Staff-picked memento playlist of Fall 2021

Photo by Sydney Presley

The Lee Clarion staff curated a playlist of our favorite songs for our audience to connect to staff members. Each song has an explanation linked to a staff member, and tracks are listed in order of the playlist on Spotify. This is an invitation to shuffle through the songs and add a piece of ourselves to your own playlist. 

“Remember When” by Wallows 

“This is one of my all-time favorite songs. I’ve loved it for years. It’s catchy, well-written and holds a lot of meaning for me.” — Anna Shand, Editor in Chief 

“Running Away From Home” by Eddie Benjamin 

“This song is all about growing up and surviving the world on your own, which I love and relate to. I love it.” — Anna Shand, Editor in Chief

“Something In The Air” by Winnetka Bowling League

“This is the song to listen to when you stop stomping around campus, and you have to sit and think about the day that just happened to you. Use for dramatic and introspective moments only.” — Kristin Shaffer, Senior Reporter

“Cool With Being Crazy” by Willow City 

“Every time I hear this song, I think of Shannon, one of my best friends, and each laugh we have shared since being friends. It is one of my top feel-good songs.” —  Annie Youther, Senior Reporter

“Disconnected” by 5 Seconds of Summer

“This was my favorite song when I was in middle school. The band themselves are my favorite, even today. Disconnected is my favorite song off their first album.” — Chris Burkhalter, Senior Reporter

“Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia 

“I heard this song for the first time when One Direction (R.I.P) performed a cover on the X-Factor in 2010. Then in 2014, I had it on repeat for days after being rejected by my crush at the Valentine’s Day dance. Despite being a sad song tied to an embarrassing 8th-grade memory, I feel a wave of nostalgia every time it plays.” —  Annie Youther, Senior Reporter 

“More Than A Woman” by Bee Gees 

“I worked as a whitewater photographer this summer on the Ocoee River. I would listen to this song every time I drove up the gorge to shoot a trip. It is the perfect song to drive through the mountains with the windows down. Would get me excited no matter what.” — Shay Maclean, Senior Reporter 

“Hope is A Heartache” by LÉON 

“I will have weeks where I cannot get this song out of my head. No matter where I am, it will transport me to feel like I’m riding on the New York City subway with my best friend. Dreamy.” — Shay Maclean, Senior Reporter 

“American Pie” by Don McLean

"I'm a fan of any song that tells a meaningful story or has interesting imagery produced by the lyrics; American Pie has both.” — Harrison McCroskey, Copy Editor 

“I Need You” by America

"It's the kind of song you can loop, sit back and dream. Also, folk rock bands are awesome!" — Harrison McCroskey, Copy Editor

Gelido in Ogni Vena from “Il Farnace” by Antonio Vivaldi (performed by Cecilia Bartoli)

“Hear me out. There’s something about the driving rhythm and the dynamic intensity of this aria that makes it perfect to listen to while stomping around campus.” — Kristin Shaffer, Senior Reporter 

“Romeo” by Jungle (Feat. Bas)  

“It’s just a vibe that makes you feel like you’re not where you actually are. I did not feel like I was in Ohio, driving through cornfields while listening to Romeo.” — Abigail White, Life Editor 

“Caroline” by Briston Maroney 

“This song makes me think of my best friend Anastasia, and it reminds me that I have dreams. During the summer, all I do is impulsively drive the same roads, so it keeps my brain thinking about new roads and new experiences ahead.” — Abigail White, Life Editor 

“Me and The Sky” by Jenn Colella 

“I chose my song because it makes me happy (until the end), and it’s very empowering. It tells me that as a woman, I can and will break those glass ceilings and that even in the face of extreme and unimaginable tragedy, there’s still good in the world.” — Taylor Lane, News Editor 

“If You Really Love Me” by  Stevie Wonder

“You can never go wrong with Stevie. Any song would’ve been great, but I just happened to choose this one. His music is timeless and just always brings a smile to my face.” — Kristen Blevins, Sports Editor 

“20 Something” by SZA

“This song is just super relatable, being in my 20s. Excellent artist, excellent lyrics. Puts you right in your feels knowing your 20s will inevitably end, and you don’t want them to.” — Kristen Blevins, Sports Editor 

“Loud” by The Collection

“[This song] speaks to resisting the temptation to stay silent instead of standing up for those around you.”—  Isaac Vacheresse, Senior Photographer

“Look Up”  by Joy Oladokun

“Joy Oladokun’s ‘Joy’ is a reminder to notice the beauty of everyday life which can bring positivity and peace.” — Isaac Vacheresse, Senior Photographer

“Alive” by Dabin ft RUNN

“One of my all-time favorite songs, life anthem, you could say, is Alive. This song has gotten me through the best and the worst in life.” — Lucy Ren, Social Media 

“Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls 

“I always feel misunderstood and that no one really gets me. This song conveys that feeling.” — Riley Latham, Senior Designer 

“childhood bedroom” by Ben Platt 

“[This song] speaks on anxiety and how it is unavoidable sometimes, but we can think of our happy place to try and make us feel better. There aren’t many songs out like this. Who wouldn’t want to jam to this?”— Riley Latham, Senior Designer