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 photograpghers of Pop Break as well as our friends from the world of journalism, entertainment, podcasting and our everyday lives.
Taylor Memoli (Staff Writer | Co- Editor-in-Chief, The Underground Edit):
Song: “Love Takes Miles”
Artist: Cameron Winter
Right now, I cannot stop listening to anything Cameron Winter. Whether it be his solo music or his music with Geese, Winter just has such an addictive voice. It’s deep, unique sound perfectly matches the nature of his song “Love Takes Miles.”
“Love Takes Miles,” the third track off his solo album Heavy Metal, explores the process of waiting to fall in love. While it may come easy for some people, Winter’s explains the pain and hardships it can bring when it is something you deeply desire but cannot find. With the Fall season upon us, Winter’s is definitely an artist to check out to keep you company during these cold and, literally, dark times.
Bill Bodkin (Editor-in-Chief/Co-Host Socially Distanced, TV Break, Bills vs. The MCU):
Song: “Born in the USA – Electric Nebraska”
Artist: Bruce Springsteen
Everyone knows the big, anthemic version of this song that has been wildly misinterpreted as a song celebrating America. This version, which comes off the Nebraska re-release this month, is nearly impossible to misinterpret. The twangy guitar and intense drum beat grab you by the throat as a young, raspy-voice Bruce wails his lyrics about the Vietnam War and its impact on the everyman. It’s such a better version song, musically, as opposed to the grandiose and slickly-produced album cut. It’s Bruce at his most Neil Young as this song pairs perfectly with “Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World.” This a great song that absolutely rips, and its lyrics hit way differently in this stripped down, near demo cut of the song.
As a side Note: As good as this song is, the version that hit the radio in 1984 is more socially impactful, as its misinterpretation leads to discussion about the greater American political system and the country’s treatment of veterans.
Amanda Rivas (Co-Host, Socially Distanced, Anime x Pop | Podcaster – BCP+):
Song: “Behind the Clock”
Artist: AFI
It is fitting that AFI’s latest album Silver Bleeds the Black Sun… kicks off this year’s spooky season. “Behind the Clock” was the initial track released to promote the album and it heavily leans on the band’s goth influences like Bauhaus, The Cure, The Sisters of Mercy, and Joy Division. This track is ethereal and moody, while still showcasing what makes AFI great. Absolutely perfect for entering your goth era.
Andrew Howie (Staff Writer)
Song: “Talisman”
Artist: Boris
When it comes to songs I’ve had stuck in my head recently, I keep coming back to “Talisman” by legendary Japanese experimental trio Boris.
A bonus track off the extended version of their certified classic album PINK, it’s like they open a portal to the abyss and drag you in with the sheer gravitational force of their pummeling riffs.
Full of disgustingly low guitar tones, evident Sabbath worship in its DNA, and a general level of heaviness comparable to being near a black hole, I simply cannot get enough of this one, and I am thrilled to see them perform it live on their upcoming tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of PINK.
Nynoshka Vazquez Suazo (Staff Writer)
Song: “Cherry”
Artist: Naomi Scott
This song, released early in September, is the cultivation of nostalgia. Disney’s beloved actress breaks back into the music industry with a song that encapsulates the playfulness of seduction entangled with the hypnotizing rhythms of the ’80s. It is the perfect song to transition the seasons. Its lyrics, while suggestive, are met with the calmness and comfort of her voice.
This is for the girlies who refuse to let go of their summer vibes, while snuggling on the couch in fuzzy socks, sipping on pumpkin spice.
Randy Allain (Staff Writer, Co-Host of Pod of Doom | Co-Host of Media/Lit Podcast)
Song: “Gunslinger”
Artist: Natalie Bergman
Natalie Bergman smolders and swaggers with the effortless cool of an indie-rock queen in the first single off her latest album: My Home Is Not in This World. “Gunslinger” takes the gritty wisdom of the singer-songwriter, glosses it up with a vintage pop veneer, and mixes in just enough of a country twang to make you feel like you’ve teleported to the darkest corner of a smoky, Nashville bar.
Bergman is a multi-threat musician who cut her teeth as a member of Wild Belle, developing an eclectic mix of rock, soul, pop, reggae and more. She even collaborated with fellow genre-bender Beck on a cover of Lion’s 1975 psychedelic cult classic “You’ve Got A Woman.” Bergman’s latest track deserves to be a hit, and listeners would be wise to keep an eye on the latest chapter of her career.
Danielle Cairo (Staff Writer)
Song: “I Want You”
Artist: Marvin Gaye
“I Want You” by Marvin Gaye is the ultimate yearning song of all-time. The song isn’t shy to express the romantic and erotic feelings he feels for a woman, a unique combination of sounds and lyrics that defined him and his talents.
The record is smooth and eclectic, with sounds of a light disco-soul and complex vocal arrangements, ultimately leading to this lush and quintessential R&B masterpiece.
Sam Cohen (Staff Writer | DJ & Writer – WRSU)
Song: “Islands Of Men”
Artist: Geese
Geese’s new LP bends between an all out brawl, and a kick in the ass wake up call. “Islands Of Men” draws from a little bit of both. The lyrics even ask, “Will you stop running away From what is real and what is fake.”
Lead singer, Cameron Winter, speeds through the song, creating a dystopian ambience Geese songs tend to live in. Geese are running away as the best new band, tag along before it’s too late.
Marisa Carpico (Film Editor, Co-Host of Way too Early Oscar Podcast, …And the Winner Still Is Podcast):
Song: “21”
Artist: Arya Starr
As a southern Californian who greets the coming of autumn each year like a death, I’ve been using music to hold on to those last summer vibes. Granted, it hasn’t been that difficult considering it was 80° in NYC just a week ago, but as the weather has finally turned cold, the album keeping me warm is Arya Starr’s 2024 release, The Year I Turned 21.
While the Nigerian singer’s second album is mostly filled with slow grooves like “Bad Vibes” or inescapably dance-y tracks like “Rhythm and Blues”, the song that I can’t stop playing is “21”.
In it, the singer, now 23, initially claps back at someone who criticizes her youth and foolishness, arguing that even if she is naïve, maybe she’s strong enough to stay grounded. But as the song goes on, the lyrics become melancholy and yearning. “What it feels to be more than 21” she asks, simultaneously musing at how quickly the years have gone and lamenting her own inexperience moments later as she declares, “I’ve never tried/I’ve never loved”.It’s been a long time since I was 21 myself, but the song’s sharp mix of nostalgia and hope is transportive. Who among us didn’t feel both jaded and brand new in our 20s?
You couldn’t pay me to be in my 20s again, but listening to “21”, I can’t help but feel a little sad for those who are still stuck in that heady, tumultuous decade.
Gabrielle Sangataldo (Staff Writer | Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Underground Edit)
Song: “Mr. Mountebank”
Artist: Djo
Djo (aka Joe Keating of Stranger Things fame) blind sided fans when he released the deluxe edition of The Crux last month, and he specifically blind sided me with “Mr. Mountebank” and my subsequent, all-consuming fixation on it.
A gut-wrenching, lyrical struggle disguised as an amped up version of Mister Softee’s theme song, “Mr. Mountebank” combines all of Djo’s best musical aspects. If you want to dance while contemplating the dichotomy of external expectations and internal authenticity, this song is made for you.
Rob Williams (Senior Editor | Editor-in-Chief, BCP+)
Song: “Ohio (Come Back to Texas)”
Artist: Bowling for Soup
It’s an earworm, but throwing it back to Bowling For Soup’s catchy pop punk tune about the lone star state called….”Ohio (Come Back to Texas)” for my playlist pick. In true to BFS fashion the song is heartfelt yet full of levity.
The studio version is like a pop punk guilty pleasure, but seeing them play this one live at The Stone Pony Summer Stage takes this song to another level. Shameless promo, but check out our long-form interview with lead singer Jarett Reddick right here on The Pop Break.
Emily Ynaya (Rutgers Fall Writing Program)
Song: “Chained to a Cloud”
Artist: Slowdive
Slowdive has always been a band that makes you feel weightless, and “Chained to a Cloud” is no exception to their discography. It’s been a staple in my playlist lately – the perfect mix of calm yet melancholic sounds are fitting for a morning stroll or ponderous nights in your room. The guitars are hazy and soft, the muffled vocals make for a euphoric feeling, but underneath all of these sounds is the feeling of holding onto a dream you can’t quite remember.
This song doesn’t demand attention – it grasps you warmly until you realize you’ve been lost in the glimmering guitars and echoing rhythm. The lines blur between vocals and instruments, and there’s a comfort in how weightless it feels. Slowdive is no amateur at turning sadness into something beautiful. It’s not just music; it’s atmosphere.
Kris Ingersoll (Co-Host of Batman by the Numbers, Co-Host of Media/Lit Podcast)
Song: “Wake the Dead”
Artist:The Used
It’s October and that means sappy summer tunes have fallen away in favor of fall flavors fit for the cemetery. “Wake the Dead” from The Used is just as divisive in my home today as the album it hails from was for the fandom when it dropped but it’s in constant rotation come spooky season – my daughter and I can’t get enough of the horror-punk vibe and those blood curdling screams!
Laden with creepy sounds and hair raising lyrics, Bert McCracken paints a haunting picture perfect for any spooky season playlist.
Sophie Bodkin (1st Daughter of Pop Break)
Song: “Gnarly”
Artist: Katseye
I picked “Gnarly” by Katseye because I love the music video, and I also love girl singers. The singers are from different cultures and they all bring something special to their parts in the song. I really like the beat of, and it’s the most upbeat of their songs.
Yassmin Elmouzaieg (Staff Writer)
Song: “400 Lux”
Artist: Lorde
“400 Lux” is the perfect anthem for the quiet, in-between moments of college life. The song opens with a soft, pulsing beat and a siren-like sound that immediately pulls you into its hazy atmosphere. Lorde captures the feeling of growing up, when you are caught between routine and discovery, comfort and restlessness. The song feels like walking back from class at sunset with headphones in, watching the world shift around you while you are still figuring out your place in it.
Its dreamy production mirrors the rhythm of student life, from late-night study sessions to long conversations that fade into early mornings, and the strange beauty of finding meaning in the mundane. It reminds listeners that not every experience has to be loud or dramatic to matter. For college students navigating the quiet magic of becoming an adult, “400 Lux” is a must-listen.
