By Angelina Persaud, Managing Editor/News Editor
If there’s one thing I’ve come to learn, it’s that music has always been a constant in my life, and I’m sure plenty of others can say the same. Whether it’s a hype anthem during the middle of the day or just a slow song when I’m feeling anxious, music has a way of healing the soul. However, I like to feel that music isn’t limited to the trendy songs of today and has evolved from some “interesting” tunes over the years. Just like The Quadrangle has aged like fine wine, my top songs have also withstood the test of time.
Can’t Help Falling in Love with You–Elvis Presley (1968)
This song is a classic to me because of the simplicity and loving message it gives off. Every time I hear it I think of Blue Hawaii, the classic Elvis Presley movie. I always felt that listening to “old school” music is quite literally a time machine and can help people feel more connected to an era they have never seen or lived through.
Favorite verse: “Take my hand / Take my whole life too / For I can’t help falling in love with you”
Don’t Go Breaking My Heart–Elton John & Kiki Dee (1976)
Elton John is always on my playlist in some way, but this duet takes a spin on fun upbeat music from the past. Between the difference in their vocals to the actual lyrics, it’s just a fun atmosphere all around with this song. It makes me think of parties in the 70s with the flashy clothing and the outrageous makeup trends yet everyone having a good time because of the energy this song brings.
Favorite verse: “Nobody knows it / (Nobody knows… it) / Right from the start / I gave you my heart”
Uptown Girl — Billy Joel (1983)
A friend of mine from high school introduced me to Billy Joel’s music, and I feel that this song is always in the top five of his albums. It brings me back to the fun pop era of the 80s, where everyone was experimenting with different vocals and fun sounds. If you’ve never seen the movie or read “The Outsiders,” it’s about this boy from a rough part of town who falls for an “uptown girl” but has to leave his town due to violence between the social classes. This song reminds me of their dynamic and shows that sometimes love transcends social boundaries.
Favorite verse: “She’ll see I’m not so tough / Just because I’m in love / With an uptown girl”
Don’t Take the Girl — Tim McGraw (1994)
Full disclosure, I’m a country bumpkin, but I’m proud of it. This was one of the first country songs I listened to, and it hooked me from the first verse until the end. I always loved narrative-type songs, which essentially tell a story as the song progresses. This one tugged on my heartstrings and made me realize just how powerful storytelling through music can actually be.
Favorite verse: “I’ll gladly take her place if you’ll let me / Make this my last request / Take me out of this world / God please don’t take the girl”
Don’t Stop the Music—Rihanna (2007)
Picture this, I was four years old in a Barney t-shirt dancing my heart out to this song when it was released. Not much has changed since then, except for my sense of fashion perhaps. This was one of my favorite party anthems, and while it may not seem appropriate for a four year old to listen to, that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. It was also probably one of the first songs I ever downloaded on my iPod, talking about a real blast from the past!
Favorite verse: “Your hands are on my waist / Just let the music play / We’re hand in hand chest to chest / And now we’re face to face”
If My Name Was Whiskey—Carly Pearce (2017)
This song holds a lot of personal value to me and I found it during a time when I really needed to hear its message. It’s about someone who wishes they could be the “whiskey” in their alcoholic partner’s life and goes through the motions of self-doubt and reflection. For me, this song is a reminder that it’s natural to have self-doubt, but that there is beauty in letting yourself feel these things and working it out internally.
Favorite verse: “Maybe if I was your last call / My heart wouldn’t be like glass all over the floor / If my name was whiskey / You never would’ve quit me”
Espresso—Sabrina Carpenter (2024)
If you read the song title I know you’re also humming the chorus while reading this. This song was instantly a hit when it came out and I’ve definitely overplayed it many times while studying. Regardless, the fun, upbeat melody gets me energized and motivated to take on the rest of the day. Just as Sabrina is, “working late because she’s a singer” I love The Quadrangle because I’m a writer.
Favorite verse: “I’m working late / Cause I’m a singer / Oh he looks so cute / Wrapped around my finger / My twisted humor make him laugh so often/ My honey bee, come and get this pollen”