"Good Will Hunting" by Black Country, New Road
The song that started it all. My life would not be complete without this song. I was introduced to it in late summer 2023, and I have not been able to stop listening since. The album that it comes from, “Ants From Up There,” is without a doubt my favorite album of all time. It holds such a special place in my heart, and I keep waiting for the day that I’m sick of listening to it … but that day never comes. “ “Good Will Hunting”” encapsulates my entire freshman year experience.
“Only If” by Steve Lacy
This one-minute, forty-second song is short but mighty. In my freshman year at The University of Arizona, I had a hard time finding friends for the first month or two. But listening to the lyrics in this song got me through that loneliness. Now, whenever my friends tell me that they’re having a hard time, I recommend they listen to the lyrics in this song. Try it out sometime.
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd
When this all-time classic made its way into my life, I made it everyone’s problem. I told all my friends to tune into my radio show, Business Time with DJ Mino, while I sang it karaoke-style at full volume over the airwaves on KAMP Student Radio in Arizona. Now, it’s impossible for me to listen to this song without lip syncing to every single lyric. If I ever find myself on a stage somewhere, I will instantly know exactly what song to sing.
“dance yrself clean - live at madison square garden” by LCD Soundsystem
The normal recorded version of “dance yrself clean” is great, but this live version is spectacular. The first time (and every time after) that I’ve listened to it, the beat drop has made it feel like I was there at the concert. Something about it sounds so real and immersive. I originally heard it during my first quarter at DePaul and had it on repeat for those next ten weeks. So to me, this song sounds like a Chicago summer transitioning into fall. LCD Soundsystem is coming to the Aragon Ballroom on March 5, and I am so excited to see them.
Nausicaä (Love Will Be Revealed) by Cameron Winter
Can a song achieve a perfect balance between emotional and cheery? “Nausicaä” says yes. My fall quarter 2025 was filled with Cameron Winter’s shaky voice, which has become a fan favorite. His band Geese has become an overnight sensation … I’m predicting they will be at this year’s Lollapalooza. “Nausicaä” is the perfect song to listen to as this year’s cold Cameron Winter comes to an end and gives way to… Cameron Spring?
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