Press Play – 5 Songs That Deserve Your Attention

By: Maggie Stankiewicz

Picture this…You’re sitting in the driver’s seat of your car and thumbing through your Spotify playlists, desperately seeking something to satiate your musical hunger. You haphazardly fly through your Discover Weekly, your Release Radar and even your carefully curated “Top 25” playlist. Nothing seems to light your fire, but you really need a pick-me-up. With a deep sigh of resignation, you boldly travel where few others dare to roam – your saved songs list. And just like you’re in an old-school fanfic, you release another breath that you didn’t even know you had been holding and you press shuffle. Big risk, big reward. Welcome to Press Play where you’ll be introduced to (or reminded of) songs that could and should pop up when you shuffle your playlist.

Some of these songs are hot new releases, others are old-school bangers that have been buried beneath the enormous weight of the musical revolution…but without a doubt – there’s something in here for everyone.

1. “What I Need” – This wouldn’t be a relevant list without a healthy serving of Hayley Kiyoko. This collaboration with Kehlani is the third song on Kiyoko’s album Expectations and it certainly exceeds mine. Kehlani and Hayley exchange emotionally charged verses over thumping beats – giving listeners both Hayley’s signature relatability and an upbeat auditory experience. Whether you’re looking for something to validate your feelings on a questionable relationship or looking for something to energize you, “What I Need” is powerful enough to accomplish both all at once.

2. “Heaven Knows” – The Pretty Reckless may have released this single back in 2013, but it recirculated through the airwaves thanks to promotional trailers for the second season of Marvel’s “Jessica Jones,” beckoning new listeners who identified with the universal message of inner turmoil (and oh, the clapping). Once revered by Billboard as “Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You’ with Joan Jett vocals,” the song “Heaven Knows” is the perfect introductory song into The Pretty Reckless’ full discography, which is full of heartfelt, emotional anthems and enough angst to fill this millennial’s heart.

3. “Close Your Eyes” – Hot off the presses, Breaking Benjamin’s new album Ember is full of growling vocals, chugging guitars and a healthy dose of introspection. This track is representative of the Breaking Benjamin we all know and love with lyrics threaded with themes of fate, rebellion, hope, and pain. Of all the songs on Ember, the single “Close Your Eyes” aligns with some of Breaking Benjamin’s earlier successes, including “Breath” in terms of sound and vocal utilization.

4. “Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself” – The perfect song for singing loudly alone in the car or shower, Jess Glynne’s 2015 single will make you want to dance like no one is watching (not that you’d even care if they were). Her energetic vocals perfectly complement the song’s heavy use of electronic instruments and harmonies. To listen to this song and not bounce around to the beat would be an exceptional display of self-control, making it a top pick for a feel-good tune.

5. “PYNK” – Janelle Monae is no stranger to making lists full of musical accolades. How could I, in good conscience, ignore the bold artistry of her latest single? I can’t. PYNK is fueled by empowerment, sexuality and social discussions that create a full-on sensory experience thanks to featured artist Grimes’ ambient sounds and Monae’s sweet, smooth vocals. “PYNK” is positioned to become an essential pop-anthem. Of course, to experience “PYNK” at its peak, it is highly recommended that you watch the official music video. We got the pink and PYNK’s got us.