There are a lot of songs that have influenced us in one way or another, however, some of those songs are more special than the rest. Our Music Directors were asked about this song that has stuck with them since they heard it the first time, and why that song stood out to them.

This will be the first of many posts coming from DJ’s at the station where we look back at some songs, albums, and artists that we’ve loved for a while.

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What song do you wish you could listen to for the first time again?

Megan: Dreams by the cranberries

Dreams has followed me through every chapter of my life. From my mom playing it while I sat in my car seat as a toddler, to blasting it while driving myself to college for the first time. I wish more than anything I could get the opening guitar riff tattooed on my forehead, hearing it instantly boosts my mood. The drums make me want to tap my feet. The echoey, ethereal vocals seal the deal making it, in my book, one of the most iconic songs in the dream-pop genre to ever exist.

Justin: I don’t love you anymore- the honeysticks

This song, as well as Tommy’s Party by Peach Pit, were my first introduction into indie music. They were the beginning of a Spotify playlist my neighbor that I had a crush on in junior high made. The song reminds me of a time where I was still just a young kid and I thought the key to life was having the same music taste as the people I wanted to be around.

Angela: Kyoto by phoebe bridgers

The first time I heard this song, I was hooked. I have listened to some Phoebe before, but had never heard a song of hers in quite this style. The upbeat melodies and instrumentation give it more of an edge than most of her music. If one were to simply hear the song playing in a grocery store or on the radio, they would probably think it was about something happy and positive. But, if you listen closer, you realize she’s actually telling a really personal story: one of living with a father who never quite figured out how to be a dad. Over strong drum and bass lines, Phoebe sets the scene of walking around Kyoto while on tour with her band. As she pursues a convenience store, she gets a call from her father, and begins reminiscing about her memories of him growing up. I love this song so much because it’s so vulnerable and honest. In my mind, that’s what makes a great song. That’s why if I had to choose one song to hear for the first time again, it would be this one.

Gary: More than a feeling by boston

I will never forget the first time I heard More Than a Feeling. It was the song, and Boston was the band, that first awakened my passion for music and rock and roll. Every time I hear the song today, I get a little glimpse of what it was like to hear it for the very first time, and to be able to relive that experience once again would be incredible.

Isak: Exit music (for a film) by radiohead

I picked this song because I really enjoy the emotional delivery of the vocals. Musically I like the buildup and the complexity of the chord changes that makes it so powerful. It’s such an intense moment followed by a peaceful resolution that leaves you with an indescribable feeling to me. In addition, I listened to this album (OK Computer) with one of my best friends that I since had a falling out with. A lot has happened since then, like the pandemic for starters, but when I listen to this song, it takes me to a different realm of emotion that links me to the past… If I had to listen to any song again for the first time, I would choose this one.

Ashlyn: Give me all your love by alabama shakes

I distinctly remember hearing this for the first time when I was 14, and it’s been stuck in the back of my mind since then. I think the track on this is beautiful in itself, but once Brittany Howard starts singing, it literally takes your breath away. This is one of those songs that make me want to scream along to the chorus. It’s one thing for a song to have emotional lyrics to it, but it’s another thing for a song to make you feel emotional when you listen to it. There’s no better song for a cold, rainy, fall day. Most of the songs I found when I was 13-15 have stuck with me like glue, but this one stands out amongst the rest.

Dayton: Under the bridge by The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Under the Bridge by our beloved RHP is one of their greatest hits and an all time favorite of mine. A song about the loneliness of drug abuse and the feeling of hitting rock bottom, although not exactly relatable, it never fails to help when I’m feeling down. Plus, being from California, I love how it personifies LA as a companion that’s always there. I wouldn’t mind that incredibly catchy chorus to come live in my head rent free for the first time again.

Zeke: Fireflies by Owl City

Fireflies is one of very few number one singles written, recorded, and produced entirely by one person. Because of this, the song feels so sincere. Owl City wasn’t trying to make a pop song. He didn’t write a song about love, or parties, or a breakup. He wrote a song expressing his amazement at little lighting bugs that light up the night sky. To me, that’s magic.

Austin: Girls by death in vegas

This song is my favorite on the Lost in Translation Soundtrack (the soundtrack of my favorite movie). This song makes me want to stay up until 1am, look at the stars and planes outside, have an existential crisis, hide inside, then come back out to wonder once more.

Caden: All these things that I’VE done by the killers

I picked this song because I share this song with my mom. From a really young age I remember just jamming out to The Killers with my mom in the car, In the kitchen, and finally at her wedding. This was my mom and my first dance together at her wedding and I truly will remember that dance for the rest of my life, it was the most emotional, fun, energetic thing I’ve ever felt. And I shared that moment with my favorite person in the world, my mom.

Ryan: Rigamortus by kendrick lamar

This is the first song I ever listened to and went, “woah what’s this?”. I was in the 7th grade and my friend was playing it off his phone. I was instantly captivated by the mixture of lyrical genius from Kendrick, and the jazz instrumentals happening in the background. I grew up listening to artists similar to James Taylor, because that’s who my father mainly listened to. When I heard Rigamortus for the first time it felt like my life had changed. From that moment on I was hooked on jazz inspired hip hop, and went to purchase Kendricks album Section.80 later that day.

Davis: I WOULDN’T want to be like you by alan parson’s project

The build in to the song gets me hyped up because I know that in just a few seconds, I’ll be blasted away with one of my favorite songs of all time. When the snares kick in and the bass guitar starts to groove, I get the most amazing nostalgia. Not to mention the guitar solo that makes me want to get up and play the air guitar. It makes me feel like I am back in the 70’s.