Songs On Repeat: February 2024

Here's a round up of the songs old and new we've been enjoying at Click Roll Boom HQ this month.

Kempsy:

Hozier - Francesca (2023)
The most soulful and grounding song I have come across in a long time with earthly bass and guitars and ethereal vocals. Hozier pays homage to Dante’s Inferno, focusing on the love and commitment of Francesca and Paolo that is unbreakable going through the circles of hell. It’s a beautiful poetic song portraying devotion and I have chills everytime I hear this song. It’s my most repeatable song up to date and I cannot get enough.

Bad Omens, Poppy - V.A.N (2024)
This is such a lyrically minimalist song yet the production and technicality is so so so good!
It’s harsh and robotic and Poppy gives it that contrasting softness yet her tone is cold. It”s strange to hear a Bad Omens track without Noah Sebastian, however, he’s got his creative hands in writing and producing this.

Sleep Token - Granite (2023)
Sleep Token is my go to, my consistent, my comfort and even when I flip my playlist to random they are always playing and I thank the Gods behind the playlist algorithm everytime. Granite is both a smooth pop/ hip-hop song infused with metalcore, is equally easy to listen to as well as being this other-worldly track. I’m in love.

Hozier - Work Song (2014)
Going through Hozier’s Unreal Unearth made me go down a rabbit hole of all of his works, it became a popular discussion among us Baristas at work, I just can’t seem to climb back out, his music is so serene and it’s like a green flag bookish boyfriend whispering all the things you’ve always wanted to hear. There’s so many levels of texture, poetry and storytelling. It’s no wonder this one is his most popular track.

Rio Romeo - Nothing’s New (2022)
Another TikTok special that I had the curiosity to explore and I find is such a gem to listen to. The vocal control and the raw and bright sparkling piano are minimal but beautifully complements each other. There is so much raw emotion and something that will relate to any listener, it’s almost heartbreaking to listen to.

You Me At Six, Oli Sykes- Bite My Tongue (2011)
Finding out the recent news of their upcoming split and farewell shows, I felt it was time for me to revisit You Me At Six and everything they have given the pop-punk, Rock and emo communities. This one is my favourite track of theirs, I saw the official video at 12 or 13 so it’s very nostalgic. A Great hardrock track indeed, Oli sykes gives it that raw aggressive kick as it builds and comes to conclusion. 

Amy:

Bracket - Warren’s Song Pt.8 (2020)

It may only be 30 seconds long, but it's one of the most stunningly melodic tunes you’ll hear; the vocals are captivating.

Oasis - Live Forever (1994)

30 years later, it still sounds as good as the first time I heard it.

Descendents - Cool To Be You (2004)

Infectiously catchy with lyrics that feel deeply personal.

CJ Wildheart - Butterfingers (2023)

A perfect rock anthem. A shimmering highlight of CJ’s latest album “Split.” Positive, powerful, and an absolute banger.

Ginger Wildheart and the Sinners - Lately, Always (2022)

One of my favourite things about discovering The Wildhearts is exploring all the sides of Ginger's sound, going from anthemic alt-rock to brash punk to this beautiful folky track with a wonderful Americana twang.

The Vat Egg Imposition - You Don’t Understand Marmite (2020)

It’s just fun, a track that doesn’t take itself too seriously. A tongue-in-cheek rant about all the Marmite haters out there!

Joyce Manor - Do You Really Want to Not Get Better? (2016)

Beautiful, cathartic indie pop. Dreamy and melodic with ethereal qualities; it’s a stunning dreamscape of sound and majestic vocals.

The Wildhearts - Geordie in Wonderland (1994)

An absolute anthem! A big, grand cinematic soundscape. A powerful lyric expressing dismay at how some people are happy to let their life stand still while others go out and make the most of it.

The Gaslight Anthem - Drive (2007)

I always forget just how much I love TGA until they pop up on a random Spotify playlist. ‘Drive’ is an excellent blast of alt-rock with a southern twist.

The Spangles - I Don’t Wanna Go (2019)

Brilliant no-frills rock 'n' roll. Shimmering riffs, powerful hooks, perfect vocals, and pulsating energy.

Tyler:

Jim Croce - Operator (That’s Not the Way it Feels) (1972)

We’re starting off mellow this February with a classic Jim Croce ballad, Operator. With his clean, smooth voice and catchy hooks - Jim Croce rightfully earned a place in history as a classic 60s American Singer-songwriter. Operator has a whimsical, hometown feel with its gentle twanging guitar and karaoke-able melody. It tells a story as old as time, even if we got rid of phone operators alongside our Agent Orange reserves. This is one of my favourites from Croce, and deserves a spot on your playlist.

10cc - The Things We Do For Love (1977)

10cc doesn’t get enough love as a classic 70s British Rock band. ‘The Things We Do For Love’ is a particular favourite of mine, with its dynamic yet gentle construction and classic guitar solo. Every part of this song is an earworm that infects quicker than Cupid’s weird heart shaped arrows. It may not be as popular as their iconic, similarly-named hit ‘I’m Not In Love’- but I think this track still deserves an invite to the playlist prom.

Alvvays - Easy On Your Own (2022)

Alvvays is a Canadian Indie band I’ve definitely featured before, so I won’t bore you with the specifics again. All you need to know about this song is audible within the first few seconds, with the moody, drunken Saturday night house party vibe hitting like an oddly-shaped pill. Molly Rankin absolutely kills it with her trademark atmospheric vocals here, with the keyboard and production providing a subtle but pivotal foundation that shines on later listens. Check it out!

Dave Bixy - Morning Sun (1969)

Released in 1969 by folk artist Dave Bixy - ‘Morning Sun’ is a hauntingly beautiful track, With an incredibly simple guitar performance and a powerful voice that just builds and builds, this song is practically destined to appear over a coming-of-age film montage. The lyrics are bittersweet, the nostalgia seeps through the track - if you want a John Hughes-esque Valentine’s, set the right tone with this song.

Luis Miguel - Ahora Te Puedes Marchar (1987)

There’s no better time of the year for a romance language 80s ballad than February. If you want to keep the feel-good vibes flowing  through the dreary British winter, you can’t find a much better pick-me-up jam than this slice of 20th Century Latin-American Jukebox filler. With its groovy drum machine backing, killer sax performance and a truly infectious chorus courtesy of Senor Miguel himself, you really can’t go wrong adding this track to your rotation.

Scott:

Michael Jackson - Thriller (1982)

Elton John - Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) (1973)

Michael Jackson - Beat It (1982)

Areosmith - Walk This Way (1975)

Green Day - The American Dream is Killing Me (2023)