If there is one thing to know about me, it’s that I am constantly listening to music. Whether I’m driving, walking to class, doing homework, getting ready, or just sitting in my apartment, there is almost always a song playing in the background.
This semester has been nothing short of chaotic, and somehow, my music taste has become just as chaotic. My playlist has absolutely no theme, no specific genre, and definitely no organization. One minute I’m listening to the saddest song imaginable, and the next I’m screaming at the top of my lungs like I’m performing a sold-out concert.
Music is one of those things that can completely change my mood. Having a bad day? Turn on some music. Need motivation to get something done? Turn on some music. Want to pretend I’m the main character in a movie while driving? You guessed it: music.
So, in absolutely no particular order, here are the random songs and artists that have been getting me through this semester.
1. “Whatever You Wanna” — Annabelle Dinda
This is one of those songs that I could listen to over and over again and somehow never get tired of it. There is just something about the sound of Annabelle Dinda’s voice that makes this song so easy to love. It’s the kind of song I put on when I want to listen to something good without having to think too much about anything else.
2. “Hanging Out To Dry” — Florence Road
Florence Road has quickly become one of those artists I think everyone needs to know about. This song has such a unique sound, and I absolutely love it. It’s perfect for those days when I want to turn my music up and completely tune out everything going on around me. I genuinely don’t know what it is about this song, but I keep coming back to it.
3. “Babydoll” — Jamie Miller and Antonio Cipiano
I am a sucker for a good emotional song, and this one definitely makes the list. Sometimes I just want to listen to a song that makes me feel like I’m going through the most dramatic heartbreak of my life, even when I’m perfectly fine. This is one of those songs that makes me want to stare out the car window and pretend I’m in a music video. I’m also a sucker for Antonio Cipiano and his voice.
4. “Housewife” — Tate McRae
Tate McRae has been on my playlists for years, and she continues to release songs that I absolutely love. “Housewife” is one of those songs that makes me want to get up and dance around my apartment. It has such a fun energy, and sometimes that is exactly what I need after a long day of classes and homework.
5. “Floodgates” — Madison Ryann Ward
There is something about a powerful voice that will immediately make me fall in love with a song. Madison Ryann Ward has one of those voices. “Floodgates” is the kind of song that makes me stop what I’m doing and actually listen. Sometimes you need music that makes you feel something, and this song does exactly that.
6. Literally Anything Sung by Sienna Spiro or Bella Kay
I genuinely could not pick just one song from either of these artists, so they get to share a spot on my list. If you know me, you probably know how much I love Sienna Spiro. I recently had the opportunity to see her perform live, and somehow that made me love her music even more. Her voice is absolutely incredible, and I don’t think there is a single song of hers that I would skip.
Bella Kay is another artist I have been loving. Both of these girls have voices that make me want to sing along at the top of my lungs, even though I sound absolutely nothing like them. If you haven’t listened to either of them yet, this is your sign. Do It!
7. “The Bitch Is Back” — Elton John (or the Version Sung by Ella Bright)
Sometimes you just need a song that makes you feel like the most confident person in the world, and this is that song. I love Elton John, but I also absolutely love the version sung by Ella Bright. Both versions bring something different, and I refuse to choose a favorite. This is the kind of song that deserves to be played at full volume while getting ready or driving with your friends. There is just no way to listen to it without feeling a little more confident.
8. “Bed On Fire” — G Flip
This song is just so good. G Flip has such incredible energy in their music, and “Bed On Fire” is no exception. It’s one of those songs that I want to sing as loudly as possible, especially when I’m driving. There is something about the emotion and intensity of this song that makes it impossible for me to skip.
9. “U + Ur Hand” — After Hours and Josh Heuston (Cover)
I love a good cover, especially when someone takes a song I already know and gives it a completely different sound. This cover is one of my current favorites. There is something so fun about hearing a familiar song in a new way, and I have definitely listened to this version more times than I would like to admit. It’s also the perfect song when I need a little confidence boost.
10. “Oblivious” — Alexa Cappelli
This is another one of those songs that somehow found its way into my everyday rotation. I love finding artists and songs that aren’t necessarily the first things everyone thinks of when talking about music. “Oblivious” is such a fun addition to my playlist, and it’s one I keep going back to. Sometimes a song doesn’t need a special meaning or memory attached to it. Sometimes it’s just really good.
11. “Glowing in the Dark” — The Girl and the Dreamcatcher
Now, this one might be a little random, but that is literally the entire point of this article.
There is something so nostalgic about listening to music that reminds you of a different time in your life, even if you didn’t grow up listening to it. I wasn’t really a Disney Channel kid growing up, but my roommate definitely was. One day, she played this song in the car, and I immediately fell in love with it. Ever since then, it hasn’t left my playlist. It’s funny how a song I had never heard before can somehow feel so nostalgic. Now, every time I listen to it, I think about that random car ride and how my roommate introduced me to one of my new favorite songs.
12. Anything Sung by Noah Kahan
I don’t think I could ever make a list of my favorite music without including Noah Kahan.
His music is perfect for absolutely any mood. Happy? Noah Kahan. Sad? Noah Kahan. Driving through the middle of nowhere? Definitely Noah Kahan.
There is something so comforting about his music, and I love how his songs can make me feel so many different emotions. Sometimes I want to sing along, sometimes I want to cry, and sometimes I just want to sit and listen. No matter what kind of day I’m having, there is always a Noah Kahan song that fits.
13. “Animal” and “Gnarly” — KATSEYE
And finally, we have KATSEYE, because apparently my playlist needed a little bit of everything. I wasn’t really a huge fan of KATSEYE, but again, my roommate has convinced me otherwise. These songs are so different from some of the others on this list, but that is exactly why I love them. Sometimes I don’t want to listen to something emotional or meaningful. Sometimes I just want a fun song that makes me want to get up and dance. Both “Animal” and “Gnarly” are perfect for those random dance parties in my apartment or when I need something to wake me up and give me energy.
14. Literally Anything by Nickelback
I don’t care what anyone says, Nickelback makes some incredible music, and I will stand by that statement forever. There is just something about their songs that makes me want to roll down my windows, turn the volume all the way up, and scream every single word. Whether I’m driving, cleaning my apartment, or just need a little extra energy, Nickelback always does the trick. Their music is one of those things that I will never get tired of, and I genuinely don’t understand why they get so much hate. Sometimes you just need a little Nickelback in your life, and I am not ashamed to admit it.
The Soundtrack to My Semester
Looking back at this list, I realize there is absolutely no consistency in my music taste, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I have emotional ballads, pop songs, throwbacks, covers, divorced dad rock, and artists who probably have absolutely nothing in common with one another. But somehow, they all make sense to me.
This semester has been filled with long days, stressful assignments, exciting memories, and everything in between. Through all of it, music has been one of the few things that I can always count on to make my day a little better.
Some of these songs make me want to cry, some make me want to dance around my apartment, and others make me want to roll down my windows and sing as loudly as possible.
And sometimes, after a long day of trying to balance everything college life throws at me, that is exactly what I need.
So, if you’re looking for some new music or just want to add a little chaos to your playlist, give some of these songs a listen.
Because if there is one thing I’ve learned this semester, it’s that your music taste doesn’t have to make sense to anyone else. It just has to make you happy.