From albums, artists and songs to podcasts or even audiobooks, we know you might be looking for something new to listen to. The Spectrum is here to pitch some of our favorites, so hopefully you can find something you love to add to your rotation.
ARTIST:
Bjӧrk and Hole
Instead of newer artists, I’m trying to catch up on older music that escaped my notice before. I’ve always listened to a mix of 60s-80s music and current songs, but I’m trying to expand my horizons and start listening to 90s music. Some of the most interesting music I’ve enjoyed from the decade so far comes from rebellious women rockers like Fiona Apple, Courtney Love and Bjӧrk. The early albums of each of these artists, especially Hole’s Live Through This, have all been on rotation in my headphones, and considering the albums are all about 30 years old, the sounds and messages feel revolutionary for their time. For anybody going through a rough patch, these ladies have got your back.
- Nadia Brach, Senior Features Editor
ER Fightmaster
I first discovered ER Fightmaster from their role as Kai Bartley on Grey's Anatomy. A few episodes after their character's first appearance, they got up on stage and sang their single “Trouble” in an attempt to win over Neurosurgeon Amelia Shepherd. Outside of the character they play on Grey’s Anatomy, Fightmaster first started to release music as a member of the two-man group “Twin.” More recently they have released some solo work including EPs like “Bloodshed Baby” and “Violence.” If you have just a few free minutes in your busy semester, I highly recommend using that time to check out ER Fightmaster.
- Ciah Courtney, Assistant Sports Editor
Phish
If you haven’t heard of Phish, let me be the one to introduce you. Phish is what’s known as a “jam band” — a band that turns their written songs into improvised jam sessions, usually resulting in an absurdly long song. A prime example of that would be the record-breaking, 40-minute long “Sand,” which I witnessed at The Mann in Philadelphia this summer. Now, I typically don’t like a long jam, but they’ve got some shorter songs I like to keep in rotation. If that sounds like you, I’d try “Farmhouse” or “Alaska (Live),” two of my favorites that can be found on most streaming services. If you’re willing to check out a jam, head to Youtube or the Live Phish app and check out “Piper (Live)” from December 6, 1997. Fun fact: they played a cover of Jimi Hendrix’s “Izabella” that night, and a re-listening of this show landed my parents on my name.
- Izabella Ducato, Editor-in-Chief
Aventura
I’M BIG DOMINICANNNNNNNNN, that’s literally it.
- Amy Aracena, Managing Editor
SONGS:
“Recognize” by Russ
This song dropped on August 29th but still is one of my go to songs. This song goes into the push and pull of relationships and how important growth is when in relationships. This song features Jessy Blakemore who does an amazing job with the chorus.
- Lilly Ensminger, Senior Multimedia Editor
“Michigan Cherry” by River Whyless
This song is a reflective indie folk song from their 2020 album “Monoflora” that explores the intersections of love and vulnerability. Through the metaphor of cherries, the song talks about the sweetness and tartness of deep romantic relationships, ultimately highlighting how amazing they can be.
- Ciah Courtney, Assistant Sports Editor
“Rock Bottom” by Modern Baseball
There’s a chill in the air, and if you’re anything like me, that means you’re switching from your summer playlists to your fall ones. “Rock Bottom,” and quite a few more from Modern Baseball, are staples for the switch over to the cold. To me, nothing says fall quite like the “midwestern emo” vibe, so this song fits right in.
- Izabella Ducato, Editor-in-Chief
“DUMBO” by Travis Scott
This past summer, Travis Scott became my guilty pleasure and I hate to say that I am late to the game. I know all of his most well known songs and they’re good, but after listening to his latest album, “JACKBOYS 2,” I stream this album and his old ones fully. Anyways, listen to it, and you’ll understand why I have it on repeat.
- Amy Aracena, Managing Editor
“Hefner” by Tana Mongeau
No explanation. You either get it or you don’t. You just had to be there. I play this song at least 3 times a week.
- Alyssa Ramos, Assistant Multimedia Editor
“The Tortured Poets Departments” by Taylor Swift
This song is my most-played song over the last year. When the album came out in 2024, I quickly became obsessed with the whole album, but especially this song. The storytelling makes me love and appreciate her lyrics and sound. She paints a clear picture of a short-term, yet impactful romantic relationship where felt like it was doomed from the start, but also had hopes that she was wrong. This song is my favorite on the album, and in my opinion, her most underrated song.
- Alyssa Ramos, Assistant Multimedia Editor
“Radio” by Alkaline Trio
A few weeks ago, I finally got to see my all-time favorite band, blink-182. Opening for them was Alkaline Trio, an underappreciated band of the aughts. With less than a million Spotify listeners, I was disappointed that not many blink fans knew the lyrics to their songs. It felt like I was the only one singing when Matt Skiba called upon the audience to sing the chorus. Seeing the “satanic” Alkaline Trio at dusk at rural Darien Lake was such a scenic experience. Only somebody with as beautiful and messed up of a mind as Matt Skiba can come up with lyrics like “shaking like a dog s****ing razorblades” and “I’ve got a big fat f***ing bone to pick with you my darling” without it coming off as too melodramatic.
- Jacob Wojtowicz, Assistant Features Editor
“Sugar On My Tongue” by Tyler, The Creator
The ultimate hype song.
- Sabrina Wroblewski, Director of Marketing & Communications
ALBUMS:
“AM I THE DRAMA?” by Cardi B and “BITE ME” by Renee Rapp
After 7 years since dropping an album, Cardi B released “AM I THE DRAMA?” in September. This album release did not disappoint. This album had multiple different features on it with 24 diverse songs. It features slow R&B, fast upbeat rap and even a song with a Dominican-Bronx feel. Renee Rapp dropped “BITE ME” in August, 2 years after her last album, featuring 12 songs with insane vocals and a range of melodies. These two albums are drastically different but they are both worth a listen.
- Lilly Ensminger, Senior Multimedia Editor
“The Weatherman” by Gregory Alan Isakov
It was quite hard to pick just one of Isakov’s albums, but “The Weatherman” comes out on top for me. With amazingly catchy and heartfelt songs like “Saint Valentine” and “Time Will Tell,” Grammy nominated artist Gregory Alan Isakov creates a beautiful folk album that I have had on repeat for the last month. Isakov has been a staple for me since early in high school and just recently I got the chance to see him live at Artpark in Lewiston.
- Ciah Courtney, Assistant Sports Editor
“Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge” by My Chemical Romance
I saw My Chemical Romance in August at their Toronto stop of the “Long Live the Black Parade” tour and I don’t think they’ve left my listening history since then. I love every album, single and demo they’ve put out, but there is something really special about this album. I recommend the whole album in order, but if you only have time for one song, I’d go with “It’s Not a Fashion Statement, It’s a F***ing Deathwish.”
- Izabella Ducato, Editor-in-Chief
“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” by Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny has completely changed the game when it came to Spanish music, especially with this album. The main points were heartfelt as it indulged Puerto Rico’s history and culture; but every hispanic could connect with the lyrics on a personal level as it brought us together through our shared language and history. His DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour was a tour I would have paid millions to attend; but he had a 30-day residency in El Choli in San Juan, Puerto Rico and it was amazing to see… on TikTok live. He brought out guests like Ozuna, Ricky Martin, Anthony Santos, Alofoke, El Alfa, Rauw Alejandro, The Marías and the most iconic of all, Marc Anthony. It was a moment of bringing every Hispanic together, and it definitely made me want to rep my culture with even more pride and love.
- Amy Aracena, Managing Editor
“eternal sunshine deluxe: brighter days ahead” by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande has been someone I’ve had a love/hate relationship with. Growing up obsessed with all things pop and feminine, Ariana Grande was always an artist I admired. As I got older, my love for pop music shifted, and Grande faced a lot of controversies and life-changing events throughout her career. When “eternal sunshine” was released in 2024, I gave it a listen, and was blown away. Grande's storytelling throughout the album helped me understand the issues she faced during its creation. Grande dropped the deluxe edition in March 2025, which deepened my love for this album. I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, and this album came out during a time in my life that I needed to feel girly, angry, happy, lust and even depressed.
- Alyssa Ramos, Assistant Multimedia Editor
“Everest” by Halestorm
Halestorm, a hard rock band, just came out with a new album that has been more or less my personal anthem for the past month now. The album’s got a good mix of headbangers and ballads. My favorite songs from the album are, “Darkness always wins,” “Rain Your Blood on Me” and “Like a Woman Can.” They all have very different vibes but each have their own draw. I’ve been listening to this band since high school so there’s definitely a special place for them in my heart. The frontwoman Lizzy Hale has some crazy vocals going on and her band is absolutely insane, the guitar solos are *chef's kiss*.
- Marina Noack Senior Arts Editor
“Sticks and Stones” by New Found Glory
It should go without saying that New Found Glory are one of the most influential pop-punk bands of all time. What makes them so iconic is the long-lasting mutual love between the band members and their fans. I’ve been to three NFG shows so far, and two of the three times, I’ve heard people describe it as one of the best shows they’ve ever been to. Any list of top pop-punk albums of the 2000s is incomplete without Sticks and Stones. Without this album, early Fall Out Boy, early Paramore, All Time Low, and The Story So Far would never have existed. Thankfully, Kerrang’s greatest pop-punk albums of all time list recognizes Sticks and Stones at number 3, only behind Green Day and blink-182. They’ve rightfully earned their spot on the pop-punk Mount Rushmore.
- Jacob Wojtowicz, Assistant Features Editor
“Copacetic” by Knuckle Puck
Nothing screams “the weather is getting colder” like some nihilistic pop-punk.
- Emma Anders, Social Media Assistant
PODCASTS AND E-BOOKS:
Podcast: Giggly Squad
This podcast is about two best friends, Hannah Berner and Paige Desorbo, who get together once a week to laugh. They roast each other, complain about men and touch on pop culture and documentaries. It's a great podcast for when you need something unserious and relaxing.
- Lilly Ensminger, Senior Multimedia Editor
Podcast: I Never Liked You
Best friends Matteo Lane and Nick Smith discuss their opinions on seemingly mundane topics like restaurant chains, movies and popular singers. With comedian Matteo Lane’s celebrity impressions and observational humor, and Nick’s unending sass and unexpected rage, the two end up on tangents and hot takes that are always hilarious. With each episode being less than half an hour, this podcast is good to listen to in the background while doing chores or other menial tasks to make your day a little more funny.
- Nadia Brach, Senior Features Editor
Podcast: The Cancelled Podcast
I love this podcast so much. I’ve watched every single episode since day one, and I am devastated to see it end. I would recommend this podcast to anyone who needs a good laugh, wants to escape from their own life, or just wants to know some stupid TikTok drama.
- Alyssa Ramos, Assistant Multimedia Editor
Audiobook: “The Wicked King” by Holly Black
I am one to always hate TikTok books, I believe the majority of them are smut-driven, trope thirsting, new-gen freaks of literature; however, I am in the WORST book slump of my life so I finally took up on the hype of “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black. It was good, but I think I read about seventeen books that follow the same fantasy plot. Now I’m on the second book and I want to read the entire trilogy to give my full rating, but as of right now, the first and second books have an average rating of 3.5 stars. Anyway, give audiobooks a try, they are helpful in getting out of the worst book slumps you can imagine.
- Amy Aracena, Managing Editor
