October typically marks the transition from the light-hearted nature and atmosphere of summer to the melancholy and frigid nature of winter. However, this October was unlike any other, as we experienced high temperatures that helped me cling to the last bit of summer. In tandem with October’s unique weather, my music taste over this past month reflected my desperation to hold on to summer as much as possible, as many lively and energetic songs filled the place where sadder songs would usually be.
Five: “Let It Happen” by Gracie Abrams
Over the past few months, I’ve become a fan of Abrams’ music with the help of trending songs like “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “Risk” from her album “The Secret of Us.” Throughout her songs, Abrams displays smooth yet emotional vocals that pair perfectly with her chosen instrumentals and lyrical content. “Let it Happen” is a perfect example of everything I enjoy about Abrams’ music since her lyrics and vocals are perfectly vulnerable yet soothing as she sings about her previous relationship.
Four: “Don’t HMU” by Anella Herim
“Don’t HMU” is a consistent banger that I can play anywhere to get myself going. The second I hear those hi-hats in the instrumental, I start grooving. Paired with the echoing background vocals from Herim, it almost creates a euphoric feeling. Herim’s ability to flow over this instrumental is masterfully memorable as I find myself randomly reciting lyrics from “Don’t HMU” throughout my daily life. My only complaint with this song is that I wish the song was longer than one minute and 37 seconds, yet Herim makes the best of the track’s run time while making it easily replayable.
Three: “This Place Hotel (a.k.a Heartbreak Hotel)” by The Jacksons
How can you not love Michael Jackson? Although this song technically comes from The Jacksons’ catalog, this is a Michael Jackson through and through. What else can be said about the pop icon, since he had insane vocal ability and catchy lyrics that create heavenly atmospheres for listeners. This is evident in “This Place Hotel (a.k.a Heartbreak Hotel),” as Jackson croons over a groovy instrumental while singing one of the most unforgettable choruses I’ve ever heard.
Two: “Determinate” by Adam Hicks, Bridgit Mendler, Naomi Scott & Hayley Kiyoko – from the Disney Channel Original Movie “Lemonade Mouth” Soundtrack
Growing up I was an avid viewer of Disney Channel, specifically the original movies that would cycle through my television screen at an early age with “Lemonade Mouth” being one of them. As a young child, I heavily enjoyed watching movies and listening to music, and “Lemonade Mouth” perfectly encapsulated my enjoyment of both with “Determinate” being the highlight of the movie’s soundtrack. Revisiting this song 13 years later has led me to rewatch the movie several times over the past month and repeatedly play “Determinate” while driving around to appreciate the energetic vocals of Bridgit Mendler and Adam Hicks.
One: “Love Somebody” by Morgan Wallen
My anticipation for “Love Somebody” had been building exponentially since Wallen teased this song this past summer; I even went as far as listening to snippets on YouTube and Soundcloud. “Love Somebody” represents the perfect summer and fall song due to Wallen’s vocals that smoothly cruise over this lusciously soothing instrumental. Wallen’s slower and more emotional delivery perfectly matches the instrumental as he expresses his desire to love and care for someone who won’t end up hurting him. His desire for such a relationship and connection while reflecting on his life is a relatable lyrical topic that has allowed me to connect with the song. Despite being released on Oct. 18, “Love Somebody” has skyrocketed to become my most listened-to song of Oct. 2024.
I hope my selections can help expand and diversify your music taste, or possibly remind you of songs you’ve once enjoyed. I’m looking forward to listening to more music as the year progresses.
