Music is essential to the human experience. We are one of the only species with a concept of musicality, and we have used that to tell stories, inspire emotion and find our own meaning in the songs of others. Because of this, the music a group of people listens to is a window into their culture, personalities and values.
Today, music preference varies widely — some students opt for more popular artists and genres while others pride themselves on listening to artists few others have ever heard of. The following is a slice of what Ole Miss students are listening to. Some of these songs have deep emotional significance to their listeners, while others are enjoyed simply for their musical qualities. But they are all important to chronicling the varying tastes and passions of our campus in 2024.
“Peace” by Taylor Swift (2020)
“It’s a beautiful song, especially lyrically. It essentially expresses that because most of her life is public, she can give her partner so many things but she will never be able to give him peace, mostly because she simply cannot control what the outside world thinks of her or the relationship itself,” Maddie Murray, a freshman elementary education major from Pass Christian, Miss., said.
“Nirvana” by Sam Smith (2013)
“It gives me a really nostalgic vibe, and I play it as a feel-good song, especially when I’m driving,” McKenzie McDonald, a freshman communication sciences and disorders major from Aberdeen, Miss., said.
“Wake up Sister” by Parov Stelar ft. Max (2009)
“I have probably listened to this song every day of the new year,” Kaitlyn Steinroder, a junior film production major from Wake Forest, N.C., said. “It just has this swanky vibe with a mix of jazz and house. It’s good to put on when I’m getting ready, walking, driving, daydreaming. It’s versatile and makes me want to dance.”
“Selfless” by The Strokes (2020)
“I have been loving the entire ‘New Abnormal’ album, and that song is a good example of how it uses unique, almost happy sounding melodies to tell a sad story,” Leighton Hewitt, a freshman journalism major from Covington, La., said.
“Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac (1977)
“It was my grandfather’s favorite and my mom’s, so it naturally became mine. They both passed away, so when I listen to it, I think of them,” Lauren Hondlik, a sophomore theater arts major from Cleveland, Ohio said.
“You Said” by The Horrors (2011)
“The song has an amazing collage-like overlaying of different instrumentals, with several cool variations of synthesizer,” Annie Evans, a freshman business major from Iuka, Miss., said. “The whole song is very fun and is a great example of creative contemporary new wave and neo-psychedelia.”
“All My Love” by Noah Kahan (2022)
“I love Noah Kahan’s personality. He shows true emotions in his music, and it brings me so much joy. I feel like today’s generation likes music that they can relate to and makes them feel something, and that is exactly what this song does for me,” Sadie Platz, a senior allied health studies major from Water Valley, Miss., said.
“No Chances” by Twenty One Pilots (2021)
“I’ve been a fan of them for a long time, and I think this song is a culmination of their previous work. It combines many of the different musical styles they have explored in their albums while also providing the climax to the story this album is trying to tell,” Ian Watson, a junior computer science major from Florence, Miss., said.
“Drew Barrymore” by SZA (2017)
“I love her voice in it, and she touches on some aspects of the expectations on what being a woman is and being perceived in society,” Miah Hopkins, a freshman math education major from Houston, Texas, said.
“How Much Is Weed?” by Dominic Fike (2023)
“I really love this song because he doesn’t shy away from being honest about the hardships he faced or his burnt bridges. And it kind of encapsulates the feeling of growing up and having to look back on old memories knowing that things have changed so much,” Grace Wiggins, a freshman elementary education major from Pascagoula, Miss., said.
“Taken For A Fool” by Dylan Ault (2024)
“It reminds me of back home, so I listen to it when I’m homesick,” Colin Spears, a sophomore integrated marketing communications major from Vernon, Texas, said.
“Flowers In Your Hair” by The Lumineers (2012)
“It reminds me of the pre-college days where life felt simpler and I was carefree. It brings back feelings of nostalgia and utter bliss anytime I turn it on. When it comes on, everything goes away,” Grace Baldus, a freshman allied health studies major from O’Fallon, Ill., said.
