With midterms approaching, papers piling up and projects due, it is safe to say a vast majority of us here at Cal Poly are dealing with an unhealthy amount of stress. I know when I have numerous essays due and tests to study for, I tend to repeat a cycle of procrastinating by watching YouTube videos, overloading on caffeine, cursing my professors and fighting back tears once I finally attempt to do my work. Even if you don’t have my ridiculous habit of waiting last minute, panicking and pulling all-nighters to get decent grades (AKA those of you who are actually responsible), this time during the quarter can be horrible for everyone. So grab a coffee, take a break and listen to these upbeat songs that will hopefully help you get through your midterms.
1. “The Painter” I’m From Barcelona
When you’re regretting your choice of being a humanities major for the umpteenth time because your engineering friends are already getting job offers, you need a song that repeats “Don’t give up on your dreams” over fifteen times.
2. “Not Sick” Tokyo Police Club
All of Tokyo Police Club’s songs are instant mood elevators.
3. “Strawberry” Paul Baribeau
Granted, Paul Baribeau’s voice isn’t the best, but you can’t deny this song is adorable. Basically, Paul Baribeau is the male version of Kimya Dawson.
4. “Walk in the Park” OH NO OH MY
Honestly, if you don’t like this song, I’m going to assume you are also the type of person who doesn’t like puppies and sunshine.
5. “Make Good Choices” Sean Nelson
As long as you don’t listen to the lyrics (they aren’t the happiness), this song will put you in a good mood.
6. “Sore Tummy” Paws
This song goes into the same category as “Make Good Choices.” As long as you ignore the lyrics, “Sore Tummy” is a “dance in your underwear” type of song.
7. “Don’t Ask Me To Explain” Of Montreal
The entire Cherry Peel album is absolutely perfect. If you want to really procrastinate, I would suggest listening to it in its entirety.
8. “Oh Girl” Cut Off Your Hands
I’m not going to lie, I wouldn’t mind if someone sang this song to me.
9. “Somebody” Jukebox the Ghost
If you are anything like me and have an unabashed and un-ironic love for Ben Folds, Jukebox the Ghost is for you.
10. “Five Years Coming” Cataldo
Cataldo’s singer Eric Anderson has one of the sweetest, most sincere voices.
Bonus: “If You Sing Out, Sing Out” Cat Stevens
Just put Cat Stevens on repeat any time life brings you down.