By Alyson Murray ’19
ALBUMS:
“Starboy,” The Weeknd (SET TO RELEASE NOV. 25, 2016)
The Weeknd released his first single since “Beauty Behind the Madness,” titled “Starboy,” which immediately found success. Sam Little ’17, an avid Weeknd fan, said, “I am excited for the new album, because ‘Starboy’ is unlike any of the other beats he has created.”
“Two Vines,” Empire of the Sun (SET TO RELEASE OCT. 28, 2016)
The electronic duo, Empire of the Sun, headlined the popular Meadows Music & Arts Festival. Daken Gulbransen ’19, who attended the festival, commented that “although I didn’t know them before I saw them, and I basically accidentally watched their whole concert, they had a huge crowd and were incredibly sick performers,” Gilbransen said. “I’m really excited for their new album.”
“Joanne,” Lady Gaga (SET TO RELEASE OCT. 21, 2016)
Following “Artpop,” which released almost a full three years ago, the successful pop star is ready to release her next studio album, “Joanne.” According to Billboard, Gaga says that the album is named after her late Aunt Joanne, and that her aunt was one of her greatest inspirations.
“Lady Wood,” Tove Lo (SET TO RELEASE OCT. 28, 2016)
Tove Lo became an instant pop star with her hits “Talking Body” and “Habits (Stay High),” making her a fan favorite around Staples. “Her first album delivered some cool, vibing hits, but based on “Cool Girl,” I think her new songs will be so much more relatable and just overall fun to listen to,” Zarah Ahmad ’19 said.
MOVIES:
“Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children”
Based on the best-selling book by Ransom Riggs, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” which released Sept. 30, 2016, delivers a journey following a magical place that cares for children with peculiar powers. “The movie keeps you on your toes at all times and is one of the coolest thriller movies I’ve ever seen,” Anna Rhoads ’19 commented. The main character gets to the home through clues that his grandfather gave to him, and realizes his power might be the only thing that can save the children.
“The Girl on the Train”
The new must-watch mystery/thriller, “The Girl on the Train,” which released Oct. 7, 2016, follows the story of a commuter, Rachel Watson, who watches a ‘perfect’ couple from the window of the train. But one day, she notices something shocking occur in the couples’ backyard. She goes to report this suspicious act but is unable to recall everything she saw on the train. So she begins to investigate the mystery by herself.
“Baywatch”
Based on the beloved 1991 TV show, “Baywatch,” releasing May 19, 2017, follows the lifeguards of the Los Angeles County beaches. They are forced to join together despite their differences in order to save their beach from a devastating disaster. The movie is completed with a star-studded cast, including Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson.