Photo courtesy of deviantart.com user mysteriousfantasy
The new school year is here, and with it comes many times when you might want to zone out and listen to some good tunes. Lucky for you, we composed a playlist of some hot tracks suitable for those very situations. Plug in your headphones and sink in.
Waking up
Let’s face it: Waking up for a 9 a.m. class is not ideal in the slightest. However, a few tracks to pull you from your exhaustion could ease the thought of how early it is.
1) “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5
It certainly isn’t Sunday morning, but the smooth, upbeat rhythm of this classic Maroon 5 song will bring a smile to your face when you shuffle your way to the bathroom. It’s slow enough not to scare you awake.
2) “Heartsigh” by Purity Ring
Purity Ring has one beautiful collection of music, but this song is a solid follow-up to “Sunday Morning,” as it raises your morning tempo. This one is sure to get you going.
Commuting to the campus
Whether it’s riding the bus or driving to class, you’re going to want some upbeat music to get you pumped for the long day ahead.
1) “Radio” by Santigold
This song was first featured on the Paper Towns soundtrack, and it’s certainly one of the best from the film. Santigold has a voice that mixes so well with a loud, booming background instrumental.
2) “Portugal” by Walk The Moon
It’s fair to say that nearly anything by Walk The Moon could put you in a better mood, but this song in particular really hits the spot. Turn the volume up and settle into the rhythm.
Power-walking between classes you can’t find
We know the struggle you’re facing right now. You have 10 minutes between Spanish and math, and the buildings are seven minutes apart in good traffic. It’s time to hustle.
1) “Express Yourself” by N.W.A.
Old-school hip-hop and rap are sure to get your feet moving faster. N.W.A. has a good chunk of tracks to do just that, like this upbeat and timeless one. You might find yourself taking a dance break in the middle of the street. Just make sure to get to class.
2) “Down On My Luck” by Vic Mensa
Mensa is new on the hip-hop scene, but his presence is strong. This track has the perfect power-walking tempo to get you between classes. You’ll want to crank the volume up on this one.
3) “You’re On” by Madeon ft. Kyan
Like other artists on this list, Madeon has an amazing album full of songs that could raise the tempo of your day. (We could almost turn this whole playlist into the track list of said album).
4) “Running Behind” by HOLYCHILD
HOLYCHILD is a wild duo of music makers who have produced some of the best pop in a long time. This track is sure to get you across the campus quickly.
Tackling new syllabi
At the end of the first few days, you’re left with a lot of paperwork to sort through. You need some easy music that you can play and still focus, the kind of background sound that doesn’t interrupt your thought process. Here’s a bit of that.
1) “Fall In Love” by Phantogram
This song has a sound that’s almost mind-numbing. It’s the kind of song that you play and love without even thinking about it, perfect for focusing on that biology syllabus.
2) “4u” by Blackbear
Blackbear is a lesser-known hip-hop/alternative artist who is better known on the West Coast. However, his music is great for anywhere, and this song especially will help you stay in the zone.
3) “Pressure” by Milk & Bone
Milk & Bone just dropped its first EP back in April, and its six songs are the perfect addition to any study night. This song exhibits the Canadian duo’s angelic voices.
4) “Blue Hawaii” by ASTR
Another stellar duo, ASTR has been producing a wide range of music for the past few years. Its typical work is very upbeat, but this song is one of the slower ones, perfect to keep in the background.
Winding down for bed
You’ve done it. You made it through the day. You deserve a half-dozen Insomnia Cookies and some relaxing music. We can’t help with the cookies, but we certainly have the tunes.
1) “Girl” by The Internet ft. KAYTRANADA
The Internet makes nothing but beautiful music. Syd tha Kyd has a voice made for smooth jazz, which is the style her group’s music imitates. The rhythm of this song will put you right to sleep.
2) “1977” by Years & Years
Years & Years released its first studio album about a month and a half ago, and it’s lovely. Every song brings something different to the album. This one specifically is very calming.
3) “Training Wheels” by Melanie Martinez
Melanie Martinez has the kind of voice that haunts you. It’s both syrupy and chilling. Her brand-new album is the kind of work that makes you sit down and think. This slow-paced song helps slow your evening down.
4) “Breathe” by RHODES
The words to this song should ease you if nothing else: “Breathe, release it all.” You heard what he said: You’ve worked hard today, so lay back, relax and listen to this beautifully composed song.
If life is getting to you in these first few days of school, hopefully these songs will make it all a bit easier. Unlike your chemistry homework, all you have to do is press play.
