Is there a career that lets you make Spotify playlists all day? Until I can find a way to have that job, I’m here to share my latest creation: the “Back on the Grind” playlist for all your back-to-school needs. Because if I don’t have Ariana Grande in my ears between classes telling me what a boss I am, why bother?
- “New Americana” by Halsey
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Lyric spotlight: “We know very well who we are / So we hold it down when summer starts”
Best listened to when: You first get to campus and embrace the fact that you’re surrounded by like-minded people again.
- “Successful” by Ariana Grande
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Lyric spotlight: “And, girl, you too, you are so young / And beautiful and so successful”
Best listened to when: You get an A on that paper you pulled an all-nighter for.
- “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
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Lyric spotlight: “Tumble outta bed and I stumble to the kitchen / Pour myself a cup of ambition”
Best listened to when: You’re hustling to work right after class.
- “Money” by The Beaches
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Lyric spotlight: “I like it when we’re going out / I don’t care if there’s nothing on”
Best listened to when: Your friends ask you to go out for coffee and you can’t resist, even though you’re broke.
- “Stayin’ Alive” (Cover) by Lizzo
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Lyric spotlight: “Well, you can tell by the way I use my walk / I’m a woman, no time to talk”
Best listened to when: You’re late for class and people on Boylston Street don’t want to let you pass them.
- “Ribs” by Lorde
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Lyric spotlight: “This dream isn’t feeling sweet / We’re reeling through the midnight streets / And I’ve never felt more alone / It feels so scary, getting old”
Best listened to when: Your Friday night goes south, and you remember college parties can be more trouble than they’re worth.
- “Shake it Out” by Florence + the Machine
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Lyric spotlight: “And it’s hard to dance with the devil on your back / So shake him off, oh whoa”
Best listened to when: You bounce back from that lousy weekend and start fresh.
- “Shyne” by Dounia
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Lyric spotlight: “My favorite kind of vengeance is gettin’ paid / Look back at rejection, and what it made”
Best listened to when: People doubt your goals, but you know you won’t stop until you’re a success.