Newsman Debate Column: What is the Best Song?
Image courtesy of the Harvard Gazette.
Top Genres
Based on the sample of 34 responses collected from across the student body, here is the breakdown of what genres of music Newman students like best.
Pop - 20%
TIE: Rock and Alternative/Indie - 16.7%
TIE: Latin Pop and Hip-Hop - 10%
Arguments
Here we have selected a dozen of the most well-written, convincing, funniest, or otherwise eye-catching arguments in support of a particular standout song.
‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ - Bon Jovi (1986)
“Although at the time of its writing it captured the economic hardship of the 1980s, the themes and motivational message has a timeless, international appeal to people everywhere, from students to refugees. This song produces an intense emotional response in all who listen to it, which is the mark of a true masterpiece.”
- Xavier Choe ‘23
‘Eventually’ - Tame Impala (2015)
“The vibes are cool.”
- Fede Lopez ‘27
‘The Distance’ - CAKE (1996)
“The instrumentals perfectly match the beautifully crafted lyrics. The lyrics paired with the instrumentals paint a vivid image of what they describe while not being so literal that they are boring.”
- Ashley Gillespie ‘24
‘Devil in a New Dress’ - Kanye West (2010)
“Because Kanye.”
- Cole Ratican ‘26
‘Face Down’ - The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (2006)
“It has a great beat, and is just very fun to listen to. It is also pop punk, which I love.”
- Arianna Shepherd ‘27
‘I Gotta Feeling’ - The Black Eyed Peas (2009)
“I don’t know if it’s the best song, but I like ‘I Gotta Feeling’ because it has an upbeat, good tone.”
- Caleb Bess ‘27
“Shots Fired” - Megan Thee Stallion (2020)
“Because it’s by Megan Thee Stallion.”
- Abbey Mustafai ‘24
‘Hardware Store’ - Weird Al Yankovic (2003)
“It’s Weird Al, that’s all the reasoning you need. If you think otherwise, you are wrong. Sorry!”
- Keegan Claunch ‘23
‘Try a Little Tenderness’ - Otis Redding (1966)
“It’s a passion-filled powerhouse in Otis’ and other singers’ hands. The song has also been names as one of ‘the best songs of all time’ by many publications, and has been ranked at #204 on the Rolling Stone’s list of ‘the 500 greatest songs of all time’. The song is a soul staple and it even samples Duke Ellington. Who doesn't love Duke Ellington?”
- Laura Lopes ‘24
‘Don't Stop Believing’ - Journey (1981)
“Phenomenal instrumentals, great vocals, absolute killer beat, and an amazing song overall.”
- Ana Veliche ‘23
‘Come As You Are’ - Nirvana (1991)
“The vocals are so good, and the guitar solo is easy to learn.”
- Delila Wardwell ‘27
‘Furr’ - Blitzen Trapper (2008)
“I'm not sure if this is the best of all time, but ‘Furr’ is great. The lyrics, the vibes, and the beat are great.”
- Lucy Keesbury ‘25
Interesting Observations
As the name of the school suggests, Newman students are into new music! 2021 was the most popular year for music gathered from the responses.
The oldest song from the responses, ‘Try a Little Tenderness’, was released in 1966.
Three songs from the soundtrack of the 2021 Disney animated film Encanto were chosen by students: ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’, ‘Dos Oruguitas’, and ‘Waiting on a Miracle’.
Kanye West was the most popular artist, with two songs, ‘Devil in a New Dress’ and ‘Donda Chant’ being chosen as the best song.
The 2010’s were the best decade for music based on the amount of responses received. Picks from this decade included ‘Far Away’ by Junip (2010), ‘Best Song Ever’ by One Direction (2013), ‘Mariners Apartment Complex’ by Lana Del Rey (2018) and ‘Little Dark Age’ by MGMT (2018).
Thank you to everyone who participated in this latest installment of the Newsman debate column. Stay tuned for the next poll!
