TESSA
IV. Sweatpants - Childish Gambino
    Let me start this off by saying that it took everything in me not to post a song from Nashville this week.  I won't say which one in case I save it for a later pick. Continuing on to relevant news: how come no one told me I was sleeping on this album? It's been in my Spotify for months and I never quite got around to it. II. WORLDSTAR really got me started on this album, thanks to none other than our very own Rachel. Thus I finally gave it a proper listen and have pretty much listened to nothing else. Also now properly regretting him when he was in Kansas City. Apparently the music gods hate me.




TORI
If I Could Change Your Mind- Haim
     For some reason, I had convinced myself long ago that I severely disliked Haim. Boy was I wrong. I'm not sure I've listened to anything else the past two weeks. Any of the songs are a complete viable option, but "If I Could Change Your Mind," was probably the first Haim song to be belted out in my car. I want this to be in all caps but I'll refrain, but I am so livid that I thought I disliked them and I missed them when they were in Lawrence because I was being fucking dumbbb. That being said, you should still watch the video because it is one of my favorites of all time. Plus their style is amazing. Gahhh.


RACHEL
Teen Lovers - The Virgins
     This week is another selection brought to my attention via Spotify (P.S. - Tessa so kindly pointed out that Premium is now 50% off for students). I've actually not listened to much music in the past week, I've been much more into Audible. However, this has been all up in my speakers whilst I've strayed from a book. It's catchy, which is always a plus. And they were signed to Julian Casablancas' record label. Unfortunately (according to Wikipedia) they just split up this past November. Sad. Anyhow, this is definitely my favorite of their namesake album. I'd also recommend you check out Fernando Pando. 

Hola, friends. If you are partaking in the college lifestyle, then you are aware that finals are looming before us (or you've already started, OR you're already done. And if you're done, let it be known I despise you). I thought I would share some of my favorite tunes for studying, inspired by my On Repeat this past Friday. Check that out here.

Now I understand that there are two types of people in this world: those who can study with music that has vocals, and those that cannot. Luckily, I fall in the realm between these two (so I guess there are three types of people? Or just two and then me? It's irrelevant). Therefore, I split this post up into two categories.

Music with Vocals:

Ellie Goulding
   This girl, doe. My obsession with her last semester was almost unreasonable. I listened to her basically all semester and pretty much equate her with Organic Chemistry I. Her vocals are like no one else and she has enough music out to keep the playlist from getting repetitive. I really enjoy listening to her music while studying because there's a great mix of upbeat and slower songs so you don't feel like you're cracked out the entire time but also aren't getting sleepy. Also, I'm going to lump Lana Del Rey in here as well because they just seem to go together for me. Let's also note that Boyfriend calls Lana his "bad bitch". Now you understand why he and I get along...

HAIM
   This band was put on my radar by Tessa and Rachel earlier this semester but I never got the chance to listen to them because I was too busy listening to other bands. Lo and behold, they are one of my absolute favorites now. *Surprise* Tessa and Rachel have great taste in music sans One Direction. In fact, I'm listening to Haim at this very moment. Their music is catchy without being distracting so you're not super focused on the lyrics but the beat is enough to maintain the ole study grind.

Best Coast
   Last but not least, Best Coast was a late favorite last semester for me. They have an extensive discography so it's hard to get sick of them! They maintain their signature beachy, California, pop sound throughout their albums that increases your mood just enough to power through that last study guide.

Instrumental

Pride and Prejudice Soundtrack
   Need I say more? However, I will. This soundtrack is my shit. Like fo realz, since forever. Possibly one of the best soundtracks of all time. Whenever I listen to it, I immediately want to channel my inner Elizabeth Bennett and stick my head in the nearest book to become more knowledgeable. Seriously, check it out.

Downton Abbey Soundtrack
   On a similar note, the Downton Abbey Soundtrack is pure gold as well. Not as good as P&P, but getting close. There are a few actual songs on here with vocals, but they can easily be skipped to get to the gorgeous instrumentals that transport you to the early 20th century. Although I've been avoiding this soundtrack for a little while due to the horrendous ending of the third season that I'm still bitter about. Screw you, actor or actress who decided to leave the show (didn't want to spoil that for you all).

That's all for me! Apologies for being a day late.

xx
Jen

TORI
Back to Black- Amy Winehouse

     I was never really a massive fan of Amy Winehouse. Of course her voice is awesome, but I just never got into it. That is until I was randomly watching The Voice and heard a contestant sing this song. That was the beginning of it and I've been pretty much listening to this song at least once a day since that episode. It's kind of fitting seeing as I've been really into artists like Kendra Morris, ZZ Ward, and Arlissa. Prettaayyy soulful, jazzy vibes lately.





RACHEL
Red Eye - Kid Cudi ft. Haim

    I know, I'm late to the game on Indicud. It's heinous. But like, Haim and Kid Cudi. This is a glorious collaboration I never knew I wanted. I'm going to admit, the track is a tiny bit repetitive. Still it's rap and the Haim sisters. Their vocals laid over Cudi's back beat is fantastic. Hopefully now I'll be a little less lame and give this entire album a proper listen.








TESSA
All Me - Drake
   
     I've been meaning to post this for oh-so-long. Unfortunately, I got caught up in lots of other albums, but this has definitely been on my radar since the real release date (I wouldn't allow myself to listen to it when it leaked). To be honest, this album was a bit hyped up for my taste, still A+, just not as much as everyone was making it out to be. It was great to hear Drake do something a little more laid back, but only this song and The Language really caught my attention. Although a little repetitive, much in Drake's style, but the addition of Big Sean and 2 Chainz had me sold.



KAYSON
Across the Universe - Fiona Apple
   
     So I don't know what exactly inclined me to listen to Fiona this week but whatever it was, I thank it. I'm not a huge Fiona Apple fan but I had never heard her cover of The Beatles "Across the Universe" (which by the way, is one of my favorite songs since I was little) and I instantly fell in love. Her sweet raspy voice did much help to the feel of this song. The same quiet tone as The Beatles themselves intended. 10/10 would recommend this cover.






JEN
Your Hand in Mine - Explosions in the Sky
   
     This band has been a favorite of mine for a while. They got their major break from the TV show Friday Night Lights, which featured many of their tracks. I personally love Explosions in the Sky for studying when I really need to get something done. They're an instrumental group but definitely NOT boring. Their songs really grip you and you can feel the emotion even though the words are absent. Check them out, I can almost guarantee you'll be binge listening to them while studying.

The Wire - Haim
Okay so quick change for this week's On Repeat. I was originally going to post something from NWTS, even though I promised myself I wouldn't give into the hype, I did and I still love that album. But I saw an ad for a HAIM show that was coming to town in a few weeks and had been meaning to listen to them so I finally did and my God. Why did I wait? These girls are ridiculously talented. Their album drops September 30, but they've got some singles & EPs already out. So check it folks, cause they're great and fantastic and I should've listened to BuzzFeed from the start.



RACHEL
Team - Lorde
     We here at FBG are no strangers to Lorde. She's essentially the biggest musical badass on Planet Earth. Probably, anyway. At age 16, she's made it onto the Billboard Top 100 and boasts some incredibly relatable pop tracks that put some of her older counterparts to shame. If "Team" is any indication of how her new album (Pure Heroine, dropping Monday) will pan out I'll be the first to get my hands on it. The same clever lyrics have returned, and somehow the beats have gotten better still. This woman.





KAYSON
National Anthem - Lana Del Rey
Okay so, i'll be the first to admit that I honestly despised Lana when she first became a huge hit. I'm not sure why, I just didn't like her persona I guess you could call it. Yet lately, I've been very intrigued by her music(also very intrigued with her). I dig this song because of her lovely voice as well as very interesting lyrics. It's true "tell me i'm your national anthem" okay!?





TORI
Sticks and Stones- Arlissa
It's been a very woman themed week! I guess Jen didn't get the memo, jk, jk.
Anyway, Arlissa has a crazy awesome voice. It is so soulful and just I don't even know. I love this song because it is a more soul/r&b type song but then it has this amazing beat that shouldn't actually work with the song but it makes it just that much better. I can't wait to hear more from this girl!