Music

Tracks of the Month: February 2023

Here are some of our Artsweek writers' favorite tracks from February!
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In Review: RAYE frees herself on “My 21st Century Blues”

Overall, pop fans everywhere can find a liking in the creativity and catchiness RAYE accomplishes in her debut album, “My 21st Century Blues.”
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In Review: Paramore grows up for “This Is Why”

The album is overall a delight — it may disappoint some who are looking to relieve the glory days of 2007 — but it marks an important turning point in the band’s career.
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Big Hungry: A pretty good freshman meal

Forming friendships while learning to balance school, newfound independence and starting a band is not a typical freshman experience, and that’s why the members of Big Hungry are so unique.
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Top 10 songs for if you are as lonely as me this Valentine’s Day

If you have no plans this Valentine’s Day and prefer to spend an embarrassing amount of time romanticizing any person who gives you even an ounce of attention, this list is for you. 
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Tracks of the Month: January 2023

Here are some of our Artsweek writers' favorite tracks from January!
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For your next playlist: Overlooked albums from 2022

While some fantastic albums released in 2022 received the attention and praise they deserved, there were other 2022 album releases that simply flew under the radar last year. 
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Allison Russell wears her heart on her sleeve in debut album performance

On Nov. 16, UC Santa Barbara Arts & Lectures welcomed Canadian singer-songwriter Allison Russell to perform her debut album, “Outside Child,” at Campbell Hall.
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Staff Writer Favorites: Top 10 albums of 2022

Staff Writer Lorna Kruesel shares her top 10 albums of 2022!
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Isla Vista: alive with the Dead

Dead Set encapsulates the image of iconic rock band, the Grateful Dead, with their uniquely Americana sound rising out of packed backyards and into the Isla Vista night.
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In Review: Staying up past midnight with Taylor Swift

"Midnights" invites listeners to join her on a contemplating — and at some points self-loathing — journey. 
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Tracks of the Month: October 2022

Here are some of our Artsweek writers' favorite tracks from October!
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Polish pop artist Dawid Podsiadło continues his hot streak on “Lata Dwudzieste”

“Lata Dwudzieste” improves on almost every aspect of Podsiadło’s previous work and stands as another complete triumph in his career, firmly cementing him as the current king of Polish pop.
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Arctic Monkeys embrace genre-spanning fusion in “The Car”

The band’s newest album, “The Car,” cements itself as an instant classic in the band’s discography with its bold, style-shifting and melodramatic production.
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Rising R&B singer-songwriter jomch kicks off Noon Storke Shows

On Oct. 13, local Isla Vista musician and UC Santa Barbara pre-law student Josh Chan, otherwise known by his stage name jomch, performed a soulful set of original and acoustic covers.
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