“Sit Next to Me” — Foster the People
With a slow, dramatic introduction that builds into a head-bopping beat and an irresistibly catchy chorus, “Sit Next to Me” stands out on Foster the People’s 2017 album “Sacred Hearts Club,” which otherwise fell flat. The song’s psychedelic undertones harken back to the band’s 2014 album “Supermodel,” but the group’s typical electronic, synthesized style is balanced by a poppy rhythm that gives the song mainstream appeal. Above all, this fast-paced, fun song invites listeners to further explore Foster the People’s work.
“Come Through and Chill” — Miguel (feat. J. Cole and Salaam Remi)
In “Come Through and Chill” — first introduced to me by a review in The Hoya — Miguel’s effortlessly relaxed vocals are paired with J. Cole’s bars: “In case my lack of reply had you catchin’ them feelings / Know you’ve been on my mind like Kaepernick kneelin’ / Or police killings, or Trump sayin’ slick s–t / Manipulatin’ poor white folks because they ignant.” Though the gravity of the issues J. Cole invokes, such as police brutality and systemic racism, starkly contrast Miguel’s playful nature, both elements create a sense of relatability: By evoking both our greatest anxieties and our small twinges of regret, the duo creates a thought-provoking, melancholy song with lyrics that will stick in your head for months.
“Two Weeks” — Grizzly Bear
Odds are, you have probably heard this song. The iconic keyboard introduction of Grizzly Bear’s 2009 tune can be heard in a slew of places from an episode of the CBS show “How I Met Your Mother” to a Volkswagen commercial that ran during Super Bowl XLIV. Still, what is most impressive about “Two Weeks” is its sheer power in simplicity. Despite the song’s minimalistic lyrics, the band’s harmonious vocals dovetail perfectly with the synthesized keyboard and underlying drums to create a sense of drama that makes this song an underrated indie classic.
“Fluorescent Adolescent” — Arctic Monkeys
The Arctic Monkeys’ quintessential sense of rebellion and angst comes through clearly in “Fluorescent Adolescent.” Though the lyrics are perhaps pessimistic, warning that “the best you ever had is just a memory,” the upbeat tempo — paired with the teasing vocals of lead singer Alex Turner — transforms the song into a deceptively cheerful romp through the challenges of aging and its accompanying nostalgia.
“Cigarette Daydreams” — Cage the Elephant
“Did you stand there all alone?” asks the quiet, acoustic opening to “Cigarette Daydreams,” setting the tone for the entire song — calm, but not slow; sad, but still sweet. With hints of regrets and reminiscences, Cage the Elephant departs here from the brashness that characterizes its most popular songs, such as “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” Though the group’s signature intense emotionality is still heard in “Cigarette Daydreams,” it is presented in a more tranquil manner.
Maya Gandhi (SFS ’20) currently serves as an executive editor for The Hoya and previously served as opinion editor.
