By Ava Miller and Raylee Link 

Sabrina Carpenter has been very popular lately, especially thanks to her most recently released album, Man’s Best Friend. We spoke with several students about the artist and what they like about her. We also had a chance to attend one of her shows and share some of the highlights.

Isla Moore Fatino called Carpenter “a cutie pie” and would love to see her in concert. Eva Fleming is also a fan and called her “a diva”! Adley Kulik and Morgan Ahlborn both expressed interest in seeing Carpenter in concert and chose “Manchild” and “Taste” respectively as their favorite songs. Even teachers are fans of Sabrina Carpenter. Mrs. Griffiths shared that she would go see her concert and Miss Bonar was “upset that I missed her Pittsburgh concert.” While Mr. Zurinsky describes himself as “a rock and roller,” he admitted that “Espresso” was his favorite Sabrina Carpenter song.        

After taking a brief break from touring, her first two nights back were in Pittsburgh on October 23 and 24, and they were definitely amazing! On October 23, she wore a new bodysuit which was leopard print with a black sleeveless babydoll dress. The second outfit was a black lace capri bodysuit. Her third outfit was the iconic Juno outfit. It was gold. She played us several songs from the new album including “Manchild,” “Tears,” “Nobody’s Son,” and “House Tour.” The song “Nobody’s Son” was played because of the game she plays called Spin the Bottle. She performs whatever song the bottle lands on, and it landed on "Nobody's Son.” Her show was very memorable and we hope you get a chance to see her perform live some time in the near future. You won’t be disappointed.

By McKenzie Rester 

Conan Gray debuted in 2017 with his first single “Idle Town.” Shortly after, his first album Kid Krow debuted in 2020, eventually reaching the Top 5 on the U.S Billboard 200. This was a major success for Conan, who built his career on YouTube and gained significant traction with singles like "Maniac" and "Heather." In 2022, Conan released his second album Superache which did extremely well, staying on the U.S. Billboard charts for twelve weeks. Two years later, in 2024 Conan released Found Heaven, his third album. It debuted at number 14 on the US Billboard 200 and number four on the UK Albums Chart, becoming his highest-charting album in the UK. The album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery through upbeat, retro-influenced tracks, though some critics felt it lacked lyrical depth or cohesion.

In August of 2025, Conan released Wishbone, his fifth album. It was his biggest debut, achieving chart success and over 8.4 million streams in its first 24-hours! Conan later announced his “The Wishbone Pajama Tour,” selling out many shows. Gray performed in Pittsburgh in September at The Petersen Event Center, his first time headlining in Pittsburgh. At the show, some12,500 people in attendance all dressed in their sailor-themed pajamas. 

Wishbone is my favorite Conan Gray album so far, with my favorite song being “Eleven Eleven.” I was born on 11/11, so I definitely felt a connection and enjoyed the song the most. Conan Gray is a very good person and songwriter, and he's just a funny person in general. Everyone should go check his music out and see for yourself how incredible he is!

By McKenzie Rester 

My Chemical Romance (MCR) first debuted in 2001. There are four MCR members in the band, not including older members which included Bob Bryar who sadly passed away in November of 2024 at the age of 44. My Chemical Romance stopped touring in early 2023, but in 2024 they announced their “Long Live the Black Parade" tour scheduled for early 2025 through 2026.

This tour is based on their third studio album “The Black Parade.” The storyline progresses with each show, with variations and new plot developments occurring during the tour, such as the band physically fighting back against the regime for the first time at a Los Angeles show. My Chemical Romance performed in Philadelphia in August this year at Citizens Bank Park. It was completely sold out. Attendees were impressed with the band's musical ability, noting that their talent has not been diminished by time. Gerard Way's vocals and screams were powerful, and the band played with palpable love and passion. Some fans said the concert felt like a celebration of survival and a "warm hug" for their younger selves. 

My Chemical Romance’s comeback was a complete success. I myself was very happy to see Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Frank Iero, and Ray Toro back on stage. The Black Parade is my favorite album, so it was incredible to see this band bring it back to life.

By Ava George 

How It’s Done:

“How It’s Done” is the first song of K-Pop Demon Hunters, and arguably one of the best ones. I heard it the first time over the summer and immediately added it to all of my playlists. I was disappointed that it didn’t get remixes, like "Golden" did, but it would probably be too much publicity and take away from the other songs. Grade: A-

Strategy:

“Strategy” is not an official song in K-Pop Demon Hunters, but I thought it deserved a feature. It’s sung by TWICE and I was so excited about it being in the movie. It’s hardly played in the movie, but it’s still part of the soundtrack. I loved it after actually listening to it, it was definitely one of the better songs. Grade: B+

Golden:

“Golden” is the most well-known song, and is the only one with different versions except "Takedown." I personally didn’t see anything special about it, but I liked the remake by David Guetta; I feel like it really had a better beat and backup. Grade: C

Soda Pop:

“Soda Pop” is a very upbeat song, and the first one sung by the Saja Boys. I thought it was a pretty decent song, very overplayed though. There wasn’t anything very unique about it; it was just fun. Grade: B-

Takedown:

“Takedown” was one of the best diss tracks I’ve ever heard, even though it was for made-up bands. I was disappointed when the full song wasn’t in the movie, but the TWICE version of it might’ve been even better. Grade: B+

Your Idol:

“Your Idol” was unbelievably amazing! The choreography was a little wonky, but the actual song is far from that. This is probably the most liked song in the movie and soundtrack, and it really makes sense. The beat is fast-paced and has the perfect fun/dark ratio. Grade: A

This is What It Sounds Like:

“This is What It Sounds Like” is such a wonderful song to end a movie on. Everyone in my house keeps singing it, and I genuinely can’t blame them. It was a great song on its own, but the fact that it had a standard of ending songs to live up to makes it so much better. Grade: B

Overall:

The soundtrack is so good, and probably the best movie soundtrack of 2025. It has such a good variation of styles and amazing singers. If you haven't given it a chance yet, I strongly encourage you to give it a chance.

Grade: A

By McKenzie Rester 

Taylor Swift fdebuted her first album in October of 2006. Nineteen years and16 albums (including four re-recorded ones!), she's still making history. In August, she was on her now fiance’s podcast, “New Heights,” and announced her brand new album called The Life Of A Showgirl. On October 3, she released the album and it quickly soared to number one on the Billboard 200. It also set the record for Biggest First-Week Sales" in music history. As I went through and rated each song, it was easy to understand why everyone is listening to this album on repeat!

The Fate Of Ophelia: “The Fate Of Ophelia” is a very upbeat song and I enjoy every lyric. My favorite lyric in the song is “Late one night, you dug me out of my grave and saved my heart from the fate of Ophelia.” This gets a 9/10 rating.

Elizabeth Taylor: “Elizabeth Taylor” is a very glamorous song, and it’s definitely a song you would like if you liked Reputation. My favorite lyric in this song is “Babe, I would trade the Cartier for someone to trust (just kidding)." This gets a 7.5/10.

Opalite: “Opalite” is a very upbeat, danceable song. It's one of my favorites. My favorite lyric in this song is “You were dancing through the lightning strikes, sleepless in the onyx night.” This gets a 10/10.

Father Figure: Taylor wrote this song based on George Michael’s 1987 “Father Figure." My favorite lyric is “You remind me of a younger me. I saw potential…” This song gets a 9/10.

Eldest Daughter: “Eldest Daughter” is definitely a song you have to listen to a few times to like, but it's still a good song though. The lyrics symbolize so much if you really look into it! My favorite lyric is “Pretty soon I learned cautious discretion. When your first crush crushes something kind” This gets a 6.5/10 (Sorry!)

Ruin The Friendship: “Ruin the Friendship” is about her old friend Jeff Lang who sadly passed away in 2010 at the age of 21. My favorite lyric is “ Shiny wood floors underneath my feet, Disco ball makes everything look cheap.” This gets a 10/10

Actually Romantic: “Actually Romantic” is one of my favorite songs on the album. I enjoy screaming this song in the car! This song is rumored to be about a rivalry with Charli XCX. Taylor Swift later described the song as a "love letter to someone who hates you," explaining it's about a one-sided, adversarial relationship where the other person's actions reveal they are obsessed with you. My favorite lyric is “Like a toy chihuahua barking at me from a tiny purse.” This gets a 10/10.

Wi$h Li$t: Taylor explained that “Wi$t li$t” explores the diverse dreams and aspirations people have, but ultimately said that her own wish list is simply a life with her fiancé, Travis Kelce. This is a very upbeat song. My favorite lyric is “I hope they get what they want. I just want you, uh.” Another favorite of mine gets a 10/10.

Wood: Taylor said the track “is about superstitions,” like “black cats, stepping on cracks, things like that,” so let’s leave it at that. My favorite lyric is “ And the black cat laughed.” This song gets an 8/10.

Cancelled!: Many fans see the song as a powerful anthem about standing by friends who are facing public backlash. Some also think this song is a lost Reputation track. My favorite lyric is “At least you know exactly who your friends are. They're the ones with matching scars.” This song gets a 7.5/10.

Honey: “Honey” is maybe one of the most danceable songs on this album in my opinion> It's amazingly upbeat music. I really enjoyed the idea of only liking your partner calling you "Honey." My favorite lyric is “You can call me honey if you want because I'm the one you want.” My favorite song on the album gets a 10/10!

The Life Of A Showgirl: The last song on the album, track 12. This song features Sabrina Carpenter. I think it's a declaration that she is choosing and loving the life of a showgirl and I think it's a beautiful song. My favorite lyric is “Now I make my money being pretty and witty.” Another one of my favorites gets a 10/10. 

There's so much to like and listen to on repeat here. Do yourself a favor and try it today!

By Makenna Ridilla 

If you are a Swiftie, then you know she just completed performing her sold out Eras Tour all over the country. I love Taylor Swift! No, I did not see her perform live, but I was able to see the concert in the theater. It was one night I will never forget. But if you missed it live and in the theater, don’t worry! You can still see it on Disney Plus!

Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (Taylor’s Version) debuted on March 15. In fact, on Disney Plus, the film has a few extra songs! If you are a Swiftie, this is a moment that is just as special as the real Eras tour because you can watch it over and over again!

You will also be glad to hear that she is releasing a new album on April 19, called The Tortured Poets Department. I know it’s going to be good and hope there are many more albums to come! After all, she is only 34 years old!

If you are looking for sad songs, happy songs, or just enjoy good music, you should give Taylor Swift a try! With so many Eras, there’s bound to be one you fall in love with!

By Lucas Garland 

Have you heard of Alice Cooper? If not, you've definitely seen his influence in music, style, and live performances. With 29 albums and still putting on shows at 76 years old, I knew I had to write about this rock ‘n’ roll hero.

Alice Cooper was a rock band in the late 60’s and early 70’s. They had a unique sound that put them apart from other bands at the time. They had lots of great songs like “School’s Out” and “No More Mr. Nice Guy.” This sound and theatrical performance would later be known as Shock Rock. This sub genre would be used by bands like Kiss and Rob Zombie. 

Although they were the biggest band in the world at the time, unfortunately in 1974, the band broke up. The lead singer, Vincent Furnier, legally changed his name to Alice Cooper to keep the rights to the music.

After that, Alice continued to make solo albums like Welcome To My Nightmare and Flush the Fashion. Around this time, Alice became addicted to various substances and struggled continuing his music career. Luckily, he overcame his addictions and wrote an album about his time in therapy: From the Inside.

From there he became a staple of the 1980’s glam metal/hair rock era. His shows also became bigger and better with even more songs that required amazing stunts, like “Snake Bite” when he lets a live stake crawl over him, or “Feed My Frankenstein” with a 12 foot tall monster that roams the stage.

Speaking of his shows, I've been lucky enough to see him live twice. I cannot put into words how phenomenal both the music and the performances are. The illusions are also great and almost put me in a trance. My personal favorite part is when he sings “Ballad of Dwight Frye,'' in which Alice sings while he is in a straitjacket. I would 100% recommend the show to everyone.

Today, Alice still puts on shows and has just released his 29th album, Road. I think it's safe to say that, without his influence, music and theater would not be what they are today.

By Madolyn Pittman 

Pierce the Veil is a pop-punk, post-hardcore band founded in 2006. Members include Vic Fuentes (lead singer), Tony Perry (lead guitar), and Jaime Preciado (bassist). They have released five studio albums, each one fantastic in its own special way.

The first album released by Pierce the Veil was A Flair for the Dramatic, released in 2007. Although the album itself doesn’t have a direct meaning, or story, the songs that are in it are meaningful enough themselves. For example, “Yeah Boy and Doll Face” is a song about a relationship which has gone awry. Although the male loves the female, his feelings are not reciprocated, and this drives him crazy. The song uses gut punching, poetic lyrics to describe his experience. Another one of my favorites is “The Cheap Bouquet." This one uses theatrical, important lyrics to show listeners what it’s like to be in a relationship which has gone dull, and trying your best to win them back. The album uses songs like these to describe love and all its hardships. 

Their next next album, Selfish Machines, released in 2010. It describes a relationship where one person is reliant on the other person with "obsession and desperation, and the stupid things you do when you're in love.". One of my all-time favorite songs, “I Don’t Care if You’re Contagious,” happens to be on this album. This bittersweet song describes a boy who passed away, and doesn’t want to be separated from his girlfriend. It is based off a young fan whose boyfriend passed away in a car accident. It is said that she held his hand for the first time at one of Pierce the Veil’s shows. When Vic Fuentes heard about this, he knew he had to write a song about it. Another one of my favorite songs is, “Besitos.” Vic Fuentes explained, “[The song is] about my dysfunctional relationship with a girl I couldn’t stop hurting over and over again. It’s meant to be her speaking to me, asking me why I’m not satisfied with what we had.” This song uses Latin elements to deliver a painfully realistic message. 

Their third studio album, Collide With the Sky, released in 2012. This album was made to inspire hope amongst the chaos that may be happening around you. One of my favorite songs on this album is, “A Match Into Water.” This beautifully painful song tells the story of one of Vic Fuentes's ex-girlfriends who had recently been diagnosed with cancer. It is absolutely gut-wrenching, but truly does inspire hope. My second favorite song has to be, “Hell Above.” This song describes Fuentes’s feeling about finding that place when you're young where you can find some sort of freedom. All of these songs are right up my alley, somehow making you dance and cry to a beautiful tune.

Fourth, their album Misadventures released in 2016, and is one of my favorite albums of all time. The album describes experiences unique to Vic Fuentes. One of the songs on this album is titled “Today I Saw the Whole World." This song details an instance where a past girlfriend of Fuentes cheated on him with his friend. This song describes betrayal and hurt, two very real feelings. The song "Dive In” is unique to the rest of the album because instead of describing a failed relationship, it describes the band’s immense frustration with fame and the forever changing music industry. All in all, these songs are more upbeat and DIY, evident by the album cover. 

Last, but certainly not least, we have Pierce The Veil’s fifth released album, Jaws of Life. In Vic Fuentes’s words, “It's just about how life can try and sink its teeth into you and devour you, and trying to find your way out of that. I think this album represents getting out of that grip and seeing the light again and breaking through." This message is universal, and extremely motivating. One of the best songs to ever exist, AKA, “Death of an Executioner,” is about social media, and its unrealistic expectations of perfection that can destroy you. WIth the rise of cyber-bullying and cancel culture, I see how this song is relevant to the current time. Another song, “Pass The Nirvana,” is about all of the generations that were negatively-affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This album is incredibly influential and modern, and, like all of their amazing albums, I suggest you give it a listen!

By Marissa Eldridge 

If you are looking for a new music artist who sings different genres of pop music like dark pop, regular pop, art pop just to name a few, then you should give Melanie Martinez’s music a try. She has released four albums, so you will not be bored or run out of music for a while! K-12, Crybaby, and Portals have 13 songs, while After School has seven. In my opinion, her two best albums are Crybaby and Portals. Trust me, they will get you attached to her music very quickly. 

Her music is amazing because she likes to express her feelings through her music. If you decide to start listening to her – which you should– I would start with either the song “Dollhouse” or “Fire Drill.” “Dollhouse” was the first song I ever listened to from her, and I got hooked immediately because it is so catchy.

Her new album Portals talks about her past relationship with another singer named Oliver Tree and how he was pretty much using her for everything. It's a really personal record from her, but everyone will be able to relate to the feelings she talks about. I hope you fall in love with her music and give her a chance. You won't regret it!