Top Ten Artists RMA Seniors are Listening To
- J. Cole- This artist, born in Frankfort, Germany and raised in Fayetteville, NC, is a favorite for many of the senior class. Just last month, the artist released his most recent album, titled “4 Your Eyez Only”. The album’s much anticipated arrival was far from a letdown for fans. Some of the most popular tracks included “For Whom The Bell Tolls”, “Neighbors”, and the carefree tune “Foldin Clothes”. J. Cole’s music has something that just about everyone can relate to, whether it be his innocent days as a kid, heartbreak, or his transition into adulthood. As for his fan base in the Class of 2017, Rob Turnage will most likely take song requests from the artist’s lengthy catalog. When talking about J. Cole with him, you will not be able to avoid hearing how he went “platinum with no features”. On his mixtape “Given Sunday #1” (2011), lesser known hits like “Knock On Wood”, “How High”, and “Pity” showcase the artist’s innovation. On “The Warm Up” (2009), “I Get Up”, “Dollar and a Dream II”, and “Get Away” impressed listeners with every verse.
- Van Morrison- This timeless artist’s nostalgia is a part of what makes his music so appealing. A classic like “Brown Eyed Girl” (1967) is a must at just about every RMA dance for a reason. The song’s bright and cheery sound makes it almost impossible not to sing along through an unavoidable smile. A personal favorite of mine, “Into The Mystic” (1970), showcases the melodic quality of acoustic guitars and a nostalgic sound that feels overwhelmingly familiar. The hit “Come Running” (1970) features elements of jazz, zydeco, and rock and roll while making them fit in perfect harmony. Last but not least, “Tupelo Honey” (1971) is a work that will go down in lyrical history as one of the greatest ballads of our time.
- The Red Hot Chili Peppers- This internationally popular group has developed a formula of rock that has captivated listeners for years. Elements of funk are certainly visible in the band’s repertoire. The album “Stadium Arcadium” holds some of the group’s most popular hits, including “Dani California”, “Snow (Hey Oh)”, and “Wet Sand”. Just last Friday, Thomas Moore could been seen giving a few students a performance of “Califonication”, accompanied by Rob Turnage on the guitar. Stay tuned as these two, along with Will Pruden and Max Collins, “get the 6th grade band back together” for future concerts.
- Steely Dan- These iconic hit makers are responsible for timeless songs like “Reelin’ In The Years” and “Do It Again”. While many may be unfamiliar with this group, their songs were all the rave in the ‘70s and into the ‘80s. The group’s most recent album, “Everything Must Go”, was released in 2003 and hold true to the Steely Dan sound of years ago. At the moment, my favorite album by the group would have to be “Aja” (1977), because of its generally upbeat theme. One common thread throughout the band’s works is the ambiguous nature of their lyrics. The idea of decoding subliminal messages seems to embody the spirit of the 70s and listening to this group’s tunes have the ability to take you back to the decades of their origins.
- Creedence Clearwater Revival- The rock and roll bluegrass group will have you in the mindset of one who hails from the bayous of Louisiana. The old southern sound of this iconic group had songwriter and lead singer John Fogarty at its forefront until he split from the group. 1969 brought several American classics, courtesy of CCR, including “Fortunate Son”, “Cotton Fields”, “Born On The Bayou”, “Proud Mary”, and “Bad Moon Rising”. Classic Americana would simply not be the same without these wildly popular hits. Again, keep your eye out for covers by self-proclaimed Revivalist, Thomas Moore.
- Josh Turner- This country artist’s lyrics are able to connect with an audience like not many others. Senior Caitlyn Vester swears by his musical genius, maintains the stance that 2012 was the greatest year for country music, and has the evidence to back it up. With Turner’s hit “Time Is Love” contributing to this year of greatness, I can’t say that I disagree. Aside from this, the album “Haywire” (2010) featured songs like “Why Don’t We Just Dance” and “I Wouldn’t Be A Man”. The list of beloved Josh Turner songs could go on, but it’s impossible to mention his name without acknowledging his most well-known song which features his signature smooth voice, “Your Man”.
- Childish Gambino- Back from a two-year hiatus, this artist returned to the music scene with a sound that was different from his previous releases. The album’s title, “Awaken, My Love!” features popular songs “Redbone” and “Stand Tall”. The former shows off Gambino’s versatile presence with obvious rock influences and a Prince-esque feel. The latter features the artist’s more candid, stripped-down voice and has an inspirational message. “Kauai”, an album released in 2014, came with upbeat vibes seen in “Retro” and “The Palisades”. If you’re interested in digging a little deeper into his career, Neha Baliga will have you pretty much covered.
- Chance the Rapper- This artist’s career is on a steady rise to the top. His latest mixtape, “Coloring Book”, was released in 2016 and garnered support from fans across the country. His recent songs, “Blessings”, “Angels”, and Finish Line/Drown, embody the artist’s joyful personality. Familiar listeners will know that this positive sound is to be expected. His previous releases have included “Windows” and “Juice”, the perfect fusions of juvenile comedy and simplistic enjoyments. While these songs are sure to make you smile, “Everybody’s Something” and “Nostalgia” show the more emotional side of the music maker. The appropriately titled track, “Favorite Song” is one that will lift your mood in just about every situation. It’s hard not to love this artist’s spontaneous, occasionally comical, flows.
- Fleetwood Mac- Another blast from the past, this iconic hallmark of American music has withstood the test of time. “Rumors” (1977) was undeniably one of the group’s most popular releases. The album came together, thanks to songs like “Dreams” (a favorite for seniors Marin Rommel and Anna Scott Wingfield), “Go Your Own Way”, and “The Chain”. The group struck the perfect balance of emphasis on instrumental and vocal elements to create this work. Don’t take my word for it, the band is also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- The Cast of Hamilton- This exceptionally popular musical took the nation, and RMA, by storm. Last year, any mention of the name Alexander Hamilton throughout U.S. History class reminded us of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s stroke of genius. Even though the play’s first performance graced the stage in February of 2015, time has made the hearts of many seniors grow fonder for the soundtrack. The range of emotion expressed throughout the musical is encapsulated in the songs that accompany it. Needless to say, many of this year’s senior class are extremely jealous that the Class of 2016 managed to get tickets to see the play on their class trip to New York City last year. Even though only one lucky member of the Class of 2017 has had the privilege of being in the audience, I have no reservations stating that Maxwell Miller and Lindy Pittman could perform each song without missing a beat.
