Music travels through the hallways at Osbourn High, filling headphones and speakers with everything from smooth soul to nostalgic corridos. For students, these favorite songs reveal more than taste—they tell stories.

A favorite song can be more than just a tune. It can hold a memory, shift a mood, or even define a moment. For Osbourn students, music is exactly that.

For some, the perfect song is one that feels timeless—something you can play on repeat without it getting old. That’s exactly how freshman Aaliyah Critzer describes her current favorite, “Best Part” by H.E.R. “I like most of her songs, but right now that’s my favorite,” Aaliyah explained. “I love the beats and harmony, the way everything is played out and the fact that Daniel Caesar is in it.” The track falls under classic soul, a genre Aaliyah doesn’t always listen to—she usually leans more toward indie. Still, H.E.R. stands out as an exception. The mix of smooth vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and layered harmonies keeps pulling her back to the song.

Junior Ashdon Vieyra also gravitates toward smooth and soulful sounds. His go-to right now is “2 Seconds” by Jhené Aiko. “It’s my favorite song because I really like the vibe of it and how well the lyrics were put together,” Ashdon said. He explained that R&B and rap are the two genres he moves between most often, switching depending on his mood. “The way she sings it feels smooth and relaxing, and just flows nicely,” he added.

But not every favorite song is about smooth vibes—sometimes it’s the memories behind the music that matter most. Freshman Estrella Saenz didn’t hesitate when naming her top track: “Otro Amor” by Junior H. As a fan of corridos tumbados, she listens to the genre often, but this particular song carries extra meaning. “It reminds me of people that I used to be friends with, and it makes me think back on those memories and how things have changed over time,” she shared. Her choice highlights how music isn’t just about what’s trending. It can also act like a time machine, pulling people back to moments, friendships, and emotions they may not experience anymore.

Memories aren’t the only thing that make a song special—sometimes it’s the calming atmosphere it creates in the moment. For Bryan Hernandez, a sophomore at Osbourn, and Javier Via Ilanes, a freshman, the songs they love most right now are all about mood and atmosphere. Bryan has been replaying “Blue” by Yung Kai, an Indonesian pop track. “This is my favorite song because it has a calming and emotional vibe,” he said. “The lyrics are relatable, and the soft music makes me feel relaxed.” Even though Bryan often listens to older tracks from the 1990s and 2000s, he said this one stood out for its emotional depth and simplicity.

Javier’s choice is “No One Noticed” by The Marías, which blends alternative, indie, and electronic sounds. “It’s currently my favorite song because it’s calm and soothing, and I enjoy how relaxing it feels,” Javier explained. “Honestly, it’s just a really great song overall, and I like the vibe it gives off.” Both Bryan and Javier show how much students value music that creates peace. Whether it’s Indonesian pop or indie electronic, sometimes the songs that stick the longest are the ones that give you a sense of calm in the middle of a busy day.

Looking at all these answers together, one thing is clear: music means something different to everyone. For some, it’s about smooth beats and soulful harmonies. For others, it’s about holding onto memories of people and places that shaped them. And for many, it’s about finding peace in songs that calm the mind and soothe the stress of everyday life. Students at Osbourn might have very different playlists, but they all agree that music is more than just sound. It’s a form of self-expression, a memory bank, and sometimes even a lifeline.

Whether it’s soul, R&B, corridos tumbados, Indonesian pop, or indie electronic, their choices reflect not only their taste but also their stories.

And if you ever need to understand someone better, sometimes the easiest way is to just ask: “What’s your favorite song right now?”

Other aspects of music include the hows and the whys of our choices.

“I listen to music all the time, because it’s therapeutic for me,” said senior Aniyah Slaughter. People often turn to music because it resonates with their emotions or provides comfort. It can serve as a source of relaxation, inspiration, or entertainment. Music also offers a powerful outlet for self-expression and a way to release stress.

Aniyah Slaughter was also asked which app she uses to listen to music. The normal replies include Apple Music, Spotify, or YouTube, Aniyah said, “I prefer listening to music on Apple Music, because there are no ads and free skips.”

“I prefer to listen to music on Spotify, because it’s free,” said freshman Selvin Murillo. Many people also like Spotify, because it makes personalized playlists and has a huge music library.

Some people enjoy listening to music with their friends, while others prefer listening to music alone. “I prefer listening to music alone because my friends have different music tastes from me.” said freshman, Julio Ramirez. Some people feel like they can only listen to their music in certain settings because they worry about being judged for their taste.

Some people often express themselves with music by dancing. “I prefer listening to music alone because I can dance without others seeing,” said security guard, Ms. Aguilar.

Others, on the other hand, use music to focus; it helps them block out background noise. For example, Selvin Murillo said, “I listen to music to focus because I don’t get distracted as easily when I have music on.”