Now that November has passed, the transition from the fall season to the holiday season has begun. Like October, November was a unique month once again as we experienced both sides of the weather’s coin, from dry winds to torrential downpours. In tandem with November’s unique weather, my music taste over this past month displays stark differences in tone; one second I’ll listen to a self-reflective and melancholic song and the next I’m grooving on the imaginary dance floor in my bedroom. Based on listening experience this past month, here are my top songs from November that I highly recommend.
Five: “Right Here” by Justin Bieber (featuring Drake)
One could say that I have “Bieber Fever” at the moment, as I’ve frequently listened to a lot of Bieber’s older music from his catalog. I especially enjoy tracks from his R&B era, and I’d say that “Right Here” is one of my favorites from that era of Bieber’s music career. The track has an electronically groovy instrumental that pairs very well with Bieber’s smooth vocals. Although I’m not the biggest fan of Drake, he delivers a solid feature that matches the smooth flow of Bieber on the chorus and his verses.
Four: “Hello Miss Johnson” by Jack Harlow
“Hello Miss Johnson” might have one of the best and most soothing instrumentals I’ve ever heard in my life. When I listen to this track by Harlow, I don’t even pay attention to the lyrics that much, instead I simply groove and bop my head to this infectious instrumental. When I actually listened to the lyrics of “Hello Miss Johnson,” I related to the subject matter of his lyrics as Harlow compliments and shows his affection for his partner while having a memorable chorus.
Three: “Good News” by Shaboozey
I never thought I’d ever listen to a song by Shaboozey, especially after not being able to escape his popular track “Tipsy (A Bar Song)” as it was practically on every platform or radio station. I’m a sucker for guitar-based instrumentals that made me check out “Good News,” but what has kept me coming back to this track is Shaboozey’s vulnerability about himself and his behaviors, which I really resonate with. As a young adult, I have my fair share of problems and flaws, and it can be hard to express or comprehend them. comforting knowing that someone with as much notoriety as Shaboozey feels something similar.
Two: “Tonight Tonight” by Hot Chelle Rae
Although the initial subject matter and lyrics of “Tonight Tonight” are a little sad, as vocalist Ryan Follese sings about his partner cheating on him, this track is a great song to dance and sing along to due to Follese’s infectious vocals and memorable lyrics. Whether you listen to “Tonight Tonight” by yourself or with a group of friends, you can’t help but have a good time listening to the track. Like Follese’s vocals, the instrumental is also infectiously groovy and could get anyone off their feet to dance around to.
One: “Ventura Highway” by America
“Ventura Highway” has quickly become one of my favorite songs of all time due to the universality of its vibe and that soothing guitar instrumental. I can play this track when I go for a run, drive to the gym, work on homework–just about any situation I can think of. Daniel Milton Peek’s calm vocals deliver me to a sense of peace and joy as I picture myself cruising down Ventura Highway on a summer afternoon.
I hope my recommendations can help 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 comes to a close. Be on the lookout for my favorite songs of 2024 next month.
