If you consider yourself a musical hipster, you may have overlooked these recent mainstream songs, but they are definitely worth listening to!
- Story of My Life – One Direction
This song is so different from the boys’ previous work that you might like it even if you don’t consider yourself a Directioner. It has a deeper sound and meaning than their usual tweeny pop songs and definitely appeals to a more mature audience. Plus, the music video incorporates shots of the boys with their families and it’s the cutest thing ever!
- Dark Horse – Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s entire “Prism” album is worth listening to. You may have heard “Roar” or “Walking on Air” on the radio or on Saturday Night Live a few weeks back, but this album has so many hidden gems in them. You can dance to some of them, but also really feel Katy’s vulnerability in others.
- Break the Walls – Fitz and the Tantrums This indie pop band is making its way up the charts and has been featured in several commercials lately. Its catchy tune is sure to brighten your day and make you smile.
- Royals – Lorde
Lorde is a seventeen-year-old girl from New Zealand whose powerful album “Pure Heroine” challenges listeners to more closely examine the world and people around them. If for nothing else, you should check Lorde out because she’s SEVENTEEN and has an awesome chart-topping album. Talk about girl power.
- Timber – Pitbull
From the bluesy harmonica intro, this collaboration by Ke$ha and Pitbull will have you on your feet dancing and yelling “Timber” (no pun intended). It’s easy to sing along to and puts you in a feel-good mood.
- This is What It Feels Like – Armin van Buuren
Trevor Guthrie’s strong vocals and Armin van Burren’s beats make this song more than just your typical house/electronic music. The beat makes it appropriate pump-up study or workout music and it’s already becoming a favorite at football tailgates and college parties.
- Counting Stars – One Republic
Let’s just admit it, we’ve all had a One Republic phase at one point or another in our lives. Although this song technically came out this summer, it has just started to reach its peak on the pop charts. The band seems to return to their roots with this song, mixing their pop sound with some solid folk and rock elements too. Besides, Ryan Tedder’s voice singing the chorus is bound to make any girl weak at the knees.
- Survival – Eminem
We’ve gotta give a shout out to our fellow Michigan fan’s new album. Eminem’s latest album, “Marshall Mather’s LP 2”, will please his oldest fans and newcomers alike. He collaborates with Rihanna on this album and new songs like “Survival” and “Rap God” are already climbing the charts. He’s still the same Eminem and his sound is as hard-hitting as ever.
- Sweater Weather – the Neighbourhood
This song is perfect for the end of fall, as it literally is “Sweater Weather” walking around outside in Ann Arbor. The Neighbourhood is a relatively new band in the popular rock world, and has played mostly at music festivals, like Coachella. Basically, this song is nice and fall-ish.
- Follow Your Arrow – Kacey Musgraves
This song is for all the country girls out there, or really for any college girls looking for some great advice: do what YOU want to do. It’s been said countless times, but Kacey’s soulful sound and twang make it just that much sassier.
So, if you’ve been living under a popular musical rock (either intentionally or unintentionally), this playlist is for you! Check out these new (or oldie, but goodie) artists and their songs. You won’t regret it. Photo credit: www.musicworldmx.com