As the year comes to a close, the time for reflection has begun. Here are the staff picks for their favorite songs of this year: 

Senior Saydria Ostler (Editor-in-Chief): “Grapejuice” by Harry Styles

“This song never fails to put me in a good mood.”

Senior Presley Plant (Managing Editor): “Easy Peasy” by Happy Return

“This band is smaller, and I like how unique the song is compared to what most of our generation listens to. The song is happy, and I associate it with good memories.”

Senior Lexi Amaro (News Editor): “Painkiller” by Beach Bunny

“‘Painkiller’ is my favorite Beach Bunny song. It was the encore to their concert, which was an amazing experience to share with my friends. Plus, the instrumental bridge is amazing.”

Senior Reagan Reynolds (Opinions Editor): “She” by Tyler, The Creator featuring Frank Ocean

“It is two of my favorite artists in the same song. It also works for a variety of moods.”

Senior Sophie Barkett (A&E Editor): “Watercolor Eyes” by Lana Del Ray

“This song was first featured in the show Euphoria, and I immediately fell in love. It has such a whimsical, heart-felt tone, but portrays such complex emotions.”

Senior Jackson Bergholz (Reviews Editor): “sad4whatt” by ericadoa

“I listened to this with my friends a lot over summer and at the beginning of the school year. Ericdoa slowly just became a part of my daily music.”

Senior Meghan McGowan (Sports Editor): “You’re On Your Own Kid” by Taylor Swift

“It really struck a chord with me because I’m graduating soon, and it’s about facing your future and moving forward even when it’s hard.”

Junior Julia Carvalho (Staff Reporter): “Love & War in Your Twenties” by Jordy Searcy

“The song carries such good energy and an important message about being present and enjoying youthfulness while it lasts.”

Junior Ellie Gotschall (Staff Reporter): “Tiny Dancer” by Elton John

“This is my favorite song because it’s calming for me. I always liked listening to Elton John, and I went to his farewell concert.”

Junior Karson Krause (Staff Reporter): “Shadow of a Cloud” by Michael The Author

“The beat is catchy.”

Junior Wyatt Lehti (Staff Reporter): “Foreword” by Tyler, The Creator

“It is very relaxing, and I consider it to be perhaps the greatest song of all time.”

Junior Koen Martineau (Staff Reporter): “Waves” by Imagine Dragons

“It has a cool guitar part, and it’s just an absolute banger.”

Junior Aidan Salcido (Staff Reporter): “Family Ties” By Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem 

“It is in my opinion one of the best rap songs ever created. I love it because every time it plays, my friends and I just start going crazy. We know every word to the song, and we just have fun.”

Junior Elena Jones (Staff Reporter): “On Melancholy Hill” by Gorillaz

“This song is my favorite because it is by one of my favorite bands and it is a very calming song.”

Junior Tristan McCammond (Staff Reporter): “Birdhouse In Your Soul” by They Might Be Giants

“I like it. It’s catchy and happy. It’s been my favorite since middle school.”

Junior Emily Buttyan (Staff Reporter): “Power Trip” by J. Cole

“I like the song because I never get tired of it no matter how much I listen to it. I also love J. Cole.”

Junior Mark Jaber (Staff Reporter): “Lovers Rock” By TV Girl

This song’s instrumental and particularly the sample feels so nostalgic and whimsical. I love it because it feels like going for a night drive with your friends.

These songs are a collection of memories from 2022. Regardless of what Spotify Wrapped says, your favorite song is up to you.