This Monday, October 22nd, was the halfway mark of fall semester; Academics won’t be getting any easier from here! Between all of the school work and schedule planning, the first thing I turn to when I’m ready to rip my hair out is my music playlist. So this week I wanted to share some of the songs helping me survive even the most chaotic days on the Hill. As long as I have a few of these songs playing, staying sane is simple!
1. Fun. has just recently released their single “Carry On” from their second album Some Nights. The song starts off with an emotional piano melody, before kicking up into an anthem like chorus. The lead singer, Nate Ruess, delivers the lyrics as passionately as ever, reminding us to “carry on”. Formed in 2008, Fun. has held a loyal fan base since the release of their first album Aim and Ignite, and their music has even been compared to Queen. Fun. has gained impressive mainstream popularity since “We Are Young” hit radio stations early this year, and for good reason. Many of Fun.’s songs seek to inspire, and “Carry On” is particularly uplifting as the lyrics contrast personal bad experiences to faith that “we will find our way home.”
2. Even if you don’t recognize the name Tom Petty, his songs are probably familiar to you. His class hits like “Free Falling,” “American Girl,” and “Refugee” are still present in American culture, even played on mainstream radio to this day. His song “I Won’t Back Down” is simple lyrically, and this direct style is what makes the message so empowering. Anyone can relate to the idea of “a world that keeps on pushin’ me around”, but this song was actually inspired when an arsonist burnt down Petty’s home. You wouldn’t know that through the lyrics though, you would only know how passionate and determined Petty is to survive. For this reason, blaring “I Won’t Back Down” through my speakers can get me through even the most stressful weeks.
3. The singer Lenka writes songs that are sugary and girly, but some days that’s just what we need to get through the morning. Her song “The Show” is the first single from her 2008 album Lenka. It’s an upbeat pop song that’s been featured on countless TV commercials for its happy-go-lucky sound. The lyrics basically say, ‘hey, life is crazy, so why not live in the moment and just enjoy the show.’