I heard Dee Roscioli perform this song live this summer, it was an immediate addition to my “on repeat.” The Cher song itself is so beautiful, and there’s something about Stephanie J. Block’s Tony-winning performance as Cher that brings a new depth to the piece. It’s hard to believe Block is the one singing the song; she’s brilliant.

‘my way’ — Olivia Rodrigo

I’ve been an Olivia Rodrigo superfan since her first album “Sour” released in 2021, and every time she drops something new, I’m reminded of why I love her so much. While I adore every album she’s released, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love” might be my favorite. It’s the perfect mix of fun, angsty and emotional, and “my way” is one of the more upbeat of the angst-filled tracks. It’s nearly impossible to listen to this song and not dance at least a little bit. It’s basically therapy.

‘like i do’ — Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande recently released her latest album, “petal,” and it immediately became my favorite of her work. The album feels so raw and genuine, and Grande seems more vulnerable and authentic than she has in her past work. It’s a brilliant collection of music with a powerful message. My most listened-to song on the album is “like i do,” which features what I consider to be one of the most iconic lyrics of all time, “my ego small / but I’m still Grande.”

‘I’m Alive’ — Celine Dion

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Through being a fan of the musical “Titanique,” I have unintentionally become a fan of Celine Dion and her music. The show is a jukebox musical using Dion’s music to tell the story of the Titanic, but with a twist: In this telling, Dion was on the ship. “I’m Alive” is the big opening number of the show, and because of that, I’ve fallen in love with the song. There’s a reason she is considered one of the greats.

‘Left Over Love’ — Shoshana Bean

In addition to her theater work, Bean has a collection of solo music, and it’s fantastic. Her latest album, “Only Smoke,” features both unbelievable vocals and strong songwriting. The song “Left Over Love” now lives in many of my playlists, and it’s impossible to skip any time it comes on. The vibes are immaculate.

‘2007’ — Charli xcx

I finally listened to Charli xcx’s latest release, “Music, Fashion, Film,” and it’s great. After a release as iconic as “Brat,” I was worried her new album may not live up to expectations. But I’m obsessed. “2007,” one of the songs on the release, is unbelievably catchy and constantly stuck in my head.

powers40@miamioh.edu

Stella Powers is a senior journalism and media and communication major from Wooster, Ohio. Powers is the Culture Editor for The Student and former Editor-in-Chief of The Miami Student Magazine. Outside of TMS, she enjoys film, television and theater.