Even in the 21st century, it’s crazy to think that artists are still coming up with original songs that sound significantly different than every other song previously written and produced. New music continues to impact students throughout each school year. The radio, along with many favorite artists and bands’ new album releases and hit singles, can have the power to influence music choices. Both semesters this year were full of fantastic music, with many top hits constantly stuck in Colorado Mesa University students’ heads.
Looking back at fall semester, one song in particular stands out to me: “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd ft. Gucci Mane. This song went viral, as it became the famous Mannequin Challenge background music. CMU students, including the Maverick Stampede, the Mavettes dance team, the Maverick cheerleaders and spectators in the stands participated in this challenge at a football game back in November.
According to Billboard’s Hot 100 Songs, in the fall of 2016, “Ride” by Twenty-One Pilots, “This is What You Came For” by Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna, “Cold Water” by Justin Bieber, “Side to Side” by Arianna Grande, “Starving” by Haliee Steinfield, and “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars were all top hits. I can remember hearing all of these songs over and over again at the Mav Center while working out.
This spring semester has brought on a whole new list of songs liked by students. “It Ain’t Me” by Selena Gomez and Kygo, “Issues” by Julia Michahels, “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, “Something Just Like This” by the Chainsmokers and Coldplay, “Chained To The Rhythm” by Katy Perry ft. Skip Marley, “That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars, “Swalla” by Jason Derulo ft. Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, and “I Don’t Wanna Live Forever” by Zayn Malik and Taylor Swift (debuted in the movie “Fifty Shades Darker”) are being played over and over again as we speak.
Still, I think it’s safe to say that “Closer” by the Chainsmokers probably ranked up there as the most replayed song from the entire school year. Besides the fact that it was written by a very popular band and has a very catchy tune, I think many students got excited about this song, as it mentions cities that they are from, such as Boulder and Tucson.
Student Life even played this song repeatedly at all the events they hosted. Though some students, like Roan Hall, heard this song too many times.
“I heard it played at the Point, the gym, in the UC, in the plaza and on the radio all the time. I got a bit sick of it,” Hall said.
Branching out from the overplayed songs, Hall says “1000 Times” by Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam (heard on the soundtrack for the show “13 Reasons Why”) would be his top pick of the year.
Overall, the 2016/2017 school year was filled with some great (and not so great) memories, many of which were set to the soundtrack of the day’s top hits.
