Tag Archives: popular music

Arachnophonia: Michael Jackson “Thriller”

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Eliana (class of 2026) and features MIchael Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller. Thanks, Eliana!

Michael Jackson

Thriller

Michael Jackson - Thriller album cover

Michael Jackson is one of those timeless artists that crosses generations of listeners. There are few people that I have met that say they have not listened to him, and if they say they are unaware what songs he has made, it is likely they just had no idea who wrote the song. Winning 13 Grammy Awards over his lifetime, Michael was widely recognized as the “King of Pop.” 8 of those Grammy Awards went to his album Thriller in 1984, and to this day he remains one of the record holders for most Grammy Awards won in a single night.

Thriller is Michael’s 6th studio album, and it remains the best-selling album of all time to this day. One of its tracks, “Beat It,” won Record of the Year in 1982 alongside his other awards. This album contains many fan favorites, including the well-known “Thriller” and “Billie Jean.” One of my favorites is “The Girl is Mine” featuring Paul McCartney. This soft pop ballad reminds me of Michael’s early Motown era, serenading the world with songs of love. Michael’s passing in 2009 shook the world, but his influence continues to live on through his music. The Thriller album is sure to get you bobbing your head without you even noticing, so be sure to take a listen to the vinyl (or on CD) at the Parsons Music Library!

Parsons Playlists: Winter Pop

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Welcome back to Parsons Playlists! Today’s playlist is curated by Music Library student assistant Joyce (class of 2027) and features some wintry pop songs.

Winter Pop Playlist

This winter pop playlist is expressive and gives energy to listeners in the winter months. It captures the ambiance of winter: light, airy, cold, but cheerful. This playlist contains upbeat and shimmery tones that resemble the winter landscape: snow and warm lighting.

Ariana Grande – “Twilight Zone”

Ariana Grande – “December”

Madison Beer – “Bittersweet”

The Marias – “Run Your Mouth”

Olivia Dean – “A Couple Minutes”

Victoria Monet – “We Might Even Be Falling in Love”

Kaye-Marie – “Lives in You”

Here is a link to the whole playlist on YouTube:

Arachnophonia: Kaytranada “BUBBA”

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Laeticia (class of 2026) and features Kaytranada’s 2019 album BUBBA on vinyl. Thanks, Laeticia!

Kaytranada
BUBBA

Kaytranada - BUBBA

Why Kaytranada’s BUBBA Deserves A Spot in Every Vinyl Collection

If you’re into groove therapy or just love music that makes you move without even trying, then Kaytranada’s BUBBA deserves a spot on your shelf.

Kaytranada, whose real name is Louis Kevin Celestin, is a Haitian-Canadian DJ and producer from Montreal. His music mixes electronic, funk, R&B, and house in a way that just makes you feel good. He started making beats in his bedroom and built his name by creating songs that are perfect for summer nights, long drives, and heating up a dance floor, all at once.

His album BUBBA is one of those projects that instantly lifts your mood. This album feels like movement. It’s vibrant, warm, and effortlessly smooth with every song rolling into the next like a perfect DJ set. It’s full of songs that make you want to move, but also just chill and listen at the same time. I think “10%” is probably the song most people know, but tracks like “What You Need” and “Midsection” are just as catchy. What I love most is how the album strikes a balance between dance floor energy and deep reflection. It really just vibes.

Now, let’s talk vinyl. The BUBBA vinyl isn’t your regular spin, it’s an immersive experience. It sounds warm and alive, like you’re right there in the studio. Kaytranada is known for being open about who contributes to each track, giving the record a sense of collaboration that’s rare in electronic music. Plus, if you’re into samples, you’ll have fun figuring out where some of his sounds come from. If you’re curious about who he works with or which classic tracks he’s flipped into his own, the vinyl cover breaks it all down. It even includes a poster that ties the whole aesthetic together.

The mood of BUBBA is pure good energy. It’s perfect for when you’re just chilling, getting ready, or turning a lazy Sunday cleaning session into a mini dance break. It’s for anyone who loves music that moves with purpose and personality. If your vinyl shelf doesn’t have Kaytranada yet, it’s time to make some space because BUBBA doesn’t just play, it feels alive.

Arachnophonia: Ariana Grande “Eternal Sunshine”

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Mia (class of 2026) and features Ariana Grande’s 2024 album Eternal Sunshine on vinyl. Thanks, Mia!

Ariana Grande
Eternal Sunshine

Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine

Ariana Grande’s 7th studio album titled Eternal Sunshine was released in 2024. This album has a wide range of music with upbeat pop anthems as well as meaningful ballads. The inspiration behind this album came from the movie Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind released in 2004. This film looks at two people who go to extreme lengths to forget each other after a rough breakup, and analyzes memories and love. These are themes Grande has experienced through her own relationships with the loss of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller, and the divorce of her ex-husband Dalton Gomez. The movie features themes of love, breakups, healing, and growth much like the themes in Ariana Grande’s album.

The diversity of songs across the entire album reach a wide range of audiences, and is played frequently on the University of Richmond’s campus. And unlike her past albums, Grande uses less of her impressive vocal abilities such as her vocal range and runs. Instead, she focuses on the themes of the movie and her lyrics, allowing for a more vulnerable and emotional sound. Critics believe this is her most mature sounding album of her career and shows experimentation and vulnerability.

Parsons Music Library carries a copy of Eternal Sunshine on vinyl. The vinyl record allows for a more rich and deep sound of the R&B songs featured in this collection. Additionally, the sides follow more closely with the themes of the album with the A side focusing on more of the heartbreak and the B side allowing for healing. I personally recommend giving it a listen on vinyl at Parsons!

Arachnophonia: K-Pop Dance: Fandoming Yourself in Social Media

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Joyce (class of 2027) and features an ethnographic study about K-Pop dance and the evolution and presence of its dance fandom on social media. Thanks, Joyce!

K-Pop Dance: Fandoming Yourself on Social Media by Chuyun Oh

K-Pop Dance book cover

K-pop Dance: Fandoming Yourself on Social Media by Chuyun Oh explores how K-pop fans use dance and social media to express themselves and build global communities. Oh shows how fans on platforms like YouTube and TikTok recreate choreography, form connections across cultures, and blur the boundaries between performer and audience. Through this lens, K-pop becomes more than music, it transforms into a shared cultural practice that unites people through creativity and participation.

I was drawn to this book because I enjoy K-pop and often see K-pop dance videos online. Reading it helped me understand that these dances are not just entertainment but meaningful acts of self-expression and identity. The book reveals how social media shapes the way people connect, create, and find belonging within global pop culture.

Arachnophonia: Chappell Roan “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess”

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Susanne (class of 2026) and features Chappell Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess on vinyl. Thanks, Susanne!

Chappell Roan
The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess

Chappell Roan "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess"

We have more new vinyls to share with you, including Chappell Roan’s hit 2023 album The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess. Roan’s debut studio album has really fun pop elements while exploring themes related to queer relationships, identity, and leaving home as a young adult.

The album is inspired by Roan’s experiences moving to Los Angeles from Missouri to pursue her music career. Her Midwest Princess Tour propelled Roan into global fame and positive reception, culminating in her Grammy win for Best New Artist in 2025.

She writes some of the catchiest choruses you’ve ever heard, including in viral songs like “Pink Pony Club” and “HOT TO GO.” The upbeat pop songs are staples in my playlists, but I also love the more emotionally candid songs like “Kaleidoscope.” Roan’s music truly sticks with you and reveals something new in each listen. It’s definitely a no-skip album with a lot of heart and relevance for young LGBTQ+ listeners.

Arachnophonia: Jay-Z “The Blueprint 3”

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Ibrahim (class of 2028) and features Jay-Z’s 2009 studio album The Blueprint 3. Thanks, Ibrahim!

Jay-Z
The Blueprint 3

Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3 album cover

The Blueprint 3 is Jay-Z’s eleventh studio album, released in 2009. It marked a new era for the legendary rapper, showcasing his growth as an artist while embracing modern production and collaborations. The album includes some of Jay-Z’s biggest hits, such as “Empire State of Mind,” “Run This Town,” and “D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune).” The Blueprint 3 explores themes of success, ambition, and legacy, all set against sleek, forward-thinking beats that bridge hip-hop’s past and future.

What makes The Blueprint 3 special is its blend of confidence and reflection. Jay-Z celebrates achievement but also examines what it means to stay relevant in a changing world. “Empire State of Mind” became an anthem for perseverance and pride, while songs like “Young Forever” remind listeners of the fleeting nature of fame and time. Whether you’re a longtime hip-hop fan or new to Jay-Z’s music, this album captures both the sound and spirit of an artist at the height of his influence.

The Parsons Music Library has The Blueprint 3 available on CD, so you can experience its powerful mix of beats and ideas yourself. Whether you want to reflect on its lyrics, study its production, or just enjoy its energy, The Blueprint 3 remains one of Jay-Z’s defining works.

Arachnophonia: Billy Joel “The Stranger”

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Julie (class of 2028) and features Billy Joel’s classic 1977 album The Stranger. Thanks, Julie!

Billy Joel
The Stranger

Billy Joel - The Stranger (1977) album cover

The Stranger is easily my favorite album by American pianist and singer-songwriter, Billy Joel. I grew up hearing his music blasting from the radio and my dad’s speaker, and while this album contains several of his popular, more up-beat hits such as “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song)” and “Only The Good Die Young,” I have to admit that “Vienna” and “She’s Always A Woman” have my heart.

Easily recognizable by its iconic piano introduction, “Vienna” leaves the listener with a gentle reminder to stop and smell the roses as a young adult; life doesn’t end with old age!

“She’s Always A Woman” is, I think, one of the most beautiful love songs out there. While it’s certainly mellow, the complexity of Joel’s melody and instrumentation make it stand out in a crowd without losing its approachability.

I’ll always jump at the chance to use my CD player, and for me, I found The Stranger to be the perfect soundtrack for a rainy day study session. With a stellar group of songs perfectly representing a wide variety of emotions, this album truly has something for everyone.

Arachnophonia: “There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift” by Kevin Evers

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Elina (class of 2029) and features a book about the intersection of Taylor Swift, pop culture, and business. Thanks, Elina!

There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers

There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers

Finance bros and Swifties (Taylor Swift’s fans) usually don’t mix. One’s busy crying to heartbreak songs, the other’s checking the stock market a bit too much. But the book titled There’s Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift by Kevin Evers might just bring them together. It’s the rare book that proves that Taylor Swift is not just on top of the charts, but she is also running a billion-dollar brand.

The author Kevin Evers is an editor at Harvard Business Review and this book has been featured in Rolling Stone, People Magazine, US Weekly, USA Today, The Financial Times, and more. The book was named to the Financial Times “What to Read in 2025” list and was also named one of the “Thirty books we’re excited to read in the first half of 2025” by The Sydney Morning Herald.

There’s Nothing Like This unpacks the calculated plan behind Swift’s every move, from re-recording her albums to forming a direct relationship with her fans that beats any thriving company’s customer loyalty strategy. Her fans will love seeing how her methods fit into the business world and anyone interested in marketing or entrepreneurship will be surprised by her strategy.

This book connects two worlds: pop culture and business. It’s written in a way that is fun, easy to follow and you don’t have to have any prior knowledge of marketing to get it. Whether you are a Swiftie who wants to learn more about the behind the scenes of what she does or a finance bro who admires good and successful business strategies, this book shows that Taylor Swift’s success isn’t just luck, it’s a combination of smart moves and understanding of marketing. She truly is a mastermind.

Arachnophonia: Ariana Grande: “Eternal Sunshine”

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student assistant Claire (class of 2028) and features Ariana Grande’s 2024 studio album Eternal Sunshine on vinyl. Thanks, Claire!

Ariana Grande

Eternal Sunshine

Ariana Grande - Eternal Sunshine

Ariana Grande’s latest studio album, Eternal Sunshine, was released in 2024. This album showcases Ariana’s growth as an artist, blending smooth R&B, electronic pop, and introspective lyrics. It contains some of her most talked-about songs, including “yes, and?” and “we can’t be friends.” Eternal Sunshine explores themes of self-reflection, love, and personal growth, making it a favorite among fans.

What makes Eternal Sunshine unique is its cohesive sound and thoughtful songwriting. The song “We can’t be friends” highlights Ariana’s emotional vulnerability, while other tracks provide a balance of energy and melody. Whether you’ve followed Ariana’s career from the beginning or are a newer listener, this album is enjoyable and engaging to experience.

For students interested in studying contemporary pop, themes of self-reflection in music, or the intersection of electronic production with emotional lyricism, Eternal Sunshine is a great resource. But beyond analysis, it’s also simply an enjoyable listen — a vinyl record that captures both the challenges and beauty of growth.