Reviews

AOTW: Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – I Said I Loved You First

Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Sylvia Gredzinski ‘27

Album of The Week: Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco – I Said I Loved You First

Released: March 21, 2025

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Gracie Abrams, Troye Sivan, Sabrina Carpenter

Selena Gomez is a multi-talented singer, actress, and producer known for her emotional, diary-like songwriting and smooth vocal delivery. From her early pop hits with Stars Dance to the introspective sounds of Rare and Revelación, she has continuously evolved as an artist, blending pop, R&B, and Latin influences.

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Staff Picks: Ethan’s Top 5

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025 by Liz Kosik

Hi, I’m Ethan, the Events Coordinator at WLOY, and here are my top 5 songs of the week!

5. “Stacy’s mom”– Fountains of Wayne: Do I even need to describe why this song is here? I think we all can agree this song is amazing from start to finish. The chorus is just such a classic and most people who hear it just have to sing along.

4. “House of the Rising Sun” – The Animals: I have family from Louisiana so whenever I hear this song I think of them. I called them this week and not even an hour later Spotify suggested this song. The song brings a familiar feeling when listening and it’s hard not to enjoy hearing that organ play!

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SOTW: “Love Me” – Elvis Presley

Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Elizabeth Kosik ’25

Song of The Week: “Love Me” – Elvis Presley

Released: October 19, 1956

Rate: 10/10

RIYL: Ritchie Valens, Paul Anka, Billy Joel

Elvis Presley, often called the King of Rock and Roll, revolutionized music with his blend of blues, country, and gospel influences. Born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi, he rose to fame in the mid-1950s with his charismatic performances and swooning nature. His early success with Sun Records led to a major contract with RCA, launching a career that made him an icon. By 1956, he had become a household name, known for his stage presence and untouchable hits. His self-titled debut album, Elvis, showcased his raw talent, featuring a mix of rockabilly energy and heartfelt ballads that would define his legacy.
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AOTW: Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR – $ome $exy $ongs 4 U

Thursday, March 27th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Fiona Galang ’27

Album of The Week: Drake & PARTYNEXTDOOR – $ome $exy $ongs 4 U

Released: February 14, 2025

Rate: 6/10

RIYL: PARTYNEXTDOOR, The Weeknd, Bryson Tiller

Drake is a Canadian rapper and singer who was inspired by Jay-Z and Clipse. In 2009, So Far Gone was where he really gained traction with “Best I Ever Had,” and “Successful,” which are still getting hundreds of thousands of plays to this day. Thank Me Later, Take Care, Views, Scorpion, Certified Lover Boy, I could go on and on about all his 29 hit albums. $ome $exy $ongs 4 U has some big shoes to fill.

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Staff Picks: Max’s Top 5

Wednesday, March 26th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

Hi, I’m Max, the Production Director at WLOY, and here are my top 5 songs of the week!

5. “Rebel Yell” – Billy Idol. Inspired by Jim Morrison, Mick Jagger, and so many more music legends, Idol’s work truly encapsulates punk and new wave all while having a unique flair. I absolutely love how bad*ss the song sounds and the overall punk and rock and roll vibe to it. It’s one of my favorite shower songs as well!

4. “Digital Love” – Daft Punk. As a huge fan of both music and music production, I absolutely ADORE Daft Punk. Their ability to effortlessly sample and repurpose timeless classics is unmatched. Sampling the 1979 song, “I Love You More”, the French Duo created an absolute masterpiece that I can’t stop listening to. I absolutely love the sound of synths and electronics and it’s currently #3 in my “On Repeat” Spotify playlist!

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SOTW: “The Edge” – The American Dawn

Tuesday, March 25th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Isabelle Braudakis ’25

Song of The Week: “The Edge” – The American Dawn

Released: February 7, 2025

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Them and I, Paradise Blossom, Beach Vacation

The American Dawn, the project of Tennessee singer-songwriter Isaak Wesley Isbell, has been steadily carving out a name in the indie music scene. Isbell started out producing songs in his bedroom, relying on raw talent rather than a big studio or industry connections. His debut single, “Her,” dropped in July 2024 and quickly gained traction, racking up over 35 million streams in just six months. Thanks in part to TikTok, where the song’s emotional depth struck a chord with listeners, The American Dawn built a growing fanbase eager to see what he’d do next. His latest release, “The Edge,” which came out in February 2025, proves that his breakout success wasn’t a fluke—he’s an artist with real staying power.

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Explore Baltimore: Top 5 Mexican Eats

Friday, March 21st, 2025 by Liz Kosik

1. Clavel – A trendy mezcaleria and taqueria in Remington serving house-made tortillas, flavorful tacos, and some of the best mezcal cocktails in the city. The queso fundido is a must!

2. La Calle – This Mexican restaurant near the Inner Harbor combines traditional flavors with modern twists. Try the birria tacos or their famous ceviche for a fresh bite.

3. Cocina Luchadoras – A cozy, family-run taqueria in Fells Point offering authentic Mexican street food. Their tacos al pastor and tamales are local favorites, and the colorful decor makes it a fun stop.

4. Tortilleria Sinaloa – A small but mighty spot on Eastern Avenue known for its fresh, handmade tortillas. Their simple yet delicious tacos, especially the carnitas, make this a go-to for locals.

5. Blue Agave – A vibrant cantina in Federal Hill with a deep tequila menu and flavorful dishes like shrimp adobo fajitas and street-style elote. Great for a lively night out!

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AOTW: The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

Thursday, March 20th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Fiona Galang ’27

Album of The Week: The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow

Released: January 31, 2025

Rate: 8/10

RIYL: Frank Ocean, Travis Scott, Lana Del Rey

The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow is an immersive sonic journey that showcases his continued evolution as an artist. The album blends elements of R&B, synth-pop, electronic, and alternative sounds, creating a dark yet captivating atmosphere. In this album, the artist collaborates with Anitta, Florence + The Machine, Future, and others.

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Staff Picks: Margaret’s Top 5

Wednesday, March 19th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

Hi, I’m Margaret, a music librarian at WLOY, and here are my top 5 songs of the week!

5. “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”– Paul Simon: For my last pick I’m going with something from my Sunday morning clean up playlists. My mom believes that cleaning is done best on mornings and mornings mean classics for my household so thank you to Paul Simon for being the only reason my bed got made this week.

4. “Why Is Everyone A DJ?” – Laundry Day: I’m a simple girl. You give me a song that sounds like an early 2000s Disney boyband and I’m going to eat it up every time. Sometimes music is just fun! If you see me head-banging on the humanities porch this is what is BLASTING in my headphones

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AOTW: Little Moon – Dear Divine

Thursday, March 13th, 2025 by Liz Kosik

by Genevieve Torkornoo ’25

Album of The Week: Little Moon – Dear Divine

Released: October 25, 2024

Rate: 10/10

RIYL: Phoebe Bridgers, Haley Heynderichx, Mitski

Little Moon, also known as Emma Hardyman, is a singer and songwriter whose music specializes in the folk genre. Her album Dear Divine is inspired by the hit game The Legend of Zelda and features a variety of instruments, including banjo, horns, melodica, and many more. The album has a very angelic sound, and her voice complements the instrumental with a soft, velvety tone.

My favorite track from this album is “Wonder Eyes,” as the lyrics are incredibly inspiring and encourage listeners to reflect on the deeper meaning of life. The upbeat chorus keeps listeners engaged all the way to the end.

The album is beautifully crafted, with her notes being elegant and showcasing her ability to reach high notes with ease. If you’re a fan of folk music or soothing, calming tunes to get you through a busy day, this album is definitely for you!

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