Cyrine Abdallah

Contributing Writer

To mark this year’s season of love, the Underground and the Goliard Literary Magazine organized a live session of breakup covers. Musical artists from The College of Wooster showcased their skills for the occasion; here is a review of their performances (with a bonus at the end).

The first duet kicked off the night with a rendition of Joan Baez and Bob Dylan’s “Mama You’ve Been on My Mind.” The song tells a straightforward story of separation and yearning.

Next up was the group commitment issues, whose name arguably represented the topic of the night. The band performed a medley of “Misses” by Dominic Fike, “Apocalypse” by Cigarettes After Sex and “Hit ’Em Up Style” by Blu Cantrell. The band’s style could be described as trendy and nerdy, the artists sporting shirts, ties and sunglasses. They took their places onstage and delivered a dreamy version of the tracks.

Following commitment issues, solo artist Reese Graham ’27 played an acoustic version of “Old Friends,” by Simon and Garfunkel. The performance, while comprising only one guitar and one voice, was simple yet moving. Graham’s debut at the Underground hinted at promising future performances.

The next group was Burgundy Love Seat. The duo offered a two-part performance (“Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright” by Bob Dylan and “Blues Run the Game” by Jackson C. Frank), sharing one guitar and singing in harmonies.

Next was an entertaining and effortless performance by the band Comma, who covered Big Thief’s “Vampire Empire.”

Then, a cover by Zero Card of Hozier’s “Too Sweet” delivered a punchy first guitar note that drew listeners into the irresistibly “too sweet” music. Before long, the audience was singing along to the music.

The couple forming Indignant performed Mitski’s song “First Love/Late Spring,” which explores the transition into adulthood, the discovery of love and the conflict between desire and innocence.

The second and final solo of the night, a cover of “Town Clown” by the band Sorry Mom was sung by Joey Mendez ’27. “I grew up in Nashville so music has always been part of my life,” Mendez said. He was motivated by the Instagram event post and the encouragement of his friends for this first performance. The goal was to choose a sad but not-too-depressing song and just sing it.

To close the evening, 13 members took the stage, including five singers, who gathered around the microphone. Wooster Bluegrass Jam, one of the main bands on campus, chose to perform “Old Home Place” and “The Chain” — both by the famous Fleetwood Mac — and “Good Luck Babe” by Chappell Roan. The group is seeking additional vocalists and instrumental musicians for their open ensemble. Email Morgan Hunter ’25 (mhunter25@wooster.edu) for more information.

When asked about the best love song, “probably a song by Chappell Roan,” said one of the members, Katie Koeppl ’26. 

Below, you can find a playlist of the best love songs according to some of our performers from the event!