The Playlist is a brand new column for Pop Break celebrating the songs we love at this very moment, and we think you, our readers, should be putting in your life as well! This column features recommendations from the writers, podcasters and photographers of Pop Break as well as our friends from the world of journalism, entertainment, podcasting and our everyday lives.
Olivia Aiere (Staff Writer, Host of Liv Talks to Much)
Song: You’re Pretty Good Looking (For A Girl)
Artist: The White Stripes
Whether it was Eric Clapton or The Who, my dad’s musical library made a lasting impact on me that I didn’t fully appreciate until now. Recently, we were driving and listening to his latest “Liv Mix” (as he deems the), and this White Stripes song stuck out to me. It starts with a guitar lead-in before the catchy refrain. The up-and-down movement of the chorus over a simple guitar riff creates quite an ear-worm and the basic rock band composition of instruments continues even through the bridge to keep the repetitive hook going even as the vocals change. The track is just under two minutes, making it extremely easy to listen to on repeat. I’ve had it in my rotation for weeks and still haven’t tired of it, so it may actually be stuck in my head until the year 2525.
Christal Garcia (Rutgers University Spring Writing Program)
Song: “Transform”
Artist: Daniel Caesar (feat. Charlotte Day Wilson)
Daniel Caesar, the singer/songwriter, is known for his songs ‘Best Part’ and ‘Superpowers.’ He originally wrote the song, Transform, for his “Freudian” album back in 2017. As it’s currently trending and doing numbers on tiktok, it has a soothing melody combined with his warm tone. Transform will have you imagining you’re sitting on the passenger seat of a car, windows down, and the sun is setting on your face outside of the window, grasping the fresh summer breeze. This is a song you listen to with your loved one or a group of friends. Transform is a song that makes you feel young and affectionate. Craving the act of love and understanding.
Sam Cohen (Pop Break Staff Writer, Host of Slanted & Enchanted Radio on WRSU)
Song: “You Keep Me Hanging On”
Artist: Vanilla Fudge
After watching six season of Mad Men, the needle drops became as engaging as the drama. As Don Draper experiments with drugs in the high-moving times of the late ‘60s, as does the show’s music supervision. When the credits roll on Season 7 Episode 2, Vanilla Fudge’s cover of “You Keep Me Hanging On” booms in. It’s bumbling, groovy, and of course, psychedelic. The Supremes may have ownership over the song’s legacy, but Vanilla Fudge took it in a direction reflective of the time. Borrowing from The Zombies and Hendrix, it’s almost too on the nose for a needle drop in a ‘60s period piece. If you’re looking for your next hip ‘60s mix, set yourself free, and give “You Keep Me Hanging On” a spin.
Taylor Memoli (Staff Writer, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Underground Edit)
Song: “Common Man”
Artist: Grace Cummings
Although this column is dedicated to songs of the month, Grace Cummings’ “Common Man” has been in my constant rotation since its release. Cummings is a true powerhouse, and her deep, unmistakable voice sets her apart from her contemporaries in the modern singer-songwriter space. On this track, she explores themes of power through the perspective of a cowboy riding into the dawn, one who “can’t stand to be the common man.” The masculine imagery, paired with bold, confident lyrics and Cummings’ androgynous voice, creates a striking tension that genuinely gives me chills every time I listen. Cummings is extraordinary, and I have no doubt her name will soon be a household one.
Gabrielle Sangataldo (Staff Writer, Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Underground Edit)
Songs: “Nothing Matters”
Artist: The Last Dinner Party
Not a new song by any means, and actually the most popular of The Last Dinner Party’s discography with over 200 million streams, “Nothing Matters” is the perfect amalgamation of intoxicating vocals, an earworm bridge, and poetic yet relatable lyrics. Starting with a semi-churchlike ambiance, “Nothing Matters” quickly establishes itself as a baroque pop staple. If you’re looking for an all-female and non-binary rock group that channels the energy of Queen, Renaissance motets, and much-needed theatrics, let “Nothing Matters” serve as your introduction to The Last Dinner Party.
Bill Bodkin (Editor-in-Chief, The Pop Break)
Song: “Sweat Shock”
Artist: J. Roddy Walston & The Business
“Sweat Shock” grabs you by the throat with its opening gang chorus and chugging bass drum. From there a fuzzed out guitar, and vocals that sound like a raspier, grittier, Mid-Atlantic version of Rod Stewart guides you into a whirldwind of groove-laden, rock ‘n’ roll chaos. This absolute banger from 2013 is the kind of anthem that envelopes you into the sheer adrenaline rush that only rock ‘n’ roll music can give you. Don’t confuse this for some nu metal meathead mess, there’s so much masterful, frenetic musicianship bursting out of this song. It’s one hell of a kick-off to any playlist.
Nynoshka Vazquez Suazo (Staff Writer, Pop Break + Underground Edit)
Song: “The First Time”
Artist: Damiano David
This month has been filled with chilly weather and snow mountains galore. It was also filled with a lot of love and memories. Therefore, my song of the month is The First Time by Damiano David (who just got engaged, I might add!). This song is a representation of a beautiful torment. An agony of being so in love, of reminiscing about that first time together, and nothing makes you feel happier.
I mean, the lyrics of the second verse:
That night, the stars aligned / heaven dropped a line
Before you, I was just a flare in the sky
A kid too afraid to go play to in the light
A colorless painter / a man with no sight
Before you, I was nothin’ / was nothin’
It’s a romantic agony. I think it’s perfect for this snowy season, where nothing makes you happier or warmer than a good cuddle under the blankets with the person you love most.
Randy Allain (Staff Writer, Co-Host of Podelay | Co-Host of Media/Lit Podcast)
Song: “Join ICE”
Artist: Jesse Welles
Jesse Welles has been performing since 2012, but it kind of feels like this Instagram sensation miraculously burst forth from the fields of northern Arkansas as a fully-formed contemporary Bob Dylan. Welles’ classic folk style and earnest voice allow him to use music as a tool to express his humanitarian empathy for everyone from abused child stars to the victims of mass genocide. Perhaps none of his songs better capture the pulse of the national conversation than “Join ICE.”
In this track, Welles sends up the overtly aggressive tone of the recent ICE recruitment campaign and its seeming desire to call forth just about anyone willing to don the mask and pursue a loosely-defined threat using loosely-regulated tactics. However you feel about the conversation, Welles successfully outlines the fears and concerns that have been expressed by everyone from documented and undocumented Americans to the Minneapolis Chief of Police.
Welles pairs his soft words with a wry smile as he sarcastically questions the dubious qualifications of recent hires, understates violent ICE tactics ripped from the headlines, and suggests that ICE is “in need of you needing to feel like a man” in order to achieve their intended show of force. Love it or hate it, this track outlines the realities that need to be addressed in order to responsibly explore the role and function of this Department of Homeland Security agency.
If you like this track, you may also enjoy the companion piece, “Good vs. ICE,” released in the wake of the murder of Renée Good.
Kris Ingersoll (Staff Writer, Co-Host of Podelay! | Co-Host of Media/Lit Podcast)
Song: “Loser”
Artist: Beck
While music in the early ’90s may have shifted away from the heavily produced tracks of the ’80s in favor of a more minimalist, alternative sound, there was certainly no shortage of iconic guitar riffs. Perhaps none more instantly recognizable, more undeniably ’90s than the opening slide guitar on Beck’s first big hit, “Loser.”
Full of his signature blend of genres and influences, Loser was the culmination of a sound Beck had been dreaming of making for years, if only he had the equipment. In the delta blues that filled his early musical imagination, Beck could hear hip hop beats waiting to come to life. It was with that in mind that Beck played his iconic slide guitar riff over a laid back drum loop and created the 90’s anthem that we all know, easily fusing a rich blues soul with hip hop and alternative rock. Doing more rapping than singing on this track, Beck found the hook in a moment of self depreciation – reaching for his very best Chuck D impression and, by his own estimation, falling well short. Despite believing himself to be the worst rapper in the world, after successfully making his genre bending dream a reality in just 6 studio hours, Beck knew he had something special. He was right!
If Loser is just a song that you’re too used to hearing on the radio, go and give it a fresh listen. Throw on some headphones and let yourself slide with the guitar right back to the good old days. And if you want to hear more about Beck and how he came to be the indie darling of the ’90s, check out the Podelay podcast once a month on the Pop Break!
Justin Mancini (Co-host of Podelay)
Song: “Winter”
Artist: Atomic Rooster
“Spring is past / Winter’s coming on…” Here’s one I feel deep in my bones, a fitting track for the January doldrums. A mix of mournful flute, tender vocals, and jazzy drum grooves (these last courtesy of a pre-ELP Carl Palmer), the song offers a barren resignation, a surrender to inevitability. But what it may lack in hope it makes up for in clarity—a Polar bear plunge into our stark reality. Leaving us with an eerie fanfare of cold horns, Atomic Rooster’s tribute to the coldest season removes past and present and leaves us in an unvarnished present, what to do with as we will. It may not offer an antidote to the wintry blasts…but it does make the perfect war-cry as we ride into battle against them.
Molly Minnium (Rutgers University Spring Writing Program)
Song: “Rehab”
Artist: Amy Winehouse
A song of all seasons, Amy Winehouse’s “Rehab” remains on my playlist year-round but has topped my personal charts this month. Her sassy tone and sharp lyrics drive the song, showcasing both her clever attitude and beautiful, raspy voice. A personal favorite for me being when she references other hit songs of hers. She refers to the title track of her 2006 album “Back to Black” when she says, “Yes, I’ve been black, but when I come back you’ll know, know, know.” She also references another popular song off the album, “Tears Dry on Their Own” singing, “And it’s not just my pride it’s just ‘til these tears have dried.” Winehouse has always been a favorite of mine but Rehab just scratches that itch in my brain. Ever since I belted it out at a karaoke the song has been on constant loop, with her shameless “No, no, no” replaying in my head
Brandon Hoffman (Rutgers University Spring Writing Program)
Song: “diamonds are forever”
Artist: bbno$
His newest album, self-titled bbno$, released last October. After that drop and a collaboration with VTuber Ironmouse, bbno$ announced that he would stop making music for the “foreseeable future.” Fans were devastated at the sudden lull in his work, but early January 2026 cheered them up again when they saw a new single released by the returning bbno$. Gone for a little over a month, bbno$ released this song that is very addicting to replay and reflect on. The lyrics containing temporary highs by means of financial gains creates a relatability factor in this song, even when objects like diamonds can stay for a lifetime. The melodies and sounds used in this song also just tickle the right part of the brain where 808 patterns blend well with the beeps sprinkled in.
This song being released with such melancholic energy also provides a stark contrast from his regular genre of music. The rap style remains constant, but the power behind his music was replaced by somber notations. A visual-filled music video along with the song releasing was the cherry on the cake to make this such a great song to showcase in January 2026. I’m hoping bbno$ produces more songs with this more vulnerable approach to the music videos and lyrics, because it’s clicking for him just as well as his other popular songs.
Corynn Winston (Rutgers University Spring Writing Program)
Song: “Die on This Hill”
Artist: Sienna Spiro
This month, I’ve been completely hooked on “Die On This Hill” by Sienna Spiro. I wasn’t familiar with her before this song, but once I heard it, I immediately understood why so many people were paying attention. The song immediately stood out to me because it’s built on pure emotion, with a sound that feels raw, honest, and refreshing. It’s the kind of song you blast in the car and sing at the top of your lungs. Her voice is powerful yet vulnerable, and it carries the weight of every lyric. The songwriting is poetic without being overdone, making the song hit even harder and feel personal. I find myself playing it again and again, and it’s one of those tracks that sticks in your head in the best way. Right now, this song is at the top of my playlist, and I can’t get enough of it.
Joshua Jaco (Rutgers University Sbpring Writing Program)
Song: “In Another World”
Artist: EJAE
If there’s one female artist that has been popping off recently, it’s South Korean and American singer and songwriter EJAE.
Voicing the character Rumi from KPop Demon Hunters, EJAE has come a long way in such a short amount of time with the success of the film. From getting a platinum award with her hit single “Golden” with her co-stars Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami to singing as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade to now being nominated for various awards including the upcoming Oscars Grammys. While “Golden” is no doubt a song that one’s little cousins, siblings, and students are vibing to, EJAE has stepped up in her career as a songwriter and debuted a solo song on October 24 at 12 a.m. EDT called “In Another World.”
From the opening notes, the song immediately sets a tone of quiet reflection, with the soft piano being paired with EJAE’s soft vocals plus a layered reverb that equate to a dreamlike quality. This paired really well with a visual of her younger self in the music video, showcasing that the lyrics in the song are both reflective and personal.
The line “Where I feel okay and I feel no pain and all my resentment got nothing to say” really stands out given her backstory. For those who don’t know, EJAE was a trainee for SM Entertainment for nearly a decade and wanted to be a KPop idol, but she was eventually dismissed due to age restrictions and industry standards that preferred younger performers, forcing her to give up on her dream.
The reason this means a lot to me personally is because I grew up on the stage from a young age at my church and continued singing in choir and drama club during high school, making me believe that music and acting was my calling. When my Asian parents told me that the music industry and Hollywood respectively were unrealistic career paths compared to STEM, they also told me that those industries prefer White and Black artists over Asian ones, causing me to feel lost and lose the part of me that loved standing out from the crowd. It’s songwriters like EJAE that help represent what I once believed in and that it doesn’t matter who you are but what story you want to tell others.
