Send Me on My Way by Rusted Root
This is one of my favorite songs to sing along to without knowing any of the words. It also has a great nostalgic feeling and brings me right back to Ice Age–Diego was always my favorite and I think that says a lot about my personality. “Send Me on My Way” also has extremely warm energy and can help you remember that spring is actually on its way (see what I did there?).
Istanbul by They Might Be Giants
Not only is this song a bop, but it also comes with a show recommendation! I’ve always loved “Istanbul” and its weird, chaotic energy–it kind of reminds me of “Rasputin.” I was recently reminded of this love by The Umbrella Academy on Netflix; the song is featured during a time-travelly fight in a doughnut shop. Throughout the series, the soundtrack perfectly compliments the scenes, which makes sense–Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance fame played an active role in the creation of the story as well as its soundtrack.
I Think We’re Alone Now by Tiffany
Full disclosure: I also picked this one from Umbrella Academy. In the show, each member of the Hargreaves family dances to this song in a different room of their mansion–Ellen Page’s dancing is one of the worst things I’ve ever seen. However, “I Think We’re Alone Now” is an absolute 80s gem. When I listen to it, I have to blast it at full volume and dance around my room; it makes for great cleaning and work out music.
Give A Little by Maggie Rogers
Fun Fact: if you play the song, the girls in this GIF walk in rhythm! The music video for “Give A Little,” like most things Maggie Rogers does, features quite the girl squad. One face that might stand out to you is Camila Mendes, who plays Veronica Lodge in Riverdale. Apparently, Maggie and Camila are friends in real life. How cool do you think I have to get to be able to hang out with them?
Valerie by Amy Winehouse
After I studied abroad in England, I listened to this almost exclusively for weeks. While I was there, my the pub on campus had karaoke every single week. Each time, a different person performed “Valerie.” Even if you don’t have a sentimental, British connection to this song, it still can turn around your bad day.
Kokomo by The Beach Boys
Few things scream summer like “Kokomo.” With a new winter storm every three days around here, it can’t hurt to set your mind towards summer. Seriously, I can almost smell the endless bottles of sunscreen now. In your free time, feel free to peruse a young John Stamos playing steel drums in the background of the music video. Why? Who knows.
Caroline by Aminé
“Caroline” is but one of the many reasons I’m in love with Aminé. Another big one is his performance on the Late Show, where he used his platform to directly call out Donald Trump. Anytime I listen to the song, I sing along and try to channel Aminé’s joyful, but honest energy. I also really like the music video since it doesn’t feature objectified female bodies like most do.
Sucker by Jonas Brothers
I know you’ve been seeing and hearing this song everywhere, but dammit I won’t be silenced. I think this song is FUN. And you know what? The music video is, too. It features JoBros and their SOs. The ladies are absolutely glammed out and doing the WEIRDEST things–Sophie Turner spits a flute of champagne into her own tub. Also, I don’t care how jacked Nick gets; I will always be a Joe girl. With the comeback of Jonas Brothers, we also get to enjoy fun promo stuff.
Take Me by Aly & AJ
Speaking of comebacks: you have to check out the revamped Aly & AJ. If I ever become a Cool Girl, I will throw a party and invite Maggie Rogers and Aly & AJ. Their video is at least as weird as “Sucker,” but in a vampy, murder way. The song has indie pop, bouncy energy which will not only make you feel good, but also make you want to hit up your crush–in this instance, my crush is Aly. I mean COME ON. “Take Me Out” is even as good as “Potential Break Up Song” and that’s saying something.
Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
An oldie but a damn goodie. This is also my favorite Queen song, even over “Bohemian Rhapsody.” “Don’t Stop Me Now” just makes me feel joyous and powerful: “I’m a shooting star, leaping through the sky/Like a tiger defying the laws of gravity.” Anytime I can channel a space tiger, I have to do so. When shuffled with the other songs on this playlist, “Don’t Stop Me Now” will absolutely lift you from the Spring Semester Slump and remind you that there is an end in sight.