Press to Playlist: XPress staff reveals its current favorite songs

Charley Fisher, Editor-in-chief and Best of SNO award-winning writer ♦ December 10, 2024

Ryan Young, Faith in Action Editor, and Ellie Hilsabeck, Sports Editor, browse through Spotify’s recommended “Christmas Hits” for this holiday season.

Everyone has a favorite song, a favorite band, or she has too many favorites and cannot decide. Possibly, some songs or some bands remind people of certain times in their lives which makes these songs or artists their favorites.

Music has a powerful impact on everyone, including the XPress staff. The staff members decided to share what their current favorite songs are and why they call their selected songs their favorites.

2024-2025 XPress Staff Playlist

Ryan Young, Faith in Action Editor

“Bette Davis Eyes” by Kim Carnes reminds Ryan of her trips to Rosemary Beach, Florida during the summer time. “The song reminds me of all of the good memories I have with my family on our annual summer trip,” said Young.

Ellie Hilsabeck, Sports Editor

With the rise of the newly-released movie, “Wicked,” “Defying Gravity” by Cynthia Ervio has been resonating with Hilsabeck. “The overall message of the song is amazing, and the song itself makes me feel invincible,” Hilsabeck said.

Chloe Beery, Arts & Entertainment Editor

As the end of the first semester of senior year comes near, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac has been Chloe’s favorite song. “We are growing up, and our lives are changing; that is what that song is about,” said Beery. Beery also mentions how the song reminds her of the new things that come as life goes on.

Vivian Amoia, Managing Editor

“Blind” by SZA is a song for Amoia that brings incredible memories of her trip to Africa. Amoia explains how the album, “SOS”, was released while she was on her trip in Africa. “I have memories of myself on a balcony just looking at the desert while listening to that song,” Amoia said.

Ellery Kerrigan, Photo Editor

As high schoolers claim the ability to drive, “28” by Zach Bryan is a song that Kerrigan enjoys listening to on her car-rides. The melody and the lyrics stick out to Kerrigan and give her emotions of calmness.

Jane Burkhardt, Connect Editor

“Upside Down” by Jack Johnson is favored by Burkhardt because of the upbeat tempo and the happy memories and emotions that come along with this song. “It reminds me of my mother and I going to Marshalls or Target on a Sunday morning,” said Burkhardt.

Olivia Garcia, News Editor

“Summer Bummer” by Lana del Rey holds many memories within the song for Garcia. One of the memories that comes with this song is hang-outs with friends or being in New York City, said Garcia.

Savannah Landrum-Taylor, Social Media Editor

A song named “Violet” by Daniel Caesar reminds Landrum-Taylor of her only time of visiting the ocean in her life. “I was playing this song while I was walking toward the ocean, and now the song just reminds me of the ocean,” she said.

Faith Gwati, Photo Editor

Windows rolled all the way down while the song “sdp interlude” by Travis Scott playing throughout the car reminds Gwati of her summer trip to Cape Cod. The song reminds Gwati of all the good memories with her family and friends from the summer.

Laney Flatley, Staff Writer

A classic, “Vienna” by Billy Joel, resonates with Flatley through its lyrical and sentimental meaning. “There are many memories with not just this song by Billy Joel, but just Billy Joel himself. But Vienna is my absolute favorite,” said Flatley.

Ateng Chol, Staff Writer

The song “Mustard” by Jordan Ward reminds Chol of the memories of summer, and this song is classified as Chol’s “comfort song.” “The first time I listened to this song, I was almost in shock. It is one of those special songs that when you hear it for the first time, you just know it’s a great song,” Chol said.

Riley Cothern, Staff Writer

The song “California” by beabadoobee is Cothern’s favorite song. According to Cothern, “The song brings back the memories from my trip to Washington D.C. for a soccer tournament.”

Mariella Cusano, Staff Writer

Another great song by Billy Joel, “Piano Man,” reminds Cusano of her childhood and allows for emotions of nostalgia. A particular memory is, “Both of my parents are big Billy Joel fans and they would play ‘Piano Man’, and this would make me fall asleep as a child,” said Cusano.

Kylie Weisheit, Staff Writer

“Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac is a song for Weisheit that reminds her of her memories with her family while camping.

Lucia Sugich, Staff Writer

“Saturn” by SZA brings Sugich many memories of her friends and her being together. “I have many good memories of screaming this song in the car with my friends,” Sugich said.

Maggie Mostoller, Staff Writer

“Knee Deep” by Zac Brown Band is Mostoller’s favorite song simply because of the vibe that the song carries.

Brian Mostoller, Adviser

“Beautiful Day” by U2 resonates with Mostoller due to “the religious imagery and the imagery of different walks of life.”

Charley Fisher, Editor-in-chief

Lastly, my favorite song is “Pearls” by Sade. Growing up, my mother would always have Sade playing and I grew to love the artist herself. “Pearls”, in particular, reminds me of my late-night car drives with mother.