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It’s time for round two of earworms - songs that get stuck in my head. Another mix of genres and artists that somehow blend together in my brain. It's the mixtape, Earworms Vol. 2.
“Used to Be” by Matt Nathanson
Nathanson is a fantastic singer-songwriter who draws heavily on reflective, heartfelt songs and this one is no exception. It explores the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and the passage of time. Nathanson's smooth vocals, paired with acoustic-driven melodies, evoke a sense of longing for the past, specifically for a time when things felt simpler and more carefree.
“Trout” by Neneh Cherry
This one is a banger. Cherry (the daughter of jazz trumpet player Don Cherry) teams up with Michael Stipe for a song that fuses elements of hip-hop, rock, and funk. Released in the early '90s, the song features sharp, spoken-word-style verses about safe sex and a catchy, rhythmic groove that showcases Cherry's unique style and ability to blend genres. Added bonus: You’ll probably recognize the samples from Zeppelin and Steppenwolf.
“Growing Old” by The Origin
An obscure gem from my college radio days, the piano/acoustic guitar driven track was a staple on my shows back in the day. Similar to “Used to Be”, “Growing Old” is a melancholic yet introspective song that grapples with the inevitability of aging and the reflections it stirs. It really encompassed so much of what college radio was back in the early 1990s. I always expected that this song could have broken them into the mainstream but alas it didn’t.
“Insider” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Somewhat of a deep cut for Petty, my love of this song came from seeing a live performance of the song - it was a rebroadcast after his death, of one of his final shows. A song Petty wrote for Stevie Nicks for her album Bella Donna but after laying down the track, Petty told Nicks that he couldn’t give her the song. She understood and eventually he wrote “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” for her. “Insider” is both beautiful and haunting and remains one of my favorite Petty songs of all time.
“Respectfully King of Rain” by The Rave-Ups
Similar to The Origin, I thought this one from The Rave-Ups would break them into the big time. Released in 1990, the song fell right into my wheelhouse of jangly, guitar driven alternative rock music. The song reflects themes of heartache, loss, and the complexities of love, with the titular "King of Rain" symbolizing someone who is perpetually weighed down by “emotional storms”.
“If You Really Love Me” by Stevie Wonder
I think this song gets lost in the incredible catalog of Stevie Wonder. Released in 1971, the song blends vibrant elements of funk, pop, and Motown with dynamic shifts between lively brass sections and smooth piano riffs. It’s a fun, beautiful song that feels like a transition song from early Stevie Wonder to the funkier, harder-edged Stevie Wonder. It’s a perfect song.
“Lonely Boy” by Andrew Gold
You want pure 70’s gold? This song is right up there near the top of the list. A catchy and bittersweet pop-rock song, Gold spins a sad tale throughout a song that tweaks the tempo and beats with the piano driving the tune throughout. Don’t miss the help he gets from Linda Ronstadt and others from her band.
“Castle on the Hill” by Ed Sheeran
This is my favorite Sheeran song by far. It’s an anthem built around a charging beat and rapid, looping acoustic guitars. It’s nostalgic and it’s Sheeran at his best lyrically as he evokes a sense of longing and excitement, recounting moments of growing up in his hometown. The song’s energetic yet emotional delivery, combined with its vivid storytelling, makes the song a heartfelt tribute to home, growth, and the passage of time.
“Swim Until You Can’t See Land” by Frightened Rabbit
My discovery of the Scottish band was almost too late - lead singer Scott Hutchison died in 2018 after disappearing for a number of days. His songwriting combined with the band's music brought such emotion to me upon first listen. The mix of folk rock and the themes of fear and hope creates an emotional weight to the song. A great song from a highly underrated (and truly missed) band.
“Breakout” by Swing Out Sister
Ending our second volume of earworms is maybe the catchiest song on the list. Combining some solid synth new wave feels with touches of soul and jazz gives you a fantastic pop hit from the 1980s. The song’s energetic rhythm, driven by bright horns, smooth synthesizers, and a catchy melody, captures a feeling of optimism. I dare you to put this one and not breakout into a dance.
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