A common debate with MWHS students is what music is best to listen to. Many cannot give a solid answer, so our staff decided to give you some options:
Kyle: Poison’s Flesh and Blood
This album is undoubtedly Poison’s best. It includes some of my favorite songs from Poison’s catalog, like “Unskinny Bop” and “Ride the Wind.” The album also includes the hit power ballad “Something to Believe In,” which is among my all-time favorites. Although I’m not a fan of the filler songs, this album is an absolute must listen.
Julia: Conan Gray’s Wishbone
This album is by far one of the best Conan Gray albums. Released in August 2025, it encapsulates love and pain in the best way. His songs make you want to scream and cry, but also make you believe in love all over again. I have been listening to Conan Gray since 2022, and he just has a certain way with words that everyone can relate to. Some of the best songs in this album are “Actor”, “Eleven Eleven”, and “Nauseous.” I highly recommend this album, especially if you’re a yearner.
Kahlynn: Bad Bunny’s Debi Tirar Mas Fotos
Why: I’ve been listening to the Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny. I enjoy listening to his music because he represents cultural identity in some songs. I have been listening to him a lot more because of his album, ¨Debi Tirar Mas Fotos,¨ that was released in January 2025. Bad Bunny gives me another reason to proudly be Puerto Rican. Bad Bunny’s music is a mix of reggaeton and Latin pop, he even has some traditional Puerto Rican song samples in his work, making this album feel extra cultural.
Mr. Irwin: Todd Snider’s “Can’t Complain”
I am listening to a singer-songwriter from Washington named Todd Snider. I first found Todd Snider on YouTube when doing a deep dive on one of my favorite musicians, John Prine, who was a hero of Snider’s and also a major influence. I love how his music reflects his sense of humor and his unique perspective on the world. That was years ago and I still return to Snider’s music from time to time. During winter break, I found out that Snider died tragically in November 2025 from pneumonia at the age of 59. If you only have time for one song, I’d recommend “Can’t Complain” (but the live version). If you have time for two, check out his long tune “ Ballad of the Devil’s Backbone Tavern” in which he passes on advice from a kindly old bartender in Texas named Miss Virgie:
“I say, ‘Life’s too short to worry
Life’s too long to wait
Well, it’s too short not to love everybody
And life is too long to hate’
Naya: Whirr’s Feels Like You
I think that everyone should listen to shoegaze music at least once, and Whirr is a great place to start. Feels Like You’s pacing and spacey sound are what attracts me to it. Even though it’s not as popular as their other albums, I think it’s their best. My top three songs are “Mellow”, “How Time Stretches”, and “Play The Slow Ones”.
Shyla: Will Wood’s The Normal Album
I am a fan of his whole discography, but The Normal Album takes the cake for me. Its mix of jazzy instrumentals & lyricism with a flow that can’t be beat makes for a perfect album. Some of these songs are about the more unfortunate aspects of a “normal” life, such as coping with the idea of death, struggling to find love as someone with mental health issues, figuring out identity, and societal pressures of suburban life. Though other songs in the album opt for more nonsensical lyrics, as seen in “2econd 2ight 2eer,” the two contrasting subjects somehow just work together. My personal favorite off the album is “…well, better than the alternative”.
Aaron: Tame Impala’s “Let it Happen”
I have been listening to this song ever since I was in seventh grade, and it has always put me in a good mood despite the sad message and helped me get through many tough times.
Carter: Lady Gaga’s “Venus”
Lady Gaga has been my musical rock ever since I could remember. Her music allows me to connect with who I really am and not be worried about what other people think about me, which is something I tend to struggle with. The ARTPOP album is my favorite album out of Lady Gaga’s discography because each song brings a different feeling of exhilaration. The ARTPOP album is all about breaking down barriers, which is why I am so attached to it.
