When it comes to certain songs, we’re grateful earbuds — and the private listening experience they offer — exist. However, these occasionally cringeworthy picks have earned a spot on the soundtrack of our lives in one way or another. We at the Arts Desk have compiled a number of albums we love unabashedly, and we hope you’ll feel the same

“BADLANDS (Deluxe)” by Halsey

Don’t get me wrong –– I don’t feel guilty for listening to Halsey. Their 2021 album “If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power” is genuinely lovely. But if you were chronically online at all during the pandemic or before, you’ll know that “BADLANDS” songs like “Strange Love” and “Control” accompanied every edgy edgelord edit to grace your TikTok or Tumblr feeds. The heavy electronics and mournful lyrics of that album just so happen to sometimes complement my workouts or writing sessions, too. Their cover of Johnny Cash’s typically upbeat, acoustic “I Walk the Line” brings intensity to the tune — in what I think — is a brilliant reinvention. Let’s give some credit where credit’s due.

— Eleanor Jacobs, Music Editor

“Hamilton (Original Broadway Cast Recording)” by Lin-Manuel Miranda

It’s my duty as an ex-theater kid and Puerto Rican to ride or die for Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “Hamilton.” I strongly believe the rap and hip-hop musical earned me a five on my Advanced Placement U.S. History exam. “Hamilton” is truly a unicorn of a musical, and because it’s told entirely through song, you can avoid shelling out your life savings for a Broadway ticket and still indulge yourself in the story. You’re not too cool for “Hamilton,” and you definitely don’t have to create the next Miku Binder Thomas Jefferson or read Ron Chernow’s 700-page biography to enjoy listening to it.

— Dani Biondi, Film & TV Editor

“Glee: The Music, The Complete Season Two” by Glee Cast

Beneath my cool girl personality, I’m a raging Gleek. The show truly had a knack for producing a plethora of quotable moments while also serving up covers that rival the work of their original artists. My personal go-to is the Season 2 album for its sheer surplus of iconic covers. Naya Rivera’s spunky rendition of “Valerie” and Lea Michele’s golden cover of “My Man” are enough to turn anyone into an instant fan. If you’re not allergic to whimsy, turn off the indie-pop every once in a while and embrace your inner Gleek.

— Skylar Boilard, Staff Writer

“Title (Deluxe)” by Meghan Trainor 

We’ve all heard the 2014 radio hit “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor, which promotes  body-positivity, but the rest of her debut album — which includes that earworm as well as others like “Dear Future Husband” and “Lips Are Movin” — deserves to be highlighted as well. On “Title,” Trainor features John Legend, sings about her one-night stands in ”Walkashame” and how she deserves a “title” from her man. Trainor’s album has the elements of the nostalgic 2010s pop we all dearly miss: upbeat, quirky and fun. 

— Pritheva Zakaria, Contributing Writer 

“Sensational” by Yung Gravy

At the ripe age of 13, when “Sensational” graced my virgin ears, I was transformed. I replaced my braces and bad posture with bass and bars, devouring every syllable of “The Boys Are Back In Town.” Gravy’s melodic tone blends singing and rapping, and the album boasts a whopping eight features, each bringing a fresh, often salacious new perspective to the game. “Sensational” has seen me through tough workouts, puberty and even being pulled over — yes, I was listening to “Whip A Tesla”. If you’re looking for a life soundtrack that sticks with you through the good, bad and awkward, have a listen. 

— Rory Lustberg, Staff Writer

“Kiss & Tell” by Selena Gomez and The Scene

I’m a metalhead, through and through. I’ve been listening to Slipknot since I was eight. It should come as no surprise, then, that my guilty pleasure album is “Kiss & Tell” by Selena Gomez & The Scene. I’m an OG like that. I think it’s a masterpiece. “Naturally” will always be my hype song. Feeling stressed before an exam? It’ll make you feel like a god. Even my metal sensibilities are tingled with the opening riff of “Crush.” Straight headbanger. I think everyone should ditch the musical pretentiousness — looking at you, Ethel Cain fans — and just dance to Selena in the shower. Stop being afraid to have fun.

— Roshan Rao, Contributing Writer

“Pitch Perfect (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)” by Various Artists  

At 8 years old, my artistic prowess was cemented after seeing the iconic film “Pitch Perfect.” After the ending notes of the Barden Bellas’ final performance, there was no going back. Since then, I have battled an addiction to this franchise and its soundtrack. I find myself constantly going back to listen to “Pool Mashup: Just The Way You Are/Just A Dream” and “Trebles Finals: Bright Lights Bigger City/Magic,” just to feel a shred of happiness. Even if you haven’t seen the film, this soundtrack can remind everyone that all you really need is just a cup and a dream.

— Ellie Miller, Contributing Writer

“Sometime Last Night” by R5

As someone who dressed up as Ross Lynch for Halloween in fourth grade — guitar pick necklace and all — I feel obligated to shout out R5. The now-defunct band, comprised of Lynch, his siblings and a close friend, dominated the Disney Channel sound waves back in the day — and for good reason. Their sophomore album “Sometime Last Night” is absolute pop-rock perfection, filled to the brim with head-thumping bangers like “All Night” and reflective ballads like “Do It Again.” If for some reason you didn’t grow up watching the “Smile” music video during “Austin & Ally” commercial breaks, now is the time to check out this timeless album.

— Leo Field, Staff Writer

“Minecraft – Volume Beta” by C418

Picture this: you are 10 years old, watching a pixelated sunset on top of your diamond block house. Melancholic music swells as an unsuspecting creeper explodes, sending you back to your spawn point. C418’s “Minecraft – Volume Beta” has a relaxing yet startling effect. Any song could bring even the most passionate gamer to tears, and Minecrafters old and new can agree that the soundtrack is one of the most nostalgic pieces of video game music out there. Listening to songs like “Moog City 2” or “Wait” brings me back to a simpler time, when my biggest problem was relocating my base.

— Ellie DaSilva, Contributing Writer

“A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out” by Panic! At The Disco

Whether through its absurdly long song names, extremely wordy lyrics or aggressive drums and guitar riffs, this emo album was strangely perfect for my formative years. In middle school, my friends and I bonded over Panic! At The Disco, which admittedly became a way of differentiating ourselves from basic music enjoyers. I now similarly enjoy basic music in a variety of genres, but once in a while, I remember that this album exists and have an urge to reexamine it from an adult perspective. I must say, it still slaps. I may reject my preteen self, but I cannot reject the quality of this music. Though,I definitely reject whatever the hell the band has become now.

— Oshmi Ghosh, Contributing Writer

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