Angelina's Corner: Roundup
Words by Angelina Singer
This fun rock vibe took me right back to the 2000s — think super bright vocals, gritty guitars, and enough angst to scare off any baby boomer within a 50-mile radius. It’s written all about what it’s like to not be treated well in a relationship. This imbalanced situation is all-too-familiar to countless people, but at least the song is pretty rad. If you’re looking for a fun summer borderline-emo track, this song is just the thing to inspire you to squeeze back into your skinny jeans and hightops.
Chasing a Feeling by The Satellite Station
This sweet piano-laced melody melts into the echoing vocals with such finesse. It’s smooth, calming, and thought-provoking all at once as the speaker reflects on mental health struggles and encourages the listener to still dream big even when times are tough. “So tell me what are you gonna do with the rest of your life / It’s movin’ so fast that you can’t even think twice” are just some of the insightful lyrics that will invite anyone to find their second wind even if their sails are feeling a little limp. Listen to this one anytime you or someone you know could use a little pick-me-up.
Uh Oh
This guitar-driven track is begging to be on your next roadtrip playlist. It’s got that singer-songwriter quirkiness without being overdone, and the lyrics are all about young love that sticks around for the rest of your life. How sweet is that? I love those sweet moments and the slice-of-life tunes that bring you into someone’s daily experience in a meaningful way. Listen to this one anytime you want to reminisce about your journey finding your own loved one — or if you just really love cars and all the memories that they hold.
This one comes in heavy but it satisfies that hard-rock craving that’s like a heavier Nickelback (so, perhaps Shinedown). No matter what drew you to this song, you’ll love the thoughtful lyrics comparing the changing sky patterns to a relationship on the rocks. The bridge section brings clarity and a moment of calmer reflection while the instruments build back in, which shows the great sonic dynamics throughout the tune. Enjoy this one when you want to bring your emo side out from the shadows and reflect on the struggles in life that remind you how far your journey has taken you.
You Are Mine by Andrew Batcheler
I enjoyed the chill vibes of this surf-rock cognizant tune that features some sweetly romantic words that are thoughtful without being overly-possessive. It’s got that rhythmic ska guitar in the background with a nice beat that will make you want to sway in your seat. Great vocals fill the space alongside the beat, and I know this song is something that you’ll enjoy listening to during a summer date night, or even just a regular dinner with your loved one. It’s best enjoyed with a cold glass of your chosen beverage and an ocean view if possible.
This song is a story about what it’s like to fall in love with someone who you’re convinced is too good for you. Minus the insecurity (which I definitely relate to), this is a really positive message, and I think a little humility goes a long way (when dating, or even just in life overall). I’d put it in the country category, but it’s also got that singer-songwriter coming-of-age vibe that’s super honest and endearing. I love when songs feel like a diary entry, and this one definitely does, because it’s a mix of sensory details and emotional moments that bring the listener right into that space. Enjoy it anytime you want to reminisce or daydream about your own life.
Somehow this band managed to infuse summer into the actual music, and if they can explain it, I’d be very interested to know how that works because it’s really well-done. The vocals are raw and imperfect at times, but I know that was a stylistic choice, and it’s perfect for the tune and how real it is, both in its production and storytelling. “I think I try remembering our last kiss / I just thought there was a tunnel beneath all of this / like a creature burrowing underground” are just some of the intriguing lyrics that feel both starkly poetic and like a stream of consciousness all at once. Bright guitars and even a harmonica create a bonfire-worthy ambience that will be the perfect addition to your next summer camping trip.