Hatchet reporter Hilary Kelly shares her latest musical obsessions.
“Papi”
Jennifer Lopez
Armed with her typical flair, J.Lo gives us another song perfect for a weekend dancing with friends. Even though this song has an arguably misogynistic message (“I’m good as long as he’s around / dance for your papi”), it still celebrates independence and feminism. Featuring an infectious beat, tribal, almost, and J.Lo’s effortlessly fierce vocals, this song is impossible to ignore – especially on the dance floor.
“Run the World (Girls)”
Beyonce
Beyonce throws all the Sasha Fierce she has into this hypnotic song. With a voice positively dripping with sheer power and a beat that will make anyone want to get up and dance, Beyonce delivers what may be her best track yet. This is the ultimate girl power song – the beat is strong and sexy; the vocals, powerful yet feminine. The song exudes everything it means to be a woman in today’s world: confidence, poise, strength and power. Needless to say, had this song been around at the turn of the last century, the 19th Amendment would have been ratified a lot sooner.
“Staying’s Worse than Leaving”
Sunny Sweeney
I am not a fan of country music, but as someone who generally enjoys singing along with whatever is playing, I found myself enjoying this song more than I thought I would. Is it simple? Yes – almost too simple; in this case, though, I don’t think it matters. Not every song needs to be flashy and overdone. The harmonies in the chorus are pretty and the vocals are easy to listen to. This song is perfect for someone who just wants something fun to sing along with.