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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at MBU chapter.

How to Create the Ultimate Playlist

Spring break is here which for many of us means, long commutes home, fun family vacations, and road trips! Making those long hours of traveling more enjoyable can be difficult, but with the help of the perfect playlist, time will fly and you won’t be able to stop smiling.

1.     The Classic

The first thing you need to add to your playlist is the obvious classic tune. Think “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey, or “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Not only do these songs have everyone in the car screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs, but there are always good memories associated with them (even if it’s just Britney Spears singing karaoke in Crossroads).

2.     The Throwback

Throwbacks are essential! Reflecting back on a time when you choreographed your own dance routines to N’SYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” is generally less embarrassing in the car than anywhere else, so let go of those early 2000’s inhibitions and enter into the world of boy bands. Some other suggestions of tunes that you can wave your hands to include: “No Scrubs” by TLC, “Wannabe” by Spice Girls, “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus, “Clint Eastwood” by Gorillaz, and many more.

3.     The Rap

Taking time to learn your favorite rap song has never been easier than when you’re trapped in a car for a few hours. Turn up “Look At Me Now” by Chris Brown, or if you’re feeling especially rap deprived, “The Real Slim Shady” by Eminem and try to learn the lyrics. Future parties will never be the same when channel your inner Emma Stone and crush it at rap battles.

4.     Songs that Remind you of Movies

Singing along to songs from your favorite movies can be amazing whether you’re in the car with friends, or traveling alone. Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On” will never fail to retrieve the memory of Annie and Lillian air drumming their lives away in Bridesmaids. And “Boats and Hoes” from Step Brothers will have you laughing your ass off just as you did while actually watching the film.

 

And lastly…

5.     The New

Out with the old, and in with the what-everyone-knows. You don’t want to deprive yourself completely of modern music or you might exit the car with shoulder pads and side-pony held in place with a bright pink scrunchie (let’s all take a moment to thank the 80’s for those fashion statements). Not to mention Fallout Boy just came out with a new album… Wink, wink. So head on over to the iTunes Top 100 chart and download all the mainstream music you’ll need to keep you happy and fun loving on these upcoming road trips.

Make sure to keep the songs upbeat and intense. You need to keep your energy levels high to keep a mundane task like driving fun and exciting. So sing out loud, drum on the steering wheel, and enjoy the ride! Have a great Spring Break, everyone! 

Kalli-Anne Hymons is a devoted student in Mary Baldwin College's Early College Academy. She is an English major with a minor in Creative Writing. When she isn't getting lost in a new book or catching up on her favorite shows on Netflix, you can find her studying or working hard in class. Kalli-Anne was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia, and enjoys reading and playing field hockey.