One of the few things we discuss as often as legislation and public records requests at Spotlight PA is music. And with our blend of Swifties, metalheads, and rap fiends, the conversations and arguments go in a lot of directions. We always hear each other out though, and now you can too.Â
This staff-curated mix contains songs we can't stop playing. You will find an array of genres, including R&B, rock, indie, country, and more. Listen here and check out what a few staffers had to say about their song choices below.
Democracy Editor Elizabeth Estrada: Karol Gâs âMi Ex TenĂa RazĂłnâ transports me back to the â90s when I was growing up and listening to the late Mexican-American singer Selena. The song, which translates to âMy Ex Was Right,â features the rhythms of the Latin genre cumbia, and is an homage to Selenaâs musical legacy. Iâve been listening to it a ton on my daily walks.
Capitol Reporter Stephen Caruso: Autumn always gets me in my feels, and "Call Your Mom" and "In Your Love" top my list as the soundtrack for a cool, introspective walk through the streets of Harrisburg as the leaves fall. Noah Kahan and Lizzy McAlpine have been recent additions to my musical rotation, and having them together on a track makes for an automatic hit. As for Tyler Childers, he's a storyteller, and his new single offers a love story that never gets old.
Newsletter Writer Tanisha Thomas: The wait for the sequel to Victoria MonĂ©tâs debut album was well worth it. I enjoy Jaguar II from start to finish, but single âOn My Mamaâ is a highlight. Between the sample of âI Look Goodâ by Chalie Boy and MonĂ©tâs gorgeous melodies, the song just jams. Funnily, I got into her through Masego, who effortlessly melds R&B and jazz in his music, especially "Remembering Sundays."
Government Reporter Kate Huangpu: "Eat Your Young" by Hozier perfectly complements cool and misty autumnal mornings, which are what we've been seeing more of this past week. As I rode a train to Harrisburg one rainy day, this song slowly woke me up. It's not too upbeat but still provides good vibes.
Rural Affairs Reporter Marley Parish: I'm seeing the Jonas Brothers in Pittsburgh this month, so I've had their setlist on repeat. "Year 3000" is one of my favorites because it takes me back to childhood and my first concert.
Assistant Editor Stephen Kearse: Rico Nasty excels at making âgirlyâ subjects, imagery, and phrasing sound tough. The catchy and bass-heavy "Girl Scouts" morphs the wholesome image of scouts peddling cookies door-to-door into a mosh-ready rager. The other song I've been feeling is by Romy of the British indie band The XX, who was always the groupâs most reserved and muted member. As a solo act, sheâs less bashful, and her new pulsing club song "Loverher" finds her emerging from her shell for an emphatic declaration of love.
Operations Manager Skyler Cruz: IÂ love biking and Rubblebucket's aptly named "Bikes"Â really captures the frenetic, free-flowing, and joyful energy I experience on a ride. Plus, it feels like the end of summer, which has recently arrived.
Investigative Reporter Danielle Ohl: Olivia Rodrigo may be Taylor Swift's songwriting heir apparent, but to me her song "Lacy" evokes another pop progenitor: Dolly Parton. Like Parton's "Jolene," "Lacy" pays tribute to a woman the narrator can't help admiring. But where Parton offers humble pie, Rodrigo whips up a cupcake laced with arsenic. It's self-loathing and sinister, but still sweet.
Investigative Reporter Ed Mahon: Laura Marlingâs âHope In the Airâ is so mesmerizing it inspired me to listen to an audio version of King Lear. Itâs bleak and inspiring at the same time, and basically every other line lives rent-free in my head. The internet seems to think it's told from the point of view of Cordelia in the famous Shakespeare tragedy. I'm not sure, but the song is powerful.
Give our playlist a listen and tell us what you think!
Send us the songs you have been jamming to lately! | 
