Welcome to OPOW 7, Odyssey’s amazing playlist of music for everyone. Some songs are old. Some songs are new. All of them will start your new year greater than your resolutions (too soon?). Anyways, happy New Year and enjoy your first OPOW of 2016!
Chance The Rapper “Somewhere In Paradise (ft. Jeremih and R. Kelly)”
If you haven’t heard of Chance The Rapper, you are missing out. The rapper, known for his commercially acclaimed mixtape Acid Rap, released “Somewhere In Paradise” featuring Jeremih and R. Kelly in 2015. “Somewhere In Paradise” is about self-encouragement and looking your surroundings in a positive perspective. This song lifts you up and feel you can do take on the world. Whether you’re a Hip-Hop fan or not, Chance’s song will give you a positive boost to 2016.
Wonder Girls “I Feel You”
After a three-year hiatus, Korean girl group Wonder Girls have returned with their new album Reboot. Released last summer, Wonder Girls brings the 80s back in their song, “I Feel You.” The song is about expressing a person’s love. With a great mix of synth and bass, Wonder Girls make their 80s sound the ultimate throwback. If you like early Madonna or that guy who sang “Addicted To Love”, you will love Wonder Girls’ “I Feel You” and their equally amazing album Reboot.
Jamiroquai “Canned Heat”
Remember that song played during a scene from the movie, Napoleon Dynamite? Have you ever wondered who sang that song? If you are curious or just realized that now, then your questions have been answered here! The song is called “Canned Heat” and Jamiroquai originally performs it in early 2000s. “Canned Heat” is about being carefree and freeing yourself with its disco sound. You can listen to this track and dance like Napoleon from the movie or groove to it while you are working. Either way, disco is slowly coming back.
Will Smith “Will 2K”
Fresh Prince is back…almost! Many people don’t know actor Will Smith rapped to a song called “Will 2K” or know he had an album at all. After his success with songs like “Summertime” and “Men In Black”, Smith released an album called Willennium in 1999. His album featured tracks like his infamous hit “Wild Wild West.” However, “Will 2K” stood out as a song about ringing in the New Year. It’s a great track to celebrate and welcome a new year ahead.
Carly Rae Jepsen “Emotions”
2015 was a big year for the pop singer. The “I Really Like You” sing released her sophomore album Emotion with incredible music including her song “Emotion”. “Emotion” is about enjoying life after breaking up with a lover. This upbeat track gives a message of having a wonderful time after being in the relationship. It separates Jepsen from her previous hits ("Call Me Maybe" and "I Really Like You"), proving that she is more than a one-hit wonder. Even though both her song and album were arguably underrated in 2015, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Emotion” is still a bopping song to dance to.