The Silver Lining Playlist: Songs to Get You Through the South Bend Winter

We all know the dispirited feeling. Our alarm goes off, we sluggishly get out of bed and open the shade in hopes that the light will miraculously wake us up, only to be met with gray skies. The sun has decided, yet again, to cloak itself under the gray blanket that hangs over South Bend, Indiana. Being a first-year student, the permacloud is a new burden I have been faced with and yet another climatic adjustment coming from sunny Tampa Bay, Florida. Walking to class under a dreary, depressing gray sky kills our mood and quite seriously affects our mindset and overall outlook on a daily basis. Over time, living in a climate where this is a daily reality affects our mental health. Despite this, I have found a way to alleviate the bleakness—the silver lining in the ever-looming cloud over campus: music. 

This hand-picked playlist is full of deep cuts to elevate your mood during your morning coffee, your walk to class or even just to play whenever the permacloud has got you down. If sunshine were a playlist, this would be it. Perfectly curated for a guaranteed mood booster, this silver lining playlist will get you through the winter and one step closer to spring break! 

Sax On The Beach – Party Pupils, MAX [Electronic Pop]

A funky feel. A song that makes you want to dance on a beach or drive down the coastline with the windows down. If you like electronic drops with a funky edge, the smooth saxophone in this song complements powerful vocals sure to get your heart racing. 

Doses and Mimosas – Cherub [Electronic Pop]

Bright and fun. A classic that you find yourself bumping to time after time. Perfect for blasting in the car (even in South Bend) and while getting ready to go out with your friends. 

Full Circle – Quinn XCII [Chill Pop]

This one begins in a slow, dreamlike state; but as it develops, the mingling of the vocals and tempo of the song proves to evoke vitality and pulses with feel-good energy. 

Brazil – Declan McKenna [Alternative]

The first minute of this song alone is enough to bring you the sunshine you need to overcome the gloom of the permacloud, but the bounce-like, uplifting melody and beautiful vocals of Declan McKenna are guaranteed to lift your spirits. 

Castaway – Zac Brown Band [Country]

For my country lovers, this song will transport you to an island in the Bahamas. If you need a temporary vacation for three minutes, this song is the vehicle to get you there.  

Warm Glow – Hippo Campus [Alternative]

Although a slow and thoughtful melody, the vocals and lyrics of this one fill your heart with a warm feeling that the South Bend permacloud seldom provides. Something to play on the walk back from Hesburgh Library in the early morning hours when it’s 15 degrees out.

Tongue Tied – Grouplove [Alternative]

Lively and vibrant, “Tongue Tied” combines a fun, light-hearted narrative with upbeat rhythm that exudes exactly what you need to keep your mood elevated throughout the day. 

My Type – Saint Motel [Pop]

The upbeat, fun instrumentals in this song make you want to move even when you can’t bring yourself to get out of bed in the morning. The best way to get wake yourself up on the early walk to class. 

Superposition – Young the Giant [Alternative]

A more chill, yet uplifting vibe. Unique for its savvy use of the stringed instrument charangock, this song has a warm, light feel to it. 

Say My Name – ODESZA (RAC Mix) [Electronic] 

Although any original ODESZA song alone radiates positivity, RAC’s remix takes this electronic classic to new heights. Fun and upbeat, this song feels like driving home from the beach with the sun setting behind you. 

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• music
• songs
• winter