Spotify, Apple Music and every other music streaming service is likely working overtime right now. I’ve made a Spotify playlist that has all of my favorite nostalgic classics because staying inside is the perfect opportunity to reminisce on the music of years past. I’ve listed a few of the songs from the playlist, so if you do not use Spotify, you could easily add them to your Queue!

Link- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6VOhs33GoYhQQJpxKnsTX9?si=9gzqf9XTQlCLRIakr1WM6g

Songs

• “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield

One of the songs you NEED in your back-pocket for your next karaoke takeover.

Best Line: I’m just beginning, the pen’s in my hand

• “Marry Me” by Train

Such a cute song that warms my forever single heart.

Best Line: You wear white and I’ll wear out the words I love you

• “Single Ladies” by Beyonce

The best anthem to get ready for a night out, tbh.

Best Line: Just broke up (up) I’m doing my own little thing

• “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus

The quickest way to give me flashbacks to my elementary school talent show.

Best Line: There’s always gonna be another mountain, I’m always gonna wanna make it move

• “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis

I cannot express how much of a different person I become when I listen to this song. I can somehow perfectly relate to singing my heart out in the middle of times square, obviously.

Best Line: But nothing’s greater, than the rush that comes with your embrace

• “Put Your Records On” by Corrine Bailey

While I can’t think of this song without thinking of the Chippettes jamming out on a rooftop, it’s a bop.

Best Line: Sapphire and faded jeans, I hope you get your dreams

• “Set Fire To The Rain” by Adele

This song is one of the many that made the world take Adele seriously, and it deserves all your respect.

Best Line: My hands, they were strong, But my knees were far too weak

• “Eenie Meenie” by Sean Kingston ft. Justin Bieber

One of my fav JB songs, quite iconic, if I do say so myself.

Best Line: Can’t make up your mind, mind, mind, mind, mind

• “Lucky” by Jason Mraz

This is one of the sweetest songs I’ve ever heard still to this day, and it automatically evokes daydreaming of falling in love.

Best Line: They don’t know how long it takes, waiting for a love like this

• “No One” by Alicia Keys

I do not know anyone that doesn’t know this song. Talk about a cultural reset…

Best Line: Everything’s gonna be alright, People keep talking, they can say what they like

• “Diamonds” by Rihanna

Another song that defined an era. Everyone and every radio station was singing this song.

Best Line: You’re a shooting star I see, a vision of ecstasy

• “Beautiful Soul” by Jesse McCartney

This song introduced me to the amazing-ness that Jesse McCartney. I still have a childhood crush on this wholesome man.

Best Line: I don’t want my love to go to waste, I want you and your beautiful soul

• “ Like A Boy” by Ciara

You probably remember this one from middle school.

Best Line: If I played you like a toy, Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy

• “…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears

This song put Spears on the map and is one of the greatest throwback songs to date.

Best Line: My loneliness is killing me (and I)

• “Animal” by Neon Trees

I turn into a literal rockstar when this song comes on, and it’s the greatest feeling.

Best Line: And I’m afraid I won’t get out alive, No, I won’t sleep tonight

• “No Scrubs” by TLC

This song makes me remember my worth and how powerful TLC was.

Best Line: Hanging out the passenger side,Of his best friend’s ride, Trying to holler at me

• “Wannabe” by Spice Girls

One of my favorite songs to sing with my friends. I think it brings us closer every time.

Best Line: If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends

The list continues!  Take a look at 70+ more on the Spotify playlist (linked above).

1. To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Based off the groundbreaking novel by Harper Lee, this classic is sure to be entertaining and share a deeper message. Though it tackles difficult issues like racial inequality in America, the film remains riveting from beginning to end.

2. The Sound of Music (1965)

“The Sound of Music” is the perfect movie to gather around and watch with your best friends. Julie Andrews showcases her many talents in this classic musical. Plus, a sing-along with your friends is the best way to relax after a long week.

3. The Outsiders (1983)

Set in rural Oklahoma, this movie can make you laugh or cry or both. The feud between Greasers and the Socials draws the audience in immediately, and you’re sure to become emotionally attached to at least one of the characters (looking at you, Ponyboy). This movie is fun to watch with a group of friends or alone so you can feel all the feelings.

4. Karate Kid (1984)

Settle down with friends or family to enjoy this classic. “Karate Kid” is a coming of age story, plus the added martial arts for dramatic effect. This movie should always be added to your 80s decade line-up.

5. The Breakfast Club (1985)

Here we have another 1980s staple for your throwback line-up. “The Breakfast Club” is the perfect selection for a chill movie night at home. Plus, Molly Ringwald never disappoints!

6. Princess Bride (1987)

Does this one even need to be explained? Seriously, it’s got everything a movie night should have: fantasy, comedy and vengeance. It is a must-watch for any movie list.

7. Dead Poets Society (1989)

Okay, this movie is not typically found on lists of fun movie night selections, but that does not mean that it’s importance should be neglected. “Dead Poets Society” features great literature, life lessons and an outstanding performance from Robin Williams. What more could you ask for?

8. The Sandlot (1993)

So, this one isn’t a super throwback, but it’s still a classic for most people who grew up in the 90s. Whether you love baseball or not, this movie will definitely make you laugh. Plus, who doesn’t love to look at Benny Rodriguez?

Between college and extracurriculars, it can be hard to find time for fun. On nights when you’re exhausted and going out is not the move, staying in with some friends and watching a movie can be the best form of relaxation.

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Taking the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for a record breaking 19 weeks, Lil Nas X’s country hit “Old Town Road” should be considered the song of the summer, right? Well, with its short time stamp and questionable lyrical integrity, that is certainly up for debate. Songs like Truth Hurts by Lizzo, originally released in 2017, could also take the coveted crown, along with fiery duet Senorita by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello. While all of these songs received major radio spins and streams over the summer, there are also some songs that didn’t get the same attention, or are just now gaining traction, that deserve a chance at song of the summer.

“Hot Girl Summer” by Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign

After filing to trademark the term “Hot Girl Summer” back in June, rapper Megan Thee Stallion enlisted Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign on the energetic track of the same name. The term “hot girl summer” went viral thanks to Houston born rapper. After a chance encounter on Instagram Live, Megan was able to get Minaj on the song that has since debuted at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by super producer Juicy J and sampling the hit “Act Up” by City Girls, the trio successfully proclaim that it is, in fact, a hot girl summer. 

“Motivation” by Normani

 Before releasing her solo debut single, former Fifth Harmony member Normani has managed to score two number one singles on pop radio thanks to her collaborations “Love Lies” with Khalid and “Dancing with a Stranger” with Sam Smith. Last week, the singer released her fiery single “Motivation” accompanied by a dance-filled video. The song has since been listed as one of the best songs of 2019 by GQ Magazine, and the video has garnered praise from the likes of Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner, Kelly Rowland and many more. Although “Motivation” was released at the end of summer, it seems to outshine most of the songs we’ve been jamming to all summer, making it worthy of the title.

“Doin Time” by Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey covering Sublime is probably one of the best things to happen in music this summer. Del Rey’s rendition of the sleeper hit almost makes you forget about the original as soon as you hear her sing “summertime, and the livin’s easy.” The cover was released back in May to coincide with the premiere of a documentary on the punk band, but Del Rey’s cover seemingly stole the show–and the summer.

“All The Time” by Zara Larsson

After releasing two lackluster singles earlier this year, Zara Larsson finally got it right with the pop perfection that is “All The Time.” The Swedish songstress seemingly channels her inner Daft Punk with this electronic banger as she reminisces about a past romance. Larsson, who is most known for her duet with MNEK “Never Forget You”, released the single back in June, and it deserves to be bigger than it is, as it is perfectly formulated to be a summer hit.

“Ritual” by Tiesto, Jonas Blue & Rita Ora

Although Rita Ora is a major pop star across the pond, she is criminally underrated in the United States. “Ritual,” a collaboration with DJs Tiesto and Jonas Blue, is yet another song by Ora that has been overlooked by the masses. This club banger sounds like a song that would be all over the radio if it had The Chainsmokers attached to it with Hailee Steinfeld vocals. The trio seemingly made the song specifically for the summer, but it did not get the recognition it deserves.

It’s beginning to look a lot like summer! Finals for us Georgia Southern University students are about one week away, and whether you plan on taking it easy this summer, traveling and being adventurous or working hard, you could always use a good playlist. Here’s my top five songs for summer 2019.

“Summertime Magic” by Childish Gambino

Okay, so I know this song came out last summer, but I can’t help but have it on my list for this summer as well. The eclectic  beat gives the perfect vibes for a beach day as he layers the song with background noises of waves crashing and a bass that’s sure to hit you right in the soul! Plus, the one and only bad gal Ri Ri is the leading lady in the video. How can you not love anything she’s a part of?

“High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco

Again, another hit from last summer, but why not? This is a classic motivational song that serves to alter your mood when you’re feeling down and out . It’s an uplifting song about going for your dreams even when you’re unsure of how to make it happen. Not to mention the band kilt this beat! Even if you can’t relate to the message, the song will definitely have you rocking your head with pure enjoyment.

“Celebrate” by Da Baby

This Charlotte, North Carolina-based rapper is new to the scene as his hit song “Suge” is steadily climbing the charts. This song, “Celebrate,” is a classic tale that rappers often use in their music about making it out of their tough situations in life and making a better living for themselves. With the help of Atlanta-based rapper Rich Homie Quan, the two created a song that you and your crew will definitely be hype to as you’re getting ready for a night out.

“Feels” by Khelani

If you’re a fan of Kehlani, then you know she’s truly an artist that delivers herself wholeheartedly in her work. Her style is that old school and early 2000’s R&B vibe that always make you feel good or relateable to the artist. For all my fellow R&B heads, this is a bop!

“Sunny Days” by SahBabii

I must admit, upon first hearing his music, I wasn’t the biggest fan, but he’s since grown on me. This song is the perfect song for a road trip. It has a soothing beat and will certainly set the vibe for a summer drive.

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Three main theatre productions will hit the stage at Georgia Southern University for the spring 2019 semester: “Bug” and “Master and Margarita” at the Statesboro campus, and “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” at the Armstrong campus.

Sarah McCarroll, assistant professor of theatre on the Statesboro campus, said she and her colleagues try to choose a broad range of shows, from the classics to the hyper-contemporary. She said the shows allow the students to tackle a variety of styles and subject matter.

“We cast both of our spring shows right before we left for Christmas,” McCarroll said. “So, ‘Bug’ started read-throughs … so they’re in rehearsals basically from here on out. ‘Master and Margarita,’ we cast in December because it’s just easier to hold auditions for everything at once, but they’ll start rehearsals, because the scale of the show is bigger, beginning in February-ish. So, we usually do about a 6- to 8-week rehearsal period, depending, and Armstrong is the same way.”

“Bug” at the Center for Art & Theatre

Feb. 27 through March 6

Listed on the Center for Art and Theatre website as a play for adult audiences, “Bug” is a dark comedy by Tracy Letts that takes place in a seedy motel room outside of Oklahoma City, according to the website.

“Agnes, a drug-addled cocktail waitress, is hiding from her ex-con ex-husband. Her lesbian biker friend R.C. introduces her to Peter, a handsome drifter who might be an AWOL Gulf War veteran. They soon begin a relationship that takes place almost entirely within the increasingly claustrophobic confines of her motel room,” the website states.

All performances of “Bug” will begin at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday matinees, which will begin at 2 p.m.

“[‘Bug’ is] about what happens when people collectively start to lose their grip on reality,” McCarroll said.

General admission tickets for “Bug” are $12, while student tickets are $6, according to the Center for Art and Theatre website. For more information on ticket prices and other discounts, click here.

“Master and Margarita” at the Center for Art & Theatre

April 17 through April 24

Originally a novel by Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov, this play was adapted specifically for GS by Stacia Saint Owens, according to the Center for Art and Theatre website.

“Combining two distinct yet interwoven parts—one set in ancient Jerusalem, one in contemporary Moscow—the novel veers from moods of wild theatricality with violent storms, vampire attacks, and a Satanic ball; to such somber scenes as the meeting of Pilate and Yeshua, and the murder of Judas in the moonlit garden of Gethsemane; to the substanceless, circus-like reality of Moscow,” the website states.

All performances of “Master and Margarita” will begin at 7:30 p.m. There will be no performances on Sunday or Monday, McCarroll said, due to the Easter holiday.

“As is true of most things that were produced during the Soviet era, ultimately it’s a sort of meditation on the repression of art and expression,” McCarroll said.

General admission tickets for “Master and Margarita” are $12, while student tickets are $6, according to the Center for Art and Theatre website. For more information on ticket prices and other discounts, click here.

“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” at the Armstrong Jenkins Hall Theatre

April 11 through April 19

This 2006 two-act musical written by David Nehls and Betsy Kelso takes place in a trailer park called Armadillo Acres, according to the Dramatists Play Service.

“There’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres-and she’s wrecking havoc all over Florida’s most exclusive trailer park. When Pippi, the stripper on the run, comes between the Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her tollbooth collector husband-the storms begin to brew,” the Connect Savannah listing states.

All performances of “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” will begin at 7:30 p.m., except the Sunday matinee, which begins at 3 p.m., according to Connect Savannah.

“It’s about life in a trailer park, basically. And, as is true of a lot of 20th century stuff, and maybe even 21st century, there’s an interest in the voices we don’t usually get to hear,” McCarroll said.

General admission tickets for “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” are $15. Tickets for students, children, senior citizens and U.S. Military personnel are $12. To purchase tickets or find more information, go to the Armstrong Box Office website.

Sarah McCarroll on the GS theatre community

Theatre students, McCarroll said, take the same course loads as everyone else, which can be tiring when combined with rehearsal schedules.

“I use the analogy of being an athlete,” McCarroll said. “If you’re at rehearsal—and you’re not always at rehearsal three hours a night—but for the last week and a half, boy, you’re there at least three and probably four or five. So you have to think about regimenting your time in the same way that we ask our student athletes to do. Practice governs the scope of anything else you can do, and rehearsal is the same way.”

However, spending so much time together can be a bonding experience for the students. As a theatre student, McCarroll said, you either learn to get along, or it gets ugly fast. She said she is still best friends with the people she went through her undergrad with. “You’re bonded at the hip if you survive it,” she said.

McCarroll said, “One of the things I actually love about being here—this is not true of every theatre program I’ve worked in—one of the things I love about being here is that our students are really good at celebrating each other’s victories and building each other up. They’re very supportive.”

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Change for the Better is Possible

Eleanor knows she wasn’t a good person in life, but she is determined to earn a place in the good place. With the help of Chidi, a man who was an ethics professor when he was alive, she begins to learn how to be good. As she makes friends in the good place, Eleanor makes more of an effort to change her ways, which gives some hope that we can all change for the better, even if it feels like it’s too late.

There is Power in Diversity

The show’s main cast is made up of a variety of lovable characters, all with their own strengths and quirks, that come together when it really matters. They show us that there is power in diversity and that all types of people can contribute in different ways.

Eleanor is a blonde woman that has shown she has smarts and tenacity to overcome any situation. Chidi is a black man who, while indecisive, has shown value in his intelligence and his sense of morality, especially when his friends are concerned. Tahani is a Pakistani woman is good-natured and cheerful, and is always willing to help others, despite the fact that Eleanor thinks she’s a bit condescending. Jianyu is an Asian man, and while he doesn’t contribute in the same way everyone else does, has a wisdom of his own and stays true to himself and his heart.

True Friendship Lasts

Through the first season, Eleanor grows closer to other people in the good place. They become friends, despite their differences, and support each other through their hardships.

The relationships that form throughout the season are strong and dynamic. Friends are made in unlikely places and continue to grow. Eleanor finds friends she wishes she had before she died, and these people inspire her to try harder to become a better person. She also learns the value of caring for people other than herself.

The Perfect Balance of Serious Plot and Humor

The show takes place in Eleanor’s afterlife, so it’s not a sunshine and rainbows kind of show. It gets very philosophical and plot heavy for characters, but it is balanced with a lot of well-written humor relevant to what’s happening.

Hope for the Afterlife

We often think of death as something final and permanent, but “The Good Place” shows us a different perspective on what the afterlife means. It’s not a deadline so much as it is an opportunity, and in any time period, it’s comforting to think that death is another beginning rather than an end.

This is all just season one. The next two seasons bring in so much more that any audience can take from and relate to.

Seasons 1 and 2 of “The Good Place” are available on Netflix. Season 3 is available on Hulu.