September has arrived, and it’s time to start the new school year off on the right note. What better way to accomplish this than making a soundtrack for the new you? Whether you’re attached to your headphones or only turn up the tunes when it’s time to relax, these five playlists are a must-have for any music lover’s lineup.
1. Romanticize Your Life
Sometimes, the only way to convince yourself to do boring tasks is by convincing yourself that studying is, in fact, the hot girl choice to make. A “romanticize your life” playlist should make that task easier, helping you to frame every aspect of your life in a positive way, including the mundane. It should sound like the soundtrack to a good coming-of-age movie, so make sure to indulge in some personal favorites for this one.
Song Recommendations:
- Space Girl by Frances Forever, a bit of a throwback to early quarantine, this uplifting tune is sure to brighten your day, even if you’re stuck inside.
- Graceland Too by Phoebe Bridgers, a hit from Phoebe Bridgers, this song is the perfect tune for your mental health walks.
- fever dream by mxmtoon, a musical reminder from mxmtoon to enjoy every fleeting moment of life.
2. Study your heart out
Music while studying can be divisive; you either can’t live with it, or can’t live without it. In my many study/jam sessions, I’ve learned that, while singing along to your favorite bops is fun, a lyric-less piece can sometimes put you in the zone. You might not know where to look to find a song without any words; in that case, try looking for the soundtracks to your favourite movies, TV shows, or better yet video games, whose soundtracks are already made to exist in the background of other tasks.
Song Recommendations:
- Mice on Venus by C418, C418 made the soundtrack to every gamer’s childhood and it truly hasn’t gotten old.
- Merry-Go-Round of Life by Joe Hisaishi, a dark academia staple from the Studio Ghibli composer.
- Fall (Raven’s Descent) by ConcernedApe, the Stardew Valley soundtrack has a tune for every season.
3. Boost your Confidence
From time to time, we all need a reminder of how strong, intelligent, well-liked and exceptionally skilled we are. That’s where the “Confidence booster” playlist comes in. Fire up these tunes before killing a job interview, acing a test or crushing a workout. Include songs with a strong beat; you’ll need a tempo to power walk to.
Song Recommendations:
- She’s So Gone by Naomi Scott, if you need a little reminder of how proud younger you would be of your progress, this song is for you.
- Ancient Dreams in a Modern Land by Marina, Marina once again provides the perfect song to power through your workout or study session.
- Speed Drive by Charlie XCX, a great commuter song straight from the movie of the Summer, proceed with caution while playing this song while driving (or don’t, it’s your life).
4. Bops to fight the Blues
Similar to the confidence booster, the “fight the blues” playlist needs to be upbeat. Instead of power walking, though, find some songs that make you want to get up and dance. Listen to this playlist before a tough shift, after a boring class or any time you need a quick pick me up.
Song Recommendations:
- That’s What I Want by Lil Nas X, the perfect upbeat song to fight the single-life blues.
- Mamma Mia by Abba, nobody can be sad while listening to ABBA, it’s not physically possible.
- Soap by The Oh Hellos, the Oh Hellos always bring cottagecore vibes, and this song hits all the right notes.
5. Bops to Indulge the Blues
Sometimes, though we hate to admit it, music cannot fix all of our troubles. Whether it’s academic blues, romantic woes or anything in between, we all need a few songs to bawl our eyes out to, or maybe just be a bit angsty for a while. Slower songs and mournful ballads are a must, and so are some tissues.
Song Recommendations:
- Man by quinnie, an underrated breakup ballad from indie-folk newcomer quinnie.
- Not Strong Enough by boygenius, indie band boygenius is a must-listen for any Phoebe Bridgers listeners, and this song is a perfect ballad to wallow to.
- Like Real People Do by Hozier, Hozier does it again, man does this guy know how to yearn.