Looking for some new music to get you ready for a new school year? Good thing we have nearly 14 hours’ worth of song recommendations from our faculty! Keep reading to see which faculty member chose which songs, and listen to the complete soundtrack on Spotify using the link below.
School of Economics
The School of Economics studies core research areas of environmental and energy economics, health economics, international economics, growth and development, econometrics, and microeconomic theory.
Daniel Dench
Assistant Professor, School of Economics
#1 Song: "Little Red Corvette" by Prince
Reminds me of my childhood friend's 1986 little red corvette that we never quite figured out how to get back on the road.
| Additional selections: | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Come as you are" by Nirvana | "Beat It" by Michael Jackson | "It had to be you" by Tony Bennett | "Home" by Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros |
Danny Hughes
Professor, School of Economics
#1 Song: "Tall Man Skinny Lady" by Ty Segall
It's a vibe
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "I Can't Handle Change" by Roar | "Michelle" by Sir Chloe | "A Minha Menina" by Os Mutantes | "The Concept" by Teenage Fanclub |
Laura Taylor
Professor and Chair, School of Economics
#1 Song: "What a wonderful world" by Louis Armstrong
It reminds me of the immense beauty in this world... something that is easy forget as daily demands take over our lives. It helps me remember to be appreciative and grateful for all the wonderful things (and people) in this world.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "You can call me Al" by Paul Simon | "Ants Marching" by Dave Matthews Band | "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell |
"(I've had) The Time of My Life" by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warrens |
Usha Nair-Reichert
Associate Professor and Director of Master's Programs, School of Economics
#1 Song: "September" by Earth Wind and Fire
Every time I listen to September, it uplifts my spirits. And it’s a good song to dance to!
| Additional Selections | ||
|---|---|---|
| "Forever Young" by Bob Dylan | "One Love" by Bob Marley | "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley |
School of History and Sociology
The School of History and Sociology seeks to "Explore the Past, Engage the Present, Define the Future."
Dan Amsterdam
Associate Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, School of History and Sociology
#1 Song: "Changing of the Guard" by Kamasi Washington
We're living in the middle of an incredible jazz renaissance. Everyone should take time to enjoy it, and Washington is a great way in. Also, I'm a drummer. His band's got two of them, and they're incredible.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "The Weight" by Aretha Franklin | "Heroes" by David Bowie | "Highway 61 Revisited" by Bob Dylan |
"Do you Think We'll Last Forever?" by Caroline Rose |
Eric Schatzberg
Professor, School of History and Sociology
#1 Song: Wet Dream, Wet Let
Catchy tune.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "The Passenger" by Iggy Pop (1977 version) | "Black Angel's Death Song" by Velvet Underground | "Security" by Amyl and the Sniffers | "Fembot" by Robyn |
Jennifer Singh
Associate Professor, School of History and Sociology
#1: "Closer to Fine" by Indigo Girls
This was one of my favorite college songs and I saw them in my first trip to the South. This set is going down memory lane.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "These are Days" by 10,000 Maniacs | "Linger" by The Cranberries | "Sweet Dreams" by Anne Lennox |
"Express Yourself" by Madonna |
Kristie Macrakis
Professor, School of History and Sociology
#1 Song: "'Round Midnight" by Thelonious Monk
"'Round Midnight" is a jazz standard and Thelonious Monk is one of my favorite jazz pianists. I include it as # 1 because my favorites change a lot but this has been a constant since I was a teenager. I hosted a jazz radio show in college and have played the song on the piano.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Werner von Braun" by Tom Lehrer | "Secret Agent Man" by Johnny Rivers | "Dj Got us Falling Love" by Usher | "I Will" by The Beatles |
Steve Usselman
H. Bruce McEver Professor of Engineering and the Liberal Arts, School of History and Sociology
#1 Song: "I Thought About You" by Billie Holiday (1954); Frank Sinatra (1956); Miles Davis (1961)
Wistful lyrics by Georgia's Johnny Mercer (1937) begin with "I took a trip on a train... "
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Santa Fe" by Eilen Jewell | "Dallas" by The Flatlanders | "King Harvest (Has Surely Come)" by The Band | "The Dock of the Bay" by Otis Redding |
Sam Nunn School of International Affairs
The Sam Nunn School of International Affairs develops 21st Century global leaders through education in systematic inquiry, empirical and data analytical research, innovative and interdisciplinary programming, as well as practical outreach in International Security, Global Development, and International Affairs, Science, and Technology.
Chris McDermott
Associate Director, Center for International Strategy, Technology and Policy, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs
#1 Song: "Fluff Stuff" by Hedonistas
Not necessarily my #1 of all time, but definitely the flavor of the month for me. Killer guitar riffs, plus extra props because they are an Atlanta-based band.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Jackrabbit" by San Fermin | "The Old Haunt" by The Dear Hunter | "Shine" by David Gray | "Young Fathers" by Typhoon |
Peter Brecke
Associate Professor, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs
#1 Song: "'Til Tuesday" by The Other End of the Telescope
The imagery her poetry evokes along with sheer musicality.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Romeo & Juliet" by Dire Straits | "Ebay" by "Weird Al" Yankovic (Parody of "I Want It That Way" by the Backstreet Boys) |
"In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel |
"The River" by Bruce Springsteen |
Mariel Borowitz
Associate Professor, Sam Nunn School of International Affairs
#1 Song: "Space Oddity" by David Bowie
Classic song to kick off your space-inspired playlist (after listening, check out the version on youtube of Chris Hadfield singing it on the International Space Station).
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Rocket Man" by Elton John | "Intergalactic" by Beastie Boys | "Walkin' on the Sun" by Smash Mouth | "Fly Me to the Moon" by Frank Sinatra |
School of Literature, Media, and Communication
The School of Literature, Media, and Communication defines new models of intellectual inquiry and practice that bring diverse humanistic perspectives to bear on technological invention and innovation.
Aleksander Sedzielarz
Marion L. Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: "All I Want Is You" by Roxy Music
Infectious rhythm, rad vocals
Blake Leland
Associate Professor, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: Diabelli Variations, Beethoven (played by Alfred Brendel)
The order is not important. These pieces of music are fragments of larger musical interests. Most of them are not "songs" in the pop sense of song.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Blue 7 Seven" by Sonny Rollins | "Voodoo Child (Slight Return)" by Jimi Hendrix | "El Tonelero" by Los Munequitos de Matanzas | "Oh Mary Don't You Weep" by Soul Stirrers (with Sam Cooke) |
Caitlin Kelly
Academic Professional and Director, Naugle Communication Center
#1 Song: "The Bullpen" by Dessa
I really love Dessa's use of language, and this song in particular always gets me fired up when I'm facing a challenge, whether it's running up Cardiac Hill or prepping for a presentation.
| Additional Selections | ||
|---|---|---|
| "Like A Girl" by Lizzo | "Run the World" by Beyonce | "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga |
Carol Senf
Professor, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: "Imagine" by John Lennon
Like Lennon, I like to imagine that the world can be a lot better than it is.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Respect" by Aretha Franklin | "Reach Out" by Four Tops | "The Way You Do the Things You Do" by Temptations | "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by Rolling Stones |
Gregory Zinman
Associate Professor, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: "Only Wanna See U Tonight" by Young Guv
Classic pop songwriting filled to the brim with hooks.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "The Smoke" by The Smile | "Face Dances, pt. 2" by Pete Townshend | "N.Y. Survivor" by Randy & The Goats | "In the Fade" by The Lost Days |
Jay Bolter
Professor and Director of Computational Media, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: Jupiter Symphony (#41), 4th movement (Molto Allegro), Mozart
One of Mozart's greatest instrumental works and one of his last.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Blackbird" by Hiromi | "Jag Vet En Deglig Rosa" by Bill Evans and Monica Zetterlund | "Born to be Blue" by Chet Baker | "My Funny Valentine" by Miles Davis |
John Taylor
Marion L. Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: "Rainbow in the Dark" by Dio
This is the quintessential Dio song, fantastical and abstract and yet full of feeling with just the right amount of heavy metal excess. Vinny Appice's drum fills are booming and Viv Campbell's pinch harmonics scream. But most of all the legendary vocals of Ronnie James Dio, who has been my musical hero since I was in junior high.
| Additional Selections | |||
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| "A History of Bad Men" by The Melvins | "If 6 Was 9" by Jimi Hendrix | "Inner Logic" by Bad Religion | "Didn't It Rain" by Sister Rosetta Tharpe |
John Thornton
Academic Professional, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: "Two Words" by Kanye West, Mos Def, & Freeway
I've been listening to the old Kanye since watching Coodie's documentary "Jeen-yuhs" on Netflix.
| Additional Selections | ||
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| "Champion" by Kanye West | "All the Way Turnt Up" by Roscoe Dash | "They Didn't Know II" by Wande |
Lisa Yaszek
Regents Professor of Science Fiction Studies, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: "Space Children" by Labelle
We tend to think about science fiction--including science fiction music!--as being by, for, and about "white boys and their toys." But Labelle remind us that women and people of color have always been part of the future imaginary as well--and they do it with a beat you can't help but dance to!
| Additional Selections | |||
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| "Two Little Men in a Flying Saucer" by Ella Fitzgerald | "Rapture" by Blondie | "Cosmogony" by Bjork | "Wondaland" by Janelle Monae |
Logan J. Freeman
Lecturer, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: "There's a Girl in the Corner" by The Twilight Sad
'cause it's a moody dream, y'all.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Monstrance Clock" by Ghost | "Ellipsis" by Drab Majesty | "Possibilities are Endless" by Atticus Ross, Leopold Ross, Claudia Sarne | "Crush" by Ethel Cain |
Melissa Foulger
Senior Academic Professional and Director of DramaTech
#1 Song: "'scuse Me" by Lizzo
It is an awesome jam and Lizzo is such an inspiration to women.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Sun Goes Down" by Little Nas X | "Hide and Seek" by Imogen Heap | "Power of Two" by Indigo Girls | "The Joke" by Brandi Carlile |
Melissa Ianetta
Class of '58 Professor and Executive Director of the Writing and Communication Program, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: "Sound and Vision” by David Bowie
It’s the first song on my “butt in chair” playlist. (Lyrics: “I will sit right down / Waiting for the gift of sound and vision).
Philip Auslander
Philip Auslander
Professor, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: Spirit in the Sky, Norman Greenbaum
I chose this song because I've listened to it with pleasure since it came out, over 50 years ago. I am a scholar of popular music and wrote an essay about this song.
| Additional Selections | |||
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| "Panic in Detroit" by David Bowie | "Moving On" by John Mayall | "The Girl Can't Help It" by Little Richard | "All Around My Hat" by Steeleye Span |
Richard Utz
Senior Associate Dean and Professor, School of Literature, Media, and Communication
#1 Song: Mon village du bout du monde, Joe Dassin
It's about how to escape "la grand maladie, l'horreur du domicile" by traveling light, all very important 'after' the pandemic prison.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves | "Summertime" by Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong | "Games Without Frontiers" by Peter Gabriel | "Wunderkinder" by Heinz Rudolph Kunze |
School of Modern Languages
The School of Modern Languages is a national leader in the study of cultures, languages, linguistics, and media. Our faculty are consistently recognized for their impactful and interdisciplinary research, artistic creation, innovations in curriculum development, expertise in study abroad, and close collaboration with industry professionals.
Aki Matsushima
Lecturer of Japanese, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: "The Curb" by Gyakutaro Shibuya
Because he is one of the best singers in Japan.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "PRDR" by Fox Capture Plan | "The End of the Days" by Gotch | "Butterfly" by Ohashi Trio | "Tamayura" by Awesome City Club |
Amanda Weiss
Assistant Professor of Japanese, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: "Wuthering Heights" by Kate Bush
You may know Kate Bush from "Running Up That Hill," which has been popularized by Stranger Things recently, but I've always been partial to this wild, fanciful song she wrote as a teenager in the 70s. Check out her iconic music video as well (the one where she dances in a red dress on the moors), as well as comedian Noel Fielding's hilarious parody.
| Additional Selections | |
|---|---|
| "Oh! You Pretty Things" by David Bowie | "Twilight" by Electric Light Orchestra |
Andrea Jonsson
Director of French Program and Assistant Professor of French, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: “Tous les mêmes” Stromae
I’ve never met someone who stays still in their seat when they hear the rhumba. Also great music video.
| Additional Selections | |||
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| “Seeds” by Camille | “Dilemme” by Lous and the Yakuza | “J’arrive” by Ben Mazué | “Balade brésilienne” by Gaël Faye |
Britta Kallin
Associate Professor of German and Director of Graduate Studies, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: Tracy Chapman, Fast Track
Chapman’s song deals with several important topics: loneliness, alcoholism, family, and love.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Lili Marleen" by Marlene Dietrich (German version) | "Tony’s Diner" by Suzanne Vega | "Immer noch ich" by La Hengst | "Only Time" by Enya |
Danielle Geary
Senior Lecturer of Spanish and Coordinator of Spanish Program, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: Caledonia by Celtic Woman
I love international travel and have lived abroad, and this song describes how our home country is always with us.
| Additional Selections | |||
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| "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri | "Roads" by Chris Mann | "Wild Child" by Enya | "Still the One" by Orleans |
David Shook
Interim School Chair and Professor, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: "Your Love Amazes Me" by John Berry
My wife's and my choice for a song that describes our relationship.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "God only knows" by the Beach Boys | "Steppin' Out" by Joe Jackson | "Little Less Conversation" by Elvis Presley | "You Shook Me All Night Long" by AC/DC |
Hongchen Wu
Assistant Professor of Chinese, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: "Empty World" by Karen Mok
There are so many people in the world. How lucky am I to have us be friends?
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Dan yuan Ren Chang Jiu" by Faye Wong | "Shan Qiu" by Jonathan Lee | "Rice Field" by Jay Chou | "Ping Fan Zhi Lu" by Pu Shu |
Keung Yoon Bae
Assistant Professor of Korean, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: "The Only Heartbreaker" by Mitski
It's a total jam with very depressing lyrics, which is my favorite combo.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Oh My God" by (G)I-DLE | "How Not to Drown" by CHVRCHES | "Ungodly Hour" by Chloe x Halle | "Good Riddance" by Darren Korb |
Lee Oh
Coordinator of Korean Program and Lecturer of Korean, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: "Permission to Dance" by BTS
This is my favorite song because it is very catchy and the lyrics are beautiful! I keep thinking about this song as it never gets old!
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "How can I love the heartbreak, you're the one I love" by AKMU | "How You Like That" BLACKPINK | "Nagging" by IU&Seulong | "Dolphin" by OH MY GIRL |
Lelia Glass
Coordinator of Linguistics Program and Assistant Professor of Linguistics, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: "Gold Rush" by Taylor Swift
I just can't get enough of Taylor Swift. I love her lyrics (storytelling and imagery), the way she sings almost as if she's talking, and the way her songs are both sad and energetic at the same time. Also really admire how she maintains a distinctive sound/identity while trying on so many different genres of music.
| Additional Selections |
|---|
| "Welcome To Atlanta" by Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris |
Satomi Suzuki
Coordinator of Japanese Program and Lecturer of Japanese, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: "Sekai ni hitotsu dake no hana" by SMAP
This song was one of the best hits in Japan performed by a male idol group, SMAP. I like the theme of this song which encourages a self-affirmation and diverse society.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Kawa no nagare no yooni" by Misora Hibari | "Tokyo girl" by Perfume | "Katteni shindobaddo" by Southern All Stars | "Say it" by Yorushika |
Stéphanie Boulard
Associate Professor of French, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: Le temps de l’amour, Francoise Hardy
Because its lyrics are timeless, yet exquisitely simple, without being saddled with superfluous instrumentation and backing vocals.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Gloria" by Patti Smith | "El desierto" by Llasah de Sela | "Angola" by Cesaria Evora | "Love it or Leave it" by Asaf Avidan |
Valeriya Chekalina
Lecturer of Russian, School of Modern Languages
#1 Song: "2+2=5" by Radiohead
I love the music! And also the title of the song is a reference to George Orwell's novel 1984 — the novel that has been literally put to life in contemporary Russia.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Love" by Shortparis | "Road" by Auktyon | "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone | "Sultans of Swing" by Dire Straits |
School of Public Policy
The Georgia Tech School of Public Policy is a global leader in foundational knowledge, policies, and governance of the scientific, engineering, and innovation ecosystem.
Bob Kirkman
Associate Professor, School of Public Policy
#1 Song: "The Very Last Straw" by The Syncopaths
I find this medley of three Celtic-style tunes entirely irresistible, as it moves from the subtle through the lyrical to the propulsive.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Farewell to Trion" by Darol Anger | "The World is Waiting for the Sunrise" by Joe Venuti and Dave McKenna | "Glass, Concrete and Stone" by David Byrne | "Zephyr" by The Greg Ruby Quartet |
Chad Slieper
Academic Professional and Director – Law, Science, and Technology Program, School of Public Policy
#1 Song: Georgia on My Mind by Ray Charles
I was born and raised in Atlanta, and my family has deep roots going back many generations in Georgia. When I was living in Texas for my very first faculty position, and looking for opportunities back in Atlanta, I’d listen to Georgia on My Mind every night. It feels like a warm hug from home.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper | "This Is Me" by The Greatest Showman Cast | "Grace Kelly" by MIKA | "Hard Candy Christmas" by Dolly Parton |
Dan Matisoff
Associate Professor, School of Public Policy
#1 Song: "Fall on Me" by REM
It's a call for environmentalism by one of my favorite bands of all time (also from Atlanta)
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Tighten Up" by Black Keys | "Society" by Eddie Vedder | "Dance Yrself Clean" by LCD Soundsystem | "Bicycle Race" by Queen |
Mary Frank Fox
Dean's Distinguished Professor, School of Public Policy
#1 Song: "RESPECT" by Aretha Franklin
Seven letters, one word, say it *all* !
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "West End Blues" by Louis Armstrong | "Night and Day" by Cole Porter | "It Ain't Me Babe" by Bob Dylan | "O Mio Babbino Caro" by Giacomo Puccini |
Milton Mueller
Professor, School of Public Policy
#1 Song: "Fast Boogie" by Meade "Lux" Lewis
Do I have to? All 5 songs are great and may move up or down depending on mood. But this one always perks me up.
| Additional Selections | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| "Piano Sonata No. 30 in E Major, Op. 109." by Beethoven | "Middle of the Road" by The Pretenders | "If I had a Hammer" by Peter Paul and Mary | "Vuli Ndlela" by Brenda Fassie |
Zak Taylor
Associate Professor and Associate Chair, School of Public Policy
#1 Song: "Fool's Gold" by The Stone Roses
As the 1980s techno-pop era wound down, the British band Stone Roses made rock popular again by synthesizing 1960s psychedelia and acid house. They recorded "Fool's Gold" one instrument at a time, with little structure or direction, resulting in an easy-going, playful, funky, mostly instrumental track that wanders in the best way. If you like it, try their Second Coming album (1994).