“Elevated Tracks”, A Playlist by OKRP’s Summer Interns (Vol. 41)

Whiskey & Bananas Mixtape Series

OKRP's group of 2017 summer interns curated this month's playlist, a meditation on youth and possibility. Check out what the next generation of advertising sounds like! 8teen — Khalid This song — and Khalid in general — knows how to transport you to having no responsibilities, to driving through your hometown with your friends and all the windows down, music blasting. To wondering what love was like, or worrying about coming home to a parent’s punishment. Take Khalid’s alternative R&B genius for a spin, you won’t regret it.  — Anna Alonso Waiting in Vain — Bob Marley “Waiting in Vain” catches the classic Bob Marley vibe that so many other reggae artists try to repeat. Bob glides over the classic reggae beat and riffs, singing as he waits in vain for some love.  — Jake Lesnik Momma’s Boy — Chromeo A quirky pop classic about a momma’s boy who is in search for the ideal woman. The upbeat melody of the song contrasts well with the dark comedic lyrics to weave an interesting tale about the search for love.  — Tristian Montgomery Adieu — Tchami This song in general for me will absolutely never get old, I can listen to it five times in a row. It has that melodic chill vibe that hits home for me, but also gets you moving when the drop comes around. I know if you are into EDM, this is a trademark song for what it is all about. Let it work on you and you’ll begin to respect it.  — Creighton Hudak iT — Christine and the Queens With a beat that will cause every vein in your body to dance, “iT” by Christine and the Queens should be your go-to track whenever you need a moment to sway around the kitchen or take a cruise under the city lights. Regardless of your gender, I guarantee that after playing this track you’ll be screaming, “I’m a man now” at the top of your lungs.  — Zur Thibodeaux Flowers in Your Hair — The Lumineers “Flowers in Your Hair” is super short, but jam-packed with meaningful lyrics. This song talks about getting older and paints a great picture. “Flowers in Your Hair” is super laid-back and easy to listen to for almost every occasion.  — Lauren Mitchell River Lea — Adele I remember being at DTW airport (Detroit) in December of 2015, waiting for my flight home, listening to “25” on repeat. I appreciated Adele’s ability to generate a feeling of “love lost” in me even though I haven’t necessarily lost a love. The album, as is expected of Adele, weaves a narrative of regret and rebirth. “River Lea” is where the former starts to transition into the latter. It is all about Adele coming to terms with her bad habits, the fact that they are difficult to challenge, and apologizing for the impact they may have had on her partner. The river is a representation of the habits that ruined her relationship. It has made her who she is, but has also carried her down a path she can’t continue on, emphasized in a part of the chorus, saying “I can’t go back to the river.” She is leaving behind the person she was so that she can move on to the next phase of her life.  — Guy Madjar Why Georgia — John Mayer Mayer’s lyrics, “quarter-life crisis” and “of a still verdictless life” indicate a feeling of being lost — however, when paired with a pop melody and soft falsetto, the listener gets a warm, hopeful vibe that makes this an easy listen. This one brings me to summer road trips with mom and miles and miles of karaoke.  — Grace Paul Sunshine — Atmosphere This is a feel good hip-hop song with understandable lyrics, and warm sounds to match. I choose this song so listeners can be exposed to hip-hop that tells a story while still providing a festive vibe.  — John McCormick All the Pretty Girls — Kaleo Kaleo is an up-and-coming group from Iceland with an “indie pop,” Bon Iver essence. I love listening to “All the Pretty Girls” when I want to unwind because of its tranquil and sincere sound. On my 18-hour car ride home from Miami of Ohio to Colorado, I listened to it probably 100+ times. It simply never gets old.  — Natalie Cofield