Library staff is in the groove this summer, helping you explore the many reasons why libraries rock! Of course, music services like Freegal and Hoopla are prime examples, and so I asked my co-workers at the Main Library Teen Center to share some of their favorite songs. The result is this month’s special edition Summer Challenge mixtape!
Libraries Rock! Teen Staff Edition
1. “Superstar” by Lauryn Hill on The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Megan: “I’ve had this album on repeat ever since it was announced that Lauryn Hill is doing a 20th anniversary tour (which includes a stop at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium on August 5). In particular, I like how this song asks people to reflect on their motives and consider the responsibility they have to their fellow artists and audiences. Even though she’s talking to musicians specifically, the message to inspire and empower each other is one we should all get behind.”
2. “This is America” by Childish Gambino on This is America
Calvin: “I chose this song because of how the music video for it portrays everyday life…”
Nina: “…everything about it is sooo right. It uses some of the ad-libs from some of the hottest names in hip hop right now - the beat is absolutely sick. But to top all of that off, the message of the song is beyond compelling…Childish Gambino managed to create an amazing song that appeals to what the youth are listening to but also managed to drop knowledge in the same breath…”
3. “Mama’s Heart” by Those Darlins on Those Darlins
Frank: “I chose this song for all the moms out there and in memory of singer Jessi Zazu, who passed away last year.”
4. “Cups (From Pitch Perfect)” on Original Motion Picture Soundtracks
Davina: “…The song reminds me of a kids' theater camp I went to because whenever we had a break, the older kids would start playing cups and by the end, we would have all 20ish kids playing. It's a great memory with some of my closest friends and that's what music is about.”
5. “Thinking about You” by Frank Ocean on Southern Smoke Radio 5
Lauren: “…’Thinkin Bout You’ is a very personal ballad. I love Ocean’s use of specific imagery such as ‘a tornado flew around the room’ mixed with a refrain to which we can all relate- ‘I’ve been thinkin bout you.’ The song expertly mixes R&B, soul, and even jazz, and is all brought together by Ocean’s beautiful vocals.”
6. “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Darkness on Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Luke: “…it is just a fun song. Also, have you seen the music video? So good”!
7. “Sky Walker” by Miguel and Travis Scott on War & Leisure
Nina: “Both Miguel and Travis Scott are forces to be reckoned with, so of course you would get straight fire when they collaborated. I love the feel good vibes that it promotes…it pretty much sums up the summer for me - enjoy the moment and dead the bull…”
