This week’s What We’re Listening to Wednesday balances two contrasting moods: restless energy and quiet reflection. Some tracks move fast with layered synths and driving rhythms, while others pull back to create space for emotion and thought. Together, they capture the experience of late summer, a time when everything feels intense, sometimes overwhelming, but still holds moments of calm.
What Cheyenne’s Listening To
Track One – “Helena Beat” – Foster the People
A track that remains fresh more than a decade after its release, “Helena Beat” carries an anxious energy through its fast tempo and multi-layered production. The pulsing synths and driving drums create a sense of urgency that fits the wired mood of this playlist. The vocals are catchy without feeling overly polished, maintaining an edge that feels authentic and raw.
Track Two – “Sugar on My Tongue” – Tyler, The Creator
From Tyler’s newest album, Don’t Tap the Glass, which dropped on July 21, this track is brief but impactful. At just a little over two minutes, it delivers a playful, experimental sound marked by distorted bass and inventive vocal delivery. It stands out for its ability to feel both loose and carefully crafted, a fitting balance of energy and precision.
Track Three – “River” – The Belle Game
A shift in pace and tone, “River” is moody and atmospheric. The song builds slowly with layered instrumentation and steady, engaging vocals. It brings a more introspective element to the playlist, providing space to breathe after the earlier, more frenetic tracks. The production’s depth adds emotional weight without feeling heavy.
What Nathan’s Listening To
Track Four – “Libertine” – Courrier Sud & Corine
This track blends French electronic influences with clean pop production. “Libertine” features smooth synth lines and crisp percussion that create a steady groove. It’s polished but never overproduced, making it an easy listen that maintains the playlist’s cool, collected side.
Track Five – “Giving Up” – Whitney
A gentle, emotionally direct song, “Giving Up” leans on soft vocals and sparse acoustic instrumentation. The falsetto delivery conveys vulnerability while the arrangement stays simple, showing how minimalism can effectively express complex emotions. It’s a good example of subtlety in songwriting.
Track Six – “Over” – Kings of Leon
“Over” highlights a slower, more reflective side of Kings of Leon’s sound. The track’s midtempo pace and heavier guitar tones create a serious, contemplative atmosphere. It provides balance within the playlist, adding emotional depth without overpowering the other songs.
What Laneisha’s Listening To
Track Seven – “Ring Ring Ring” – Tyler, The Creator
In contrast to his other track this week, “Ring Ring Ring” is quirky and unpredictable. The beat feels chopped and layered, almost improvisational, but it’s clearly a deliberate artistic choice. This song showcases Tyler’s experimental side and adds texture to the playlist’s diverse sound.
Track Eight – “My Heart” – Odeal
A smooth, understated R&B track, “My Heart” focuses on melody and vocal control rather than flashy production. The steady vocals deliver emotion quietly but effectively, making it one of the more grounded songs in this collection. It’s a calming moment amidst the playlist’s shifts in energy.
Track Nine – “Daily Star” – Ivy Lab
Closing the playlist, “Daily Star” leans into minimal, glitchy electronic sounds. The track is sparse and restrained, using slow rhythms and textured layers to create an almost meditative feel. It’s colder in tone than the other songs but fits the theme by offering a quiet, thoughtful end to the listening experience.
Whether you’re looking to stay energized or settle into reflection, these tracks offer a fitting soundtrack for late summer.
