People, it might be time to break out the power suits and acid wash jeans, because these new releases are making us feel a bit nostalgic. With the release of new music from familiar artists, “Survivor” celebrating 50 seasons of fighting in Fiji and a new film full of grainy video, it’s no wonder the Sidelines distractions team is standing in the “Purple Rain.”

SZA ‘Saves the Day’ with new song for Disney-Pixar film

SZA recently dropped an original song for the upcoming Disney-Pixar film “Hoppers,” making this her first release of the new year. The song, titled “Save the Day,” was released on Feb. 20, ahead of the film’s upcoming release on March 6. 

Co-written by SZA with producers Ben Lovett and Rob Bisel, the track features an uplifting, emotional sound. The song blends a nostalgic atmosphere with a modern one, providing a comforting feeling to the listener. 

With lyrics like “Here’s to hopin’ there’s still a way” and “Can’t hold back, too much at stake,” the song emphasizes hope and resilience in the face of adversity, aligning with the film’s theme.

“Save the Day” is currently available on all streaming platforms. Destiny Huntley

Folksy vocals and acoustic instrumentals unite in ‘Prizefighter’

Mumford & Sons are back with a new album. “Prizefighter” leans into the folk-rock sound that first made the band a staple, trading flashy production for something warmer and more personal.

The full album feels grounded, with an acoustic framework and careful, slow-building choruses that reward a full listen. It’s nostalgic without feeling too dated, offering steady, earnest energy that fits perfectly with a quiet walk across campus or a late-night drive. 

The album is filled with A-list names, with songs featuring the likes of Hozier to Chris Stapleton. The familiar cameos don’t drown out the sound Mumford & Sons has made for themselves, but amplify it and provide a unique, communal sound.

If you’ve been craving something familiar but matured, “Prizefighter” is an easy add to this week’s rotation. Jesse Jones

‘Survivor 50’ teases surprises, strength and stars

“Survivor” returns for season 50 on Feb. 25, and fans are eager to see what changes and surprises this milestone holds for contestants.

After several trailers aired, it appears viewers can expect some fan-chosen ideas thrown into the mix, courtesy of questions from season 48. Some other surprises include host Jeff Probst doing a challenge and celebrity cameos. 

With all of the hype around this milestone season, it is no surprise that show runners will be bringing back 24 “legendary” players to battle on the island for the title of “Sole Survivor” and $1 million.

The season premieres with a three-hour episode on CBS and livestreamed on Paramount+. Tucker Young

‘Cold Storage’ takes audiences to the ’80s

Jonny Campbell’s “Cold Storage” premiered in theaters on Feb. 13, a dark comedy sci-fi horror film that hearkens back to the best of the 80s B-movie horror scene. 

In 1979, the space station Skylab, carrying an infectious mutated fungus, re-entered Earth’s atmosphere. The space station was decommissioned, but the parasitic fungus lay dormant in a surviving oxygen tank. 

In 2005, the oxygen tank was rediscovered and resealed in a government cold storage unit. 

Years afterward, self-storage employees Travis (Joe Keery) and Naomi (Georgina Campbell) accidentally rediscover the tank after a malfunction in the cooling system. The fungus is released, and the duo must survive the night with government operative Robert Quinn (Liam Neeson).

The film received generally favorable reviews from critics, receiving praise for its campy tone and atmosphere. Logan Bowman

To contact the features editor, email [email protected].

For more news, visit www.mtsusidelines.com, and follow us on Facebook at MTSU Sidelines and on X and Instagram at @mtsusidelines. Also, sign up for our weekly newsletter here.